JP5399438B2 - MFP, MFP control system, MFP control method, program, and recording medium therefor - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a multifunction device control system and a multifunction device control method in which a multifunction device and a server device that are communicably connected via a communication network operate in cooperation with each other.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a multifunction device control system that connects a multifunction peripheral (MFP) and a server device via a communication network so that they can communicate with each other, and controls functions of the MFP from the server device. Such a multifunction machine control system is disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, for example.

  In these techniques, generally, an application (MFP Native application) that operates on the MFP and an application that operates on the server device cooperate to control the operation of the MFP.

  By the way, a virtual keyboard (software keyboard) is displayed on the display unit of the MFP so that the user can input data such as characters in an MFP without a hardware keyboard, and the user performs an operation on the virtual keyboard. There is a technique for performing data input according to.

  However, since the above-described virtual keyboard is generally built in the MFP in advance, the display form between display screens of application programs on the MFP (for example, between job execution screens such as copy and scan) is unified. However, the design and layout of the virtual keyboard can be switched for each input item, input mode (for example, double-byte kana, alphanumeric characters), or for each application program, and the virtual keyboard can be customized according to the user. There wasn't.

  On the other hand, Patent Document 3 previously supports input fields and virtual keyboards used for data input so that customization according to the needs of the user and fine data input for each input field can be performed. A technique is disclosed that uses a virtual keyboard associated with data entry and registered in advance.

JP 2007-174400 A (published July 5, 2007) JP 2006-277005 A (published October 12, 2006) JP 2007-025808 (published on February 1, 2007)

  However, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 3 has a problem in that it takes time since an input field and a virtual keyboard used for data input need to be associated in advance.

  In addition, when an operation input is performed on an application that operates on an application that operates on the server device, the MFP application prepares in advance on a screen generated by the server device application (or between screens generated by the server device application). Since the built-in virtual keyboard screen is displayed, the sense of unity of the design is lost and the user may be confused.

  As a method for unifying the design of the screen of the application running on the application running on the server device and the virtual keyboard screen, it can be considered that the application running on the server device generates a virtual keyboard. However, in such a case, Japanese input conversion processing (character conversion processing) such as Kana / Kanji conversion (a mechanism for displaying input characters (Kana) as candidates for Kanji conversion and receiving the selected Kanji as input values) is performed. The problem is that it becomes difficult to do. That is, normally, the display screen data provided from the server device to the MFP is a markup language such as HTML, and the browser of the MFP analyzes and displays the display screen data. The character conversion processing as described above is performed not by the browser function but by the Japanese input conversion function (character conversion function) incorporated in the MFP. Therefore, in a configuration in which a virtual keyboard screen is generated by an application of the server device and provided to the MFP, it is difficult to perform character conversion processing such as kana / kanji conversion.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to control the operation of a multifunction device in cooperation with a multifunction device and a server device that are communicably connected via a communication network. An operation input screen for a user to input characters is displayed in a display form corresponding to a display screen generated by an application of the server device.

  In order to solve the above problems, a multifunction machine of the present invention is communicably connected to a server device that executes an application program via a communication network, and executes a process according to an instruction of the application program. A display unit for displaying an operation input image for a user to input characters, an input receiving unit for receiving character input from the user for the operation input image, and generating the operation input image A storage unit that stores initial setting data including initial setting conditions for generating the image, and an image generation unit that generates the operation input image based on the initial setting data. The image generation unit receives from the server device Generated by changing at least some of the initial setting conditions included in the initial setting data according to the updated setting data The operation input image is characterized by causing the display section to display.

  In addition, a multifunction machine control system according to the present invention includes a server device that executes an application program, and a composite device that is communicably connected to the server device via a communication network and executes processing according to an instruction of the application program. A display unit that displays an operation input image for a user to input characters, an input reception unit that receives character input from the user for the operation input image, A storage unit that stores initial setting data including initial setting conditions for generating the operation input image; and an image generation unit that generates the operation input image based on the initial setting data. The unit includes the initial setting condition included in the initial setting data according to the setting update data received from the server device. An operation input image generated by changing at least part of conditions is characterized by causing the display section to display.

  The multifunction device control method of the present invention is connected to a server device that executes an application program and the server device so as to be communicable with each other via a communication network, and executes processing according to an instruction of the application program. A control method of a multifunction device, wherein the multifunction device includes a display unit that displays an operation input image for a user to input characters, and an input reception unit that receives character input from the user for the operation input image. A storage unit that stores initial setting data including initial setting conditions for generating the operation input image, and the initial setting data according to setting update data received from the server device by the multi-function peripheral. Generating operation input image data in which at least some of the initial setting conditions included in Machine is characterized in that it comprises the step of displaying an operation input image corresponding to the image data for the operation input to the display unit.

