JP2022168990A - Image forming apparatus, and screen display method and program in image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus that, for example, is convenient for a user when the user performs a returning operation on a content selection screen.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus (10) comprises an image forming unit (59) that performs printout according to content data, and makes a transition of screen display on a display (16) from a home screen (90) to a content selection screen (120) for selecting the content data. When a return button (142) is operated on the content selection screen, screen transition control units (54, 164) make a transition to a previous screen from the content selection screen. The screen transition control units make a transition to different previous screens depending on whether the transition to the content selection screen is made from the home screen according to a first procedure or the transition to the content selection screen is made according to a second procedure.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a screen display method and a program for the image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus, a screen display method and program for the image forming apparatus that transitions to a specific menu screen by reading a two-dimensional code, for example. Regarding.

An example of the background technology of the present invention using a two-dimensional code is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The image forming system disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-200010 accepts specification of a document file stored in a server, displays a two-dimensional code indicating the URL of the specified document file on a mobile terminal, and displays the two-dimensional code. Acquire the corresponding document file from the server and print it.

JP 2018-1534 A

Conventionally, most screens operated by users have a button for returning to the previous screen, and when the return button is pressed, it is possible to return to the previous screen and redo the operation.

For example, the same applies when print data is selected by reading a two-dimensional code on the home screen. Returning to the state of the screen results in poor operability for the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a novel image forming apparatus, a screen display method in the image forming apparatus, and a program.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and a screen display method in an image forming apparatus that are easy for the user to operate by controlling the screen for returning from the content selection screen when the user performs a return operation on the content selection screen, for example. and to provide programs.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following configuration. It should be noted that reference numerals in parentheses, supplementary descriptions, etc. indicate the correspondence with the embodiments described to aid understanding of the invention, and do not limit the invention in any way.

A first invention is an image forming apparatus comprising a display, an operation unit, a two-dimensional code reader, and an image forming unit for printing out according to content data, wherein a screen of the display is displayed according to a first procedure including operation of the operation unit. The screen display on the display is changed according to a second procedure including a first transition section for transitioning the display from the home screen to a content selection screen for selecting content data, and a two-dimensional code reading operation with a two-dimensional code reader, A second transition unit that transitions from the home screen to the content selection screen, a detection unit that detects that a return operation has been performed on the content selection screen, and a transition to the content selection screen according to the first procedure in response to detection by the detection unit. The image forming apparatus includes a screen transition control unit that transitions the screen display on the display from the content selection screen to a different screen depending on whether the content selection screen is displayed according to the second procedure.

In the first invention, an image forming apparatus (10: reference numerals illustrating corresponding parts in the embodiments; hereinafter the same) includes a display (16), an operation section (44), a two-dimensional code reader (20) and An image forming section (59) for printing out according to content data is provided. A first transition section (54, 164) transitions the screen display of the display from the home screen (90) to a content selection screen (120) for selecting content data according to a first procedure including operation of the operation section. . A second transition unit (54, 164) transitions the screen display of the display from the home screen to the content selection screen according to a second procedure including reading operation of the two-dimensional code (132) with the two-dimensional code reader. When a return operation is performed on the content selection screen, the detection unit (54, S23) detects the return operation. A screen transition control unit (54, 164, S27, S31, S33) determines whether the transition to the content selection screen is made according to the first procedure or the second procedure when the detection unit detects the return operation. , transitions the screen display on the display from the content selection screen to a different screen before the content selection screen.

According to the first invention, when the return operation is performed on the content selection screen, the screen transition is controlled so that the return screen is changed according to the procedure by which the content selection screen was transitioned from the home screen. An image forming apparatus with good operability can be obtained.

A second invention is according to the first invention, further comprising a return button provided on the content selection screen, wherein the detection unit detects that a return operation has been performed when the return button is operated. forming device.

In the second invention, when the return button (142) provided on the content selection screen (120) is operated, the detection unit detects that there has been a return operation.

A third invention is according to the first invention, and further comprises a storage unit for storing screen transition history data indicating what kind of screen transition has occurred in the process of transitioning from the home screen to the content selection screen. , the screen transition control unit is an image forming apparatus that transitions from a content selection screen to a different screen based on screen transition history data.

