JP6551105B2 - Image forming apparatus, screen display method, and computer program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a screen display technique in an image forming apparatus.

  In recent years, image forming apparatuses having various functions such as copying, scanning, faxing, and document management have become widespread. Such an image forming apparatus is sometimes called a “multifunction machine” or “MFP (Multi Function Peripherals)”.

  In order to use these functions, the manufacturer creates an application and installs it in advance in the image forming apparatus. In this way, an application that is fixedly installed in advance may be referred to as a “native application”. Also, a screen displayed by a native application may be called a "native screen".

  Furthermore, a web browser has come to be provided in the image forming apparatus. Various services can be received by accessing the web server with a web browser and causing the web server to execute the web application.

  Further, a technique for providing a web server called “IWS (Internal Web Server)” in an image forming apparatus has been proposed. A company or user other than the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus creates a web application using a widely known language (for example, HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) or JavaScript (registered trademark)), and installs it on the image forming apparatus. IWS can be executed. Applications executed by IWS may be referred to as "IWS Applications". Also, the screen displayed by the IWS application may be called a "customization screen".

  Therefore, according to IWS, the expandability of the function of the image forming apparatus can be improved more easily than before.

  Conventionally, a method for controlling various functions of an image forming apparatus using a fixedly installed application screen and an application screen described in HTML or the like has been proposed.

  According to the technique described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561, device control firmware that controls image formation and controls a default display screen for status display and instruction reception display related to image formation, and status display and instruction reception display A web display screen application that controls a customizable display screen for the device in a process separate from the device control firmware, and the web display screen application has a function for calling a screen by arbitrarily specifying a default display screen The device control firmware has a function of accepting a screen call from the web display screen application, and when the web display screen application outputs a customizable display screen to the display unit, the web display screen application changes to the device control firmware. On the other hand, there is a screen call And, to display the default display screen specified by the screen call.

  Other than the above, the following techniques have been proposed as techniques for displaying a screen. The operating device generates first and second display input devices capable of displaying and inputting information, and first and second display screen groups each representing a plurality of setting items in different modes, and When a value of any of the setting items is input using either the display control function for displaying on one or the other of the first and second display input devices and the first or second display input device, respectively. And a display content changing function for changing and displaying the display of the first and second display input devices in accordance with the input values (Patent Document 2).

  When the user displays an icon for an item whose parameter setting has been changed on the operation panel and the user selects an icon for the item that the user wants to set again, a screen for changing the setting of the item is displayed (Patent Document 3).

Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2015-95859 JP 2010-160676 A JP 2007-300289 A

  According to an application described by HTML or the like, the degree of freedom in screen design is higher than that of a native application. Therefore, the screen can be devised such as limiting the objects to be arranged to settings for representative items or values or enlarging the objects.

  However, if there are few items that can be set, it may be unsatisfactory for a user who is used to the image forming apparatus. Then you have to use a native application. Also, if you need detailed settings that can not be done on the customization screen, you may be forced to use a native application.

  However, if the user is used to the customization screen, the user may feel stress in operating the native screen. The larger the difference between the configuration of the customization screen and the configuration of the native screen, the greater the tendency. Also, the more detailed the native screen, the greater the tendency.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and it is an object of the present invention to enable a user who uses a customized screen to use a native screen more easily than before.

An image forming apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus in which a first application is fixedly installed, and includes one or a plurality of conditions for setting conditions for executing a specific process. A first display processing means for displaying a first screen on which a first object is arranged and used in the first application ; and for setting the condition more restrictively than the first screen. Second display processing means for displaying on the display a second screen used in a second application in which one or a plurality of second objects are arranged and can be installed in an expanded manner in the image forming apparatus ; And the first display processing means includes the one or more second objects of the one or more first objects. For common objects corresponding to any of the-object, it is displayed together with the identification image for identifying the second object corresponding to the common object to the user.

  Preferably, the first display processing unit displays a name of a second object corresponding to the common object as the identification image. More preferably, the identification image is displayed instead of the name of the common object.

  Alternatively, the first display processing unit displays the identification image when an option of the second application is selected from a plurality of options.