  According to the MFP, the MFP control system, and the MFP control method, the MFP has a display unit that displays an operation input image for a user to input characters, and the operation input image. An input receiving unit that receives character input from a user, a storage unit that stores initial setting data including initial setting conditions for generating the operation input image, and the operation input image based on the initial setting data. And an image generation unit for generating. The multi-function peripheral generates an operation input image generated by changing at least a part of the initial setting conditions included in the initial setting data according to the setting update data received from the server device. Display on the display. That is, the operation input image incorporated in advance in the multifunction device is changed and displayed in accordance with an instruction from an application operating in a server device connected via a communication network. Thereby, the operation input screen for the user to input characters can be displayed in a display form corresponding to the display screen generated by the application of the server device.

  The display unit displays an operation screen corresponding to the operation screen data received from the application program, the input reception unit receives an operation input from the user on the operation screen, and the image generation unit receives the input reception Request associated with the input item indicated in the operation screen data when the operation input received by the user is an instruction to select an input item that requires character input from the user on the operation screen It is also possible to first request transmission of the setting update data corresponding to the input item, and change at least a part of the initial setting conditions according to the setting update data included in a response to the request. Good.

  According to the above configuration, when the user instructs to select an input item that requires character input on the operation screen, the setting update data corresponding to the input item is automatically acquired, and the operation input image The display form can be automatically changed and displayed according to the setting update data acquired.

  Further, the initial setting condition includes information indicating a plurality of part images to be displayed on the operation input image, and the setting update data includes a part image of the plurality of part images described above. The information may be configured to display the operation input image and change the initial setting condition so that the remaining part images are not displayed on the operation input image. For example, the plurality of part images included in the initial setting condition include a key button image for a user to make a selection instruction, and the setting update data is a part of the key button image. Information for changing the initial setting condition so that the key button image is displayed on the operation input image and the remaining key button images are not displayed on the operation input image may be used.

  According to the above configuration, the operation input image is changed so that only the part images that are necessary among the part images included in the initial setting conditions are displayed, while the part images that do not need to be displayed are not displayed. Can do.

  The initial setting condition includes information indicating a plurality of part images to be displayed on the operation input image, and the setting update data includes a display position of the operation input image in the initial setting condition. , Display size of the operation input image, part image displayed on the operation input image, color, size, shape, display position of the part image displayed on the operation input image, parts displayed on the operation input image The information may be information for changing at least one of the character included in the image and the color, size, font, thickness, and display position of the character included in the part image displayed in the operation input image.

  According to the above configuration, the display form of the operation input image or the part image included in the operation input image is changed in accordance with an instruction from an application operating on a server device connected via a communication network, It can be displayed in a display form according to the application.

  In addition, the setting update data includes information for specifying a storage location of a setting file in which changes to the initial setting conditions are indicated, and the image generation unit is configured based on the setting update data. The configuration file may be acquired, and the operation input image may be generated based on the acquired configuration file.

  According to the above configuration, for example, even if the initial setting condition for generating the operation input image is different for each model of the multifunction device, the application that operates on the server device connected via the communication network From this, it is possible to display an operation input image suitable for the application simply by specifying the storage location of the setting file.

  The storage unit stores one or a plurality of setting files indicating changes to the initial setting conditions, stores a plurality of setting files corresponding to a plurality of display specifications, and stores the setting files. The update data includes a setting file to be applied to generation of the operation input image or information for specifying the storage location of the setting file, and the image generation unit is specified by the setting update data. The setting file may be read from the storage unit, and the operation input image may be generated based on the read setting file.

  According to the above configuration, for example, even if the initial setting condition for generating the operation input image is different for each model of the multifunction device, the application that operates on the server device connected via the communication network From this, it is possible to display an operation input image suitable for the application simply by specifying the setting file or the storage location of the setting file. The storage unit may store a plurality of setting files corresponding to a plurality of display specifications, and the information for specifying the setting files may specify display specifications for the operation input image. In this case, the application running on the server device can display the operation input image corresponding to the display specification on the display unit of the multifunction peripheral only by specifying the display specification of the operation input image.

  The multi-function device may be realized by a computer. In this case, a program that causes the multi-function device to be realized by the computer by causing the computer to operate as each unit and a computer-readable program that records the program. Recording media are also included in the scope of the present invention.

  As described above, the MFP according to the present invention includes a display unit that displays an operation input image for a user to input characters, an input reception unit that receives a character input from the user for the operation input image, and A storage unit for storing initial setting data including initial setting conditions for generating an operation input image; and an image generation unit for generating the operation input image based on the initial setting data. Displays the operation input image generated by changing at least a part of the initial setting conditions included in the initial setting data in accordance with the setting update data received from the server device on the display unit. .