In the third invention, the storage unit (154) stores screen transition history data (176) indicating what kind of screen transition has been made in the process of transitioning from the home screen to the content selection screen. The screen transition control section (54, 164, S27, S31, S33) can control the screen to be transitioned from the content selection screen based on this screen transition history data.

A fourth invention is according to the third invention, wherein the screen transition control unit determines whether the content selection screen transitioned according to the first procedure or the second procedure, based on the screen transition history data. An image forming apparatus including a determination unit.

In the fourth invention, the screen transition control section (54, 164, S27, S31, S33) controls screen transition forward from the content selection screen based on the determination result of the determination section (54, S25, S29). do.

A fifth aspect of the invention is a screen display program executable by a computer of an image forming apparatus comprising a display, an operation unit, a two-dimensional code reader, and an image forming unit for printing out according to content data, the screen display program comprising: A first transition section that causes the computer to transition the screen display on the display from the home screen to a content selection screen for selecting content data according to a first procedure including operation of the operation section, two-dimensional with a two-dimensional code reader A second transition section for transitioning the screen display on the display from the home screen to the content selection screen according to a second procedure including a code reading operation, a detection section for detecting that a return operation has been performed on the content selection screen, and a detection. Screen transition control for transitioning the screen display of the display from the content selection screen to a different screen depending on whether the transition to the content selection screen was made according to the first procedure or the second procedure in response to the detection of the part. It is a screen display program that functions as a unit.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the screen display of the display can be changed from the home screen to the content data according to the first procedure including the operation of the display, the operation unit, the two-dimensional code reader, the image forming unit for printing out according to the content data, and the operation unit. The screen display of the display transitions from the home screen to the content selection screen according to the first transition section for transitioning to the content selection screen for selecting, and the second procedure including the reading operation of the two-dimensional code with the two-dimensional code reader. A screen display method for an image forming apparatus, comprising: a second transition unit that causes a content selection screen to be displayed; This is a screen display method for transitioning the screen display on the display from the content selection screen to a different screen depending on whether the content selection screen was transitioned to the selection screen or the content selection screen according to the second procedure.

According to the present invention, when a return operation is performed on a specific menu screen, such as a content selection screen, by controlling screen transition to return from the content selection screen, it is possible to obtain an image forming apparatus with good operability for the user. .

FIG. 1 is an illustrative view showing a multifunction machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the application box in FIG. 1 embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the main body of the multifunction machine in FIG. 1 embodiment. FIG. 4 is an illustrative view showing one example of a home screen displayed on the display of the application box; FIG. 5 is an illustrative view showing one example of a service selection screen transitioned from the home screen. 6 is an illustrative view showing one example of a service number input screen transitioned from the service selection screen of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is an illustrative view showing one example of a two-dimensional code input screen transitioned from the service selection screen of FIG. 5. FIG. 8 is an illustrative view showing one example of a newspaper print service selection screen transitioned from the service number input screen shown in FIG. 6 or the two-dimensional code input screen shown in FIG. 7. FIG. FIG. 9 is a memory map conceptually showing the configuration in the RAM of the main memory of the application box in the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the operation executed by the computer of the control unit of the application box in the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the operation performed by the computer of the control unit of the application box, subsequent to FIG.

Referring to FIG. 1, a multi-function machine 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention is installed in public spaces such as convenience stores and supermarkets on the premise that it will be used by an unspecified number of people. .

This multifunction machine 10 has multiple functions such as a copy function, a printer function, an image scanner function, and a facsimile function. The multifunction machine 10 having these functions is an image forming apparatus, and can provide various services such as print service, facsimile service, scan service, and administrative service.

In a copy service, an image of a document can be read and the read image can be formed (printed) on paper as an image recording medium. That is, the original image can be copied onto paper. Examples of the paper here include plain paper, glossy paper, photo paper, and the like. In addition, this copy service provides a variety of functions, such as arranging and copying the front and back sides of a card such as a driver's license on a single sheet of paper.

Print services include PDF print services, photo print services, network print services and content print services.

In the PDF print service, an image based on a PDF file stored in a medium serving as an external storage medium can be formed on paper. The media referred to here include semiconductor memory type media such as USB memories and SD memory cards, and disk type media such as CDs and DVDs.

