JP4850534B2 - Information processing apparatus, control method therefor, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program.

  In recent years, there are multifunction printers (hereinafter referred to as MFPs) that provide users with printer functions, FAX transmission / reception functions, and the like in addition to copy functions provided in copiers. The MFP further temporarily stores the image read by the scanner provided in its own machine, the received data received by FAX, and the received data received via the network inside the copier, and reads them out for printing or e-mail. It may be equipped with a function to attach to and transmit. By using the MFP, the user can improve the work efficiency of office work than before.

  In addition, MFP developers have made multifunctional MFPs in order to further improve user work efficiency.

  However, the multifunctionalization of the MFP increases the operations required by the user, and as a result, it becomes difficult for the user to fully understand and use many useful functions provided by the MFP. It is coming.

  Therefore, in order to improve the operability for the user's MFP, the MFP developer has a function that allows the user to freely change the operation key layout and operation key function of the user interface.

  For example, the operation key layout read from the platen is analyzed, the analyzed operation keys are displayed on the user interface, and the function selected from the function list can be assigned to each operation key. An apparatus is known (see Patent Document 1).

In order to improve the operability for the user's MFP, it is also considered that the MFP is provided with a macro function for collecting and registering a plurality of operations into one operation button. For example, a macro registration function that registers the type and order of a plurality of pressed operation keys using a key code generated when the operation key is pressed, and executes a series of operations registered by the call key There is known an image forming apparatus provided with (see Patent Document 2).
JP 2004-7579 A JP-A-5-246111

  However, as described above, this is a case where the MFP has a function for freely changing the arrangement and function of operation keys of the user interface and a function for registering a complicated series of operations as a macro. However, there are the following problems. That is, if the user does not know the fact that these functions are provided in the MFP, the functions are not used.

  In addition, a function that simplifies the operation by registering the complicated operation as described above as a macro in the MFP is provided, and even if the user knows the existence of the function, the user can easily perform the operation. To learn how to use new features. That is, even if the MFP implements key assignment or macro function for the above-described functions, if the user does not manually assign keys or register macros, those functions should be used. I can't.

  Therefore, if the user thinks that learning new functions is a complicated task, the above-described functions of the MFP cannot be used, and as a result, the user's own work efficiency can be improved. I can't.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program for solving the above-described problems.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is an information processing apparatus that performs processing based on an operation instruction by a user,
Accepting means for accepting an operation instruction by a user;
Determination means for determining whether or not the operation instruction received by the reception means is a periodic operation instruction ;
Registration means for registering a key for executing a process corresponding to the received operation instruction when the determination means determines that the operation instruction received by the reception means is a periodic operation instruction ;
Display means for displaying the key registered by the registration means;
When the key is registered by the registration means, the key is displayed in a time zone determined based on the date and time when the accepting means accepts an operation instruction corresponding to the key, and other than the determined time zone Control means for controlling the display means so as not to display the key during the time period ,
It is characterized by providing.

  According to the present invention, it is easy to assign keys and register macros for various functions of the information processing apparatus or the image forming apparatus, and to display an index such as a shortcut key corresponding to the registered functions at a desired timing. Can be displayed.

  Hereinafter, a configuration and operation of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, a multifunction printer (MFP) that provides the user with the following functions will be described as an example of an image forming apparatus. That is, the MFP temporarily stores the copy function, the printer function, the FAX transmission / reception function, the scanned image, the FAX reception data, and the reception data via the network inside the copier, and prints or attaches them to an e-mail. Provide users with the ability to

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a configuration of MFP 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. An operator's instruction to the MFP 100 is performed from an input device 113 such as a key provided in the MFP 100 or a PC (not shown) connected to a network such as a LAN. These series of operations are performed by the data processing device 115. It is controlled by the internal control unit.

  In FIG. 14, reference numeral 118 denotes an authentication device, which requests the user to input authentication information (for example, personal ID, password, etc.). Then, the authentication device 118 determines permission / non-permission of access to the MFP 100 of the user based on the authentication information such as the user's personal ID and password input from the input device 113 or the like. When it is determined that the user is an authorized user as a result of authentication by the authentication device 118, the image reading unit 110 including an auto document feeder (hereinafter abbreviated as “ADF”) reads a document. To start. Specifically, a plurality of or one document image is irradiated by a light source provided in the MFP 100, a document reflection image is formed on a solid-state image sensor by a lens, and a raster-like image reading signal is output from the solid-state image sensor, for example. Obtained as image information having a density of 600 dpi. When the normal copying function is used, the image signal is processed into a recording signal by the data processing unit 115. In the case of copying every plural number, the recording data for one page is once held in the storage device 111, and then the printing device. The images are sequentially output to 112 to form an image on paper.

