JP5316835B2 - Information processing apparatus, information processing apparatus operation instruction system, and information processing apparatus operation instruction program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processor, an operation teaching system for information processor, an operation teaching method for information processor, and an operation teaching program for information processor, through which operation teaching of an information processor can be efficiently performed by displaying an operation panel as if operation of the operation panel is shared by an information processor performing operation teaching and an information processor which receives the operation teaching. <P>SOLUTION: An operation point received by an image forming apparatus 100 as a support-side information processor is highlighted within an operation screen, and document data for reproducing the operation screen is transmitted to an image forming apparatus 100 as a supported-side information processor. The operation screen is reproduced on the supported-side image forming apparatus 100, and an operation of the operation point is selectively received. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, relating to the operation guidance program of the operation guidance system you and the information processing apparatus of the information processing apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Recent image forming apparatuses are a combination of a printing apparatus, a scanner apparatus, a facsimile apparatus, a copying apparatus, and the like, and have a function of processing a lot of information such as double-sided printing and multi-page layout printing even if one of them is used. It has become.

  As multifunction functions are provided, setting operations for using the functions are becoming more complicated, and it is difficult to sufficiently use the multifunction image forming apparatus.

  Therefore, it is necessary for a beginner who operates a multifunctional image forming apparatus to have a knowledgeable person instruct the operation.

  When a knowledgeable person gives an instruction to a beginner, whether to show it to the beginner in front of the image forming device, to give an operation instruction from a remote location, or to create an operation procedure manual. Although it is possible to have a beginner perform their own operations accordingly, they are all inefficient.

  In the world of personal computers, a technology that allows applications to be shared and operated jointly on a plurality of computers is known.

  In Patent Document 1, at least one computer having a user control unit and an operation right control unit among a plurality of computers controls the operation right of an application program to be executed jointly. A joint information processing method and a processing apparatus that can be jointly operated have been proposed.

  In Patent Document 2, in a plurality of computers connected by a network, the host computer has host sharing control means, the guest computer has guest sharing control means, and other applications started by one computer An application sharing system that is shared by other computers has been proposed.

There is also a technology called a remote desktop function for operating a personal computer from a remote location.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 06-119298 JP 09-091228 A

  In the case of an information processing apparatus provided with a touch panel as an operation panel, unlike an information processing apparatus provided with a mouse as an input mechanism, there is a problem that it is difficult to support operations because the mouse trajectory is not visible.

  In addition, an operation guidance system specialized in operation guidance is desired rather than simple operation panel sharing. For example, a system that does not respond to buttons other than the instructed button can be considered.

Therefore, the present invention efficiently displays the operation panel so that the information processing apparatus that performs the operation guidance and the information processing apparatus that is the operation guidance share the operation panel operation, and efficiently performs the operation guidance of the information processing apparatus. information processing apparatus so as to, an object of the present invention is to provide an operation guidance program of the operation guidance system you and the information processing apparatus of the information processing apparatus.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of the information processing apparatus according to claim 1 includes an operation receiving means for receiving an operation in the operation screen, and a location operated by the operation received by the operation receiving means in the operation screen. Highlighting means for highlighting, transmitting means for generating document data capable of reproducing the operation screen highlighted by the highlighting means, and sending the document data to another device; and the sending means in a receiving means for receiving the document data to be transmitted, based on the document data received by the receiving means, and display means for displaying the highlighted operation screen by said highlighting means, the operation displayed by the display means not accept an operation other than the highlighted locations in the screen, selectively receives an operation highlighted portions of the operation screen displayed by the display means Configured with an operation selective reception means.

According to another aspect of the information processing apparatus of the present invention , the operation accepting unit that accepts an operation on the operation screen, and the highlight display that highlights the location operated by the operation accepted by the operation accepting unit on the operation screen. Means for generating document data that can reproduce the operation screen highlighted by the highlighting means, and transmitting the document data to another device; document data transmitted by the transmitting means Receiving means, display means for displaying the operation screen highlighted by the highlighting means based on the document data received by the receiving means, and highlighting in the operation screen displayed by the display means An operation selective receiving means for selectively receiving an operation at the selected location, and an operation received by the operation selective receiving means and / or the operation receiving means. If the document data can reproduce the transitioned operation screen, and the predetermined operation information is included in the operation screen after the transition, the predetermined information can be reproduced in the prose Document data is generated, document data transmission means for transmitting the generated document data to another apparatus, and document data transmitted by the document data transmission means is received, and the document data is transmitted in advance based on the received document data. and a defined information asterisk configured so that a post-transition operation screen display unit for displaying an operation screen after the transition.