  In the multifunction device control system of the present invention, the multifunction device includes a display unit that displays an operation input image for a user to input characters, and an input reception that receives character input from the user for the operation input image. A storage unit that stores initial setting data including initial setting conditions for generating the operation input image, and an image generation unit that generates the operation input image based on the initial setting data. And the image generation unit generates an operation input image generated by changing at least a part of the initial setting conditions included in the initial setting data according to the setting update data received from the server device. Display on the display section.

  The multifunction device control method according to the present invention includes a display unit that displays an operation input image for the user to input characters, and an input that receives character input from the user for the operation input image. A reception unit, and a storage unit that stores initial setting data including initial setting conditions for generating the operation input image, and the MFP responds to the setting update data received from the server device. A step of generating operation input image data in which at least a part of the initial setting conditions included in the initial setting data is changed; and the multifunction device generates an operation input image corresponding to the operation input image data. And displaying on the display unit.

  Therefore, according to the multifunction device, the multifunction device control system, and the multifunction device control method of the present invention, the operation input screen for the user to input characters is in accordance with the display screen generated by the application of the server device. It can be displayed in a display form.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the multifunctional device and multifunctional device control system concerning one Embodiment of this invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing in the multifunction machine control system illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display screen displayed on a display unit of the multifunction peripheral illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a management table stored in the multifunction peripheral illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of display screen data transmitted from a server device to a multifunction peripheral in the multifunction peripheral control system illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display screen displayed on the display unit of the multifunction peripheral based on the display screen data illustrated in FIG. 5. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another example of display screen data transmitted from the server apparatus to the multifunction peripheral in the multifunction peripheral control system illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an operation input image displayed based on operation input image data incorporated in advance in the multifunction peripheral in the multifunction peripheral control system illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a setting file for customizing an operation input image transmitted from a server device to a multifunction peripheral in the multifunction peripheral control system illustrated in FIG. 1. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation input image customized based on the setting file shown in FIG. 9 about the operation input image shown in FIG.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described.

(1-1. Overall configuration of MFP control system 1)
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a multifunction machine control system 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the multifunction device control system 1 includes a multifunction device (MFP) 10 and a server device (application server device) 50. These devices are communicably connected via a communication network 30. Has been. The number of multifunction devices 10 included in the multifunction device control system 1 may be plural, and the number of server devices 50 may be plural. Note that the communication network 30 may be an IEEE 1394, USB, power line carrier, cable TV line, telephone line, ADSL line, serial cable, or the like, such as infrared rays such as IrDA or remote control, Bluetooth (registered trademark), 802.11 wireless. It can also be used by radio such as HDR, mobile phone network, satellite line, terrestrial digital network. The MFP 10 and the server device 50 are HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol), which is a protocol used for communication (for example, requesting and transmitting a web page) between the web server and the web browser. It is designed to communicate using.

(1-2. Configuration of MFP 10)
The MFP 10 receives control information in HTML format from the server device 50 using HTTP, and based on the received control information, various functions of the MFP 10 (for example, a scan function, a print function, a copy function, and a facsimile transmission / reception function) A digital multifunction device or an analog multifunction device that executes a communication function, etc.).

  The multifunction machine 10 includes a control unit (image generation unit) 11, an operation unit 12, an image reading unit 13, an image forming unit 14, a storage unit 15, and a second communication unit 16. The control unit 11 includes a device control unit (image generation unit) 21, a web browser unit 22, a control application unit 23, and a second web server unit 24.

  The operation unit 12 is a user interface that notifies the user of various information and receives input from the user. The operation unit 12 includes an input unit (input receiving unit) 12a including various input keys and a display unit 12b such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The operation unit 12 may be a touch panel in which the input unit 12a and the display unit 12b are integrally configured.

  The operation unit 12 displays an operation input screen such as a virtual keyboard screen on the display unit 12b when the user needs to perform data input such as character input, and according to the user's operation on the operation input screen. It has a function to accept data input such as character input. The user's operation method for the operation input screen is not particularly limited. For example, when the operation unit 12 is a touch panel, the operation may be performed by touching an input item on the operation input screen. Alternatively, a mouse, a pen input device, a handwriting pad, a pointing device such as a gesture pad, a key operation button, a voice input device, or the like may be used.

  The image reading unit 13 includes a scanner and a document transport unit that transports a document to the position of the scanner, and executes a scan function that reads characters and images printed on the document as image data. Note that the image reading unit 13 reads an image with a predetermined resolution.

  The image forming unit 14 is for printing an image (character / photo / graphic) corresponding to input image data on a recording sheet such as paper, and includes a photosensitive drum, a charging device, an exposure device, A developing device, a transfer device, a fixing device, and a paper tray are included. Specifically, the image forming unit 14 performs a copy function for printing image data input from the image reading unit 13 and a printer function for printing image data input from an external device.

  The second communication unit 16 is a communication interface that performs communication with an external device such as the server device 50 via the communication network 30. In the present embodiment, as described above, the second communication unit 16 communicates with the server device 50 using HTTP. The second communication unit 16 can also access the second web server unit 24 inside the multifunction device 10 when the access destination indicates the IP address of the own device.

