JP4787144B2 - Display control apparatus and display control system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a display control device and a display control system provided with two or more display units for displaying messages.

A printing device, a facsimile device, a scanner device, and the like have a display unit for displaying the status of each device. On the other hand, in recent years, a plurality of these devices may be connected and used as a multi-function device. For example, when a scanner device is attached to a printing apparatus and used as a single scanner apparatus with a printing function. In this case, each of the printing apparatus and the scanner apparatus has a display unit for displaying the respective apparatus states and the like. The user confirms the messages displayed on these display units, confirms the status of the printing apparatus and the scanner apparatus, and performs operations.
JP 2000-295399 A

  However, since each of the connected devices has its own display unit, the user has to check the messages on both display units, and the problem to be solved that the usability deteriorates. Was left.

A display control device in at least two or more processing function devices each having an independent processing function and having a display unit for displaying a message related to the processing function and connected to be able to communicate with each other, For each of the processing function devices, the size of the display unit of the own device and the display unit of the other device are compared, and when it is determined that the display unit of the other device is large, A transmission control unit that transmits message information indicating a message to be displayed on the own device to another device, the display control unit determines that the display unit of the own device is large, and the message to be displayed on the other device When the message information indicating the message information is received from the other device, the message indicated by the message information is displayed on the display unit.

According to the present invention, Runode more optional user a display unit for displaying each message of the own device and another device, a message to the instrumentation placed et the user is unique, both the user of the message This eliminates the need for confirmation and improves usability.

  The display control apparatus according to the present invention is configured as follows.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of the configuration of the display control apparatus according to the first embodiment.
As shown in the drawing, the display control apparatus according to the first embodiment is configured by connecting, for example, a scanner apparatus 100 and a printing apparatus 110 via a USB connection unit 135.

  The scanner device 100 includes a reading unit 101, a main control unit 102, a panel control unit 103, a display unit 104, an operation unit 105, a display selection unit 106, a display control unit 107, a message conversion unit 108, And a data communication unit 109.

  The reading unit 101 is, for example, a part that reads a document image while conveying a document set on an auto feeder. The main control unit 102 is a part that edits the image data read by the reading unit 101 and controls the entire scanner device. The panel control unit 103 is a part that controls the display unit 104, the operation unit 105, and the display selection unit 106. It is also a part that accepts the user's intention through the display unit 104, the operation unit 105, and the display selection unit 106. The display unit 104 is a part that displays the apparatus status and menu and notifies the user. The operation unit 105 is a switch for inputting an instruction from the user.

  The display selection unit 106 is a part that allows the user to select either the display unit 104 of the scanner device 100 or the display unit 116 of the printing device 110 using the operation unit 105. The display control unit 107 is a part for extracting a display message in the scanner apparatus 100 and setting the display destination. The message conversion unit 108 is a part that performs message conversion when displaying the message of the scanner device 100 on the printing device 110. The data communication unit 109 is a part that exchanges data between the scanner device 100 and the printing device 110 via the USB connection unit 135.

  The printing apparatus 110 includes a receiving unit 111, an image forming unit 112, a printing unit 113, a main control unit 114, a panel control unit 115, a display unit 116, an operation unit 117, a display selection unit 118, and a display. A control unit 119, a message conversion unit 120, and a data communication unit 121 are provided.

  The receiving unit 111 is a part that receives data from a higher-level device connected via a network or the like. Here, the receiving unit 111 is a part that receives document data transmitted from the computer 130 or the scanner device 100. The image forming unit 112 is a part that converts document data received from the host device into print data. Here, the image forming unit 112 is a part that forms print data from the document data received by the receiving unit 111. The printing unit 113 is a part that forms a toner image on a sheet according to the print data, and here is a part that prints the print data formed by the image forming unit 112.

  The main control unit 114 is a part that controls the entire printing apparatus. The panel control unit 115 is a part that controls the display unit 116, the operation unit 117, and the display selection unit 118. The display unit 116 is a part that displays a device state and a menu to notify the user. The operation unit 117 is a switch for inputting an instruction from the user. The display selection unit 118 is a part that allows the user to select either the display unit 104 of the scanner device 100 or the display unit 116 of the printing apparatus 110 using the operation unit 117. The display control unit 119 is a part for extracting the display message in the printing apparatus 110 and setting the display destination. The message conversion unit 120 is a part that performs message conversion when the message of the printing apparatus 110 is displayed on the scanner apparatus 100.

  The operation of the first embodiment will be described. An outline of the operation when the printing apparatus 110 and the scanner apparatus 100 are connected will be described with reference to FIG. 1, and then any display unit of the connected apparatus, which is a problem to be solved by the present invention, is selected. Details of the operation (here, as an example, the user selects the display unit 104 of the scanner device 100 from the operation unit 117 of the printing device 110) will be described with reference to a flowchart.

  First, an outline of the operation will be described. The printing apparatus 110 and the scanner apparatus 100 exchange data with the USB connection unit 135 via the data communication unit 121 of the printing apparatus 110 and the data communication unit 109 of the scanner apparatus 100. The document data is read by the reading unit 101 of the scanner device 100 and transmitted to the printing device 110 via the data communication unit 109. The printing apparatus 110 receives document data at the receiving unit 111 via the data communication unit 121. The document data is analyzed by the image forming unit 112, converted into print data, and printed out by the printing unit 113.