In the invention of the operation guidance system for the information processing device according to claim 3, at least two information processing devices are communicably connected to each other, and the information processing device on the side instructing the operation performs the guidance operation on the operation screen. Receiving operation receiving means for receiving, highlighting means for highlighting a portion operated by the operation received by the operation receiving means in the operation screen, and operation screen highlighted by the highlighting means A transmission unit that generates document data that can be transmitted and transmits the document data to another device, and the information processing device on which the operation is instructed receives the document data transmitted by the transmission unit and means, based on the document data received by the receiving means, and display means for displaying the highlighted operation screen by said highlighting means, in said display means Not accept the highlighted operation other than portions in the operation screen shown, so that and an operation selective reception means for selectively receiving an operation highlighted portions of the operation screen displayed by the display means Configured.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided an operation guidance system for an information processing apparatus , wherein at least two information processing apparatuses are communicably connected to each other, and the information processing apparatus on an instruction side performs an instruction operation on an operation screen. Receiving operation receiving means for receiving, highlighting means for highlighting a portion operated by the operation received by the operation receiving means in the operation screen, and operation screen highlighted by the highlighting means A transmission unit that generates document data that can be transmitted and transmits the document data to another device, and the information processing device on which the operation is instructed receives the document data transmitted by the transmission unit and means, based on the document data received by the receiving means, and display means for displaying the highlighted operation screen by said highlighting means, in said display means An operation selective reception means for selectively receiving an operation highlighted point in the operation screen shown, operation transition by the operation selectively receiving unit operation accepted by and / or operation accepted in the operation screen Document data that can reproduce the screen, and if the operation screen after the transition includes predetermined information, generates the document data that can reproduce the predetermined information in abbreviated characters And the document data transmitting means for sending the generated document data to the information processing apparatus on the side instructing the operation, and the information processing apparatus on the side instructing the operation transmits with the document data transmitting means. Post-transition operation screen that receives the document data to be displayed and displays the operation screen after the transition with the predetermined information as a base character based on the received document data Further configured to so that with a display unit.

The invention of the operation instruction program of the information processing apparatus according to claim 5 is the operation accepting means for accepting the operation in the operation screen, and the place operated by the operation accepted by the operation accepting means in the operation screen. Highlighting means for highlighting, generating document data that can reproduce the operation screen highlighted by the highlighting means, and transmitting the document data to another device, transmitting by the transmitting means receiving means for receiving the document data, based on the document data received by said receiving means, said highlighting means for displaying the highlighted operation screen by the display means, highlighting of the operation screen displayed by the display means not accept an operation other than a place where it has been displayed, selectively operating the highlighted portions of the operation screen displayed by the display means It becomes to function as an operation selective receiving means to put only.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an operation instruction program for an information processing apparatus, wherein the computer is operated by an operation receiving unit that receives an operation on the operation screen, and the operation screen is operated by the operation received by the operation receiving unit. Highlighting means for highlighting, generating document data that can reproduce the operation screen highlighted by the highlighting means, and transmitting the document data to another device, transmitting by the transmitting means Receiving means for receiving the received document data, display means for displaying the operation screen highlighted by the highlighting means based on the document data received by the receiving means, and emphasis in the operation screen displayed by the display means Operation selective reception means for selectively receiving an operation at the displayed location, the operation selective reception means and / or the operation reception If the document data can reproduce the operation screen transitioned by the operation received at the stage and the predetermined operation information is included in the operation screen after the transition, Document data transmitting means for generating document data that can be reproduced, transmitting the generated document data to another apparatus, receiving the document data transmitted by the document data transmitting means, and receiving the received document data Based on the above, it becomes a function for functioning as a post-transition operation screen display means for displaying the post-transition operation screen with the predetermined information as a lexical character.

