JP2022054711A - Display control unit, display control method, and display control program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a display control unit, a display control method, and a display control program that can achieve a new mechanism in which a benefit arises even for a user of an image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: A display control unit 100 comprises a reception processing unit 31 and a display processing unit 32. The reception processing unit 31 receives an operation to set image forming conditions. The image forming conditions are conditions related to formation of an image executed in an image forming apparatus 10. The display processing unit 32 displays a privilege granting condition on a setting screen for setting the image forming conditions in an identifiable mode. The privilege granting condition is one of the image forming conditions in which privilege is granted to a user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a display control device, a display control method, and a display control program.

As a related technique, a point-up system using an IC card is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the point-up system related to the related technology, an IC card is used as a point card capable of accumulating points given according to the purchase price of a product at a store.

In this related technology, when a user presents and purchases an IC card, the IC card receives transaction content information indicating the purchase price and the like from a card reader / writer device, and point addition information as a point addition rule. Then, the IC card calculates the cumulative total points according to the point addition rule specified in the point addition information based on the transaction content information. As a result, with the above-mentioned related technology, the point addition rule can be changed according to the attributes of the user (customer) or the product to be purchased, and flexible operation that can respond to the diverse tastes of the user and the sales promotion of the store is possible. Will be.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-15196

Although a billing-type image forming device may be installed in a store, the point addition mechanism as described above is not applied to the image forming device, which is beneficial to the user of the image forming device. Proposals for new mechanisms are required.

An object of the present invention is to provide a display control device, a display control method, and a display control program that can realize a new mechanism that is beneficial to the user of the image forming device.

The display control device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a reception processing unit and a display processing unit. The reception processing unit receives an operation for setting an image formation condition regarding image formation executed by the image forming apparatus. The display processing unit displays on the setting screen for setting the image forming condition the condition with the privilege that the user is given a privilege among the image forming conditions in an identifiable manner.

The display control method according to another aspect of the present invention includes a reception process and a display process. In the reception process, an operation of setting an image formation condition related to image formation executed by the image forming apparatus is accepted. In the display process, the setting screen for setting the image forming condition is displayed in an identifiable manner among the image forming conditions, the condition with the privilege that the user is given the privilege.

The display control program according to another aspect of the present invention is a display control program for causing one or more processors to execute a reception process and a display process. In the reception process, an operation of setting an image formation condition related to image formation executed by the image forming apparatus is accepted. In the display process, the setting screen for setting the image forming condition is displayed in an identifiable manner among the image forming conditions, the condition with the privilege that the user is given the privilege.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a display control device, a display control method, and a display control program that can realize a new mechanism that also brings benefits to the user of the image forming device.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a first screen displayed by the display control device according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a second screen displayed by the display control device according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a third screen displayed by the display control device according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a fourth screen displayed by the display control device according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a fifth screen displayed by the display control device according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a sixth screen displayed by the display control device according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a display control method executed by the display control device according to the embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are examples that embody the present invention, and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[1] Overall Configuration of Image Forming Device First, the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

As an example, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is a multifunction device having a plurality of functions such as a scanning function for reading image data from a document, a printing function for forming an image based on the image data, a facsimile function, and a copying function. Is. The image forming apparatus 10 may have a function of forming an image, and may be a printer, a facsimile apparatus, a copying machine, or the like.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an automatic document transporting apparatus 11, an image reading unit 12, an image forming unit 13, a paper feeding unit 14, a developer supply unit 15, and a control unit 16. It includes a storage unit 17, a settlement unit 18, a display unit 19, and an operation unit 20. Since the automatic document transfer device 11 is an ADF (Auto Document Feeder), it is referred to as "ADF" in FIG. 1 and also referred to as "ADF 11" in the following description.

Further, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is a billing type image forming apparatus installed in a store such as a convenience store or a supermarket, for example. That is, the user can make the image forming apparatus 10 perform image forming by paying a consideration for the use of the image forming apparatus 10. However, it is not essential that the image forming apparatus 10 is installed in a store, and for example, the image forming apparatus 10 may be installed in a facility such as an office, a library, a school, a hospital, or a train station.

As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 10 is roughly classified into a first block 101 having a function related to image formation and a second block 102 having a function related to payment, as shown in FIG. The first block 101 and the second block 102 are configured to be communicable by wire or wirelessly. In the present embodiment, the second block 102 includes a display unit 19 and an operation unit 20 in addition to the settlement unit 18 having a function as a coin vendor. However, it is not essential that the image forming apparatus 10 is roughly divided into a first block 101 and a second block 102, and the image forming apparatus 10 may be composed of one block or three or more blocks. .. Further, the plurality of blocks (first block 101 and second block 102) included in the image forming apparatus 10 may be installed apart from each other.

The ADF 11 conveys a document whose image is read by the image reading unit 12. The ADF 11 has a document setting unit, a plurality of transport rollers, a document retainer, a paper ejection unit, and the like.

The image reading unit 12 reads an image from the original and outputs image data corresponding to the read image. The image reading unit 12 includes a platen, a light source, a plurality of mirrors, an optical lens, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), and the like.

The image forming unit 13 forms an image on the sheet by an electrophotographic method based on the image data output from the image reading unit 12. Further, the image forming unit 13 forms an image on the sheet based on the image data input from the information processing device outside the image forming apparatus 10 such as a personal computer. The image forming unit 13 includes four image forming units corresponding to four colors of C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black), an optical scanning device, an intermediate transfer belt, a secondary transfer roller, and a secondary transfer roller. It has a fixing device and the like. The image forming unit 13 may be configured to form an image on a sheet by an image forming method other than the electrophotographic method, such as an inkjet method.

The paper feeding unit 14 supplies the sheet to the image forming unit 13. The image forming unit 13 forms an image on the sheet supplied from the paper feeding unit 14.