  On the other hand, print data input to the MFP 100 via a network or the like is converted into raster data that can be recorded by the data processing device 115 via the network I / F 114, and then output to the printing device 112 as a recorded image on paper. It is formed.

  On the other hand, the operation input status display and the image data being processed are displayed on the display device 116 of the MFP 100 or a PC monitor (not shown) connected via a network. The storage device 111 stores image data read by the image reading unit 110 and subjected to data processing by the data processing device 115. The storage device 111 can also be controlled from a PC connected via the network, and data transmission / reception and control between the MFP 100 and the PC are performed using a network I / F 114.

  Similarly, the scan data is transmitted to a destination set by using a facsimile (FAX) I / F 117. Also, data received via the FAX I / F 117 is printed using the printing device 112. Furthermore, the received data received by FAX can be transferred to a destination set via the network I / F 114. Also, data received via the network I / F 114 can be transferred using the FAX I / F 117.

  FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the data processing apparatus 115 in the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15, the data processing device 115 includes a CPU 1401. The CPU 1401 reads out and executes a program stored in the ROM 1402, thereby realizing various functions provided in the MFP 100.

  In FIG. 15, reference numeral 1403 denotes a DRAM necessary for the operation, which is used as a work memory necessary for operating the program and an image memory for storing images. Reference numeral 1404 denotes an SRAM, which stores data to be backed up. Reference numeral 1405 denotes an image conversion processing unit that performs conversion from multi-value to binary and conversion from binary to multi-value. The image data is input via the data bus 1416 from the DRAM 1403, and after the conversion processing, Are written back to the DRAM 1403. Similarly, 1406 is a rotation processing unit, 1407 is a scaling processing unit, and 1408 is a color space conversion processing unit.

  Furthermore, 1409 and 1410 are provided as network I / Fs, and are connected to the network I / F 114 and the FAX I / F 117, respectively. Further, the display unit I / F 1411 is connected to the display device 116. Further, the input unit I / F 1412 is connected to the input device 113. Furthermore, the scanner I / F 1413 is connected to the image reading unit 110. Furthermore, the printer I / F 1414 is connected to the printing apparatus 112. Furthermore, the HDD I / F 1415 is connected to the storage device 111.

  The image read from the image reading unit 110 is accumulated in the DRAM 1403 via the scanner I / F 1414. Then, using the image conversion processing unit 1405, the rotation processing unit 1406, the scaling processing unit 1407, the color space conversion processing unit 1408, and the CPU 1401, which are units for performing image processing, an image on the DRAM 1403 is instructed by the input device 113. To match the selected mode. Then, transmission is performed from the network I / F 114 via the network I / F 1409, or printing is performed from the printing apparatus 112 via the printer I / F 1414. At the same time, data is also stored in the storage device 111 via the HDD I / F 1415.

  Also, data from the network I / F 1409 is received and stored in the DRAM 1403 and the storage device 111. Then, an image on the DRAM 1403 is converted using an image conversion processing unit 1405, a rotation processing unit 1406, a scaling processing unit 1407, a color space conversion processing unit 1408, and a CPU 1401, which are units that perform image processing. Further, after that, the data is transferred again to the network I / F 1409 or transferred to the printer I / F 1414 and printed.

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing the entire system that specifically realizes the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a scanner 700 that realizes the above-described image reading unit 110 is provided on the top of the main body of the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment, and a document is placed above the scanner 700. An auto document feeder (ADF) 300 is arranged. When an original is set on the ADF 300 and a reading operation is executed, the scanner 700 reads the original one by one, and the read original is discharged onto the upper surface of the pressure plate 400.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control panel which is a user interface in the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The above-described document reading operation is executed by receiving a user operation instruction by pressing a start key 1204 on the control panel 1000 shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, below the ADF 300 is a pressure plate 400 that serves to suppress and fix paper to be copied. Here, when copying paper one by one, the pressure plate 400 or the ADF 300 is lifted, the paper is set on the glass panel of the scanner 700, the pressure plate 400 or the ADF 300 is lowered, and the paper is fixed. A start key 1204 is pressed.