In the photo print service, a photo image based on an image file in a predetermined format stored in the medium can be formed on paper, that is, the image file can be printed.

In the network print service, it is possible to print files registered in advance on a dedicated website. The files that can be registered on the dedicated website mentioned here include PDF files, image files in a predetermined format, and files created by predetermined application software such as predetermined word processing software and predetermined spreadsheet software. .

In the content print service, it is possible to print various contents such as newspapers, magazines, bromides, and musical scores provided by content providers accessible by the multifunction device 10 .

In the facsimile service, it is possible to digitize the image of the document and send it to any facsimile machine.

In the scan service, an image of a document can be digitized and stored in a USB memory as a PDF file or an image file in a predetermined format.

For administrative services, it is possible to issue predetermined public certificates such as copies of resident cards and seal registration certificates. A card-type storage medium, such as a basic resident register card or an individual number card, is required to receive this administrative service.

In order to provide such various services, the MFP 10 includes an application box 12 as a user interface device and a MFP body 14 as a main device. A user who operates the multifunction device 10 generally stands in front of the multifunction device 10 to perform operations.

The application box 12 includes a display 16 with a touch panel 18 , a two-dimensional code reader 20 , an external storage medium loading section 22 , an infrared communication section 24 , a short-range communication section 26 , a money processing section 28 and a photo printer 30 .

A display 16 with a touch panel 18 is arranged on top of the application box 12 . The display 16 is an example of display means having a rectangular display surface, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD). The display 16 constitutes a display section 42, which will be described later. A rectangular touch panel 18 is provided so as to overlap the screen display surface of the display 16 . The touch panel 18 is an example of an operation reception unit that forms an operation reception surface for receiving user operations on the screen display surface of the display 16, and the touch panel 18 constitutes an operation unit 44, which will be described later.

The two-dimensional code reader 20 reads, for example, a QR code (product name) displayed on a user's portable terminal when using a print service.

The external storage medium loading section 22 is an example of storage medium loading means into which the aforementioned media are loaded, and includes, for example, memory slots and disk drives. Then, the external storage medium loading unit 22 performs data reading processing or writing processing with the loaded medium.

The infrared communication unit 24 has an infrared communication circuit including an infrared light emitting element and an infrared light receiving element, and performs infrared communication processing with a mobile terminal or the like in accordance with an infrared communication standard such as IrDA.

The short-range communication unit 26 is an example of storage medium holding means that holds the basic resident registration card and personal number card, which are contactless IC cards, and performs short-range wireless communication with these IC cards. is.

The money processing unit 28 is an example of payment acceptance means for accepting payment of fees required for using the multifunction device 10 in cash, and has a money insertion unit 32 and a coin return port 34 .

The photo printer 30 is, for example, a sublimation printer or an inkjet printer, and prints photo images on photo paper. The photo paper after printing by the photo printer 30 , the so-called photo, is discharged to the discharge section 36 .

Here, referring to FIG. 2, the electrical configuration of the application box 12 will be described. The control unit 40 is an example of control means that controls the application box 12 as a whole. For this reason, the control unit 40 controls the two-dimensional code reader 20 , the external storage medium loading unit 22 , the infrared communication unit 24 , the short-range communication unit 26 , the money processing unit 28 and the photo printer 30 via the bus 38 . is connected.

Further, as described above, the display 16 constitutes the display section 42 and the touch panel 18 constitutes the operation section 44 . It is connected to the unit 40 . In addition to the display 16, the display unit 42 has an appropriate light emitting element such as a light emitting diode (LED) (not shown). In addition to the touch panel 18, the operation unit 44 has appropriate hardware switches such as push button switches.

Furthermore, an auxiliary storage unit 46 , a communication unit 48 and an audio processing unit 50 are also connected to the control unit 40 via the bus 38 .

The control unit 40 has a computer (CPU) 54 as control execution means. The control unit 40 also has a main storage unit 56 as main storage means that can be directly accessed by the computer 54 . This main storage unit 56 includes, for example, ROM and RAM. Among them, the ROM stores a control program (firmware) for controlling the operation of the computer 54 . The RAM constitutes a working area and a buffer area when the computer 54 executes processing based on the control program.

Auxiliary storage unit 46 is an example of auxiliary storage means including a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk or flash memory. Various data are stored in the auxiliary storage unit 46 under the control of the computer 54 .