  According to invention of Claim 1, there exists an effect that the location operated with the other information processing apparatus is selected.

According to invention of Claim 2, there exists an effect that the location operated with the other information processing apparatus is selected .

  According to invention of Claim 3, there exists an effect that the location operated with the other information processing apparatus is selected.

  According to invention of Claim 4, there exists an effect that the location operated with the other information processing apparatus is selected.

According to the invention of claim 5, there is an effect that a place operated by another information processing apparatus is selected.
According to invention of Claim 6, there exists an effect that the location operated with the other information processing apparatus is selected.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  First, an operation guidance system 50 constituted by an image forming apparatus 100 as an example of an information processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 1A is a diagram showing a configuration of an operation guidance system 50 constituted by the image forming apparatus 100, and FIG. 1B is an operation guidance constituted by a personal computer 200 (hereinafter referred to as PC 200 together with the drawings). 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a system 50. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, in the operation guidance system 50, an image forming apparatus 100 that receives operation support is connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) 30 connected to a WAN (Wide Area Network) 10. Further, in the operation guidance system 50, the LAN 20 in the help center 60 that supports operation is connected to the WAN 10.

  The help center 60 is provided with the LAN 20, and the image forming apparatus 100 that supports operations is connected to the LAN 20 and the server 40.

  The image forming apparatus 100 connected to the LAN 30 and receiving operation support is referred to as a supported image forming apparatus 100, and the image forming apparatus 100 that supports the operation arranged in the help center 60 is the image on the support side. The forming apparatus 100 will be described below.

  The support-side image forming apparatus 100 in the help center 60 may be a supportable PC 200, and the operation guidance system 50 may be configured by the PC 200 instead of the image forming apparatus 100.

  In the operation instruction system 50 configured as described above, the contents operated by the image forming apparatus 100 in the help center 60 or the PC 200 are sent to the supported image forming apparatus 100 receiving support, and the supported image is received. The user who operates the forming apparatus 100 can understand the unknown operation content.

  Next, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 common to the support side and the supported side and the configuration of the support-side PC 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

  2A is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming apparatus 100, and FIG. 2B is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the PC 200.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a control unit 101, a communication I / F unit 102, an image reading unit 103, a print execution unit 104, an operation / display unit 105, a facsimile unit 106, a ROM / RAM 107, A UI instruction form reading unit 108 and a UI instruction form generating unit 109 are provided.

  The control unit 101 performs overall control of the image forming apparatus 100.

  The communication I / F unit 102 is connected to the LAN 20 or the LAN 30, and receives processing for receiving a UI instruction describing the operation content from the support-side image forming apparatus 100 or the supported-side image forming apparatus 100. A process of transmitting a UI instruction describing the operation content is performed.

  The image reading unit 103 has a scanning function of reading image data of a document by irradiating the document with light and reading reflected light.

  The print execution unit 104 performs processing for forming image data read by the image reading unit 103, image data received as a print job, image data such as image data received by facsimile on a sheet.

  The operation / display unit 105 includes a liquid crystal touch panel and various operation buttons. The operation / display unit 105 is used to operate the image forming apparatus 100 by the user. The operation / display unit 105 receives a user instruction to the image forming apparatus 100 and displays various information to the user.

  The operation / display unit 105 is an important UI (User Interface) between the side that supports the operation and the side that supports the operation. That is, in the support-side image forming apparatus 100 that supports the operation, a help operator who performs the support instructs the operation content of the image forming apparatus 100 using the touch panel and various operation buttons on the operation / display unit 105. Further, in the supported image forming apparatus 100 in which the operation is supported, it is possible to grasp the location to be operated next by the supported user from the screen content displayed on the operation / display unit 105. The

  The facsimile unit 106 manages the function of converting image data read by the image reading unit 103 into an analog electric signal and performing facsimile communication, and is connected to a telephone line. The facsimile unit 106 also has a function of converting an analog electric signal received from a connected telephone line into image data, and causing the print execution unit 104 to form the image data on a sheet.