The developer supply unit 15 supplies toner as a developer to the image forming unit 13. The image forming unit 13 forms an image on the sheet by using the toner supplied from the developer supply unit 15. When the image forming unit 13 forms an image by an inkjet method, the developing agent supply unit 15 supplies ink (another example of the developing agent) to the image forming unit 13 instead of the toner. Examples of the toner supplied by the developer supply unit 15 include toners having a plurality of colors of C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow) and K (black).

The control unit 16 comprehensively controls the image forming apparatus 10. The control unit 16 mainly comprises a computer system having one or more processors and one or more memories. In the image forming apparatus 10, the function of the control unit 16 is realized by executing a program by one or more processors. The program may be pre-recorded in a memory (storage unit 17), may be provided through a telecommunication line such as the Internet, and may be a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card or an optical disk that can be read by a computer system. It may be recorded and provided in. One or more processors are composed of one or more electronic circuits including semiconductor integrated circuits. Further, the computer system referred to here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. The control unit 16 may be a control unit provided separately from the main control unit that collectively controls the image forming apparatus 10.

The storage unit 17 includes one or more non-volatile memories, and information such as a control program for causing the control unit 16 to execute various processes is stored in advance. Further, the storage unit 17 is used as a temporary storage memory (working area) for various processes executed by the control unit 16.

The display unit 19 is a user interface for outputting (presenting) various information to the user in the image forming apparatus 10. The display unit 19 includes a liquid crystal display or the like that displays various information in response to a control instruction from the control unit 16. The display unit 19 is arranged in the second block 102 at a position and orientation that is easy for the user to see.

The operation unit 20 is a user interface for receiving input of various information from the user in the image forming apparatus 10. The operation unit 20 includes a switch or a touch panel for inputting various information to the control unit 16 according to the operation of the user. The operation unit 20 is arranged in the second block 102 at a position and orientation that is easy for the user to operate. In the present embodiment, as an example, the operation unit 20 includes a touch panel, and the touch panel is integrated with the liquid crystal display in the display unit 19 to form a touch panel display. As a result, the user can select this icon by tapping an icon such as a button displayed on the display unit 19, for example.

Further, in the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 also has a user interface including a touch panel display in the first block 101, but it is not essential to have two sets of user interfaces, and the display unit 19 and the operation unit 20 are provided. You only need to have one set. Further, the image forming apparatus 10 may include, for example, a voice output unit and a voice input unit as a user interface in addition to or in place of the display unit 19 and the operation unit 20.

The settlement unit 18 has a function of accepting payment of consideration for the use of the image forming apparatus 10. The "compensation" referred to in the present disclosure is a consideration generated for image formation (print function) in the image forming apparatus 10, that is, a reward paid to the manager or owner of the image forming apparatus 10 as a printing fee. include. The mode of payment of "compensation" includes, for example, cash (including coins and banknotes), credit cards, electronic money, prepaid cards, points and the like. In the present embodiment, the payment unit 18 pays the consideration in a cashless manner including a credit card and electronic money by, for example, communicating with an IC card or a mobile terminal, or reading a two-dimensional bar code or a bar code. Has a function to accept. For cashless payment, the payment unit 18 identifies a user based on the user's identification information, and makes it possible to return points and the like in association with this user. Further, in the present embodiment, the settlement unit 18 has a function of accepting payment of consideration in cash as a coin vendor. The settlement unit 18 is arranged in the second block 102 at a position and orientation that is easy for the user to operate.

By the way, as a related technology, a point-up system using an IC card as a point card capable of accumulating points given according to the purchase price of a product at a store is known. In this related technology, when a user presents and purchases an IC card, the IC card receives transaction content information indicating the purchase price and the like from a card reader / writer device, and point addition information as a point addition rule. Then, the IC card calculates the cumulative total points according to the point addition rule specified in the point addition information based on the transaction content information.

On the other hand, although a billing type image forming apparatus may be installed in a store, the point addition mechanism as described above is not applied to the image forming apparatus, and even for users of the image forming apparatus. Proposals for new mechanisms that bring benefits are required.

Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, by adopting the configuration described below, it is possible to realize a new mechanism in which the user of the image forming apparatus 10 also has a merit.

That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment includes a display control device 100. The display control device 100 according to the present embodiment is integrated with the image forming device 10.

The display control device 100 includes a reception processing unit 31 and a display processing unit 32. The reception processing unit 31 accepts an operation for setting image formation conditions. The image forming condition is a condition relating to image formation executed by the image forming apparatus 10. The display processing unit 32 displays the condition with privilege on the setting screen D1 (see FIG. 3) for setting the image forming condition in an identifiable manner. The condition with privilege is a condition in which the privilege is given to the user among the image formation conditions. In the present embodiment, the reception processing unit 31 and the display processing unit 32, which are the components of the display control device 100, are provided in the control unit 16 as one function of the control unit 16. The "screen" such as the setting screen D1 in the present disclosure means an image (image) displayed on the display unit 19, and includes an image, a figure, a photograph, a text, a moving image, and the like.

According to the above-described configuration, the display control device 100 according to the present embodiment can identify the condition with privilege on the setting screen D1 when the user sets the image formation condition. The condition with privilege is an image forming condition in which the privilege is given to the user, and some users are motivated to set the condition with privilege for the purpose of the privilege. Finally, the condition with the privilege is set, and the image forming apparatus 10 forms the image according to the condition with the privilege, so that the privilege is given to the user and the advantage is generated for the user.

In short, according to the display control device 100, a mechanism for giving a privilege to the user by using the image formation condition relating to the image formation in the image forming apparatus 10 is constructed, and the setting screen D1 for the image forming condition to which the privilege is given. Can be identified at. Therefore, for the user, for example, when using the billing type image forming apparatus 10 installed in the store, there is an advantage that the user can receive the privilege depending on the setting of the image forming conditions. As a result, it is possible to realize a new mechanism that benefits the user of the image forming apparatus.