The communication unit 48 is an example of communication means that performs two-way communication processing via a network. The network referred to here is, for example, the Internet. Moreover, this network includes not only a wired system but also a wireless system. The communication unit 48 executes two-way communication processing with the mobile terminal by wireless LAN, and furthermore, the communication unit 48 performs two-way communication with the communication unit 76 of the multifunction machine main body 14, which will be described later. Execute the process.

The audio processing unit 50 is an example of audio processing means for outputting from the speaker 52 audio guidance related to the instruction manual for the multi-function device 10 and audio messages for warnings, which will be described later.

Returning to FIG. 1 , the multi-function machine body 14 is installed near the application box 12 . The MFP body 14 includes an image reading section 58 , an image forming section 59 , a paper feeding section 60 and a paper discharge tray 61 .

The image reading unit 58 has a document table made of a transparent material such as glass, and is provided on the upper part of the main body 14 of the multifunction machine. A document pressing cover 62 is attached above the document platen via a hinge or the like so as to be openable and closable. The image reading unit 58 is an example of an image reading unit that reads an image of a document set (placed) on a document platen and outputs two-dimensional image data corresponding to the image.

Therefore, as is well known, the image reading section 58 includes an image reading unit including a light source, a plurality of mirrors, an imaging lens, a line sensor, etc., and a driving mechanism for moving the image reading unit. The image reading unit 58 has a later-described document sensor 64 for detecting whether or not a document is set on the document platen.

The image forming section 59 is provided below the image reading section 58 . The image forming unit 59 is an example of an image forming unit that performs an image forming process of electrophotographically forming an image on a sheet conveyed from the paper feeding unit 60 . For this reason, as is well known, the image forming section 59 includes a photosensitive member, a charging device, an exposure device, a developing device, a transfer device, a fixing device, and the like. It is discharged to the paper discharge tray 61 . Note that the discharge tray 61 is provided between the image reading section 58 and the image forming section 59 if it is of the in-body type, for example. Furthermore, the paper discharge tray 61 is provided with a printed matter sensor 66 , which will be described later, for detecting the presence or absence of printed matter on the paper discharge tray 61 .

Here, referring to FIG. 3, the electrical configuration of the multi-function device main body 14 will be described. The control unit 70 is control means on the side of the multifunction machine main body 14 that governs the overall control of the multifunction machine main body 14 . Therefore, the image reading section 58 , the image forming section 59 and the paper feeding section 60 are connected to the control section 70 via the bus 68 . As described above, the paper discharge tray 61 is provided with the printed matter sensor 66 , and the printed matter sensor 66 constitutes the printed matter detection section 74 . The printed matter detection unit 74 is also connected to the control unit 70 via the bus 68 . Furthermore, an auxiliary storage unit 74 and a communication unit 76 are also connected to the control unit 70 via the bus 68 .

The control unit 70 has a CPU 78 as control execution means on the multifunction machine main body 14 side. In addition, the control unit 70 has a main storage unit 80 as main storage means on the multifunction machine body 14 side, which the CPU 78 can directly access. This main storage unit 80 includes, for example, ROM and RAM. Among them, the ROM stores a control program for the multifunction machine main body 14 for controlling the operation of the CPU 78 . The RAM constitutes a work area and a buffer area when the CPU 78 executes processing based on the control program.

The auxiliary storage unit 74 is an example of auxiliary storage means on the side of the multifunction machine main body 14 including nonvolatile memory such as a hard disk and flash memory. Various data are stored in the auxiliary storage unit 74 under the control of the CPU 78 .

The communication unit 76 is an example of communication means on the side of the MFP main body 14 that performs two-way communication processing with the communication unit 48 on the application box 12 side. The communication processing performed between the communication unit 76 on the side of the MFP main body 14 and the communication unit 48 on the side of the application box 12 may be performed by a wired system or by a wireless system.

On the home screen 90 displayed on the touch display 16 of the application box 12 shown in FIG. 4, a job selection button including a plurality of operation buttons for selecting a desired job from among the jobs briefly described above is displayed. Group 92 is displayed.