  A ROM (Read Only Memory) / RAM (Random Access Memory) 107 stores firmware of the image forming apparatus 100, temporarily stores a print job received from a print requesting apparatus (not shown) on the LAN 30, and further stores an operation procedure. The unit 110 is provided. The operation procedure storage unit 110 manages the function of storing the operation procedure of the operation / display unit 105 supported by the help operator for the customer in the image forming apparatus 100 on the support side.

  The UI instruction reading unit 108 reads a UI instruction generated and sent on the support side or the supported side, and performs processing to reflect the content on the touch panel of the operation / display unit 105 based on the read content. The UI instruction can be described in, for example, an XML (Extensible Markup Language) language. The UI instruction sheet describes the screen contents of the touch panel of the operation / display unit 105, and the touch panel screen contents can be reproduced based on the UI instruction sheet.

  The UI instruction generation unit 109 transmits a UI instruction to be sent from the support-side image forming apparatus 100 to the supported-side image forming apparatus 100, and the supported-side image forming apparatus 100 sends to the support-side image forming apparatus 100. Performs processing to generate instructions.

  2B, the support-side PC 200 includes a control unit 201, a communication I / F unit 202, a display unit 203, an operation unit 204, a ROM / RAM 205, a UI instruction reading unit 206, and a UI instruction. A generation unit 207 is provided.

  The control unit 201 performs overall control of the PC 200.

  The communication I / F unit 202 is connected to the LAN 20 and exchanges information with the image forming apparatus 100 on the supported side.

  The display unit 203 includes a display and functions as an information output device for a user interface.

  The operation unit 204 includes a keyboard and a mouse and functions as an information input device for a user interface.

  The ROM / RAM 205 performs processing for storing various information when the firmware of the PC 200 and various operations are performed, and further includes an operation procedure storage unit 208. The operation procedure storage unit 208 manages the function of storing the operation procedure supported by the help operator by the PC 200 for the customer.

  The UI instruction reading unit 206 reads the UI instruction generated and sent on the supported side, and the screen content displayed on the operation / display unit 105 on the supported side on the display unit 203 based on the read content. Is displayed.

  The UI instruction form generation unit 207 performs processing for generating a UI instruction form to be sent to the supported image forming apparatus 100.

  Next, processing performed by the support-side image forming apparatus 100 and the supported-side image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing processing performed between the support-side image forming apparatus 100 and the supported-side image forming apparatus 100 until the initial screen in the help mode is reached.

  First, as shown in FIG. 3, a user operating the supported image forming apparatus 100 calls the help center 60 to request operation support (step 301). The supported user calls the help center 60 and the help operator of the help center 60 gives the support number necessary for receiving support. At the start of the operation, an initial screen displayed at the start of the setting operation is displayed on the touch panel of the operation / display unit 105 on the supported side.

  The user who has received the support number presses the support request button 601 of the image forming apparatus 100 on the supported side (step 302). When the user presses the support request button 601, an input screen for receiving an input of a support number is displayed on the operation / display unit 105.

  The user inputs the support number previously taught by the help operator through the telephone on the input screen displayed on the operation / display unit 105 (step 303). Then, the user presses the confirmation button 602.

  Then, in the supported image forming apparatus 100, a UI instruction is generated with the support number input to the operation / display unit 105 as an identifier, and the UI instruction is transmitted to the server 40 of the help center 60 (step). 304).

  The UI instruction transmitted to the server 40 is stored and registered in the server 40 (step 305).

  The help operator of the help center 60 gives a support number to the supported user by telephone, and then presses the support button 603 from the image forming apparatus 100 on the support side (step 306). Then, a support number input screen is displayed on the operation / display unit 105 of the image forming apparatus 100 on the support side.

  The help operator inputs the support number taught to the supported user by telephone on the input screen displayed on the operation / display unit 105 of the image forming apparatus 100 on the support side (step 307).

  When the help operator inputs a support number to the image forming apparatus 100 on the support side and presses the confirmation button 602, the UI registered in the server 40 from the server 40 in the help center 60 to the image forming apparatus 100 on the support side. The instruction sheet (registered in step 305) is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 100 on the support side.