  The control unit 11 is a computer device that includes an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU and a dedicated processor, and a storage unit (not shown) such as a RAM, a ROM, and an HDD, and is stored in the storage unit. The functions of the device control unit 21, the web browser unit 22, the control application unit 23, and the second web server unit 24 are realized by reading and executing various information and programs for performing various controls.

  The web browser unit 22 performs an operation in accordance with commonly used web browser software. The web browser unit 22 can communicate with not only the first web server unit 53 included in the server device 50 but also the second web server unit 24 inside the multifunction machine 10 via the second communication unit 16. In the present embodiment, the web browser unit 22 is a server that requests data on the information display screen and does not execute control commands for controlling various functions (for example, copy functions) of the multifunction machine 10. It is set to communicate with the first web server unit 53 of the device 50. On the other hand, the web browser unit 22 is set to communicate with the second web server unit 24 inside the multifunction device 10 when executing control commands for controlling various functions of the multifunction device 10.

  The second web server unit 24 performs an operation in accordance with a commonly used web server software. Here, the web server is software that provides a function of a server device constituting a WWW (World Wide Web) which is an information system on the Internet. The second web server unit 24 receives a request (HTTP request) from the web browser unit 22, executes an application corresponding to the request, and sends a response (HTTP response) to the web browser unit 22. .

  The control application unit 23 executes processing according to a web application that runs on the web server. When it is necessary to control various functions (for example, copy function) of the multifunction machine 10, the control application unit 23 sends a control command for controlling the function to the device control unit 21. Alternatively, the control application unit 23 may control communication so that unique information unique to the multifunction machine 10 is transmitted to the first web server unit 53 by controlling the web browser unit 22 in accordance with the control command. Thereby, the function of the multifunction machine 10 can be controlled.

  The device control unit 21 controls various functions of the multifunction machine 10. Specifically, the device control unit 21 controls the operation of each unit such as the image reading unit 13, the image forming unit 14, the second communication unit 16, and the operation unit 12.

  For example, the device control unit 21 controls the operation of the image reading unit 13 and acquires scan image data. The device control unit 21 controls the operation of the image forming unit 14 to form (output) an image corresponding to the image data on the recording material.

  The device control unit 21 has a unique operation mode and a cooperative operation mode. The unique operation mode is a mode unique to the multifunction device 10, and an information display screen stored in advance in the multifunction device 10 is displayed on the display unit 12 b, and an instruction input to the information display screen is input to the input unit 12 a. And controls various functions of the multifunction machine 10 according to the instruction. On the other hand, in the cooperative operation mode, the device control unit 21 displays the information display screen received from the server device 50 on the display unit 12b and receives from the control application unit 23 based on an instruction input to the information display screen. The above control is performed according to the control instruction. Alternatively, at least a part of the information display screen stored in advance in the multifunction machine 10 is displayed on the display unit 12b by changing the information display screen changed according to the instruction received from the server device 50, and the information display screen is displayed. Based on the input instruction, the above control is performed according to the control instruction received from the control application unit 23.

  In the unique operation mode, the device control unit 21 appropriately combines image information of parts (component element images) held in the storage unit 15 according to the current configuration and state of the multifunction machine 10, and displays the information on the information display screen. Control such as displaying on the screen. Note that the unique operation mode is a general mode performed in a conventional multi-function peripheral, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  When the execution instruction of the cooperative operation mode is input, the device control unit 21 activates the web browser unit 22 and sets a preset URL (in the present embodiment, the first web server unit 53 of the server device 50). (The URL requesting transmission of the initial information display screen) is executed. In the cooperative operation mode, the device control unit 21 receives a control command from the control application unit 23 and performs control according to the control command.

  The device control unit 21 includes an Open I / F unit 21 a that can accept a control command that does not depend on the model of the multifunction machine 10. The Open I / F unit 21a publishes control commands for controlling various functions of the MFP 10 to the control application unit 23. The Open I / F unit 21a accepts control commands from the control application unit 23, and receives the received control commands from the device control. This is converted into a command that can be recognized by the unit 21.

  The Open I / F unit 21a includes a conversion table storage unit (not shown) that stores a conversion table in which control commands disclosed to the outside are associated with commands that can be recognized by the device control unit 21. Command conversion processing is performed according to the conversion table.

  In this way, the Open I / F unit 21a can accept a common control command that does not depend on the type of the multifunction machine 10. As a result, a common web application for operating the control application unit 23 can be used regardless of the multifunction device 10. Therefore, when the control application unit 23 is operated according to a new web application, it is only necessary to install the same web application for each multifunction device 10, and it is not necessary to change the web application for each multifunction device 10. Thereby, development of the web application for operating the control application part 23 can be performed easily.