A print button 94 for selecting a print service is provided on the right side of the job selection button group 92 in addition to the buttons of the button group 92 . Here, the print service means printing contents available from external sources, such as articles and pages of newspapers and magazines, maps, character pictures, etc. independently of the convenience store where the multifunction machine 10 of this embodiment is installed. It is a type of content service provided to users through

When the print button 94 is touched (operated), the screen display on the display 16 transitions to a content service selection screen 96 shown in FIG. On this content service selection screen 96, a message 98 prompting the user to select the desired content, such as "Please select your desired service," and a content selection button group 100 are displayed below it. . This content selection button group 100 includes, for example, a newspaper button 102a for selecting printing of newspaper articles or pages, a timetable button 102b for selecting printing of a timetable, a map button 102c for selecting printing of a map, and so on. . In the following description, the case of selecting newspaper printing will be described, but it should be pointed out in advance that other print services can be similarly applied.

Contents that can be selected by each button of the content selection button group 100 are pre-assigned a service-assigned number, so that a desired content can be selected by inputting the service number.

Therefore, below the content selection button group 100 on the content service selection screen 96, a number input button 104 for instructing the input of the service number is provided.

When the user touches (operates) this number input button 104, the screen of the display 16 transitions to the service number input screen 106 shown in FIG.

On the service number input screen 106, a message 108 prompting the user to enter the service number is displayed, such as "Please enter the service number and press [Next]." and below it are provided input keys 112 including numeric keys "0" to "9" and alphabetic keys "A" to "Z". Of course, these are also touch keys.

The service number input screen 106 is provided with the "next" button 114 suggested by the message 108 above. Furthermore, the service number input screen 106 is provided with a return button 116 and an end button 118 .

When the Next button 114 is touched (operated), the screen display of the display 16 changes to the screen shown in FIG. to the content selection screen 120 shown in .

Returning to FIG. 5, on the content service selection screen 96, by reading a QR code (product name), which is one of the two-dimensional codes, to the right of the number input button 104 under the content selection button group 100, A QR code button 122 is provided to allow content selection. When the QR code button 122 is touched (operated), the screen display of the display 16 transitions to the QR code input screen 126 shown in FIG.

The content service selection screen 96 of FIG. 5 is further provided with an end button 124 on the upper right. When the end button 124 is operated, the screen returns to the previous home screen 90 (FIG. 4).

On the QR code input screen 126 (FIG. 8), a message 128 prompting the input of the QR code is displayed, such as "Please hold the QR code up." An explanatory illustration 130 including the vessel 20 is displayed. This explanatory illustration 130 shows that the QR code 132 can be read by holding the QR code 132 displayed on a smartphone or the like over the two-dimensional code reader 20 . Information such as the URL of the content service is written in the QR code to be read here, and when the reading is completed, the screen display on the display 16 transitions to the content selection screen shown in FIG.

On the QR code input screen 126, a return button 134 is displayed below the explanatory illustration 130, and an end button 136 is provided on the upper right.

As described above, in this embodiment, the case where "newspaper print" is selected as the content service will be described. The content selection screen 120 shown in FIG. 2 displays a message 138 prompting content selection, such as "Please select your desired newspaper." Buttons 140a-140f are provided. These selection buttons 140a-140f are all buttons for specifying or selecting newspaper articles or pages in this embodiment.

For example, when the selection button 140b is operated, the screen display of the display 16 transitions to a screen (not shown) for printing an article or page of XX newspaper, and the print is performed by the multifunction machine main body 14 shown in FIG. Beginning at section 59 .

The content selection screen 120 is also provided with a return button 142 and an end button 144 on the upper right.

When the return button 116 is pressed on the service number input screen 106 shown in FIG. 6, the screen returns to the previous content service selection screen 96 (FIG. 5). However, when the return button 142 is operated on the content selection screen 120 (FIG. 7) transitioned from the service number input screen 106, the screen returns to the previous service number input screen 106 (FIG. 6).

When the return button 134 is pressed on the QR code input screen 126 of FIG. 8, the screen returns to the content service selection screen 96 (FIG. 5) one before, and the content selection screen 120 (FIG. 7) transitioned from the QR code input screen 126 is displayed. When the return button 142 is operated with , it returns to the previous QR code input screen 126 (FIG. 8).