  The UI instruction sent from the supported image forming apparatus 100 to the server 40 and transmitted to the supported image forming apparatus 100 includes setting information of the supported image forming apparatus 100 using the support number as an identifier. Have been described.

  When the support-side image forming apparatus 100 receives the UI instruction transmitted from the server 40 (step 308), the setting information of the supported-side image forming apparatus 100 described in the received UI instruction includes the UI instruction. It is read by the document reading unit 108 and acquired by the support-side image forming apparatus 100 (step 309).

  When setting information of the image forming apparatus 100 on the supported side is acquired (step 309), a help reception screen is displayed on the operation / display unit 105, and a UI instruction sheet on the help reception screen is displayed by the UI instruction sheet generation unit 109. The generated image is transmitted to the supported image forming apparatus 100 (step 310).

  In the supported image forming apparatus 100 to which the UI instruction on the help reception screen has been transmitted, the UI instruction reading unit 108 reads the UI instruction on the help reception screen to operate / support the image forming apparatus 100 on the supported side. A help reception screen is displayed on the display unit 105 (step 311).

  The user operating the supported image forming apparatus 100 visually checks the help reception screen displayed on the supported-side operation / display unit 105 and presses the confirmation button 602 with the intention of requesting help (step 312). .

  When the confirmation button 602 is pressed on the supported image forming apparatus 100, an initial screen in the help mode is displayed on the supported operation / display unit 105 (step 313). The initial screen in the help mode is a screen in a state where the lamp indicating the help mode is turned on in the operation / display unit 105 and the initial screen displayed at the start of the setting operation is displayed on the touch panel. is there.

  The supported UI instruction generation unit 109 generates a UI instruction sheet for the initial screen of the help mode displayed on the operation / display unit 105 (step 313). Then, the generated UI instruction is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 100 on the support side (step 313).

  In the image forming apparatus 100 on the support side to which the UI instruction on the initial screen of the help mode is transmitted, the UI instruction is received by the communication I / F unit 102, and the UI instruction is read by the UI instruction reading unit 108. The initial screen in the same help mode as that on the supported side is displayed on the operation / display unit 105 on the support side (step 314).

  In this manner, the initial screen of the help mode is displayed on the operation / display unit 105 of the image forming apparatus 100 on the support side and the supported side.

  Next, a description will be given with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 about how the contents operated by the support-side image forming apparatus 100 are transmitted to the supported-side image forming apparatus 100 and the supported-side user is supported. I do.

  4 and 5 are flowcharts showing processing in the image forming apparatus 100 on the supported side and the support side in the help mode.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the help operator teaches the user on the supported side from the state where the initial screen of the help mode is displayed on the operation / display unit 105 of the image forming apparatus 100 on the supported side and the supported side. As one operation in the operation procedure, a touch panel button of the operation / display unit 105 on the support side is touched (step 401). In the help mode, a “help mode (support side)” display 608 indicating the help mode is lit on the operation / display unit 105 on the support side as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6A, the operation / display unit 105 lights up a display 609 of “help mode (supported side)” indicating the help mode.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 6B, the touched button of the operation / display unit 105 is blinked (step 402).

  Then, a UI instruction on the screen displayed on the touch panel after the button is touched is generated by the UI instruction generating unit 109 (support side) (step 402). When the button is touched (step 401), the type of the touched button is temporarily stored in the ROM / RAM 107.

  The UI instruction generated by the support-side UI instruction generation unit 109 is transmitted to the supported image forming apparatus.

  Upon receiving the UI instruction transmitted from the support-side image forming apparatus 100, the supported image forming apparatus 100 reads the UI instruction received by the UI instruction document reading unit 108, and operates / displays the read content. Reflecting it on the touch panel of the unit 105, a screen in which a button 605 as shown in FIG. 6A is blinked is displayed (step 403).

  A button 605 blinkingly displayed on the supported touch panel is a button touched on the touch panel of the operation / display unit 105 by the support help operator on the support side.

  As described above, the button touched by the help operator on the operation / display unit 105 on the support side blinks on the touch panel of the operation / display unit 105 on the supported side. Know what to do.

  When the user who receives support touches the blinking button 605 displayed on the operation / display unit 105 of the supported image forming apparatus 100 (YES in step 404), the function depends on the touched button 605. Thus, the screen on the touch panel transitions (step 405).