  The number of copies and various operations can be executed by pressing a numeric keypad 1205 or the like existing on the control panel 1000. In addition, the control panel 1000 includes a liquid crystal monitor 1100 that functions as a touch panel for displaying an operation instruction status or the like or inputting a selection instruction by a user.

  Further, on the back surface of the MFP 100, a network port 500 for realizing the network I / F 114 and a FAX port 600 for realizing the FAX I / F 117 are provided. A print job is issued by driver software such as a PC (not shown) connected to the network, and when the MFP 100 receives the printer job, print processing is performed. The printed paper is discharged onto the side tray 800.

  Furthermore, in MFP 100, in addition to copying the data read by scanner 700, it may be attached as an email attachment file and sent to a PC (not shown) or the like via network port 500. it can. Alternatively, processing for saving in the storage device 900 realized by the storage device 111 can be performed. In the first embodiment, a hard disk drive is used as the storage device 900, a storage area called “box” is created on the storage device 900, and various files are stored in the storage area. Can do.

  Furthermore, when the MFP 100 receives a FAX signal from the FAX port 600, the MFP 100 can perform print processing in the same manner as a printer job. Further, the received FAX data can be attached as an e-mail attachment file and transmitted to a PC (not shown) or the like via the network port 500, or can be stored in a box. All these functions are centrally controlled by the controller unit 200.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the control panel 1000 that functions as a user interface includes the following keys and the like. That is, a liquid crystal monitor 1100, a power key 1201, a power saving key 1202, a stop key 1203, a start key 1204, a numeric keypad 1205, a clear key 1206, and the like are provided. Further, a secret key 1207, a reset key 1208, a guide key 1209, a user mode key 1210, a one-touch button 1220, and the like are provided. Note that the control panel 1000 implements the display device 116 and the input device 113 described above.

  A power key 1201 is used to turn on or off the MFP 100. A power saving key 1202 is a key for instructing the MFP 100 to shift to a low power consumption mode. A stop key 1203 is a key for stopping a job being executed in the MFP 100. A start key 1204 is a key for instructing MFP 100 to start a job. A numeric keypad 1205 is a key for inputting a numerical parameter of a job executed in the MFP 100. A clear key 1206 is a key used to clear job parameters input by the user.

  A personal identification key 1207 is a key for instructing user authentication when the MFP 100 shifts to a security mode that restricts users to be used. A reset key 1208 is a key used for resetting settings of the MFP 100, input parameters, and the like. A guide key 1209 is a key for instructing the user to shift to a guide mode for explaining the function of the MFP 100. A user mode key 1210 is a key for giving an instruction to start setting of each MFP 100 alone. The liquid crystal monitor 1100 menus services provided by the MFP 100 and displays them for the user. The one-touch button 1220 is assigned execution information for giving a specific operation instruction to each button, and allows the user to easily perform an operation instruction by pressing any button. .

  In the first embodiment, the liquid crystal monitor 1100 has a touch panel function. Therefore, the user can operate MFP 100 by touching a menu displayed on liquid crystal monitor 1100. In addition, various information is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 1100. 2 is the initial state of MFP 100, and the user performs user authentication from this state, and then touches each button to instruct MFP 100 to perform desired processing. can do.

  In FIG. 2, a window indicating the user authentication mode is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 1100. On this window, a user ID input field 1101 is used to input a user ID to be used, and a password number input field 1302 is used to input a user password to be used. That is, when the user uses the MFP, first, the user ID input field 1101 is touched and the user ID is input using the numeric keypad 1205. Next, the user touches the personal identification number input field 1102, inputs the personal identification number using the numeric keypad 1205, and then presses the personal identification key 1207 to execute user authentication.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a basic configuration screen displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 1100 of the control panel 1000 which is a user interface according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The basic screen configuration 1300 of the user interface shown in FIG. 3 is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 1100 after the user authentication shown in FIG.