In this embodiment, a QR code button 146 is provided on the home screen 90 shown in FIG. In this case, when the QR code button 146 is touched (operated), the screen display on the display 16 transitions to the QR code input screen 126 in FIG. The code 132 is read by the two-dimensional code reader 20 (FIG. 1).
hold up to Since information such as the URL of the content service is written in the QR code to be read here, the screen display on the display 16 is the content selection shown in FIG. 7 without going through the content service selection screen 96 shown in FIG. Transition to screen 120 . Then, for example, when the selection button 140b is operated on the content selection screen 120, the screen display on the display 16 transitions to a screen (not shown) for printing the article or space of the XX newspaper, and the print is shown in FIG. The image forming unit 59 of the MFP main body 14 shown in FIG.

When the content selection screen 120 is displayed from the home screen 90 via the QR code input screen 126, when the return button 142 of the content selection screen 120 is operated, the content service selection screen shown in FIG. Back to 96.

In this embodiment in which a QR code button is provided on the home screen 90, when the return button 142 is operated on the content selection screen 120 for selecting data to be printed by reading a two-dimensional code from the home screen 90, another operation is performed. Returning to the previous screen, that is, the home screen 90, as in the case above, results in poor operability. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the return button 142 is operated on the content selection screen 120, the operability is improved by transitioning to a screen close to the screen for selecting the content.

Here, FIG. 9 shows a memory map 150 conceptually representing the configuration within the RAM of the main storage unit 56 of the application box 12 .

As shown in memory map 150 , RAM has a program storage area 152 and a data storage area 154 . In the program storage area 152 of these, the aforementioned control program is stored. Specifically, the control programs include a display control program 156, an operation detection program 158, a communication control program 160, a two-dimensional code reading program 162, a screen transition control program 164, and the like.

The display control program 156 is a program for generating display screen data necessary for displaying various screens including the aforementioned home screen 90 on the screen display surface of the display 16 . The operation detection program 158 is a program for detecting the operation state of the touch panel 18 by the user. The communication control program 1160 is a program for controlling the infrared communication section 24 , the short-range communication section 26 and the communication section 48 .

Program storage area 152 further includes two-dimensional code reading program 162 and screen transition control program 164 .

The two-dimensional code reading program 162 is a program for reading the QR code 132 of a QR code presentation medium such as a smart phone held over the two-dimensional code reader 20 by the user on the QR code input screen 126 of FIG. .

5, the service number input screen 106 of FIG. 6, and the QR code of FIG. 8, from the home screen 90 shown in FIG. In addition to controlling the transition of each screen such as the code input screen 126, as described above, for example, when the back button 142 is operated on the content selection screen 120 that has transitioned after reading the QR code, what kind of This is a program for controlling screen transitions, depending on whether the screen 120 has been transitioned through screen transitions, that is, to return to different screens depending on the screens passed through.

On the other hand, the data storage area 154 stores various data. The various types of data include display image generation data 166, operation data 168, internal transmission/reception data 170, external transmission/reception data 172, multifunction machine processing data 174, and the like.

The display image generation data 166 is data such as polygon data and texture data used for generating display screen data based on the display control program 156 described above. The operation data 168 is data representing the operation state of the touch panel 18, and more specifically, time-series data representing the user's touch position (coordinates) on the touch panel 18, QR code data read according to the two-dimensional code reading program 162, and the like. Also includes

The internal transmission/reception data 170 is data transmitted/received between the control unit 40 and each component other than the control unit 40 via the bus 38 . The external transmission/reception data 172 is data transmitted/received to/from an external device (not shown) via the communication unit 48 . For example, it includes the data received from the corresponding URL for acquiring the content selected by the selection buttons 140a-140f of the content selection screen 120 shown in FIG.

The MFP processing data 174 is data transmitted to and received from the MFP main body 14, that is, data to be processed by the MFP main body 14 and data after being processed by the MFP main body 14. . Although this MFP processing data 174 can be regarded as part of the external transmission/reception data 172, it is handled here as separate data from the external transmission/reception data 172. FIG. For example, it includes data for printing the data received from the above URL by image forming unit 59 .

The data storage area 154 further stores screen transition history data 176 . This screen transition history data 176 is data indicating what kind of history the screen display of the display 16 has transitioned through. At least, data indicating what kind of screen transition has been made in the process of transitioning from the home screen 90 (FIG. 4) to the content selection screen 120 (FIG. 7) is stored.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the operation executed by the computer of the control unit of the application box in the embodiment. The flow chart of FIG. 10 (and FIG. 11) is repeatedly executed, for example, at frame intervals.