The "image forming condition" referred to in the present disclosure includes various conditions relating to the formation of an image in the image forming apparatus 10, and includes, for example, the quality, density, quality (image quality) of the sheet (paper) used for image forming, and double-sided / single-sided. Includes conditions related to setting items such as. As an example, if the setting item is "sheet quality", conditions such as whether or not the paper is brought in and whether it is high-quality paper or plain paper can be set as image formation conditions. With respect to such an image forming condition, a user (a user using the image forming apparatus 10) sets a desired image forming condition by selecting from a plurality of image forming conditions, inputting a numerical value, or the like. .. In the present embodiment, as an example, the user sets one or more image forming conditions by selecting one or more image forming conditions from a plurality of image forming conditions.

The "condition with privilege" referred to in the present disclosure is a case where, among the image forming conditions, is applied (adopted) to image formation in the image forming apparatus 10, that is, when the image forming apparatus 10 forms an image in accordance with the conditions. , It is a condition that the user is given a privilege. Since the image formation condition is set by the user, the privilege is given to the user when the image formation condition set by the user is a condition with a privilege. Which image forming condition is to be the condition with privilege is registered (determined) in advance, and the registration status of the condition with privilege is stored in, for example, a storage unit 17. Further, the condition with privilege is registered (for example, stored in the storage unit 17) in association with the privilege given to the user by setting the condition with privilege.

In the present embodiment, the condition with privilege includes a condition that leads to a reduction in the operating cost of the image forming apparatus 10 among the image forming conditions. That is, the condition with privilege is applied (adopted) to image formation in the image forming apparatus 10 among the image forming conditions, that is, when the image forming apparatus 10 forms an image according to the condition, the image is formed. It includes conditions that lead to a reduction in the operating cost of the device 10. As an example, under the image forming condition related to the setting item "density", the lower the density (lighter), the smaller the consumption of the developer (toner) at the time of image formation, and the operating cost of the image forming apparatus 10 increases. It gets lower. Therefore, when multiple levels of density can be set as the image formation condition for "density", for example, the image formation condition with the lowest density (lightest) is included in the condition with benefits as a condition leading to reduction of operating cost. Will be. As a result, the user selects (sets) the condition with privilege, which is beneficial not only to the user but also to the administrator or the owner of the image forming apparatus 10.

The "privilege" as used in the present disclosure means benefits such as special treatment or rights given to the user, and includes point redemption (that is, point grant), refund (cash back), discount, and issuance of coupons. In this embodiment, in particular, the privilege given to the user by setting the condition with the privilege includes a benefit regarding the consideration paid by the cashless payment method for the use of the image forming apparatus 10. In the present embodiment, the payment unit 18 supports a cashless payment method such as a credit card and electronic money. Therefore, for example, points given by using a credit card and points that can be used as electronic money are returned. Etc. are included in the benefits. As an example in the present embodiment, the privilege given to the user includes the return of such points. This can give users the motivation to use the cashless payment method, and by using the cashless payment method, it is possible to reduce the trouble of charging and collecting the image forming apparatus 10. ..

In addition, the content of the privilege can be arbitrarily registered for each condition with the privilege. For example, a certain condition with a privilege is associated with a redemption of "10 points" as a privilege, and another condition with a privilege is associated with a redemption of "20 points" as a privilege. The content of the privilege corresponding to the condition with the privilege is registered in advance (for example, stored in the storage unit 17).

[2] Configuration of Control Unit Next, with reference to FIG. 1, each functional unit included in the control unit 16 will be described in more detail. The display control device 100 according to the present embodiment is embodied by the control unit 16. The control unit 16, that is, the display control device 100 has a reception processing unit 31, a display processing unit 32, an output processing unit 33, a privilege calculation unit 34, and a switching unit 35. That is, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an output processing unit 33, a privilege calculation unit 34, and a switching unit 35 as one function of the control unit 16 in addition to the reception processing unit 31 and the display processing unit 32.

The reception processing unit 31 accepts at least an operation by the user. The operation of receiving by the reception processing unit 31 includes an operation of setting an image forming condition. Specifically, the reception processing unit 31 receives an operation by the user by inputting an operation signal generated by the operation unit 20 when the user operates the operation unit 20. Since the operation unit 20 includes a touch panel integrated with the display unit 19, when there is an operation such as a user tapping on the touch panel, an operation signal corresponding to this operation is input to the reception processing unit 31 and the reception processing unit 31 Will accept the operation. At this time, the operation signal includes information for specifying the content of the operation, such as which icon displayed on the display unit 19 is tapped by the user.

Further, the reception processing unit 31 is configured to be able to cooperate with at least the display processing unit 32. Therefore, for example, when the reception processing unit 31 receives an operation by the user, it is possible to change the screen displayed on the display unit 19 by the display processing unit 32 as a response. As an example, the display processing unit 32 causes the display unit 19 to display a screen for setting an image forming condition included in the setting item in response to an operation of selecting a setting item to be accepted by the reception processing unit 31.

The display processing unit 32 generates a screen such as a setting screen D1 to be displayed on the display unit 19, and causes the display unit 19 to display the generated screen. The display processing unit 32 outputs the generated screen (setting screen D1 or the like) to the display unit 19 as an image signal, and controls the display unit 19 to display the screen on the display unit 19. As a result, the display processing unit 32 can display an arbitrary screen on the display unit 19. Here, the display processing unit 32 updates the image signal at any time, for example, switching the screen displayed on the display unit 19 or displaying the screen including the moving image (including animation) on the display unit 19. can do.

The display processing unit 32 can display at least the setting screen D1 on the display unit 19, and can further display the privileged condition on the setting screen D1 in an identifiable manner. Since the setting screen D1 is a screen for setting image forming conditions, in the present embodiment, the user operates the operation unit 20 to set the image forming conditions while the setting screen D1 is displayed. It will be. In other words, the process of displaying the setting screen D1 in the display processing unit 32 and the process of accepting the operation of setting the image formation conditions in the reception processing unit 31 are executed at the same time.