Next, an operation for selecting any one of the display units will be described.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of selecting a display unit according to the first embodiment.
As a precondition for explaining the operation, the printing apparatus 110 and the scanner apparatus 100 are physically connected through the USB connection unit 135, and the scanner apparatus 100 is turned on at the same time as the printing apparatus 110 is turned on. To do. The display unit 116 (FIG. 1) of the printing apparatus can display 16 horizontal characters × 4 vertical characters, and the display unit 104 (FIG. 1) of the scanner device can display 24 horizontal characters × 4 vertical characters. . Further, regarding the selection of the display unit, it is assumed that the display unit 104 (FIG. 1) of the scanner device 100 is selected by designating from the operation unit (operation key) 117 (FIG. 1) of the printing apparatus 110. Hereinafter, the operation for selecting the display unit will be described in the order of steps from step S101 to step S111 in conjunction with FIG.

Step S101
When the operator turns on the power of the printing apparatus 110, the power of the scanner apparatus 100 is also automatically turned on.

Step S102
An initial screen is displayed on each of the display unit 116 of the printing apparatus 110 and the display unit 104 of the scanner apparatus 100 (such as “Initializing”).

Step S103
If the connection status of the device is confirmed and there is a connection, the process proceeds to step S104, and if there is no connection, the process proceeds to step S106. (Here, since the printing apparatus 110 and the scanner apparatus 100 are connected, the process proceeds to S104.)

Step S104
A message prompting the user to select a display unit is displayed on the display units 116 and 104 of both the printing apparatus 110 and the scanner apparatus 100 by the display control units 107 and 119, respectively. Here, a display example will be described.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a display example in the printing apparatus.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a display example on the scanner device.
A display example on the display unit 116 of the printing apparatus is shown in FIG. 3, and a display example on the display unit 104 of the scanner apparatus is shown in FIG. Here, the display unit can be selected from three modes: the currently used device “Genzainouchi”, the other connected device “Tanosouchi”, and the “selection device” that does not select the display device. As shown in the figure, the meaning of display unit selection is assigned to the operation keys of each device. That is, when the ENTER key is pressed according to FIG. 3, the printing apparatus 110 is selected as the display unit, and when the ONLINE key is pressed, the scanner apparatus 100 is selected. The device user finishes selecting the display unit by pressing the instructed key. Even if the user of the apparatus does not select the display unit, the display unit selection ends when a predetermined time elapses after displaying a message for prompting display selection.

Step S105
The display control units 107 and 119 determine whether the apparatus user has made display selection or whether the time has elapsed since the display for a certain period of time, and the process proceeds to step S107. Here, if the user does not select for a fixed time, the process returns to step S104 and the process is repeated. If display selection is performed from any of the devices, it is determined that the user has selected, and the process proceeds to step S107. (Here, since the display unit of the scanner device is selected from the operation keys of the printing apparatus, the ON-LINE key of the printing apparatus 110 is pressed.)

Step S106
Set the display selection mode to “Select”.

Step S107
The display control units 107 and 119 determine the selected mode, and when the display unit 116 of the printing apparatus 110 is selected, the process proceeds to step S108. If the display unit 104 of the scanner device 100 is selected, the process proceeds to step S110. When “SELECT” is selected, the message destination is not changed, so that the messages of the printing apparatus 110 and the scanner apparatus 100 are displayed on the display units 116 and 104, respectively. Become. If the user does not select any mode in step S105 (when a certain time has elapsed without displaying the message after the message is displayed on the display unit), in this embodiment, the display of the scanner device 100 is performed. The same as when the section 104 is selected. Further, if it is determined in step S103 that there is no connection device, the display unit selection unnecessary mode is set in step S106, and the process proceeds to step S107. Thereafter, it is determined that the above-described display unit selection is unnecessary. The same operation as that performed in this case is performed (here, since the display unit 104 of the scanner device 100 is selected, the process proceeds to step S110).

Step S108
The display control unit 107 cuts off the current of the display unit 104.

Step S109
The display control unit 107 sets the display message destination of the scanner device 100 in the data communication unit 109. As a result, the display unit 116 of the printing apparatus 110 displays a necessary message of the normal printing apparatus as usual. When a message from the scanner apparatus 100 is generated, the scanner apparatus 100 sends a message through the data communication units 109 and 121. Can be transmitted to the printing apparatus 110, and a message is displayed on the display unit 116 of the printing apparatus.

Step S110
The display control unit 119 cuts off the current of the display unit 116.

Step S111
The display control unit 119 sets the display message destination of the printing apparatus 110 in the data communication unit 121. As a result, the display unit 104 of the scanner device 100 displays a necessary message of the normal scanner device as usual, and when a message from the printing device 110 is generated, the printing device 110 scans the message through the data communication unit 121. Since it can be transmitted to the apparatus 100, a message is displayed on the display unit 104 of the scanner apparatus 100.

Next, message data conversion processing required in the above flow will be described.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a message data conversion processing procedure.
As a premise of the operation description, a case will be described in which a message indicating that there is no paper is displayed on the printing apparatus 110, assuming that there is no paper. Hereinafter, the operations of the message conversion units 108 and 120 will be described in the order of steps from step S201 to step S207 with reference to FIG.