  Or storage means for storing a first identifier for identifying each of the one or more first objects, and a second identifier for identifying each of the one or more second objects. The one or more by retrieving the first identifier stored in the storage means corresponding to the second identifier obtained by the obtaining means obtained from the second application; Discriminating means for discriminating each common object of the second object, and the first display processing means displays the identification image based on the result of discrimination by the discriminating means.

For example, one of the one or more first objects and one of the one or more second objects are for selecting the same value. Or to select the same item,
Alternatively, the first display processing means causes the contents set on the second screen to be reflected to display the first screen.

An image forming apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention causes a display to display a first screen on which one or more first objects for setting conditions for executing a specific process are arranged. Calling object for calling the first screen, wherein the first display processing means and one or a plurality of second objects for setting the condition more restrictively than the first screen are arranged Second display processing means for displaying on the display a second screen in which the call object is operated, the first display processing means when the call object is operated, For a common object corresponding to any one of the one or more second objects among the plurality of first objects, h is a second object corresponding to the common object. It is displayed together with the identification image for identifying the object to the user.

  According to the present invention, a user who uses a customized screen can use a native screen more easily than before.

It is a figure which shows the example of the whole structure of an application system. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a platform of the image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example of a menu screen. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a copy job screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a scan job screen. It is a figure which shows the example of the display of the object by blowing. It is a figure which shows the example of object information. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen for simple setting copy. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen for a simple setting scan. It is a figure which shows the example of a menu screen. It is a figure which shows the example of the mode of the transition of a pull-down menu. It is a figure which shows the example of object information. It is a figure which shows the example of the functional structure implement | achieved by the object guidance program. It is a figure which shows the example of an application list screen. It is a figure which shows the example of an object list screen. It is a figure which shows the example of the display by blowing out of the object regarding a resolution. It is a figure which shows the example of the display by blowing out of the object regarding a resolution. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the whole flow of the process by an object guidance program. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the whole flow of the process regarding the display of the screen by a native application. It is a figure which shows the modification of a scan job screen. It is a figure which shows the modification of the screen for simple setting scans. It is a figure which shows the modification of a scan job screen.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an application system 100. As shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the platform of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the menu screen 50A. FIG. 5 shows an example of the copy job screen 50B. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the scan job screen 50C. FIG. 7 is a view showing an example of display of an object by blowing out. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the object information 6C. FIG. 9 is a view showing an example of the screen for simple setting copy 57A. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the screen for simple setting scanning 57B. FIG. 11 shows an example of the menu screen 57C. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the transition of the pull-down menu 57Ba. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the object information 6A.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the application system 100 includes an image forming apparatus 1, a server device 21, a terminal device 22, a communication line 29, and the like.

  The image forming apparatus 1 can communicate with the server device 21 and the terminal device 22 via the communication line 29. As the communication line 29, a LAN (Local Area Network) line, the Internet, a public line, a dedicated line, or the like is used.

  The image forming apparatus 1 is an apparatus that integrates functions for providing services such as copying, PC printing, faxing, scanning, and boxes. It may be called "MFP (Multi Function Peripherals)" or "MFP" or the like.

  The PC print service is a service for printing an image on a sheet based on the image data received from the terminal device 22. It may be called "network printing" or "network printing".

  The box service is a service for storing and managing image data and the like by using a storage area called “box” or “personal box” for each user. A box corresponds to a "folder" or "directory" in a personal computer.

  The scan service is a service that reads an image written on a sheet to generate image data, and stores the image data on a recording medium or transmits it to another device.

  The server device 21 provides files to other devices or manages files received from other devices according to a protocol such as FTP (File Transfer Protocol).

  The terminal device 22 is a client for remotely using the above-described service of the image forming apparatus 1. As the terminal device 22, a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet computer, or the like is used.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10a, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 10b, a VRAM (Video RAM) 10c, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 10d, a mass storage device 10e, The touch panel display 10f, operation key panel 10g, NIC (Network Interface Card) 10h, modem 10i, scan unit 10j, print unit 10k, finisher 10m, and the like are included.

  The touch panel display 10f displays a screen showing a message for the user, a screen for the user to input a command or information, a screen showing a result of processing executed by the CPU 10a, and the like. In addition, the touch panel display 10 f transmits a signal indicating the touched position to the CPU 10 a.