  On the basic screen configuration 1300 of the user interface, a copy mode key 1301, a transmission / FAX mode key 1302, a box mode key 1303, and a remote scanner mode key 1304 are displayed. Further, on the basic screen configuration 1300, a status display window 1305 for displaying the status of the MFP 100, an equal magnification instruction key 1306, a magnification change key 1307, a paper selection key 1308, and a macro key 1309 are displayed. Further, on the basic screen configuration 1300, a sorter key 1310, a duplex printing instruction key 1311, a print density adjustment bar 1312, and an application mode shift key 1313 are displayed.

  A copy mode key 1301 is a key that is touched when the user performs copying using the MFP 100. A transmission / FAX mode key 1302 is a key to be touched when the user transmits image data digitized by the scanner (image reading unit 110) by e-mail or by FAX. A box mode key 1303 is a key that is touched when image data read and input by a scanner (image reading unit 110) is stored in a box in a hard disk (storage device 111) mounted on the MFP 100. Alternatively, it is a key to be touched when image data already stored in the box is printed out or transmitted by e-mail or FAX.

  A remote scanner mode key 1304 is a key that a user touches when using the scanner (image reading unit 110) provided in the MFP 100 via the local area network 400. A status display window 1305 indicates the current status of the MFP 100. In particular, in FIG. 2, the copy mode, the copy magnification is the same magnification, the paper size is A4, and the number of copies is one. An equal magnification instruction key 1306 is a key for setting the copy magnification to the equal magnification. A magnification change key 1307 is a key for changing the copy magnification to, for example, 25, 50, 61, 70, 81, 86, 115, 122, 141, 200, or 400 (%).

  A macro key 1309 is a key for setting and calling a macro. The sorter key 1310 can instruct whether the printed paper is output to the finisher, sorted in units of pages or groups, shifted in the paper position during output, or whether stapling is performed. . The double-sided printing instruction key 1311 enables an instruction such as copying a single-sided printed original by double-sided printing and copying a double-sided printed original by double-sided printing. The print density adjustment bar 1312 can adjust the density at the time of copying. The application mode shift key 1313 can instruct 2 in 1 printing for printing two pages into one page, bookbinding printing, copy instruction with different document sizes, single color printing, image quality adjustment, area designation printing, and the like.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a screen configuration example of a user interface for box operation according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 4, the box name “regular meeting” is displayed. The screen configuration 1400 of the user interface for box operation shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 1100 when the box mode key 1303 in FIG. 3 is pressed. The box name display field 1401 displays the box name set for each user, and the user can access the data stored in the box by selecting the displayed box name. It becomes. The box summary display column 1402 shows the summary of the displayed box, and displays the summary set by the user at the time of box creation or after box creation. The box used capacity display field 1403 displays the capacity used in each box as a percentage. The shortcut key display area 1404 is an area in which created shortcut keys are displayed.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another screen configuration example of the user interface for box operation in the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 5, the screen configuration 1410 of the user interface for box operation is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 1100 by pressing a box key 1401 (“regular meeting”) on the screen shown in FIG. 4. A box name 1411 indicates a box name set one level below the box selected by the box key 1401 in FIG. The user can select a box set in a lower hierarchy or a file stored in the box by pressing a box name 1411.

  In FIG. 5, a file name 1412 indicates a file name stored in each box displayed as the box name 1411. The usage amount 1413 indicates how much data capacity is used in each box as a percentage. When the user presses the “close” key 1414, the user can return to the screen configuration 1400 of the user interface for box operation shown in FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a screen configuration example of the file operation user interface according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 6, the screen structure 1420 of the file operation user interface is a depression of the box key 1411 in FIG. 5 (in the first embodiment, it is displayed with the box name “2004.11.05”). Is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 1100. The file name 1421 indicates a file name existing in the box selected by the user.