  The transitioned screen is a screen that is displayed after the button 605 is touched in normal processing of the image forming apparatus 100.

  In addition, when the button 605 is blinked on the touch panel of the operation / display unit 105 on the supported side, the user receiving support is not touching the button 605 blinking on the operation / display unit 105 on the supported side. Even if the above operation is performed, the operation is not accepted, and the operation / display unit 105 on the supported side does not change the screen. In other words, the operation / display unit 105 on the support side is in a state of waiting for the button 605 blinking to be touched (NO in step 404).

  When the flashing button 605 is touched (YES in step 404) and the screen of the operation / display unit 105 is changed (step 405), the UI instruction on the changed screen is the UI instruction generation unit 109 on the supported side. And transmitted to the support-side image forming apparatus 100 (step 405).

  Upon receiving the UI instruction from the supported side, the support-side image forming apparatus 100 reads the UI instruction received by the UI instruction reading unit 108 and displays the screen of the operation / display unit 105 based on the read UI instruction. It is displayed (step 406).

  In this manner, the touch panel screen displayed after the button 605 is touched on the supported operation / display unit 105 is displayed on the touch panel of the support operation / display unit 105.

  If the setting operation of the image forming apparatus 100 requested by the help operator is not completed by touching the button 605 (NO in step 407), the help operator touches the touch panel of the operation / display unit 105 on the support side. Is continuously operated (step 401), and the operation procedure is instructed to the supported user (NO in steps 401 to 407).

  When the touch panel of the operation / display unit 105 is continuously operated, the types of touched buttons are temporarily stored in the support ROM / RAM 107 together with the touched order.

  Thus, when the help operator finishes teaching the supported user the setting procedure (YES in step 407), the supported user starts the start button 606 of the image forming apparatus 100 on the supported side. Is pressed to execute printing (step 408).

  When the start button 606 is pressed on the supported image forming apparatus 100, the printing execution unit 104 of the supported image forming apparatus 100 prints the contents set previously. The contents set earlier are the settings set by the user on the supported side by touching the touch panel in step 404.

  Then, a print execution screen indicating that printing is being performed is displayed on the supported operation / display unit 105 (step 409). When the print execution screen is displayed on the operation / display unit 105, a UI instruction for the print execution screen displayed on the operation / display unit 105 is generated by the UI instruction generation unit 109, and the supported image forming apparatus A UI instruction on the print execution screen is transmitted from 100 to the image forming apparatus on the support side (step 409).

  The image forming apparatus 100 on the support side receives the UI instruction on the print execution screen, reads the UI instruction with the UI instruction reading unit 108, and prints on the touch panel of the operation / display unit 105 based on the UI instruction. An execution screen is displayed (step 410).

  In the image forming apparatus 100 on the support side, when the UI instruction on the print execution screen is received, the operation procedure performed during NO in steps 401 to 407 is stored in the operation procedure storage unit 110 (step 411). ). The operation procedure stored in the operation procedure storage unit 110 is generated based on the type of touched button temporarily stored in the ROM / RAM 107.

  In the supported image forming apparatus 100 that is executing printing, when printing is completed (step 412), a screen on which printing has been completed is displayed on the operation / display unit 105 (step 413), and the UI of the print completion screen is displayed. An instruction is generated and transmitted to the image forming apparatus 100 on the support side (step 413).

  When receiving the UI instruction on the print end screen, the image forming apparatus 100 on the support side reads the UI instruction on the UI instruction reading unit 108 and displays the print end screen on the operation / display unit 105 (step 414). .

  When the print end screen is displayed on the support-side image forming apparatus 100, the help operator presses the support completion button 607 of the operation / display unit 105 (step 415).

  When the support completion button 607 is pressed on the image forming apparatus 100 on the support side (step 415), a help end screen is displayed on the operation / display unit 105 on the support side, and a UI instruction for the help end screen is generated. The image is transmitted to the supported image forming apparatus 100 (step 416). In the operation / display unit 105 on the support side where the help end screen is displayed, the display 608 of “help mode (support side)” indicating the help mode is turned off.