  The VRAM 10c is used to store screen data to be displayed on the touch panel display 10f.

  The operation key panel 10g is a so-called hardware keyboard, and includes a ten key, a start key, a stop key, a function key, and the like.

  The NIC 10h communicates with other devices using a protocol such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol).

  The modem 10i exchanges image data with a facsimile terminal using a protocol such as G3.

  The scan unit 10j reads an image written on a sheet set on the platen glass and generates image data.

  In addition to the image read by the scan unit 10j, the print unit 10k prints an image received from another device by the NIC 10h or the modem 10i on a sheet.

  The finisher 10m binds a sheet on which an image is printed by the print unit 10k, that is, a printed matter, with a stapler, or punches a hole.

  The operating system 101 and the MFP system 102 shown in FIG. 3 are installed in the ROM 10d or the large-capacity storage device 10e as software for performing overall management or basic processing of the image forming apparatus 1 or providing a user interface. Has been. A native application platform 103 is prepared to provide the functions of the operating system 101 or the MFP system 102 to the application.

  Further, in addition to the copy application 401, the scan application 402, and the box application 403, a browser application 404, a menu application 405, and the like are installed in the mass storage device 10e. The copy application 401 or the menu application 405 operates via the native application platform 103.

  In addition, a web server system 105, which is software for IWS (Internal Web Server), is installed in the mass storage device 10e. In addition to the simple setting copy application 471, the one touch copy application 472, the simple setting scan application 473, the one touch scan application 474, and the menu web application 475, an electronic bulletin board application, a translation application, an online storage application, and the like are installed. ing. These applications operate via the web server system 105.

  Thus, some applications are executed via the native application platform 103 and others are executed via the web server system 105.

  Hereinafter, in order to distinguish these applications, an application executed via the native application platform 103 will be referred to as a “native application 40”. On the other hand, an application executed via the web server system 105 is described as “IWS application 47”.

  A directory (subdirectory) for each IWS application 47 is provided in a predetermined directory of the mass storage device 10e. And the file of each IWS application 47 is stored in the directory provided for each. Each directory is given the name (application name) of each IWS application 47 as a directory name.

  The menu application 405 is an application that displays a menu screen 50A including buttons of the native application 40 as shown in FIG. 4 and activates the native application 40 of the button selected by the user.

  The copy application 401, the scan application 402, and the box application 403 are applications for providing the copy, scan, and box services described above.

  According to the copy application 401, the user arbitrarily sets the conditions for all items related to copying (number of copies, color, paper size, magnification, reading resolution, output resolution, printing surface, aggregate printing, finishing, etc.) The job can be executed by the image forming apparatus 1.

  Further, according to the copy application 401, a copy job screen 50B as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed as a screen for performing these conditions.

  According to the scan application 402, the user arbitrarily sets conditions for all items related to scanning, and forms a scan job (a job to scan an image from paper, generate image data, and store or transmit the image). The apparatus 1 can be executed.

  Further, according to the scan application 402, a scan job screen 50C as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed as a screen for performing these conditions.

  The browser application 404 is a web browser that receives web page data and displays the web page.

  Basically, the native application 40 is already fixedly installed in the image forming apparatus 1 upon delivery.

  A plurality of objects such as text, buttons, and tabs are arranged on each screen of the native application 40 such as the menu screen 50A, the copy job screen 50B, and the scan job screen 50C.

  Also, certain ones of these objects, when touched, cause another object to be displayed by a balloon in the vicinity.

  For example, when the menu button 50Ca is touched on the scan job screen 50C, objects such as selection buttons 50Cb to 50Cg are displayed by blowing above the menu button 50Ca as shown in FIG.

  These objects are classified by function. Each function is given a unique function code. Each object is given an item code. The item code should, in principle, distinguish between objects belonging to the same function. However, the same item code may be given to a plurality of objects belonging to the same function. In this case, these objects are given different codes as subcodes.

  As described above, each object of each screen of the native application 40 is given three codes, that is, a function code, an item code, and a subcode as shown in FIG. They are identified by these codes. Hereinafter, what combined three codes is described as an "identification code" or "identification ID." In addition, a name is given. These pieces of information are stored in the image forming apparatus 1 as object information 6C as described later.