  In FIG. 6, an update date 1422 displays the date and time when the user finally updated the file. The usage amount 1423 indicates the amount of data used by each file in kilobytes. A print key 1424 performs printing on the file name 1421 selected by the user. A transmission / FAX key 1425 transmits the file name 1421 selected by the user in an e-mail format or by FAX. In the first embodiment, when a file is printed or sent / faxed, the file may be selected and then printed or sent / faxed, or printed or sent. A file may be selected after setting / FAX.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a screen configuration example of shortcut key creation confirmation according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 7, the shortcut key creation confirmation screen configuration 1430 confirms with the user whether or not to assign the detected routine operation to the shortcut key when the routine operation is detected in the user's operation. If the user desires to create a shortcut key, the user presses a “Yes” key 1431, and if he / she does not want to create a shortcut key, the user presses a “No” key 1432. How to detect routine operations will be described later.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a screen configuration example of the user interface for box operation after the shortcut key creation in the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 8, the created shortcut key 1500 is displayed in the shortcut key column 1404. The shortcut function content 1501 indicates a characteristic function processed by the shortcut. By pressing the shortcut key 1500, the user can confirm details of the contents processed by the shortcut key and issue an execution instruction.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a hierarchical configuration example of boxes in the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 9, a box hierarchy 2000 shows a box structure with the MFP at the top. When the user presses the box mode key 1303 after the user authentication is normally performed, a box set for the authenticated user is displayed in the box name display field 1401. In the first embodiment of the present invention, it is assumed that the user “Taro Yamada” is authenticated as the user, and the screen configuration example 1400 of the user interface for box operation in FIG. 4 is set to “Taro Yamada”. Box 2001 is shown. The box configuration user interface screen 1010 in FIG. 5 displays a box group 2002 set in a box “regular meeting”. A screen configuration 1420 of the file operation user interface in FIG. 6 shows a file group 2003 stored in a box “2004.11.05”.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user usage history reference screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 10, a user usage history reference screen 2100 displays history information of operation instructions performed by the user in the MFP. This history information is stored in the DRAM 1403 as described later for each operation instruction by the user. A date column 2101 displays the date when the user operated the MFP. A time column 2102 displays a time when the user operates the MFP. A processing column 2103 displays details of how the user operates the MFP. The processing column 2103 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes settings (double-sided printing, 2-in-1 printing, stapling instructions, etc.) used by the user in addition to operations (box printing, printing, etc.) designated by the user. be written.

  A reference box name column 2104 displays a box name accessed by the user. The reference file name column 2105 displays the file name accessed by the user. In MFP 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, user usage history information is stored internally, and can be confirmed by a management server (not shown) or a PC (not shown) when an administrator needs it. . At that time, a user usage history reference screen 2100 is displayed. The user's usage history information is also used to determine whether the user's operation is routine.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining a processing procedure in MFP 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. First, user authentication is performed (step S100). As a result, when the user authentication fails (No), the user authentication process (step S100) is re-executed. On the other hand, when the user authentication is successful (Yes), saving of the user operation history is started (step S101). Next, it is determined whether or not a box operation has been performed by waiting for an operation from the user (step S102).

  As a result, when the operation instructed by the user is copy, transmission / FAX, or the like, that is, an operation other than the box (No), the instructed process is executed (step S104), and the end of the operation is determined (step S104). S109). On the other hand, when the operation instructed by the user is a box operation (Yes), the box operation process is executed according to the user's operation (step S103). Then, it is determined whether or not the box operation process has been completed (step S104).

  This box operation process is continued unless the user issues a print or e-mail attachment transmission, FAX transmission execution instruction, or operation stop instruction to the file stored in the box (NO). . On the other hand, when the operation instruction by the user is completed (Yes), these instructions are performed, and the operation history of the user is searched (step S106). In the operation history search process in step S106, it is determined whether or not the user operation is a typical operation that has been performed in the past. This process is performed as shown in FIG. 16 in the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining details of the history search process (step S106) shown in FIG. Here, it is determined whether each piece of history information stored in the DRAM 1403 is related to the operation instruction received from the user in step S102 or step S103, and the related history information is detected. First, “0” is input to a routine job flag indicating a routine job, which is used internally (step S120). Next, it is determined whether the history information to be determined is related to the operation instruction processed in step S103 (step S121). Here, “related” indicates that the content of the operation instruction includes common content. Specifically, all or any of the user who has instructed the operation, the file to be processed, the storage area in which the file is stored, the processing content (Nin1 printing, double-sided printing, stapling processing, etc.) is common. In this case, it is judged as “related”.

  If it is determined in step S121 that they are not related, the process proceeds to step S126, and the process ends with the above-described flag remaining at 0. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S121 that it is related, the process proceeds to step S122, and it is determined whether or not the work is a regular work on a weekly basis. For example, when the process in S103 is executed at 15:00 on Monday, the history information to be searched is the history information of the operation instruction received in the past every Monday afternoon (12:00 to 18:00). It is determined whether or not.