(1-3. Configuration of Server Device 50)
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the server device 50 includes a first communication unit 52 and a control unit 51. The control unit 51 includes a first web server unit 53 and an external application unit 54.

  The control unit 51 is a computer device that includes an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU and a dedicated processor, and a storage unit (not shown) such as a RAM, a ROM, and an HDD, and is stored in the storage unit. The functions of the first web server unit 53 and the external application unit 54 are realized by reading and executing various information and programs for performing various controls.

  The first communication unit 52 communicates with the multifunction machine 10 via a LAN, an Internet line, or the like. The first communication unit 52 communicates with the multifunction machine 10 using an HTTP communication protocol.

  The first web server unit 53 operates according to web server software. The first web server unit 53 receives a request (here, an HTTP request) from the multi-function peripheral 10 via the first communication unit 52, and a file, image data, print data, control information, etc. corresponding to the HTTP request. Has a function of responding to the MFP 10 via the first communication unit 52.

  The external application unit 54 performs an operation according to a predetermined web application in response to an instruction from the first web server unit 53. That is, the external application unit 54 performs operations according to various web applications that operate on the web server.

  For example, when the request (HTTP request) from the multi-function device 10 is an information display screen transmission request, the external application unit 54 performs an operation according to the information display screen transmission application. Specifically, the external application unit 54 reads out the HTML data of the information display screen indicated by the transmission request from the storage unit and sends it to the first web server unit 53.

  In addition, when the request from the multifunction device 10 is a print data transmission request, the external application unit 54 performs an operation according to the print application. Specifically, the external application unit 54 acquires print data with a specified file name from the folder with the folder name indicated in the transmission request, and sends the print data to the first web server unit 53.

  The external application unit 54 also includes a virtual keyboard built in the multi-function device 10 when the user of the multi-function device 10 needs to input data such as character input in an application being executed in the external application unit 54. The first web server unit by generating information for customizing according to conditions such as the above-mentioned application executing the operation input screen, input items for data input, input mode (Hiragana, Katakana, alphanumeric characters, etc.) 53. The first web server unit 53 transmits the information to the multifunction machine 10 via the first communication unit 52.

(1-4. Operation in cooperative operation mode)
Next, in the cooperative operation mode processing in which the multifunction device 10 and the server device 50 cooperate to execute processing, a virtual keyboard (operation for a user to input characters (data input) on the display unit 12b of the multifunction device 10) Processing for displaying the input image) will be described. Specifically, after the MFP 10 receives screen data including a control (text box) that requires character input from the server device 50 and displays it on the display unit 12b, it is displayed when the user selects the control. Processing for displaying a virtual keyboard on the unit 12b will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in this case.

  First, the device control unit 21 displays an external application startup screen on the display unit 12b (S1). FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an external application startup screen displayed on the display unit 12b. Note that the data of the external application startup screen may be stored in the storage unit 15 in advance, or may be acquired by the device control unit 21 accessing the server device 50 via the second communication unit 16. .

  Next, upon receiving an instruction to select an external application input from the user via the input unit 12a (S2), the device control unit 21 activates the web browser unit 22 and the URL associated with the selected external application. To send an HTTP Get command for requesting transmission of the initial operation screen (S3). Specifically, a management table in which each external application displayed on the external application startup screen is associated with a URL for requesting an initial operation screen of each external application is stored in the storage unit 15 in advance. Then, the device control unit 21 acquires a URL for requesting transmission of the initial operation screen from this management table, notifies the web browser unit 22 of the URL, and HTTP Get for requesting transmission of the initial operation screen to the URL. Send a command. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a management table stored in the storage unit 15.

  When the first web server unit 53 of the server device 50 receives the Get command (request for transmission of the initial operation screen) (S21), the HTML data (initial operation screen data) of the initial operation screen corresponding to the Get command is converted into the multifunction device. 10 (S22).

  When the second communication unit 16 receives the initial operation screen data from the server device 50 (S4), the device control unit 21 of the multifunction machine 10 causes the display unit 12b to display an initial operation screen corresponding to the received initial operation screen data. (S5). FIG. 5 shows an example of HTML data of a login screen returned as an initial operation screen from the server device 50 to the multifunction device 10, and FIG. 6 shows a login screen displayed on the display unit 12b of the multifunction device 10 based on the HTML data. (Initial operation screen) is shown. The initial operation screen is not limited to such a login screen, and may be set as appropriate according to the application.

  Next, when receiving a character input start command from the user via the input unit 12a (S6), the device control unit 21 needs to customize (change) the operation input image stored in advance in the storage unit 15. It is determined whether or not (S7). That is, it is determined whether or not it is necessary to change the initial setting condition in the initial setting data that is stored in advance in the storage unit 15 and includes the initial setting condition for generating the operation input image.