  The supported image forming apparatus 100 that has received the UI instruction on the help end screen displays a help end screen on the operation / display unit 105 based on the received UI instruction (step 417). In the supported operation / display unit 105 on which the help end screen is displayed, the “help mode (supported side)” display 609 indicating the help mode is turned off.

  The supported user presses an end button arranged in the help end screen displayed on the operation / display unit 105 (step 418), and the touch panel of the operation / display unit 105 displays the image forming apparatus 100. An initial screen is displayed (step 419).

  Next, the case where the information input to the operation / display unit 105 on the supported side is displayed in the lowercase on the operation / display unit 105 on the support side will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the content displayed on the operation / display unit 105 on the supported side is displayed in an obscured form when displayed on the operation / display unit 105 on the support side.

  FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a fax number is input into the touch panel of the operation / display unit 105 on the supported side, and FIG. 7B is a diagram inside the touch panel of the operation / display unit 105 on the support side. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state by which the fax number was displayed in the bottom.

  A supported user who receives support for the setting operation may input confidential information such as a fax number to the image forming apparatus. Since this confidential information may not be known to the help operator of the help center, for the predefined information, the UI instruction generation unit 109 on the supported side generates a UI instruction on the screen of the touch panel. At this time, the UI image is generated so that the image forming apparatus 100 on the support side displays it as a prone character.

  Thus, as shown in FIG. 7A, when the screen of the supported operation / display unit 105 to which the fax number is input is displayed on the operation / display unit 105 on the support side, FIG. The fax number will be displayed in plain letters as shown in.

  Next, the UI instruction will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a UI instruction generated by the UI instruction generating unit 109 and exchanged between the support-side and supported-side image forming apparatuses 100. This UI instruction is read by the UI instruction reading unit 108 and reflected on the touch panel screen of the operation / display unit 105.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the UI instruction is generated in the XML language. Then, each button on the various setting screens is defined in the UI instruction sheet, and the state of the button is instructed in the UI instruction sheet such as lighting and blinking.

  The operation procedure stored in the operation procedure storage unit 110 of the support-side image forming apparatus 100 can be transmitted to and stored in the supported-side image forming apparatus 100, and the supported-side image forming apparatus 100. By reproducing the operation procedure stored in the operation procedure storage unit 110, the supported user can confirm the operation procedure performed by the help operator on the support side.

  The support apparatus described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7 may be the support PC 200 instead of the support image forming apparatus 100. When the support side device is configured by the PC 200, the screen of the operation / display unit 105 of the image forming apparatus 100 is displayed on the display unit 203 of the PC 200, and the help operator operates the operation unit 204 such as a mouse. The operation / display unit 105 of the image forming apparatus 100 displayed on the display unit 203 is operated. The UI instruction reading unit 206, the UI instruction generating unit 207, and the operation procedure storage unit 208 in the PC 200 are respectively a UI instruction reading unit 108, a UI instruction generating unit 109, and an operation procedure in the image forming apparatus 100. A process for supporting a user who uses the supported image forming apparatus 100 and performs the same function as the storage unit 110 is performed.

  As described with reference to FIG. 6, not only the part touched by the help operator on the touch panel of the operation / display unit 105 on the support side is blinked but also the part touched by the help operator changes color. The image forming apparatus 100 and the operation guidance system 50 can be configured to be displayed as described above.

This invention relates to an information processing apparatus, which is available in the operation guidance program of the operation guidance system you and the information processing apparatus of the information processing apparatus.

The figure which shows the structure of the operation guidance system. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating configurations of the image forming apparatus 100 and the PC 200. 5 is a flowchart showing processing of the image forming apparatus 100 up to an initial screen in help mode. 5 is a flowchart showing processing of the image forming apparatus 100 in help mode. 5 is a flowchart showing processing of the image forming apparatus 100 in help mode. The figure which shows the operation / display part 105 of the support side and to-be-supported side in help mode. The schematic diagram which shows the operation / display part 105 by which the fax number was displayed by the prose. The schematic diagram which shows UI instruction.