  Although the case where the period of “afternoon” is set has been described here, other methods may be used. For example, if “1 hour before and after” is set, it is determined whether or not the history information of the operation instruction received from 14:00 to 16:00 in the past every Monday. Further, it may be determined whether or not it is “Monday” without designating a time zone. If it is determined in step S122 that the operation instruction is a periodic operation in units of weeks, the process proceeds to step S124, “1” is input to the flag, and the process ends in step S126. If it is determined that the operation instruction is not a regular operation on a weekly basis, the process proceeds to step S123.

  In step S123, as in step S122, it is determined whether or not the operation instruction is a periodic operation in units of months. For example, specifically, when the process in S103 is executed at 15:00 on the 25th, the history of operation instructions received in the afternoon (12:00 to 18:00) of the past 25th of each month in the search target history information It is determined whether it is information.

  As described above, the setting of the time zone here is not limited to “am” or “afternoon”, but may be the entire time zone on the 25th of every month, for example. If it is determined in step S123 that the history information is a periodic operation instruction on a monthly basis, “2” is input to the flag in step S125, and the process ends in step S126. If it is determined that the instruction is not a periodic operation instruction on a monthly basis, the process proceeds to step S126, and the process ends with the above flag remaining at 0.

  The history information search described above uses the history information stored as shown in FIG. The history information table shown in FIG. 10 stores information such as date 2101, time 2102, processing content 2103, used box name 2104, processing file name 2105, and the like. When determining the relevance of the operation instruction based on the used box name, the determination should be made in consideration of not only the box name described in the history information table but also the box name of the upper hierarchy. It is more convenient to use.

  After the above-described history search process (step S106), it is determined whether or not the user operation is a routine job (step S107). Specifically, the flag of each history information determined in the flowchart shown in FIG. 16 is counted, and when five or more flags “1” or “2” are detected, the processing performed in S103 is performed. It is determined that the operation instruction is typical. As a result of the determination in step S107, if it is determined that the job is a routine job (Yes), the user is asked whether or not to register the operation instruction input by the user in the shortcut key to perform the process executed in step S103. Confirm (step S108).

  Here, when five or more related operation instruction histories are detected, the input operation instruction is determined as a typical one, but this determination method may be other than the above-described method. For example, the number other than 5 may be set as the threshold value, or a numerical value may be set by the user. Furthermore, although the periodic thing in a week unit or a monthly unit was detected here, you may use methods other than this. For example, when more than a predetermined number of related history information is detected from the history information of the operation instructions performed in the past week or month, it is determined as a routine operation instruction. May be.

  In step S108, when the user instructs creation of a shortcut key (Yes), a shortcut key is created and registered (step S109). The created shortcut key is displayed on a screen as shown in FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S107 that the user's operation is not a routine job (No), or if creation of a shortcut key is rejected in step S108 (No), the following processing is performed. That is, according to the user's operation, other processing such as printing, transmission attached to an e-mail, FAX transmission, or instruction to stop the operation is executed (step S110). In this example, the shortcut key displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 1100 is created and the operation instruction is assigned. However, the operation instruction is assigned to the one-touch button 1220 provided in the control panel 1000 in advance. You may go.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the user has instructed to end the operation by pressing a button such as the password key 1207, the power key 1201, or the power saving key 1202 (step S111). As a result, when the user presses the button for instructing the end of the operation (Yes), the storage of the operation history instructed by the user is ended, and the image forming apparatus transitions to a state before the user is authenticated ( Step S112). On the other hand, if the user instructs another operation (No), the process returns to step S102 and the user's operation instructed is processed.

  As described above, according to the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment, it is possible to simplify key assignment and macro registration for various functions implemented by the apparatus. Thus, even if the user does not newly learn how to use MFP 100, operation instructions that are frequently used can be easily assigned and registered as shortcut keys, so that the convenience of the user can be improved.