  Moreover, a value or an event is associated with some objects in advance. The user can designate a value or event corresponding to the object to the image forming apparatus 1 by selecting the object by touching the object.

  For example, when the selection button 50Cb is touched on the scan job screen 50C, a value “200 × 200 dpi” is designated. Alternatively, when the OK button 50Cf is touched, a process (event) for setting the most recently specified value as a scan job and a process (event) for closing the blowing are specified.

  The menu button 50Ca includes not only the button but also a character string representing the name “resolution”. In addition, the text “S 200 dpi” or text 50Ch placed on the button is an object different from the menu button 50Ca.

  Similar to the copy application 401, the simplified setting copy application 471 provides a copy service to the user. As described above, according to the copy application 401, the conditions of all items relating to copying can be arbitrarily set. However, according to the simple setting copy application 471, the simple setting copy screen 57A as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the touch panel display 10f. Is displayed. The user can set only the conditions of some specific items via the simple setting copy screen 57A, and can cause the image forming apparatus 1 to execute a copy job.

  Similar to the copy application 401, the one touch copy application 472 also provides a copy service to the user. According to the one-touch copy application 472, a one-touch command screen is displayed on the touch panel display 10f. The user can give a job command simply by pressing the center button on the one-touch command screen, but can only execute a copy job according to a predetermined condition.

  Similar to the scan application 402, the easy setup scan application 473 provides the service of scan to the user. As described above, according to the scan application 402, the conditions of all items related to scanning can be arbitrarily set. However, according to the simple setting scan application 473, the simple setting scan screen 57B as shown in FIG. 10 is displayed on the touch panel display 10f. Is displayed. The user can set only the conditions of a specific part of the items via the simple setting scan screen 57B and execute a scan job.

  Similar to the scan application 402, the one touch scan application 474 also provides a scan service to the user. According to the one-touch scan application 474, a one-touch command screen is displayed on the touch panel display 10f. The user can give a job command simply by pressing the center button on the one-touch command screen, but can execute a scan job only in accordance with a predetermined condition.

  The menu web application 475 displays a menu screen 57C including buttons of specific applications of the native application 40 and the IWS application 47 exemplified above as shown in FIG. 11, and starts the application of the button selected by the user. Is an application.

  The IWS application 47 mainly includes source files. It may also include an image file or an audio file. A web page file or program file is used as a source file.

  The web page file is a file for displaying the web page of the IWS application 47, and is a markup language (for example, HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) or XML (Extensible Markup Language)) or a script language (for example, Python or It is described by JavaScript (registered trademark).

  The program file is described by CGI (Common Gateway Interface), for example, WSGI (Web Server Gateway Interface) of Python.

  A plurality of source files may be prepared in one IWS application 47. In addition, a web page file is not prepared in advance, and a new program file may be generated each time an access is made from a web browser.

  When the source file of the IWS application 47 is created, a part or all of the objects constituting the screen displayed by the IWS application 47 can be arranged by associating the objects of the screen displayed by the native application 40.

  Here, as to how to arrange the objects, when creating the source file of the simple setting scan application 473, the simple setting scan screen 57B (see FIG. 6) is created by associating the objects on the scan job screen 50C (see FIGS. 6 and 7). 10) will be described by way of example in which objects are arranged.

  The developer arranges the pull-down menu 57Ba on the simple setting scan screen 57B during the creation of the source file. The pull-down menu 57Ba is an object that displays two selection texts 57Bb and 57Bc as shown in FIG. 12 when touched. The selection text 57Bb is an object for selecting a value (option) corresponding to the selection button 50Cb on the scan job screen 50C. The selection text 57Bc is an object for selecting a value corresponding to the selection button 50Ce.

  The developer specifies the identification code of the menu button 50Ca in order to associate the selection text 57Bb with the menu button 50Ca. Further, the position of the pull-down menu 57Ba on the screen for simple setting scan 57B is specified.

  The name of the menu button 50Ca is “resolution”, but this can be changed in the pull-down menu 57Ba. In this case, the developer specifies the changed name. For example, "purpose" is designated as the name.