Referring to FIG. 10, when application box 12 is operated by the user, CPU or computer 54 of control unit 40 displays home screen 90 shown in FIG. 4 according to display control program 156 in first step S1.

In the next step S3, the computer 54 refers to the operation data 168 (FIG. 9) and determines whether any job selection button or the like of the job selection button group 92 on the home screen 90 has been operated. If "NO" is determined in step S3, the computer 54 refers to the operation data 168 (FIG. 9) in step S5, operates the QR code button 146 on the home screen 90, and from the QR code input screen 126 in FIG. Determine whether the QR code has been entered. If "NO" in step S5, the process returns to step S3.

If "YES" is determined in step S3, the computer 54 determines in step S7 whether any service selection button of the content service button group 100 of the content service selection screen 96 shown in FIG. 5 has been operated. If "NO" in step S7, the computer 54 further determines in step S9 whether or not the service number input button 104 has been operated on the content service selection screen 96 of FIG. If "NO" in step S9, the computer 54 further determines in step S11 whether or not the QR code button 122 has been operated on the content service selection screen 96 of FIG. If "NO" in step S11, the process returns to step S7.

When "YES" is determined in step S7, when "YES" is determined in step S9, when the QR code is input as described above in step S11, or when the home screen 90 is changed to the QR code input screen 126 8), the computer 54 displays the content selection screen 120 shown in FIG. 7 according to the display control program 156 under the control of the screen transition control program 164. FIG.

After that, in step S15, the computer 54 determines whether or not the end button 144 of the content selection screen 120 has been operated. not shown).

If "NO" is determined in step S15, the computer 54 determines whether any of the content buttons 140a-140f has been operated, for example, whether a content desired for print service has been selected. When "YES" is determined in step S19, the computer 54 causes the screen display on the display 16 to transition to the previously described screen (not shown) for printing the content.

When "NO" is determined in step S19, it is determined in step S23 whether the return button 142 of the content selection screen 120 has been operated. When "NO" is determined in step S23, the processing of computer 54 returns to previous step S15.

When "YES" is determined in step S23, the computer 54 determines in step S25 whether the content selection screen 120 (FIG. 7) has transitioned from the home screen 90 according to the screen transition history data 176 (FIG. 9). .

Determining "YES" in step S27 means that the QR code button 146 on the home screen 90 has been operated, resulting in transition to the content selection screen 120, and at that stage the return button 142 has been operated. However, in this case, the computer 54 causes the transition to the content service selection screen 96 shown in FIG. 5 as described above according to the screen transition control program 164 .

When "NO" is determined in step S25, the computer 54 refers to the screen transition history data 176, and as a result of entering the service number on the service number input screen 106 shown in FIG. Determine whether the transition has occurred. When "YES" is determined in step S29, the computer 54 causes the screen to transition to the service number input screen 106 shown in FIG. 6 according to the screen transition control program 164, as described above.

When "NO" is determined in step S29, in this case, the computer 54 looks at the screen transition history data 176, and the content selection screen 120 at that time is the QR code input screen 126 of FIG. As a result, it is determined that the transition has occurred. Therefore, when "NO" is determined in step S29, the computer 54 makes a transition to the QR code input screen 126 shown in FIG.

As described above, in this embodiment, when the operation of the return button 142 is detected in step S23, as in steps S27, S31, or S33, different prev. Return to the screen (transit).

Thus, in the above-described embodiment, there are cases in which the first procedure and the second procedure are followed from the home screen 90 in FIG. 4 to the content selection screen 120 in FIG. The first procedure is a procedure from home screen 90 to content selection screen 120 via, for example, content service selection screen 96 in FIG. 5 and service number input screen 106 in FIG. 6 by operating touch panel 18 of operation unit 44 . On the other hand, the second procedure is to reach the content selection screen 120 by inputting a two-dimensional code (QR code 132 in the embodiment) from the home screen 90 using the two-dimensional code reader 20 .