Step S201
The main control unit 114 recognizes out of paper by a sensor in the paper storage location of the printing apparatus 110.

Step S202
The display control unit 119 selects and generates a message corresponding to the out of paper, for example, “Yoshiga Arimasen”.

Step S203
The message conversion unit 120 converts a message into a corresponding code using a conversion table for a printing apparatus that is held in advance. Here, an example of the conversion table will be described.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a conversion table for a printing apparatus.
As shown in the figure, a code corresponding to the display message is set. Here, since the display message is “Yoshiga Arimasen”, it is converted to the code “0x100”.

Step S204
The converted code is sent to the scanner device 100 via the data communication unit 121.

Step S205
The data communication unit 109 receives the converted code.

Step S206
The message conversion unit 108 converts a code input using a conversion table for the scanner device similar to that shown in FIG. Here, an example of the conversion table will be described.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a conversion table for the scanner device.
Similar to FIG. 6, a code corresponding to the display message is set. Here, since the input code is “0x100”, it is converted to the display message “Yoshiga Arimasen”.

Step S207
The message conversion unit 108 sends the message to the display control unit 107 (S507), and the panel control unit 103 causes the display unit 104 to display the message, and the flow ends.

In this embodiment, each of the scanner device 100 and the printing device 110 has a conversion table for converting a message, and the message conversion unit is arranged in each device together with the table. However, the message tables are combined into one. Accordingly, it is possible to arrange one message conversion unit and either a printing apparatus or a scanner apparatus.
FIG. 8 is a conversion table shared by the printing apparatus and the scanner apparatus.
As shown in the figure, a message for displaying 16 characters or less (for a printing apparatus) and a message for displaying 24 characters or less (for a scanner apparatus) are shown.

  In addition, since “Yoshiga Arimasen” is an error display that accompanies the stoppage of the apparatus, there is no problem even if the message normally displayed by the scanner device is deleted and “Yoshiga Arimasen” is displayed. On the other hand, in the case of a warning such as “toner end”, it is possible that an unexpected problem may occur if only the “toner end” display is performed after deleting the normally displayed message. And a warning such as “toner end” may be displayed alternately.

  Also, if a message is no longer displayed on the display unit of the printer device as a result of the above operation, it may be misunderstood as a failure. Therefore, a message such as “refer to the scanner display unit” is displayed at predetermined intervals. May be. In addition, when the switch or cover of the printer device is opened, it may be displayed on the display unit of the printer device. Further, although not provided in the present embodiment, a message having the same contents may be displayed on both display units instead of only one message display unit. In addition, information of the printer / scanner may be displayed on the selected display unit, and the display unit not selected may be displayed as usual. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the case where two devices, ie, the printing device and the scanner device are connected, is taken as an example, but the same applies when there are three or more device connections (which constitute a display control system). The options for selecting the display unit may be set according to the device connectable state.

  As described above, according to the display control apparatus of the present embodiment, even if each connected apparatus has a display unit that displays a message, the message is displayed on either one and the other is not displayed. Therefore, the message from the device to the user is unique, and the user does not need to check both messages, and the usability is improved.

FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of the configuration of the display control apparatus according to the second embodiment.
As shown in the figure, the display control apparatus according to the second embodiment is configured such that a scanner apparatus 200 and a printing apparatus 210 are connected by a USB connection unit 135 as an example. Only differences from the first embodiment will be described below. Portions similar to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and description thereof is omitted.

  The scanner device 200 includes a reading unit 101, a main control unit 102, a display unit 104, an operation unit 105, a message conversion unit 108, a data communication unit 109, a panel control unit 201, a display control unit 202, A display information storage unit 203 and a display selection unit 204 are provided.

The panel control unit 201 is a part that controls the display unit 104 and the operation unit 105. It is also a part that accepts the user's intention through the display unit 104 and the operation unit 105. The display control unit 202 is a part that controls extraction of a display message (not shown) and a display destination in the display selection unit 106, the display information storage unit 203, and the scanner device 200. The display information storage unit 203 is a part that stores specification information related to the display unit 104 of the scanner device 200.
The display selection unit 204 is a part that selects the display of the display unit 104 that displays the messages of the scanner device 200 and the printing device 210 based on the specification information stored in the display information storage unit 203.

  The printing apparatus 210 includes a receiving unit 111, an image forming unit 112, a printing unit 113, a main control unit 114, a display unit 116, an operation unit 117, a message conversion unit 120, a data communication unit 121, a display A control unit 211, a display selection unit 212, a display information storage unit 213, and a panel control unit 214 are provided.

  The display control unit 211 controls the display selection unit 212 and the display information storage unit 213, and controls the extraction of display messages (not shown) and the display destination in the printing apparatus 210. The display information storage unit 213 is a part in which specification information regarding the display unit 116 of the printing apparatus 210 is stored. The display selection unit 212 is a part that selects display of a display unit that displays messages of the scanner device 200 and the printing device 210 based on specification information stored in the display information storage unit 213. The panel control unit 214 is a part that controls the display unit 116 and the operation unit 117.