In the present embodiment, the setting screen D1 includes a list of a plurality of image forming conditions. That is, since a plurality of image forming conditions are displayed as a list on the setting screen D1 for setting the image forming conditions, the user can select one or more image forming conditions from this list. One or more image formation conditions can be set. Then, when the condition with privilege is included in the list of the plurality of image formation conditions displayed on the setting screen D1, the display processing unit 32 sets the condition with privilege to another condition (image formation) in this list. Display in a manner distinguishable from the condition). That is, the display processing unit 32 displays a list of a plurality of image forming conditions including the condition with privilege in a manner distinguishable from other conditions in the setting screen D1. The "list" here means a mode in which the user can read through the whole, and not only a mode in which a plurality of information (here, image formation conditions) are displayed side by side on one screen. It also includes a mode that can be viewed by scrolling the screen or the like. As a result, the display processing unit 32 can display the condition with privilege on the setting screen D1 in an identifiable manner, that is, a mode that can be distinguished from other conditions. According to this configuration, the user can select a desired image forming condition from a list of a plurality of image forming conditions on the setting screen D1 in a state where the condition with privilege can be identified. Setting the formation conditions becomes relatively easy.

The output processing unit 33 outputs the setting information regarding the image forming condition selected by the user according to the operation received by the reception processing unit 31. That is, when the reception processing unit 31 accepts the operation of setting the image formation condition by the user, the output processing unit 33 outputs the setting information regarding the image formation condition set by the user at this time. The setting information is at least information that can specify the image formation condition. As an example, when an operation of setting an image formation condition of "carry-on paper" is performed for a setting item of "sheet quality", the output processing unit 33 outputs setting information representing the image formation condition of "carry-on paper". ..

The output mode of the output processing unit 33 includes output to the image forming apparatus 10, notification of display or voice output using the display unit 19, transmission to an external terminal by communication, and the like. By outputting the setting information to the image forming apparatus 10, the image forming condition is set (adopted) for the image forming apparatus 10, and the image can be formed according to the image forming condition. The output of the setting information to the image forming apparatus 10 is realized, for example, by writing the setting information to the memory in the control unit 16 or the storage unit 17. In the present embodiment, as an example, the output processing unit 33 outputs the setting information by writing the setting information to the memory in the control unit 16.

The privilege calculation unit 34 executes the calculation of the privilege and requests the privilege given to the user. That is, when the condition with privilege is set by the user selecting the condition with privilege on the setting screen D1, the privilege corresponding to this condition with privilege is given to the user, so that, for example, the points returned to the user can be obtained. , The privilege calculation unit 34 calculates. Further, when a plurality of privileged conditions are set, the privilege calculation unit 34 calculates the total of the benefits corresponding to the plurality of privileged conditions. The privilege obtained by the privilege calculation unit 34 is output to, for example, the settlement unit 18. As a result, the settlement unit 18 can return points as a privilege.

In particular, in the present embodiment, the privilege is changed according to the combination of two or more privileged conditions. In this case, the privilege calculation unit 34 obtains the privilege determined by the combination of the two or more privileged conditions, not the simple total of the privilege corresponding to the two or more privileged conditions. The privilege corresponding to the combination of two or more privileged conditions may be determined by directly associating the combination of two or more privileged conditions with the privilege, or may be calculated by using an arithmetic formula or the like. May be done. This makes it possible to provide various benefits.

The switching unit 35 switches the operation mode of the control unit 16. The switching unit 35 switches the presence or absence of the privilege by selecting the operation mode of the control unit 16 from a plurality of modes. The operation mode of the control unit 16 is selected by the user's operation from a plurality of modes including the first mode and the second mode. The first mode is a mode in which the privilege is given to the user, and the second mode is a mode in which the privilege is not given to the user. That is, if the control unit 16 is in the first mode, a privilege is given to the user when the condition with privilege is set, and if the control unit 16 is in the second mode, the privilege is given to the user even if the condition with privilege is set. Is not given. Further, if the control unit 16 is in the second mode, there is no distinction between the image formation condition and the condition with privilege, so that the display processing unit 32 displays the condition with privilege on the setting screen D1 in an identifiable manner. I won't let you.

In the present embodiment, as an example, the switching unit 35 selectively selects the first mode and the second mode according to the mode of accepting the payment of the consideration in the settlement unit 18. Since the privilege includes a benefit related to the consideration paid by the cashless payment method for the use of the image forming apparatus 10, if the mode of accepting the payment of the consideration by the payment unit 18 is the cashless payment method, the switching unit. 35 selects the first mode. If the mode of accepting payment of consideration in the settlement unit 18 is not a cashless payment method, the switching unit 35 selects the second mode. Further, in the initial setting of the image forming apparatus 10, a user (including the administrator or the owner of the image forming apparatus 10) selects an arbitrary operation mode from a plurality of modes including the first mode and the second mode. You may choose.

[3] Display Control Method Hereinafter, an example of the procedure of the display control method executed by the display control device 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 9. Here, steps S1, S2 ... In the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 represent the numbers of the processing procedures (steps) executed by the control unit 16. Further, in the drawing showing the display example of the display unit 19 such as FIG. 3, the alternate long and short dash line, the leader line, and the reference numeral indicating the area are attached for explanation, and are not actually displayed on the display unit 19. not. Further, in the drawing showing the display example of the display unit 19 such as FIG. 3, the finger F1 of the user who operates the setting screen D1 is shown by an imaginary line (dashed-dotted line). Further, the display example of the display unit 19 is only an example, and is not intended to limit the screen design.

Here, as an example, a case where the user uses the "copy function" of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described. That is, the user makes a copy of the image of the original on a sheet (paper) by the image forming apparatus 10. Further, here, a case where the user pays a consideration for the use of the image forming apparatus 10 (formation of an image by the image forming apparatus 10) by a cashless payment method will be described as an example.