  The character input start command is, for example, that the user selects a text box (character input area, data input area) included in the initial operation screen (display screen corresponding to the application operated on the server device 50). Is done by.

  In addition, as the operation input image, for example, a virtual keyboard image (software keyboard image) for a user to input characters, a handwriting input area for performing handwriting input using a touch panel, various pointing devices, and the like are used. Examples include a handwriting input screen (handwriting input image), a voice input image for performing voice input (voice input operation screen), and the like.

  Further, the device control unit 21 determines whether or not it is necessary to customize the operation input image setting file (setting update data) associated with the text box in the HTML data of the login screen, for example. This is performed depending on whether or not an external link (information indicating a request destination for making a setting file acquisition request) is included.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in the case where an external link for acquiring the operation input image setting file is associated with the text box in the HTML data of the login screen. In the example shown in this figure, when the text box to the right of “Login Name” or the text box to the right of “Password” on the login screen shown in FIG. 6 is selected, the external link “src =“ http: //123.123.123/app/keyboad.xml "" is set to send a configuration file request. Note that the operation input image displayed on the display unit 12b based on the HTML data shown in FIG. 7 is the operation input image displayed on the display unit 12b based on the HTML data shown in FIG. 5 (see FIG. 6). ).

  The information included in the setting file includes, for example, a display position and a display size of the operation input image on the display unit 12b, a part image displayed on the operation input image and / or a part image not displayed, The color, size, shape, and display position of the part image displayed on the operation input image, the characters included in the part image, and the color, size, font, and thickness of the characters included in the part image displayed on the operation input image , And display position, or a combination thereof.

  When it is determined in S7 that customization of the operation input image is unnecessary, the device control unit 21 causes the display unit 12b to display an operation input image based on the operation input image data stored in advance in the storage unit 15. (S11), the process ends. FIG. 8 shows an example of the operation input image displayed on the display unit 12 b based on the operation input image data stored in advance in the storage unit 15.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S7 that the operation input image needs to be customized, the device control unit 21 controls the web browser unit 22, and is included in the HTML data of the initial operation screen acquired in S4. An HTTP Get command for requesting transmission of a setting file to an external link destination for acquiring a setting file of an image for operation input associated with the text box selected in is transmitted via the second communication unit 16. Transmit (S8). In the present embodiment, the setting file request destination is set to an address in the server device 50, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the request destination of the setting file may be another device provided separately from the server device 50. Further, the request destination of the setting file may be the second web server unit 24 in the multifunction machine 10. For example, a setting file customized for each model of the multifunction device (or for each display specification) is stored in the multifunction device 10, and the external application unit 54 sets the address in which the setting file in the multifunction device is stored. By specifying the corresponding loopback address (eg: http: //123.123.123... → http: // “loopback address”...), The above setting file stored in the multifunction machine 10 itself is specified. Can be accessed.

  When receiving the transmission request (S23), the first web server unit 53 of the server device 50 responds (returns) the setting file corresponding to the transmission request to the multi-function peripheral 10 (S24).

  When the second communication unit 16 receives the setting file from the server device 50 (S9), the device control unit 21 of the multifunction machine 10 displays the operation input screen stored in advance in the storage unit 15 according to the received setting file. Customize (S10). And the apparatus control part 21 displays the customized screen for operation input on the display part 12b (S11), and complete | finishes a process.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a setting file transmitted from the server device 50 to the multifunction machine 10. That is, FIG. 9 shows an example of a setting file corresponding to “src =“ http: //123.123.123/app/keyboad.xml ”. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the result of customizing the operation input image stored in advance in the storage unit 15 based on the setting file shown in FIG. In the examples of FIGS. 9 and 10, in order to limit the characters that can be used for inputting the login name to alphanumeric characters, an operation input image based on the initial setting data shown in FIG. Display of each key button image that is not displayed and displayed for key button images that are not necessary for alphanumeric input among the key button images included in the operation input image generated based on the initial setting data) Is changed from the display position in FIG.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 9, an element <Title> is arranged, and the character “login name” is set in the element. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 10, the title “login name” is displayed on a part of the operation input screen. That is, the title is not displayed in the operation input image (see FIG. 8) stored in the storage unit 15, but the title “login name” is displayed in the customized operation input image based on the setting file. ing.

  In the example shown in FIG. 9, the background color of the operation input image is designated by the element <Background>. Accordingly, the background color of the operation input image before customization shown in FIG. 8 is based on white, whereas the background color of the operation input image after customization shown in FIG. 10 is black. It has been changed to something based on. In this example, the background color is changed. However, for example, a URL in which image data of an image to be displayed on the background is stored is specified, and the device control unit 21 sets the color. A background image may be created based on image data acquired from the URL.