The operation of the second embodiment will be described.
Since the outline of the operation when the printing apparatus 210 and the scanner apparatus 200 are connected is the same as that in the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted, and the selection of the display unit in the display control apparatus of the present embodiment will be described using a flowchart. To do.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of selecting a display unit according to the second embodiment.
As a precondition for explaining the operation, the printing apparatus 210 and the scanner apparatus 200 are physically connected through the USB connection unit 135, and the scanner apparatus 200 is turned on at the same time as the printing apparatus 210 is turned on. To do. Further, the display unit 116 (FIG. 9) of the printing apparatus can display 16 horizontal characters × 4 vertical characters, and the display unit 104 (FIG. 9) of the scanner device can display 24 horizontal characters × 4 vertical characters. . Further, regarding the selection of the display unit, it is assumed that the display unit 104 (FIG. 9) of the scanner device 200 is selected by designating from the operation unit (operation key) 117 (FIG. 9) of the printing apparatus 210.

Furthermore, it is assumed that display information is stored as follows in the display information storage units 203 and 213 that store the specification information of the display units 104 and 116 of each device.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the display information storage unit 203.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of the display information storage unit 213.
Hereinafter, the operation of selecting the display unit will be described in the order of steps from step S301 to step S313 in conjunction with FIG.

Step S301
When the operator turns on the power of the printing apparatus 210, the power of the scanner apparatus 200 is also automatically turned on.

Step S302
An initial screen is displayed on each of the display unit 116 of the printing apparatus 210 and the display unit 104 of the scanner apparatus 200.

Step S303
If the connection status of the apparatus is confirmed and there is a connection, the process proceeds to step S304. If there is no connection, the message sending destination is not changed as described above, so that the printing apparatus 210 and the scanner apparatus 200 have their respective messages. Are displayed on the respective display units 116 and 104. (Here, since the printing apparatus 210 and the scanner apparatus 200 are in a connected state, the process proceeds to S304.)

Step S304
There are display information storage units 203 and 213 for storing the specification information of the display units 104 and 116 of each device. For example, the display information of the scanner device is as shown in FIG. 11 and the display information of the printing device is as shown in FIG. It is assumed that it is stored in the device. In this step, first, the display control units 202 and 211 compare the number of horizontal characters on the display unit 104 of the scanner device 200 with the number of horizontal characters on the display unit 116 of the printing device 210, and the number of horizontal characters on the display unit 116 of the printing device 210 is large. In this case, the process proceeds to step S305. If the number of horizontal characters on the display unit 104 of the scanner device 200 is large, the process proceeds to step S307, and if both are the same, the process proceeds to step S309. (Here, since the number of horizontal characters on the display unit 104 of the scanner device 200 is larger, the process proceeds to S307.)

Step S305
The display control unit 202 cuts off the current of the display unit 104.

Step S306
The display control unit 202 sets the destination of the display message of the scanner device 200 in the data communication unit 109. As a result, the display unit 116 of the printing apparatus 210 displays necessary messages of the normal printing apparatus as usual. When a message from the scanner apparatus 200 is generated, the scanner apparatus 200 sends a message through the data communication units 109 and 121. Since the message can be transmitted to the printing apparatus 210, a message is displayed on the display unit 116 of the printing apparatus 210.

Step S307
The display control unit 211 cuts off the current of the display unit 116.

Step S308
The display control unit 211 sets the destination of the display message of the printing apparatus 210 in the data communication unit 121. As a result, the display unit 104 of the scanner device 200 displays a necessary message of the normal scanner device as usual, and when a message from the printing device 210 is generated, the printing device 210 scans the message through the data communication unit 121. Since it can be transmitted to the apparatus 200, a message is displayed on the display unit 104 of the scanner apparatus 200.

Step S309
The positional relationship when both devices are connected is determined. When another device is connected to a device, the connection method is uniquely determined by the physical structure of the device, so the relationship between the connection position of a device and another device is unique for each device. Determined (device specification information in FIGS. 11 and 12). In this embodiment, depending on the positional relationship of each connected device, the device in the upper part or the front part is often easier to see the display part, so the display part of the device in which the display part is located in the upper part or the front part. If the printing apparatus 210 is connected to the upper part or the front part, the process proceeds to step S310. If the scanner apparatus 200 is connected to the upper part or the front part, the process proceeds to step S312. .

Step S310
The display control unit 202 cuts off the current of the display unit 104.

Step S311
The display control unit 202 sets the destination of the display message of the scanner device 200 in the data communication unit 109. As a result, the display unit 116 of the printing apparatus 210 displays necessary messages of the normal printing apparatus as usual. When a message from the scanner apparatus 200 is generated, the scanner apparatus 200 sends a message through the data communication units 109 and 121. Since the message can be transmitted to the printing apparatus 210, a message is displayed on the display unit 116 of the printing apparatus 210.

Step S312
The display control unit 211 cuts off the current of the display unit 116.

Step S313
The display control unit 211 sets the destination of the display message of the printing apparatus 210 in the data communication unit 121. As a result, the display unit 104 of the scanner device 200 displays a necessary message of the normal scanner device as usual, and when a message from the printing device 210 is generated, the printing device 210 scans the message through the data communication unit 121. Since it can be transmitted to the apparatus 200, a message is displayed on the display unit 104 of the scanner apparatus 200.