Further, in the present embodiment, as an example, the setting screen D1 includes two or more screens that are sequentially displayed in order to set two or more image forming conditions. Specifically, the setting screen D1 relates to a plurality of setting items including quality, color, number of copies to be printed, enlargement / reduction, density, quality (image quality) and double-sided / single-sided sheet (paper) used for image formation. Image formation conditions can be set. Among them, the quality and color of the sheet are set on the first screen D11 (see FIG. 3) and the second screen D12 (see FIG. 4), which are sequentially displayed. That is, the image forming condition relating to the quality of the sheet is set on the first screen D11, and the image forming condition relating to the color is set on the second screen D12. As a result, the user can sequentially set the image formation conditions. Further, the setting screen D1 includes the third screen D13, the fourth screen D14, the fifth screen D15, and the sixth screen D16 shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, in addition to the first screen D11 and the second screen D12. The first screen D11, the second screen D12, and the third screen D13 are displayed in this order, and the fourth screen D14, the fifth screen D15, and the sixth screen D16 all transition from the third screen D13. In the present disclosure, when the first screen D11 to the sixth screen D16 are not particularly distinguished, each is simply referred to as a "setting screen D1".

The display control method according to the present embodiment is executed by the display control device 100. This display control method controls the display of the display unit 19 by causing the display unit 19 to display a screen such as the setting screen D1. In other words, the display control method according to the present embodiment is used on a graphical user interface (GUI) of a computer system. That is, the display control method is a method of displaying a screen by a control unit 16 (display control device 100) having a computer system as a main configuration. Therefore, the (display control) program according to the present embodiment is a program for causing one or more processors (in the control unit 16) to execute the display control method.

<First screen>
First, the basic screen configuration of the setting screen D1 displayed on the display unit 19 by the display processing unit 32 will be described with reference to FIG. 3 showing the first screen D11.

As shown in FIG. 3, the setting screen D1 includes a first region R1, a second region R2, a third region R3, and a fourth region R4. In the example of FIG. 3, the setting screen D1 is a horizontally long screen in which the dimension in the horizontal direction (horizontal direction) is longer than the dimension in the vertical direction (vertical direction). Further, the setting screen D1 includes a stop button B1, a return button B2, and a next button B3 arranged in the information of the third region R3. The icons called "buttons" such as the stop button B1, the back button B2, and the next button B3 are all icons for accepting the user's operation (tap operation) on the setting screen D1. More specifically, the cancel button B1 accepts an operation for canceling the setting of the image formation condition on the setting screen D1, the back button B2 accepts an operation for returning to the previous screen, and the next button B3 presses. , Accepts the operation to move to the next screen.

The first area R1 is an area for displaying the current setting status of the image forming condition. In the example of FIG. 3, four items are "paper size" indicating the quality (including size) of the sheet, "color" indicating the color, "number of copies" indicating the number of copies to be printed, and "confirmation" indicating other setting items. , Are arranged side by side in order from the left. In the present embodiment, as an example, the first region R1 is a strip-shaped region arranged at the uppermost stage of the setting screen D1. More specifically, in the first area R1, the setting items that are being set or have been set are displayed as active, and the setting items that have not been set are displayed as inactive (for example, grayed out). In the example of FIG. 3, since the setting screen D1 is the first screen D11 for setting the quality of the sheet, only the item of "paper size" is actively displayed.

The second area R2 is an area for displaying information for guiding the user's operation regarding the setting screen D1. In the example of FIG. 3, the text "Please select the finished paper size" is displayed in the second area R2. In the present embodiment, as an example, the second region R2 is arranged below the first region R1. The third area R3 is an area for displaying information such as the operating status (including errors) and the date and time of the image forming apparatus 10. In the present embodiment, as an example, the third region R3 is a strip-shaped region arranged at the bottom of the setting screen D1.

The fourth area R4 is an area for displaying privilege information regarding the privilege given to the user. The "privilege information" here includes various information related to the privilege, for example, information indicating the type of privilege (point redemption, refund, discount, issuance of coupon, etc.), and information indicating the specific content of the privilege. And so on. In the present embodiment, as an example, the specific contents of the privilege, that is, the points returned to the user are displayed as "privilege information" in the fourth area R4. More specifically, the privilege information displayed in the fourth area R4 is information representing the total total of the benefits corresponding to the condition with the privilege currently selected, and in the example of FIG. 3, "20pt reduction". Includes the text. That is, in the present embodiment, the display processing unit 32 displays the privilege information regarding the privilege in the setting screen D1. As a result, the user can confirm what kind of privilege can be obtained on the setting screen D1.

By the way, the first screen D11 is a setting screen D1 for setting image formation conditions related to the quality of the sheet used for image formation. Here, in the setting item of the quality of the sheet used for image formation, one of the four image forming conditions of "A4 dedicated paper", "A3 dedicated paper", "A4 carry-on paper" and "A3 carry-on paper" is used. One image formation condition can be selected. Therefore, a list of these four image forming conditions is displayed on the first screen D11. More specifically, four selection buttons B11 to B14 corresponding to each of these four image forming conditions are arranged below the second region R2 on the first screen D11. The selection button B11 corresponds to "A4 special paper", the selection button B12 corresponds to "A3 special paper", the selection button B13 corresponds to "A4 carry-on paper", and the selection button B14 corresponds to "A3 carry-on paper".

Here, of the four image forming conditions, two of "A4 carry-on paper" and "A3 carry-on paper" are conditions with benefits. That is, since the consumption of the special paper prepared in the image forming apparatus 10 can be suppressed by using the carry-on paper brought in by the user, these image forming conditions are registered as conditions with benefits. Therefore, on the first screen D11, the selection buttons B13 and B14 corresponding to these "A4 carry-on paper" and "A3 carry-on paper" are displayed in a manner distinguishable from other conditions.