  The menu button 50Ca is associated with four option objects (select buttons 50Cb to 50Ce) as shown in FIG. 7, but the selectable options can be limited and associated with the pull-down menu 57Ba. In this case, the developer specifies an identification code of an option to be associated with the pull-down menu 57Ba. Furthermore, the name of the option can be changed. In this case, the developer specifies the changed name. For example, when the same option as the selection button 50Cb and the selection button 50Ce is associated, the identification code of each option is designated. Further, as the respective names, for example, "for E-mail attachment" and "for server storage" are designated.

  The developer can similarly arrange objects other than the pull-down menu 57Ba on the simple setting scan screen 57B by associating objects on the screen displayed by the native application 40 as appropriate.

  Thereby, the object information 6A having the contents as shown in FIG. 13 is described in the source file of the simple setting scan screen 57B.

  The operation for designation described above can be performed using an existing customization tool, for example, UI Builder.

  Further, the IWS application 47 is added with information indicating a native application 40 having the function of the IWS application 47 by the developer.

  Returning to FIG. 3, a job manager 49 is further installed in the mass storage device 10e (see FIG. 2). When the user instructs execution of a job using the native application 40 or the IWS application 47, the job manager 49 registers the job in a queue. Then, the jobs registered in the queue are sequentially executed according to the status of each hardware.

  Further, in the native application platform 103, an object guidance program 106 is prepared.

  The object guide program 106 is a program for guiding a user who regularly uses the IWS application 47 to an object common to both applications when the native application 40 corresponding to the IWS application 47 is used. The guidance mechanism will be described later.

  Modules or program files constituting these software are loaded into the RAM 10b as necessary and executed by the CPU 10a. A hard disk drive or a solid state drive (SSD) or the like is used as the mass storage device 10e.

  Note that the operating system 101, the MFP system 102, and the native application platform 103 are some of the elements of a conventional platform of a general image forming apparatus. Depending on the model, all or part of these correspond to firmware. On the other hand, the web server system 105 is an element expanded to execute a web application.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration realized by the object guidance program 106. FIG. 15 shows an example of the application list screen 58A. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the object list screen 58B. FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 are diagrams showing examples of balloon display of an object regarding resolution.

  Next, the mechanism of guidance of an object by the object guidance program 106 will be described with reference to FIG. 14 and the like.

  According to the object guide program 106, an object information storage unit 601, an installation information acquisition unit 602, an application list screen display unit 603, an object information acquisition unit 604, an object list screen display unit 605, a common object determination unit 606, and an object display request unit 607. , And functions such as the initialization request unit 608 are realized.

  The object information storage unit 601 stores object information 6C. In the object information 6C, as shown in FIG. 8, an identification code (combination of function code, item code, and subcode) and name for each object on the screen of the native application 40 are shown.

  By the way, each native application 40 displays a predetermined screen on the touch panel display 10f as described above. For example, the copy application 401 displays a copy job screen 50B (see FIG. 5). The scan application 402 displays a scan job screen 50C (see FIG. 6). The menu application 405 displays the menu screen 50A (see FIG. 4).

  Hereinafter, screens displayed by the native application 40 are collectively referred to as “native screen 50”. The native screen 50 is provided with a customize button 50y. A screen displayed by the IWS application 47 is referred to as a “customization screen 57”.

  When the user wants to know the object on the native screen 50 corresponding to the object on the customization screen 57, the user touches the customization button 50y.

  The installation information acquisition unit 602 acquires the installation information 6B when the customization button 50y is touched.

  The installation information 6B includes the name (application name) for each IWS application 47 installed in the image forming apparatus 1 and having the object information 6A, and the file name of the source file for each IWS application 47. The installation information acquisition unit 602 acquires the installation information 6B by searching for a directory name and a file from a predetermined directory.

  When the installation information 6B is acquired, the application list screen display unit 603 displays the application list screen 58A on the native screen 50 currently displayed on the touch panel display 10f as shown in FIG.

  On the application list screen 58A, in addition to selection buttons 58Aa to 58Ad for each IWS application 47 whose application name is indicated in the installation information 6B, a collation button 58Ae and a preset button 58Af are arranged.