In the example shown in FIG. 9, the key button image to be displayed after customization is specified from the key button images included in the operation input image stored in advance in the storage unit 15 by the element <KeyLayout>. And the display position of each key button image are designated. That is, the <KeyLayout> element describes attribute values (key attribute, key name attribute, x attribute, and y attribute) for each key button image included in the operation input image.
The key attribute is an attribute indicating a key to be set. For example, the attribute value “key =“ a ”indicates that the setting is related to the key“ a ”. The key name attribute indicates the name of the key button image. The x attribute indicates the display position in the horizontal direction (x direction) on the display unit 12b, and the y attribute indicates the display position in the vertical direction (y direction) on the display unit 12b. As a result, for example, x = “126” y = “150” set in key “a” has coordinates x = “126” y = ”where x = 0 and y = 0 in the upper left corner of the screen. The key button is specified to be placed at the 150 ”position.

  As described above, the multifunction device control system 1 according to the present embodiment includes the multifunction device 10 and the server device 50 that are communicably connected to each other via the communication network 30. Display unit 12b for displaying an operation input image for inputting characters, an input unit (input receiving unit) 12a for receiving character input from the user for the operation input image, and generating the operation input image A storage unit 15 that stores initial setting data including the initial setting conditions, and a device control unit (image generation unit) 21 that generates the operation input image based on the initial setting data. The device control unit 21 includes: An operation generated by changing at least a part of the initial setting conditions included in the initial setting data according to the setting update data received from the server device 50 And it displays the force image on the display unit 12b.

  Thereby, the operation input image incorporated in advance in the multifunction machine 10 can be changed and displayed in accordance with an instruction from an application operating in the server device 50 connected via the communication network. Therefore, the operation input screen for the user to input characters can be displayed in a display form corresponding to the display screen generated by the application of the server device 50.

  The operation input image may be displayed on the entire surface of the display unit 12b or may be displayed on a part of the display unit 12b. For example, the operation input image may be displayed on a part of the display screen corresponding to the application of the server device 50.

  In the present embodiment, each unit (each block) provided in the multifunction device 10 and / or the server device 50, particularly, the control unit 11 of the multifunction device 10 and / or the control unit 51 of the server device 50 is replaced with a processor such as a CPU. And may be realized by software. In this case, the multifunction machine 10 and / or the server device 50 expands a CPU (central processing unit) that executes instructions of a control program that realizes each function, a ROM (read only memory) that stores the program, and the program. A RAM (random access memory), a storage device (recording medium) such as a memory for storing the program and various data, and the like are provided. The object of the present invention is to enable the computer to read the program code (execution format program, intermediate code program, source program) of the control program for the multifunction machine 10 and / or the server device 50, which is software for realizing the functions described above. This is achieved by supplying the recorded recording medium to the multi-function device 10 and / or the server device 50, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) reads out and executes the program code recorded on the recording medium.

  Examples of the recording medium include a tape system such as a magnetic tape and a cassette tape, a magnetic disk such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk / hard disk, and an optical disk such as a CD-ROM / MO / MD / DVD / CD-R. Card system such as IC card, IC card (including memory card) / optical card, or semiconductor memory system such as mask ROM / EPROM / EEPROM / flash ROM.

  Further, the MFP 10 and / or the server device 50 may be configured to be connectable to a communication network, and the program code may be supplied via the communication network. The communication network is not particularly limited. For example, the Internet, intranet, extranet, LAN, ISDN, VAN, CATV communication network, virtual private network, telephone line network, mobile communication network, satellite communication. A net or the like is available. Further, the transmission medium constituting the communication network is not particularly limited. For example, even in the case of wired such as IEEE 1394, USB, power line carrier, cable TV line, telephone line, ADSL line, etc., infrared rays such as IrDA and remote control, Bluetooth ( (Registered trademark), 802.11 wireless, HDR, mobile phone network, satellite line, terrestrial digital network, and the like can also be used. The present invention can also be realized in the form of a computer data signal embedded in a carrier wave in which the program code is embodied by electronic transmission.

  The blocks of the multifunction machine 10 and / or the server device 50 are not limited to those realized using software, but may be constituted by hardware logic, and hardware that performs a part of the processing. And a calculation unit that executes software for controlling the hardware and performing the remaining processing may be used.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope shown in the claims. That is, embodiments obtained by combining technical means appropriately modified within the scope of the claims are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  The present invention is applied to a multifunction peripheral control system in which a multifunction peripheral and a server device that are communicably connected via a communication network operate, a multifunction peripheral control method, and a multifunction peripheral included in the multifunction peripheral control system. it can.