Specifically, of the four selection buttons B11 to B14 on the first screen D11, the mark M1 is attached only to the two selection buttons B13 and B14 corresponding to the condition with privilege. The mark M1 is a mark corresponding to at least one of the presence / absence and the content of the privilege, and is attached only to the image forming condition of the privilege “with” as an example in the present embodiment. That is, the image forming condition with the mark M1 is the image forming condition with the privilege "yes" (condition with the privilege), and the image forming condition without the mark M1 is the image forming condition with the privilege "without". In short, the display processing unit 32 attaches a mark M1 corresponding to at least one of the presence / absence and the content of the privilege to the list of the plurality of image forming conditions, so that the condition with the privilege can be distinguished from the other conditions on the setting screen. Display in D1. As a result, the presence or absence of the mark M1 can be easily distinguished, so that the user can easily distinguish between the condition with privilege and the other image forming condition.

Here, as an example, the mark M1 is a red figure (here, a triangle), but it is not intended to limit a specific aspect of the mark M1. The mark M1 is not limited to a figure, but may be a symbol, a code, a mark, or the like, or may be a mode that changes with the passage of time as in animation. Further, as an embodiment in which the mark M1 is attached to the target image forming condition (here, the condition with privilege), at least a part of the target image forming condition (selection buttons B13, B14) is used as shown in FIG. There is an embodiment in which the mark M1 is displayed by superimposing the above. However, the present invention is not limited to this aspect, and the mark M1 may be attached by a shape surrounding the target image forming condition, a leader line from the image forming condition, a balloon from the image forming condition, or the like.

Further, in the present embodiment, the mark M1 is an icon for accepting a user's operation (tap operation) on the setting screen D1. Then, when the mark M1 is operated, information (privilege information) regarding the privilege corresponding to the condition with the privilege to which the mark M1 is attached is displayed. Specifically, when any of the marks M1 is operated, the privilege information displayed in the fourth area R4 is switched to the privilege information related to the privilege corresponding to the condition with the privilege to which the operated mark M1 is attached. .. Alternatively, when any of the marks M1 is operated, for example, by pop-up display or the like, privilege information regarding the privilege corresponding to the condition with the privilege to which the operated mark M1 is attached is displayed separately from the fourth area R4. To. That is, in the present embodiment, the display processing unit 32 displays the privilege information in association with the condition with the privilege. As a result, the user can confirm the information regarding the privilege obtained by selecting the condition with the privilege on the setting screen D1. However, it is not essential that the mark M1 is an icon for accepting the user's operation, and the mark M1 may be a mere display.

In the example of FIG. 3, it is assumed that the user selects the selection button B13 corresponding to the "A4 carry-on paper" which is the image formation condition (condition with privilege) to which the mark M1 is attached among the four image formation conditions. do. Therefore, as a privilege corresponding to the condition with this privilege, "20 points" will be returned to the user, and the privilege information of "20pt reduction" will be displayed in the fourth area R4. In this state, when the user operates the Next button B3, the image formation condition of "A4 carry-on paper" is set for the setting item of the quality of the sheet used for image formation, and the screen displayed on the display unit 19. Transitions to the second screen D12.

<Second screen>
As shown in FIG. 4, the basic screen configuration of the second screen D12 is the same as that of the first screen D11. Since the second screen D12 is a setting screen D1 for setting image formation conditions related to color, the display contents of the first area R1 and the second area R2 are determined according to the setting item of color.

On the second screen D12, two selection buttons B21 and B22 corresponding to the two image forming conditions are displayed so that a list of two image forming conditions of "color" and "black and white" is displayed. By printing in black and white (monochrome), the consumption of the developer prepared in the image forming apparatus 10 is suppressed, so that the "black and white" image forming condition is registered as a condition with a privilege. Therefore, the mark M1 is attached to the selection button B21 corresponding to "black and white".

In the example of FIG. 4, it is assumed that the user selects the selection button B21. In this state, the user operates the Next button B3 to set the image formation condition of "color" for the setting item of color, and set the "number of copies" on the screen displayed on the display unit 19. Transition to the screen for. However, since the image formation condition related to the setting item "number of copies" does not include the condition with privilege, the description of the screen for setting the "number of copies" will be omitted here. When the "number of copies" is set, the screen displayed on the display unit 19 transitions to the third screen D13.

<Third screen>
As shown in FIG. 5, the basic screen configuration of the third screen D13 is the same as that of the first screen D11. Since the third screen D13 is a setting screen D1 for confirming the set image formation conditions, the display contents of the first region R1 and the second region R2 are defined for confirmation of the settings. Further, the third screen D13 includes a fifth area R5 representing image formation conditions that have been set (selected) on the first screen D11 and the like for the three setting items of sheet quality, color, and number of copies to be printed. Further, on the third screen D13, the start button B4 is arranged instead of the next button B3. When the start button B4 is operated, the image forming conditions set at that time are determined, and the image forming apparatus 10 starts copying according to the image forming conditions.

By the way, the third screen D13 shown in FIG. 5 is a setting screen D1 for setting four setting items of enlargement / reduction, density, quality, and double-sided / single-sided. However, for these four setting items, the image formation conditions are not set directly on the third screen D13, but the image formation conditions are set on the screen after the transition from the third screen D13. Therefore, a list of these four setting items is displayed on the third screen D13. More specifically, four item buttons B31 to B34 corresponding to these four setting items are arranged below the second region R2 on the third screen D13. The item button B31 corresponds to "enlargement / reduction", the item button B32 corresponds to "density", the item button B33 corresponds to "quality", and the item button B34 corresponds to "double-sided / single-sided".

Here, among the above-mentioned four setting items, three of "concentration", "quality", and "double-sided / single-sided" are privileged setting items including privileged conditions. That is, all of these four setting items are setting items including two or more image forming conditions, but do not necessarily include the condition with privilege. That is, the setting item of "enlargement / reduction" does not include the condition with privilege of the person including two or more image formation conditions. Therefore, on the third screen D13, the item buttons B32 to B34 corresponding to these "concentration", "quality", and "double-sided / single-sided" are displayed in a manner distinguishable from other setting items (enlargement / reduction). To.