  The user selects a desired IWS application 47 by touching a corresponding button among the selection buttons 58Aa to 58Ad. Then, the collation button 58Ae is touched.

  Then, the object information acquisition unit 604 acquires the object information 6A (see FIG. 13) of the IWS application 47 selected by the user by extracting it from the source file of the IWS application 47.

  The object list screen display unit 605 stops displaying the application list screen 58A, and displays the object list screen 58B on the touch panel display 10f. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, the height of the currently displayed native screen 50 is lowered, thereby displaying the object list screen 58B in an empty area. Alternatively, the object list screen 58B may be superimposed and displayed on the native screen 50.

  On the object list screen 58B, selection buttons 58Ba to 58Bd for each specific type of objects shown in the object information 6A are arranged. The names of the corresponding objects are shown in each of the selection buttons 58Ba to 58Bd. Specific types of objects include pull-down menus and text boxes.

  When the user touches any one of the selection buttons 58Ba to 58Bd, the common object determination unit 606 has an object (hereinafter, “common”) having the same role as the object corresponding to the touched selection button. "Object") is determined as follows.

  The common object determination unit 606 extracts the identification code of the object corresponding to the touched selection button from the object information 6A (see FIG. 8). A record indicating the same code (combination of function code, item code, and subcode) as the extracted identification code is searched from the object information 6C. Then, the object related to the retrieved record is determined to be a common object.

  The object display request unit 607 emphasizes the common object determined by the common object determination unit 606 or displays the selected native object corresponding to the IWS application 47 selected on the application list screen 58A. Request to 40. At this time, display request data 6D including the identification code of the common object and the object information 6A is given to the native application 40.

  Then, the native application 40 displays the native screen 50 including the object on the touch panel display 10f with the identification code object (common object) indicated in the given display request data 6D highlighted or selected. Display. When another native screen 50 is displayed before being notified, the display of the other native screen 50 is ended in advance.

  For example, when the selection button 58Ac is touched on the application list screen 58A of FIG. 15 and the selection button 58Bd is touched on the object list screen 58B of FIG. 16, the native application 40 has the menu button 50Ca as shown in FIG. The scan job screen 50C is displayed in a state where the menu button 50Ca is selected so as to be more noticeable than the surrounding buttons.

  Further, the native application 40 displays an explanation box 50x on the native screen 50 in an overlapping manner. In the explanation box 50x, the name of the common object in the IWS application 47 is indicated in advance in the form of "item: ...". This name can be extracted from the object information 6A included in the display request data 6D. In the above example, “item: purpose” is shown in the explanation box 50x.

  Furthermore, when the user touches any of the objects, the native application 40 changes and emphasizes the touched object in a form different from other objects. Further, the name corresponding to the touched object on the customization screen 57 is added to the explanation box 50x. This name is associated with the identification code of the touched object in the object information 6A. For example, when the selection button 50Cb is touched on the scan job screen 50C, as shown in FIG. 18, the selection button 50Cb is emphasized by thickening its frame, etc. Add to

  The user can initialize the settings by touching the preset button 58Af before touching the collation button 58Ae on the application list screen 58A.

  The initialization request unit 608 corresponds to the touched selection button when the user touches one of the selection buttons 58Aa to 58Ad, touches the preset button 58Af, and then touches the verification button 58Ae. The MFP system 102 is requested to return each value of the item that can be set by the IWS application 47 to the initial value. At this time, each identification code indicated in the object information 6A of the IWS application 47 is notified to the MFP system 102.

  Then, the MFP system 102 returns the value of the item related to the notified identification code to the initial value. Alternatively, the values of all items may be returned to the initial values.

  The object display request unit 607 makes a request to the native application 40 as described above. Thereby, as illustrated in FIG. 18, the native screen 50 of the native application 40 corresponding to the IWS application 47 is displayed. However, here, the native screen 50 is displayed in a state where the initial value is reflected.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the overall flow of processing by the object guide program 106. FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the overall flow of processing related to screen display by the native application 40.

  Next, the overall processing flow in the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the processing shown in FIG. 19 is executed based on the object guide program 106.