  In the present embodiment, a table for converting a message is provided in each of the scanner device and the printing device, and a message conversion unit is also provided in each device together with the table. By combining them into one, the number of message conversion units can be reduced to one, and the same effect can be obtained by arranging them in either a printing apparatus or a scanner apparatus. Also, in this embodiment, one of the two devices is selected as the display unit for displaying the message, and only the selected one is displayed and the other is not displayed. The display unit may display a message of a normal device. Further, in this embodiment, the case where two apparatuses, ie, a printing apparatus and a scanner apparatus are connected is described as an example. However, when there are three or more apparatuses connected (a display control system is configured), the display unit The selection options may be set according to the device connectable state.

  As described above, according to the display control apparatus according to the present embodiment, a message is displayed on the display section of each connected apparatus in a way that is easy to see. In addition, there is an effect that the usability is further improved.

FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram of the configuration of the display control apparatus according to the third embodiment.
As shown in the figure, the display control apparatus according to the third embodiment has a system configuration in which a scanner apparatus 300 and a printing apparatus 310 are connected via a USB connection unit 135 as an example. Only differences from the first embodiment will be described below. Portions similar to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and description thereof is omitted.

  The scanner device 300 includes a reading unit 101, a main control unit 102, a display unit 104, an operation unit 105, a display selection unit 106, a display control unit 107, a message conversion unit 108, a data communication unit 109, A panel control unit 301 and an inputable information storage unit 302 are provided.

  The panel control unit 301 is a part that controls the display unit 104, the operation unit 105, the display selection unit 106, and the inputable information storage unit 302. It is also a part that accepts the user's intention through the display unit 104, the operation unit 105, the display selection unit 106, and the inputable information storage unit 302. The inputable information storage unit 302 is a part that stores a group of information that can be input from the operation unit 105.

  The printing apparatus 310 includes a receiving unit 111, an image forming unit 112, a printing unit 113, a main control unit 114, a display unit 116, an operation unit 117, a display selection unit 118, a display control unit 119, and a message. A conversion unit 120, a data communication unit 121, a panel control unit 311, and an input enabled information storage unit 312 are provided.

  The panel control unit 311 controls the display unit 116, the operation unit 117, the display selection unit 118, and the inputable information storage unit 312. Further, it is also a part that accepts the user's intention through the display unit 116, the operation unit 117, the display selection unit 118, and the inputable information storage unit 312. The inputable information storage unit 312 is a part that stores a group of information that can be input from the operation unit 117.

The operation of the third embodiment will be described.
Since the outline of the operation when the printing apparatus 310 and the scanner apparatus 300 are connected is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted, and the selection of the display unit in the display control apparatus of the present embodiment will be described using a flowchart. explain.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of selecting a display unit according to the third embodiment.
As a precondition for explaining the operation, the printing apparatus 310 and the scanner apparatus 300 are physically connected through the USB connection unit 135, and the scanner apparatus 300 is turned on at the same time as the printing apparatus 310 is turned on. To do. The display unit 116 (FIG. 13) of the printing apparatus can display 16 horizontal characters × 4 vertical characters, and the display unit 104 (FIG. 13) of the scanner device can display 24 horizontal characters × 4 vertical characters. . Further, regarding the selection of the display unit, it is assumed that the display unit 104 (FIG. 13) of the scanner device 300 is selected by designating from the operation unit (operation key) 117 (FIG. 13) of the printing apparatus 210. Hereinafter, the operation of selecting the display unit will be described in the order of steps from step S401 to step S413 in conjunction with FIG.

Step S401
When the operator turns on the power of the printing apparatus 310, the power of the scanner apparatus 300 is also automatically turned on.

Step S402
An initial screen is displayed on each of the display unit 116 of the printing apparatus 310 and the display unit 104 of the scanner apparatus 300.

Step S403
If the connection status of the apparatus is confirmed and there is a connection, the process proceeds to step S404. If there is no connection, the process proceeds to step S406 (here, since the printing apparatus 310 and the scanner apparatus 300 are in a connected state, the process proceeds to S404). become.).

Step S404
A message prompting the user to select a display unit is displayed on the display units 116 and 104 of both the printing apparatus 310 and the scanner apparatus 300 by the display control units 107 and 119, respectively. The display example is the same as that described in the first embodiment with reference to FIGS. Here, the display unit can be selected from three modes: the currently used device “Genzainouchi”, the other connected device “Tanosouchi”, and the “selection device” that does not select the display device. As shown in the figure, the meaning of display unit selection is assigned to the operation keys of each device. The device user finishes selecting the display unit by pressing the instructed key. Even if the user of the apparatus does not select the display unit, the display unit selection ends when a predetermined time elapses after displaying a message for prompting display selection.

Step S405
The display control units 107 and 119 determine whether the apparatus user has made display selection or whether time has elapsed since the display for a certain period of time, and the process proceeds to step S407. Here, if the user has not been selected for a certain period of time, the process returns to step S404 and the process is repeated. If display selection is performed from any of the devices, it is determined that the user has selected, and the process proceeds to step S407. (Here, since the display unit of the scanner device is selected from the operation key of the printing device, the ON-LINE key of the printing device 310 is pressed.)

Step S406
Since there is no device connection, the display control units 107 and 119 set “SELECT”, and the process proceeds to step S407.