<Second Embodiment>
The MFP 100 and its processing procedure according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the configuration of the MFP 100 according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment described above, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining a processing procedure in MFP 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. First, the MFP 100 performs user authentication (step S200). As a result, when the user authentication fails (No), the user authentication process is re-executed. On the other hand, when the user authentication is successful (Yes), the user waits for an operation. When the user instructs an operation such as copy, transmission / fax, or a box, each process is executed according to the instruction (step S201).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the user has pressed a button for instructing the end of the operation, such as the password key 1207, the power key 1201, and the power saving key 1202 (step S202). As a result, when the operation end is instructed (Yes), it is confirmed with the user whether or not the user's operation is registered in the shortcut key (step S203). On the other hand, if the user instructs another operation in step S202 (No), the process returns to step S201 to process the user's operation again.

  In the shortcut key registration process (step S203), if the user instructs creation of a shortcut key (Yes), a shortcut key is created (step S204). On the other hand, if the user refuses to create a shortcut key in step S204 (No), this process ends.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a screen configuration example of shortcut key creation confirmation in the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 13, the shortcut key creation confirmation screen configuration 1600 is for confirming to the user that the operation instructed by the user is assigned to the shortcut key when the user operation is completed. For example, the user presses a “Yes” key 1431 if he / she wants to create a shortcut key, and presses a “No” key 1432 if he / she does not want to create a shortcut key.

  According to the MFP 100 according to the second embodiment, the MFP 100 inquires of the user whether or not to register a shortcut key for the operation when the operation performed on the device by the user is completed. Thus, the user can easily register shortcut keys as necessary, and convenience in operating MFP 100 can be improved.

<Third Embodiment>
The MFP 100 and its processing procedure according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the configuration of the MFP 100 according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment described above, and is omitted.

  The third embodiment relates to a method for displaying shortcut keys created by the method described in the first or second embodiment. When a specific operation instruction is assigned to a shortcut key and registered, it is recorded in the registration table shown in FIG. FIG. 17 shows the contents recorded in the registration table. For example, it can be seen that the shortcut key 1701 for “regular meeting” has an operation instruction of “double-sided, 2 in 1 and stapling” registered therein, and “folder selection” is set as a display condition. “Folder selection” means that when the user performs a box operation, a shortcut key is displayed in response to the selection of the “regular meeting” folder. The shortcut key 1702 named “MANUAL” has a display condition of “Every Monday AM”, and the shortcut key is displayed every Monday morning (6 AM to 0:00 PM). Further, a shortcut key 1703 named “Yamada” is set with a display condition of “user login”, and a shortcut key is displayed in response to the authentication device 118 authenticating the user “Yamada”. .

  Although one display condition is set for one shortcut key here, a plurality of conditions may be set for each shortcut key, or a logical expression such as an AND condition or an OR condition may be set. You may do it.

  The display condition is automatically selected when it is determined in step S107 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 whether or not the operation instruction is routine. Specifically, when it is determined that the operation instruction is a periodic operation based on the result of the weekly search or the monthly search in the flowchart shown in FIG. Is set to display. If all the related history information is from the same user, the shortcut is set to be displayed when the user is authenticated. Further, when the related history information is for data stored in the same storage area, the shortcut is set to be displayed in response to the selection of the storage area.

  The display conditions can be changed by the user at an arbitrary timing. For example, the user may be made to confirm whether there is no problem with the set display conditions at the timing of instructing creation of a shortcut key as shown in FIG. Further, the display condition may be changed after the shortcut key is created.

  According to the MFP 100 according to the third embodiment, the MFP 100 can display the created shortcut key at an arbitrary timing, and the convenience for operating the MFP 100 can be further improved.

<Other embodiments>
Although the embodiment has been described in detail above, the present invention can take an embodiment as a system, apparatus, method, program, storage medium (recording medium), or the like. Specifically, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices, or may be applied to an apparatus composed of a single device.

  In the present invention, a software program (in the embodiment, a program corresponding to the flowchart shown in the drawing) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is directly or remotely supplied to a system or apparatus. In addition, this includes a case where the system or the computer of the apparatus is also achieved by reading and executing the supplied program code.

  Accordingly, since the functions of the present invention are implemented by computer, the program code installed in the computer also implements the present invention. In other words, the present invention includes a computer program itself for realizing the functional processing of the present invention.

  In that case, as long as it has the function of a program, it may be in the form of object code, a program executed by an interpreter, script data supplied to the OS, or the like.

  Examples of the recording medium for supplying the program include the following. Floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-R) .