Specifically, among the four item buttons B31 to B34 on the third screen D13, the item mark M2 is attached only to the three item buttons B32 to B34 corresponding to the setting items with benefits. That is, the setting items with the item mark M2 are the setting items (setting items with the privilege) including the image formation condition (condition with the privilege) of the privilege "Yes", and the setting items without the item mark M2 have the privilege. This is a setting item that does not include conditions. In short, the display processing unit 32 displays the setting item with privilege including the condition with privilege among the setting items including two or more image forming conditions on the setting screen D1 in an identifiable manner. As a result, it is possible to identify that the setting item including the privileged condition includes the privileged condition without actually transitioning to the screen after that, so that the user positively sets the setting item including the privileged condition. It will be easier to select.

<4th screen>
When the item button B32 is selected on the third screen D13, the screen displayed on the display unit 19 transitions to the fourth screen D14 shown in FIG. Since the fourth screen D14 is a setting screen D1 for setting image formation conditions related to the density, the display contents of the first region R1 and the second region R2 are determined according to the setting item of density. Further, on the fourth screen D14, the OK button B5 is arranged instead of the next button B3.

On the fourth screen D14, nine selection buttons B41 to B49 corresponding to each of the nine image formation conditions are displayed so that a list of nine image formation conditions of "-4" to "+4" is displayed. .. By printing with the lightest "-4", the consumption of the developer prepared in the image forming apparatus 10 is suppressed, so that the image forming condition of "-4" is registered as a condition with a privilege. Therefore, the mark M1 is attached to the selection button B41 corresponding to "-4".

In the example of FIG. 6, it is assumed that the user selects the selection button B41. In this state, when the user operates the OK button B5, the image formation condition of "-4" is set for the setting item of density, and the display of the display unit 19 transitions to the third screen D13.

<5th screen>
When the item button B33 is selected on the third screen D13, the screen displayed on the display unit 19 transitions to the fifth screen D15 shown in FIG. 7. Since the fifth screen D15 is a setting screen D1 for setting image formation conditions related to quality, the display contents of the first region R1 and the second region R2 are determined according to the setting item of quality.

On the fifth screen D15, four image formation conditions corresponding to each of the four image formation conditions are displayed so that a list of four image formation conditions of "character", "character + photo", "photograph", and "map" is displayed. The selection buttons B51 to B54 are displayed. By printing with the lowest quality "characters", the consumption of the developer prepared in the image forming apparatus 10 is suppressed, so that the image forming condition of the "characters" is registered as a condition with a privilege. Therefore, the mark M1 is attached to the selection button B51 corresponding to the "character".

<6th screen>
When the item button B34 is selected on the third screen D13, the screen displayed on the display unit 19 transitions to the sixth screen D16 shown in FIG. Since the sixth screen D16 is a setting screen D1 for setting image formation conditions relating to both sides / one side, the display contents of the first area R1 and the second area R2 are determined according to the setting item of both sides / one side. Will be.

On the sixth screen D16, two selection buttons B61 and B62 corresponding to the two image forming conditions are displayed so that a list of two image forming conditions of "single-sided printing" and "double-sided printing" is displayed. To. By printing on both sides of the paper, the consumption of the paper prepared in the image forming apparatus 10 is suppressed, so that the image forming condition of "double-sided printing" is registered as a condition with a privilege. Therefore, the mark M1 is attached to the selection button B62 corresponding to "double-sided printing".

By the way, as a method of determining the privilege, when the image formation condition other than the condition with the privilege is set (selected), the profit of the user is set when the condition with the privilege is set, not the method of determining which is disadvantageous to the user. It is preferable to adopt a determination method such that That is, even if an image formation condition other than the condition with privilege is set, it is possible to protect the interest of the user by avoiding the disadvantage of the user more than when the control unit 16 operates in the second mode. preferable. While adopting such a method of determining benefits, the conditions with benefits include image forming conditions that lead to a reduction in the operating cost of the image forming apparatus 10, thereby promoting user behavior toward environmental problems. It will be possible.

<Processing procedure>
Next, the processing procedure (step) executed by the control unit 16 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

<Step S1>
First, in step S1, the control unit 16 determines whether or not the cashless payment method has been selected. If the mode of accepting payment of consideration in the settlement unit 18 is a cashless payment method (S1: Yes), the control unit 16 selects the first mode in the switching unit 35 and shifts the process to step S2. Let me. If the mode of accepting payment of consideration in the settlement unit 18 is not a cashless payment method (S1: No), the control unit 16 selects the second mode in the switching unit 35 and shifts the process to step S6. Let me.

<Step S2>
In step S2, the control unit 16 causes the display unit 19 to display the setting screen D1 in a manner in which the condition with privilege can be identified (display processing). That is, in the first mode, the control unit 16 has a mode in which the condition with privilege can be distinguished from other image forming conditions in the display processing unit 32, as in the first screen D11 shown in FIG. A plurality of image formation conditions are displayed on the setting screen D1. When the control unit 16 executes step S2, the control unit 16 shifts the process to step S3.

<Step S3>
In step S3, the control unit 16 accepts an operation for setting an image forming condition on the setting screen D1 (acceptance processing). That is, the control unit 16 receives the operation of any of the selection buttons by the user on the setting screen D1 on the setting screen D1 as in the first screen D11 and the like shown in FIG. 3 in the reception processing unit 31. When the control unit 16 executes step S3, the control unit 16 shifts the process to step S4.

<Step S4>
In step S4, the control unit 16 determines whether or not the condition with privilege is selected by the operation received in step S3. If the image forming condition selected in step S3 is a condition with a privilege (S4: Yes), the control unit 16 shifts the process to step S5. If the image forming condition selected in step S3 is not a condition with a privilege (S4: No), the control unit 16 shifts the process to step S8.