Step S407
The display control units 107 and 119 determine the selected mode, and when the display unit 116 of the printing apparatus 310 is selected, the process proceeds to step S408. If the display unit 104 of the scanner device 300 is selected, the process proceeds to step S411. When “SELECT” is selected, the message destination is not changed, so that the messages of the printing apparatus 310 and the scanner apparatus 300 are displayed on the display units 116 and 104, respectively. Become. If the user does not select any mode in step S405 (when a certain time has passed without displaying the message after the message is displayed on the display unit), in this embodiment, the display of the scanner device 300 is performed. The same as when the section 104 is selected. Further, if it is determined in step S403 that there is no connected device, the display unit selection unnecessary mode is set in step S406, and the process proceeds to step S407. Thereafter, it is determined that the above-described display unit selection is unnecessary. The same operation as that performed in this case is performed (here, since the display unit 104 of the scanner device 300 is selected, the process proceeds to step S411).

Step S408
The display control unit 107 sets a display message destination of the scanner device 300 in the data communication unit 109. As a result, the display unit 116 of the printing apparatus 310 displays necessary messages of the normal printing apparatus 310 as usual, and when a message from the scanner apparatus 300 is generated, the scanner apparatus 300 sends a message through the data communication units 109 and 121. Can be transmitted to the printing apparatus 310, a message is displayed on the display unit 116 of the printing apparatus.

Step S409
The printing apparatus 310 acquires the inputable information storage unit 302 of the scanner apparatus 300 via the data communication units 121 and 109.

Step S410
The display control unit 107 cuts off the current of the display unit 104 of the scanner device 300 so that useless power is not consumed.

Step S411
The display control unit 119 sets the display message destination of the printing apparatus 310 in the data communication unit 121. As a result, the display unit 104 of the scanner device 300 displays necessary messages of the normal scanner device 300 as usual. When a message from the printing device 310 is generated, the printing device 310 sends a message through the data communication units 121 and 109. Can be transmitted to the scanner device 300, a message is displayed on the display unit 104 of the scanner device 300.

Step S412
The scanner device 300 acquires the inputable information storage unit 312 of the printing device 310 via the data communication units 121 and 109.

Step S413
The display control unit 119 cuts off the current of the display unit 116 of the printing apparatus 310 so that useless power is not consumed.

  If it is determined in step S407 that it is not necessary to select a display unit, the message destination is not changed as described above, so that the printing device 310 and the scanner device 300 display their respective messages. Displayed in the sections 116 and 104. If the user does not select any mode in step S407 (when a certain time has passed without displaying the message after the message is displayed on the display unit), in this embodiment, the scanner device 300 is used. This is the same as when the display unit 104 is selected.

  If it is determined in step S403 that there is no connection device, the display unit selection unnecessary mode is set in step S406, and the process proceeds to step S407. Thereafter, it is determined that the above-described display unit selection is unnecessary. The same operation as that performed is performed.

Here, the contents of the inputable information storage unit will be described.
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of the contents of the inputable information storage unit.
The figure shows the contents of the inputable information storage unit 312 of the printing apparatus 310. The information stored in the inputable information storage unit 312 is configured in a format such as a table shown in the figure, for example. First, the storage location of the entire inputable information group of the printing apparatus is physically managed, and the beginning of the storage location indicates, for example, a location of 0xAAAA0000.

  The place where the inputable information of the printing apparatus 310 is classified according to the contents, and the classification name, for example, “paper menu” and the content group, for example, “paper size 1”, “paper type 1”, etc. are stored. The relative position “0x200” from the head 0xAAAAA0000 is associated and managed. At the position of relative position “0x200”, the content name and the position of the option group are also indicated by the relative position from the head 0xAAAA0000. For example, a paper size option group, for example, “A3,“ B4 ”,..., Is indicated at the relative position“ 0x210 ”.

  Here, the location of the input device information storage unit of the connection device is prepared at the end of the classification name of the input device information (1701 in the figure), and the input device information of the scanner device 300 as in step S409 described above. When the location of the storage unit 302 is acquired, the head location of the input possible information of the scanner device is stored in the reference destination area (1702 in the figure) regarding this area. As a result, the input enable information of the scanner apparatus 300 following the input enable information of the printing apparatus 310 can be confirmed and selected through the display unit 116 and the operation unit 117 of the printing apparatus 310.

  If it is determined in step S407 that the selection of the display unit is unnecessary, the beginning of the input-capable information of the connection device is not stored, so that the display unit and the operation unit do not confirm / select.

Next, an operation related to actual input information will be described by taking as an example the input of information that can be input to the scanner apparatus 300 by the printing apparatus 310.
FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of a display unit and an operation unit of the printing apparatus.
In the figure, reference numerals 1801 to 1805 denote operation keys, and 1806 denotes a display unit.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the operation of determining the specifications of other devices.

Step S501
First, the user operates the key of 1802 or 1803 from the operation unit 117 of the printing apparatus 310 to display “scanner menu” on the display unit 116. At this time, by operating the 1804 key, information that can be input to the scanner apparatus 300 is displayed. Enter the setting mode.

Step S502
As a result, the subsequent inputtable information refers to the inputtable information storage unit 302 of the scanner device 300. Subsequently, when the key of 1802 or 1803 is operated and the corresponding setting item is displayed, the operation of 1804 Key is repeated until the setting value display of the corresponding item, and when the option to be set is displayed, the 1804 key is operated.

Step S503
The printing apparatus 310 encodes the set value at this time by the main control unit 114 and transmits it to the main control unit 102 of the scanner apparatus 300 via the data communication units 121 and 109.