  As another program supply method, the program can be supplied by downloading it from a homepage on the Internet to a recording medium such as a hard disk using a browser of a client computer. That is, it connects to a homepage and downloads the computer program itself of the present invention or a compressed file including an automatic installation function from the homepage. It can also be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program of the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different homepage. That is, a WWW server that allows a plurality of users to download a program file for realizing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer is also included in the present invention.

  Further, the program of the present invention is encrypted, stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, and distributed to users. Then, the user who has cleared the predetermined condition is allowed to download key information for decryption from the homepage via the Internet. It is also possible to execute the encrypted program by using the key information and install the program on a computer.

  Further, the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the computer executing the read program. In addition, the function of the above-described embodiment can be realized by an OS running on the computer based on an instruction of the program and performing part or all of the actual processing.

  Further, the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized even after the program read from the recording medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. That is, the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by performing a part or all of the actual processing by the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit based on the instructions of the program.

1 is a configuration diagram showing an entire system that specifically realizes an MFP according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control panel which is a user interface in the MFP according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the basic composition screen displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 1100 of the control panel 1000 which is a user interface in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen structure of the user interface for box operation in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows another example of a screen structure of the user interface for box operation in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen structure of the user interface for file operation in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen structure of the shortcut key creation confirmation in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen structure of the user interface for box operation after the shortcut key creation in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the hierarchical structural example of the box in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a user's usage log reference screen in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a processing procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a processing procedure in an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen structure of shortcut key creation confirmation in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of MFP 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a data processing device 115 in the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining details of a history search process (step S106) shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the registration content of the created shortcut key.

Explanation of symbols

100 MFP
110 Image Reading Unit 111 Storage Device 112 Printing Device 113 Input Device 114 Network I / F
115 Data Processing Device 116 Display Device 117 FAX I / F
200 Controller unit 300 Auto Document Feeder (ADF)
400 Plate 500 Network board 600 FAX board 700 Scanner 800 Side tray 900 Storage device 1000 Control panel 1100 LCD monitor

Claims (9)

An information processing apparatus that performs processing based on an operation instruction by a user,
Accepting means for accepting an operation instruction by a user;
Determination means for determining whether or not the operation instruction received by the reception means is a periodic operation instruction ;
Registration means for registering a key for executing a process corresponding to the received operation instruction when the determination means determines that the operation instruction received by the reception means is a periodic operation instruction ;
Display means for displaying the key registered by the registration means;
When the key is registered by the registration means, the key is displayed in a time zone determined based on the date and time when the accepting means accepts an operation instruction corresponding to the key, and other than the determined time zone Control means for controlling the display means so as not to display the key during the time period ,
An information processing apparatus comprising: Storage means for storing history information of operation instructions received by the receiving means;
Detecting means for detecting history information related to the operation instruction received by the receiving means from the storage means;
Further comprising
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit performs the determination based on an operation instruction received by the reception unit and history information detected by the detection unit.   The detection means detects history information related to an operation instruction received by the reception means from history information of an operation instruction within a specific period among history information stored in the storage means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2. The said display means displays the said key registered by the said registration means with the information which shows the content of the process performed by operating this key, The any one of Claim 1 to 3 characterized by the above-mentioned. The information processing apparatus described in 1. Wherein said key to be registered by the registering means, the information processing apparatus according to claim 1, any one of 4, which is a shortcut key that is displayed by the display means. It further comprises a printing means for executing a printing process based on the inputted print data,
Wherein the operation instruction accepting unit accepts the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 5, characterized in that said printing means includes specification of the processing contents when executing the printing process. 7. The information processing according to claim 6 , wherein the processing content includes at least one of Nin1 designation, double-side designation, and stapling designation for printing a plurality of pages on the same side of a single recording medium. apparatus. A method of controlling an information processing apparatus that performs processing based on an operation instruction by a user,
A reception process for receiving an operation instruction by a user;
A determination step of determining whether or not the operation instruction received in the reception step is a periodic operation instruction ;
In the determination step, when it is determined that the operation instruction received in the reception step is a periodic operation instruction, a registration step of registering a key for executing processing corresponding to the received operation instruction;
When the key is registered in the registration step, the key is displayed in a time zone determined based on the date and time when the operation instruction corresponding to the key is received in the reception step, and other than the determined time zone And a control step in which the key is not displayed during the time period . A program for causing a computer to execute the control method of the information processing apparatus according to claim 8 .

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