The computer 54 of the control unit 40 that causes the screen display on the display 16 to transition from the home screen 90 to the content selection screen 120 in the first procedure constitutes a first transition unit. The computer 54 of the control unit 40 that causes the screen display on the display 16 to transition from the home screen 90 to the content selection screen 120 in the second procedure constitutes a second transition unit.

The computer 54 of the control unit 40 that executes the screen transition control program 164 (FIG. 9) functions as a screen transition control unit. The content selection screen 120 is transitioned to a different screen depending on whether the content selection screen 120 was transitioned by the first transition section or by the second transition section.

It should be noted that the transition control unit changes the content when the detection unit (corresponding to the computer 54 that executes step S23 in FIG. 10) detects a return operation such as the operation of the return button 142 on the content selection screen 120, for example. Screen transition from the selection screen 120 is executed.

In the above-described embodiment, when a QR code is entered on the QR code input screen 126 from the home screen 90, the content selection screen 120 is displayed. , it may be possible to directly transition to the screen next to the contents selected on the contents selection screen 120, that is, the print screen.

Also, in the embodiment, the medium for presenting the QR code is a smartphone, but a paper medium in which the QR code is printed on a newspaper or magazine, for example, may also be used.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... MFP 12... Application box 14... MFP body 16... Display 20... Two-dimensional code reader 54... Computer 59... Image forming unit 90... Home screen 96... Contents service selection screen 106... Service number input screen 120... Contents Selection screen 126 ... QR code input screen 116, 134, 142 ... Return button

Claims (6)

An image forming apparatus comprising a display, an operation unit, a two-dimensional code reader, and an image forming unit that prints out according to content data,
a first transition unit for transitioning the screen display of the display from a home screen to a content selection screen for selecting the content data according to a first procedure including operation of the operation unit;
a second transition unit for transitioning the screen display of the display from the home screen to the content selection screen according to a second procedure including a two-dimensional code reading operation with the two-dimensional code reader;
a detection unit for detecting that a return operation has been performed on the content selection screen; and in response to the detection by the detection unit, whether the content selection screen is transitioned according to the first procedure or the content is selected according to the second procedure. An image forming apparatus comprising a screen transition control unit that transitions a screen display on the display from the content selection screen to a different screen depending on whether the screen is transitioned to. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a return button provided on said content selection screen, wherein said detection unit detects that said return operation has been performed when said return button is operated. Further comprising a storage unit for storing screen transition history data indicating what kind of screen transition has occurred in the process of transitioning from the home screen to the content selection screen, wherein the screen transition control unit controls the screen transition history data based on the screen transition history data. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the content selection screen is changed to a different screen. 4. The screen transition control unit according to claim 3, wherein the screen transition control unit includes a determination unit that determines whether the content selection screen transitioned according to the first procedure or according to the second procedure based on the screen transition history data. image forming device. A screen display program executable by a computer of an image forming apparatus comprising a display, an operation unit, a two-dimensional code reader, and an image forming unit that prints according to content data,
The screen display program causes the computer to:
a first transition unit for transitioning the screen display of the display from a home screen to a content selection screen for selecting the content data according to a first procedure including operation of the operation unit;
a second transition unit for transitioning the screen display of the display from the home screen to the content selection screen according to a second procedure including a two-dimensional code reading operation with the two-dimensional code reader;
a detection unit for detecting that a return operation has been performed on the content selection screen; and in response to the detection by the detection unit, whether the content selection screen is transitioned according to the first procedure or the content is selected according to the second procedure. A screen display program that functions as a screen transition control unit that transitions the screen display of the display from the content selection screen to a different screen depending on whether the screen is transitioned to. A display, an operation unit, a two-dimensional code reader, an image forming unit that prints according to content data, and a first procedure including operation of the operation unit, selecting the content data from the home screen. The screen display of the display is changed from the home screen to the content selection screen according to a second procedure including a first transition section for transitioning to the content selection screen for the display, and a two-dimensional code reading operation by the two-dimensional code reader. A screen display method for an image forming apparatus comprising a second transition unit for transitioning and a detection unit for detecting that a return operation has been performed on the content selection screen,
In response to the detection by the detection unit, the screen display on the display is changed from the content selection screen depending on whether the content selection screen is transitioned to according to the first procedure or the content selection screen is transitioned to the content selection screen according to the second procedure. Screen display method to transition to the screen.

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