Step S504
The main control unit 102 of the scanner device 300 sets a setting code according to the code and ends the flow.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the inputable information storage units 302 and 312 are provided, so that in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the characteristic specifications of one device can be determined from one device (for example, the scanner device 300). From this, it is possible to determine the paper size of the printing apparatus 310 from the above.

  Also, in this embodiment, one of the two devices is selected as the display unit for displaying the message, and only the selected one is displayed and the other is not displayed. The display unit may display a message of a normal device, and the information input unit may enable information input of the normal device.

  Further, although not provided in the present embodiment, a message having the same contents may be displayed on both display units instead of only one message display unit. At the same time, in order for both information input units to be able to input each other's inputable information, the head of each other's inputable information storage unit is used in the place for the connecting device of each inputable information storage unit. May be.

  In this embodiment, the case where two devices, ie, the printing device and the scanner device are connected, is taken as an example, but the same applies when there are three or more devices connected (a display control system is configured). The options for selecting the display unit may be set according to the device connectable state. By preparing not only one area for connecting devices in the inputable information storage unit but the number of devices that can be connected at the same time, the information input unit of one device can connect three or more devices. It can be operated.

FIG. 18 is a functional block diagram of the configuration of the display control apparatus according to the fourth embodiment.
This embodiment is substantially the same as the display control apparatus of the first embodiment, and corresponds to a case where a plurality of printing apparatuses are connected to the network 140 including the printer server 150 as shown in the figure. In the following description, the number of printing apparatuses is limited to two, and the printing apparatuses are A and B, respectively. The components inside these printing apparatuses are the same as those of the printing apparatus 110 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, it is assumed that “A” is added to the reference numerals of the components of the printing apparatus A and “B” is added to the reference numerals of the components of the printing apparatus B, and the functions thereof are the same as those of the printing apparatus 110 of the first embodiment.

  In the figure, a printer server 150 is a server that allocates document data generated by a device (not shown) in the network to an appropriate printing device, for example, the printing device A and transmits the document data. In the printing apparatus A, the receiving unit 111A receives the document data from the printer server 150 via the data communication unit 121A, analyzes the data in the image forming unit 112A, converts the data into print data, and prints in the printing unit 113A. Do. The operation will be described in detail below.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of selecting a display unit according to the fourth embodiment.
As a precondition for explaining the operation, the printing apparatus A and the printing apparatus B are connected to the printer server 150 via the network 140. Further, the display unit 116A (FIG. 18) of the printing apparatus A can display 16 horizontal characters × 4 vertical characters, and the display unit 116B (FIG. 18) of the printing device B can display 24 horizontal characters × 4 vertical characters. And Further, it is assumed that the printing apparatus 110 (FIG. 18) is already turned on. Regarding selection of the display unit, it is assumed that the display unit 116A (FIG. 18) of the printing apparatus A (FIG. 18) is selected by designating from the operation unit (operation key) 117B (FIG. 18) of the printing apparatus B. It is assumed that the printing apparatus B is already turned on. Hereinafter, the operation of selecting the display unit will be described in the order of steps from step S601 to step S611 while also using FIG.

Step S601
Since the printing apparatus B is already turned on, the printing apparatus A is turned on by the user.

Step S602
An initial screen is displayed on the display unit 116A of the printing apparatus A. At this time, the initial screen display has already been executed on the display unit 116B of the printing apparatus B.

Step S603
If the connection status of the apparatus is confirmed and there is a connection, the process proceeds to step S604, and if there is no connection, the process proceeds to step S606 (here, since the printing apparatus A and the printing apparatus B are in a connected state, the process proceeds to S604). become.).

Step S604
A message prompting selection of the display unit is displayed by the display control units 119A and 119B on the display units 116A and 116B of both the printing apparatus A and the printing apparatus B, respectively. Here, a display example will be described.
FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of a display example on the printing apparatus B.
A display example on the display unit 116A of the printing apparatus A is shown in FIG. 3 which has already been described, and a display example on the display unit 116B of the printing apparatus B is shown in FIG. Here, the display unit can be selected from three modes: the currently used device “Genzainouchi”, the other connected device “Tanosouchi”, and the “selection device” that does not select the display device. As shown in the figure, the meaning of display unit selection is assigned to the operation keys of each device. The device user finishes selecting the display unit by pressing the instructed key. Even if the user of the apparatus does not select the display unit, the display unit selection ends when a predetermined time elapses after displaying a message for prompting display selection.

Step S605
The display control units 119A and 119B determine whether the apparatus user has made display selection or whether the time has elapsed since the display for a certain period of time, and the process proceeds to step S607. Here, if the user has not been selected for a predetermined time, the process returns to step S604 and the process is repeated. If display selection is performed from any of the devices, it is determined that the user has selected, and the process proceeds to step S607. (Here, since the display unit of the printing apparatus A is selected from the operation keys of the printing apparatus B, the ON-LINE key of the printing apparatus B is pressed.)

Step S606
Since the display control units 119A and 119B are not connected to the apparatus, “selection” is set, and the process proceeds to step S607.