<Step S5>
In step S5, the control unit 16 calculates and displays the privilege in the privilege calculation unit 34. That is, the privilege calculation unit 34 calculates the total of the benefits given to the user based on the privilege corresponding to the condition with the privilege selected in step S3, and displays it in the fourth area R4 of the setting screen D1.

<Step S6>
In step S6, the control unit 16 causes the display unit 19 to display the setting screen D1 in a manner in which the privileged condition cannot be identified. That is, in the second mode, the control unit 16 displays a plurality of image forming conditions on the setting screen D1 without distinguishing the condition with privilege from other image forming conditions. When the control unit 16 executes step S6, the control unit 16 shifts the process to step S7.

<Step S7>
In step S7, the control unit 16 accepts an operation of setting image formation conditions on the setting screen D1. That is, the control unit 16 accepts the operation of any of the selection buttons by the user on the setting screen D1 in the reception processing unit 31. When the control unit 16 executes step S7, the control unit 16 shifts the process to step S8.

<Step S8>
In step S8, the control unit 16 sets the image formation conditions in the output processing unit 33. That is, when the control unit 16 receives an operation such as the next button B3 by the user on the setting screen D1, the output processing unit 33 writes the setting information to the memory in the control unit 16 to obtain the setting information. Output. As a result, the image formation conditions are set, and the control unit 16 shifts the process to step S9.

<Step S9>
In step S9, the control unit 16 transitions the screen displayed on the display unit 19. That is, the control unit 16 causes the display processing unit 32 to transition the screen from the first screen D11 to the second screen D12, and from the fourth screen D14 or the like to the third screen D13. When the control unit 16 executes step S9, the control unit 16 shifts the process to step S10.

<Step S10>
In step S10, the control unit 16 determines whether or not the image formation conditions have been set for all the setting items. In the present embodiment, the control unit 16 determines that the image formation conditions have been set for all the setting items by operating the start button B4 on the third screen D13 shown in FIG.

When the setting of the image forming conditions for all the setting items is completed (S10: Yes), the control unit 16 determines the image forming conditions set (selected) at that time, and ends the process. If the setting of the image forming condition for any one of the setting items is not completed (S10: No), the control unit 16 shifts the process to step S1.

The procedure of the display control method described above is only an example, and the order of the processes shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9 may be changed as appropriate.

[4] Modification Example The plurality of components included in the image forming apparatus 10 may be dispersedly provided in a plurality of housings. For example, at least one of the reception processing unit 31 and the display processing unit 32 is not limited to the configuration realized as one function of the control unit 16, and may be provided in a housing different from the control unit 16. That is, the display control device 100 does not have to be integrated with the image forming device 10, and may be provided in a housing different from the image forming device 10.

Further, the display unit 19 may not be provided in the image forming apparatus 10, and may be provided in an information terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer. In this case, the image forming apparatus 10 communicates with the information terminal by communication compliant with a communication method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and displays the information on the display unit 19 of the information terminal. .. Further, in this case, the display control device 100 may also be provided in the information terminal instead of the image forming device 10. Further, it is not essential that the operation unit 20 is integrated with the display unit 19, and the operation unit 20 and the display unit 19 may be provided separately. Further, the display unit 19 and the operation unit 20 are not essential components of the image forming apparatus 10, and the image forming apparatus 10 may not include at least one of the display unit 19 and the operation unit 20.

Further, the privilege given to the user by setting the condition with the privilege is not limited to the return of points, and may be, for example, a refund or a discount. Further, the privilege is not limited to the benefit related to the consideration paid by the cashless payment method for the use of the image forming apparatus 10, and may be, for example, the benefit related to the consideration paid in cash (discount, etc.).

10 Image forming device 31 Reception processing unit 32 Display processing unit 100 Display control device D1 Setting screen D11 First screen D12 Second screen M1 mark

Claims (12)

A reception processing unit that accepts operations for setting image formation conditions related to image formation executed by the image forming apparatus.
The setting screen for setting the image forming condition is provided with a display processing unit for displaying in an identifiable manner the condition with the privilege that the user is given the privilege among the image forming conditions.
Display control device. The display processing unit displays a list of a plurality of the image forming conditions including the condition with privilege in a manner distinguishable from other conditions in the setting screen.
The display control device according to claim 1. The display processing unit attaches a mark corresponding to at least one of the presence / absence and the content of the privilege to the list, so that the condition with the privilege is displayed in the setting screen in a manner distinguishable from the other conditions. ,
The display control device according to claim 2. The display processing unit displays the setting item with privilege including the condition with privilege among the setting items including two or more image formation conditions on the setting screen in an identifiable manner.
The display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The display processing unit displays privilege information regarding the privilege in the setting screen.
The display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The display processing unit displays the privilege information in association with the condition with the privilege.
The display control device according to claim 5. The benefits are modified according to a combination of two or more of the conditions with the benefits.
The display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The setting screen includes two or more screens that are sequentially displayed to set two or more image forming conditions.
The display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The privilege includes a benefit regarding consideration paid by a cashless payment method for the use of the image forming apparatus.
The display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 8. The condition with privilege includes, among the image forming conditions, a condition that leads to a reduction in the operating cost of the image forming apparatus.
The display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 9. Reception processing that accepts operations for setting image formation conditions related to image formation executed by the image forming device, and
The setting screen for setting the image forming condition has a display process for displaying the condition with the privilege that the user is given the privilege among the image forming conditions in an identifiable manner.
Display control method. Reception processing that accepts operations for setting image formation conditions related to image formation executed by the image forming device, and
A display process for displaying on the setting screen for setting the image forming condition, among the image forming conditions, the condition with the privilege that the user is given the privilege in an identifiable manner.
A display control program for having one or more processors execute.

Images