Explanation of symbols

40 server 100 image forming apparatus 101 control unit 102 communication I / F unit 103 image reading unit 104 print execution unit 105 operation / display unit 106 facsimile unit 107 ROM / RAM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 108 UI instruction | indication reading part 109 UI instruction | indication production | generation part 110 Operation procedure memory | storage part 200 Personal computer 201 Control part 202 Communication I / F part 203 Display part 204 Operation part 205 ROM / RAM
206 UI instruction form reading unit 207 UI instruction form generating unit 208 Operating procedure storage unit

Claims (6)

Operation accepting means for accepting operations in the operation screen;
Highlighting means for highlighting a location operated by the operation received by the operation receiving means in the operation screen;
Transmitting means for generating document data that can reproduce the operation screen highlighted by the highlighting means, and transmitting the document data to another device;
Receiving means for receiving document data transmitted by the transmitting means;
Display means for displaying the operation screen highlighted by the highlighting means based on the document data received by the receiving means;
An operation selective acceptance that selectively accepts an operation at a highlighted location in the operation screen displayed on the display means without accepting an operation other than the highlighted location on the operation screen displayed on the display means. An information processing apparatus comprising: means. Contains predetermined information to a document data capable of reproducing operation screen transition to the operation screen after the transition by said operating selective receiving means and / or the operation accepted at the reception means operating In this case, document data transmitting means for generating document data that can reproduce the predetermined information in a prose, and transmitting the generated document data to another device;
A post-transition operation screen display means for receiving the document data transmitted by the document data transmission means, and displaying the post-transition operation screen with the predetermined information based on the received document data. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: At least two information processing devices are communicably connected,
The information processing apparatus on the side of instructing the operation is
An operation accepting means for accepting an instruction to be guided within the operation screen;
Highlighting means for highlighting a location operated by the operation received by the operation receiving means in the operation screen;
Transmission means for generating document data that can reproduce the operation screen highlighted by the highlighting means, and transmitting the document data to another device;
The information processing apparatus on the side where the operation is instructed is
Receiving means for receiving document data transmitted by the transmitting means;
Display means for displaying the operation screen highlighted by the highlighting means based on the document data received by the receiving means;
An operation selective acceptance that selectively accepts an operation at a highlighted location in the operation screen displayed on the display means without accepting an operation other than the highlighted location on the operation screen displayed on the display means. An information processing apparatus operation guidance system comprising means. The information processing apparatus on the side where the operation is instructed is
Predetermined information to a document data on the operation screen after the transition, which can be reproduced operation screen transition by the operation selectively receiving unit operation accepted by and / or operation accepted in the operation screen is If it is included, the document data that can reproduce the predetermined information in abbreviated form is generated, and the generated document data is sent to the information processing apparatus that instructs the operation. Means further comprising
The information processing apparatus on the side instructing the operation is:
A post-transition operation screen display means for receiving the document data transmitted by the document data transmission means and displaying the post-transition operation screen with the predetermined information as a base character based on the received document data; Prepare
An operation guidance system for an information processing apparatus according to claim 3 . Computer
Operation accepting means for accepting operations in the operation screen;
In the operation screen, highlighting means for highlighting a portion operated by the operation received by the operation receiving means, and generating document data that can reproduce the operation screen highlighted by the highlighting means, , Transmission means for transmitting the document data to another device,
Receiving means for receiving document data transmitted by the transmitting means;
Display means for displaying the operation blood image highlighted by the highlighting means based on the document data received by the receiving means;
An operation-selective operation that selectively accepts an operation at a highlighted location in the operation screen displayed on the display means without accepting an operation other than the highlighted location in the operation displayed on the display means. An operation instruction program for an information processing apparatus for functioning as a receiving means. Computer
It contains predetermined information to the operator both sides after a by the transition document data capable of reproducing operation screen transition by the operation accepted in the operation selectively receiving unit and / or the operation acceptance means In this case, document data transmitting means for generating document data capable of reproducing the predetermined information in a prose, and transmitting the generated document data to another device,
It receives document data transmitted by the document data transmission means, further as a transition after the operation screen display unit to the predetermined information based on the document data thus received to the asterisk to display the operation screen after the transition The operation instruction program for the information processing apparatus according to claim 5 for causing the function to function.

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