Step S607
The display control units 119A and 119B determine the selected mode, and if the display unit 116B of the printing apparatus B is selected, the process proceeds to step S608. If the display unit 116A of the printing apparatus A is selected, the process proceeds to step S610. When “SELECT” is selected, the message destination is not changed, so that the messages of the printing apparatuses A and B are displayed on the respective display units 116A and 116B. Become. If the user does not select any mode in step S605 (when a certain time has passed without displaying the message after the message is displayed on the display unit), in this embodiment, the display of the printing apparatus A is displayed. It is the same as when the part 116A is selected. Furthermore, if it is determined in step S603 that there is no connection device, in step S606, the display unit selection unnecessary mode is set, and the process proceeds to step S607. Thereafter, it is determined that the above-described display unit selection is unnecessary. In this case, the display unit 116A of the printing apparatus A is selected, and the process advances to step S610.

Step S608
The display control unit 119A cuts off the current of the display unit 116A.

Step S609
The display control unit 119A sets the display message destination of the printing apparatus A in the data communication unit 121A. As a result, the display unit 116B of the printing apparatus B displays a message necessary for the normal printing apparatus as usual. When a message from the printing apparatus A is generated, the printing apparatus A sends a message through the data communication units 121A and 121B. Can be transmitted to the printing apparatus B, the message is displayed on the display unit 116B of the printing apparatus B.

Step S610
The display control unit 119B cuts off the current of the display unit 116B.

Step S611
The display control unit 119B sets the display message destination of the printing apparatus B in the data communication unit 121B. As a result, the display unit 116A of the printing apparatus A displays a necessary message of the normal printing apparatus A as usual. When a message from the printing apparatus B is generated, the printing apparatus B sends a message through the data communication unit 121B. Since it can be transmitted to the printing apparatus A, a message is displayed on the display unit 116A of the printing apparatus A.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in a system in which a plurality of devices having the same function are connected, the display unit can be set even between devices having the same function. Further, according to the present embodiment, a table for converting a message is provided in each of the printing apparatus A and the printing apparatus B, and a message conversion unit is arranged in each apparatus together with the table. As described above, the number of message converters can be reduced to one, and the same effect can be obtained by arranging the message conversion unit on any one of the printing apparatus A, the printing apparatus B, and the printer server.

  Also, in this embodiment, one of the two devices is selected as the display unit for displaying the message, and only the selected one is displayed and the other is not displayed. The display unit may display a message of a normal device. Further, although not provided in the present embodiment, a message having the same contents may be displayed on both display units instead of only one message display unit. Further, in this embodiment, the case where two apparatuses of the printing apparatus A and the printing apparatus B are connected has been described as an example, but the same applies to the case where there are three or more apparatuses connected, and options for selecting the display unit May be set according to the device connectable state.

  In the embodiments of the present invention, description has been made using a printing apparatus and a scanner apparatus. However, the present invention can also be applied to an MFP, a facsimile, a copying apparatus, and other connectable apparatuses having a display unit. .

3 is a functional block diagram of a configuration of a display control apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of selecting a display unit according to the first exemplary embodiment. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display example in the printing apparatus. It is an explanatory diagram of a display example in the scanner device. It is a flowchart which shows the conversion processing procedure of message data. It is explanatory drawing of the conversion table for printing apparatuses. It is conversion table explanatory drawing for scanner apparatuses. 6 is a conversion table shared by a printing apparatus and a scanner apparatus. 6 is a functional block diagram of a configuration of a display control apparatus according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of selecting a display unit according to the second embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the display information storage part 203. FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the display information storage part 213. FIG. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of a configuration of a display control apparatus according to a third embodiment. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of selecting a display unit according to the third embodiment. It is a content explanatory view of an input possible information storage part. It is explanatory drawing of the display part and operation part of a printing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the specification determination of another apparatus. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of a configuration of a display control device according to a fourth embodiment. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of selecting a display unit according to the fourth embodiment. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a display example on the printing apparatus B. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Scanner apparatus 101 Reading part 102 Main control part 103 Panel control part 104 Display part 105 Operation part 106 Display selection part 107 Display control part 108 Message conversion part 109 Data communication part 110 Printing apparatus 111 Reception part 112 Image formation part 113 Printing part 114 Main control unit 115 Panel control unit 116 Display unit 117 Operation unit 118 Display selection unit 119 Display control unit 120 Message conversion unit 121 Data communication unit 130 Computer 135 USB connection unit

Claims (3)

A display control device in at least two or more processing function devices each having an independent processing function and having a display unit for displaying a message related to the processing function and connected to be able to communicate with each other,
For each processing function device,
A display control unit that compares the size of the display unit of its own device and the display unit of another device and determines a large display unit;
A transmission control unit that transmits message information indicating a message to be displayed on the own device to the other device when it is determined that the display unit of the other device is large,
The display control unit determines that the display unit of its own device is large, and when the message information indicating the message to be displayed on the other device is received from the other device, causes the display unit to display the message indicated by the message information.
A display control device characterized by that. When the display control unit determines that the display units of the own device and the other device have the same size, the display control unit determines whether or not the display unit is set at a good visual recognition position, and the display unit of the own device When it is set at a good viewing position, when message information indicating a message to be displayed on the other device is received from the other device, the message indicated by the message information is displayed on the display unit,
The transmission control unit, when it is determined that the display unit of the other device is installed at the good viewing position, transmits message information indicating a message to be displayed on the own device to the other device.
The display control apparatus according to claim 1. The display control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the size of the display unit is determined by the number of characters that can be displayed.

Images