1 MFP Control System 10 MFP 11 Control Unit (Image Generation Unit)
12 Operation part 12a Input part (input reception part)
12b Display unit 13 Image reading unit 14 Image forming unit 15 Storage unit 16 Second communication unit 21 Device control unit (image generation unit)
21a Open I / F unit 22 Web browser unit 23 Control application unit 24 Second web server unit 30 Communication network 50 Server device 51 Control unit 52 First communication unit 53 First web server unit 54 External application unit

Claims (11)

A unique operation mode for executing processing according to a program executed on the own device, and a cooperative operation mode for executing processing in cooperation with an application program executed on a server device connected to be communicable via a communication network. A multi-function machine having
A display unit for displaying an operation input image for a user to input characters;
An input receiving unit for receiving character input from the user for the operation input image;
A storage unit for storing initial setting data including initial setting conditions for generating the operation input image;
An image generation unit that generates the operation input image based on the initial setting data,
The image generation unit
In the specific operation mode, the operation input image generated based on the initial setting data is displayed on the display unit,
In the cooperative operation mode, an operation input image generated by changing at least a part of the initial setting conditions included in the initial setting data according to the setting update data received from the server device is displayed on the display unit. A multifunction device that is displayed on the screen. The display unit displays an operation screen corresponding to the operation screen data received from the application program,
The input receiving unit receives an operation input from the user for the operation screen,
When the operation input received by the input reception unit is an instruction to select an input item that requires character input from the user on the operation screen, the image generation unit sets the input item in the operation screen data. Request the associated request destination to transmit the setting update data corresponding to the input item, and at least some of the initial setting conditions according to the setting update data included in the response to the request The multifunction device according to claim 1, wherein: The initial setting condition includes information indicating a plurality of part images to be displayed on the operation input image.
In the setting update data, the initial setting condition is changed so that a part image of the plurality of part images is displayed on the operation input image and the remaining part images are not displayed on the operation input image. The multifunction device according to claim 1, wherein the information is information for causing the multifunction device to operate. The plurality of part images included in the initial setting conditions include a key button image for a user to make a selection instruction,
In the setting update data, the initial setting condition is set so that a part of the key button images of the key button image is displayed on the operation input image and the remaining key button images are not displayed on the operation input image. 4. The multifunction device according to claim 3, wherein the information is information to be changed. The initial setting condition includes information indicating a plurality of part images to be displayed on the operation input image.
The setting update data is displayed on the display position of the operation input image, the display size of the operation input image, the part image displayed on the operation input image, and the operation input image among the initial setting conditions. Part image color, size, shape, display position, characters included in the part image displayed in the operation input image, character color, size, font, thickness included in the part image displayed in the operation input image 5. The multifunction device according to claim 1, wherein the information is information for changing at least one of the display position and the display position. The setting update data includes information for specifying the storage location of the setting file in which the contents of changes to the initial setting conditions are indicated.
3. The composite according to claim 1, wherein the image generation unit acquires the setting file based on the setting update data, and generates the operation input image based on the acquired setting file. Machine. The storage unit stores one or a plurality of setting files indicating changes to the initial setting conditions,
The setting update data includes a setting file to be applied to generation of the operation input image or information for specifying a storage location of the setting file,
The image generation unit reads the setting file specified by the setting update data from the storage unit, and generates the operation input image based on the read setting file. A multi-function machine described in 1. A server device that executes an application program, a unique operation mode that is connected to the server device via a communication network, and that executes processing according to a program executed by the device, and the server device A multifunction machine control system comprising a multifunction machine having a cooperative operation mode for executing a process linked with an application program to be executed ,
The above multifunction machine
A display unit for displaying an operation input image for a user to input characters;
An input receiving unit for receiving character input from the user for the operation input image;
A storage unit for storing initial setting data including initial setting conditions for generating the operation input image;
An image generation unit that generates the operation input image based on the initial setting data,
The image generation unit
In the specific operation mode, the operation input image generated based on the initial setting data is displayed on the display unit,
In the cooperative operation mode, an operation input image generated by changing at least a part of the initial setting conditions included in the initial setting data according to the setting update data received from the server device is displayed on the display unit. A multifunction machine control system characterized in that it is displayed on the screen. A unique operation mode for executing processing according to a program executed on the own device, and a cooperative operation mode for executing processing in cooperation with an application program executed on a server device connected to be communicable via a communication network. A control method for a multifunction machine having:
The above multifunction machine
A display unit for displaying an operation input image for a user to input characters;
An input receiving unit for receiving character input from the user for the operation input image;
A storage unit that stores initial setting data including initial setting conditions for generating the operation input image.
An image data generation step of the MFP generates the image data for operation input,
An operation input image for the MFP according to the image data for the operation input saw including a display step of displaying on the display unit,
The above multifunction machine
In the case of the unique operation mode, the operation input image data is generated based on the initial setting data,
In the case of the cooperative operation mode, the operation input image data is changed by changing at least a part of the initial setting conditions included in the initial setting data according to the setting update data received from the server device. A control method for a multifunction machine, characterized in that:   8. A program for operating the multifunction device according to claim 1, wherein the program causes a computer to function as the image generation unit. The computer-readable recording medium which recorded the program of Claim 10.

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