  When the customize button 50y is touched on the native screen 50 (see FIGS. 4, 5 and 6), the image forming apparatus 1 acquires the installation information 6B (# 701 in FIG. 19). Based on the installation information 6B, the application list screen 58A (see FIG. 15) is displayed (# 702).

  When the user touches one of the selection buttons (for example, any one of the selection buttons 58Aa to 58Ad) and then touches the collation button 58Ae, the image forming apparatus 1 causes the IWS application corresponding to the touched selection button. 47 object information 6A is acquired (# 705).

  If the preset button 58Af is touched and the preset is turned on before the user touches the verification button 58Ae (Yes in # 703), the image forming apparatus 1 can be set in the IWS application 47. Initialize the item value (# 704).

  When acquiring the object information 6A, the image forming apparatus 1 displays the object list screen 58B (see FIG. 16) based on this (# 706).

  When the user touches any one of the selection buttons (for example, any one of selection buttons 58Ba to 58Bd), the image forming apparatus 1 generates a touch on the selected selection button in the native application 40 corresponding to the IWS application 47. A corresponding object (that is, a common object) is determined (# 707).

  Then, the image forming apparatus 1 highlights the common object or causes the display to be displayed by the native application 40 in a state where it is selected (# 708).

  That is, if the native application 40 is not activated, the image forming apparatus 1 activates the native application 40. Then, based on the native application 40, processing is executed according to the procedure shown in FIG.

  The image forming apparatus 1 displays the native screen 50 including the common object (# 711). At this time, for example, as shown in FIG. 17, the common object is emphasized or selected. Further, an explanation box 50 x is overlaid on the native screen 50.

  When the user touches one of the objects, the image forming apparatus 1 changes the touched object into a form different from other objects and emphasizes it (# 712), for example, as shown in FIG. Further, the name corresponding to the touched object in the customization screen 57 is added to the description box 50x (# 713).

  According to this embodiment, the user using the customization screen 57 can use the native screen 50 more easily than in the past. Therefore, the transition from the IWS application 47 to the corresponding native application 40 can be made smoother than before.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a modification of the scan job screen 50C. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a modification of the simple setting scan screen 57B. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a modification of the scan job screen 50C.

  In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 displays the name of the object on the customization screen 57 corresponding to the object on the native screen 50 when the user touches the object on the native screen 50 as illustrated in FIG. However, the names may be displayed as shown in FIG. 21 from before the touch, that is, when the native screen 50 is displayed via the object list screen 58B (see FIG. 16).

  A command to present the correspondence between the object on the native screen 50 and the object on the customization screen 57 may be made available from the customization screen 57. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 22, a switch button 57y is provided on the customization screen 57.

  When the user designates the value of each item on the customization screen 57 and touches the switch button 57y, the image forming apparatus 1 sets the designated value as in the prior art.

  Then, the image forming apparatus 1 reflects the set value and displays the native screen 50 corresponding to the customization screen 57. At this time, as illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18, according to the user's operation, the name of the object is presented.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 23, a switch button 50v is provided on the native screen 50. When the user designates the value of each item on the native screen 50 and touches the switch button 50v, the image forming apparatus 1 sets the designated value as in the prior art.

  Then, the image forming apparatus 1 reflects the set value and displays the customization screen 57 corresponding to the native screen 50.

  Thus, the value set in the native screen 50 is reflected in the corresponding customization screen 57. Similarly, the value set on the customization screen 57 is reflected on the corresponding native screen 50.

  However, an object corresponding to the value set in the native screen 50 may not be prepared in the customization screen 57. For example, an object corresponding to the selection button 50Cc (a button for selecting “300 × 300 dpi”) of the scan job screen 50C is not prepared in the screen for simplified setting scan 57B.

  In such a case, the image forming apparatus 1 may return the value before setting. Alternatively, the value may be returned to a value that can be set on the customization screen 57 (for example, a predetermined initial value). That is, when the native screen 50 is switched to the customization screen 57, the value may be changed to a value that can be set on the customization screen 57.

  Alternatively, the image forming apparatus 1 does not reflect the corresponding object on the customization screen 57, but keeps the setting as performed on the native screen 50. After that, when the user instructs to execute the process, the process may be executed as set in the native screen 50.

  The switching button 50v and the switching button 57y may not be always arranged, but may be limited to a predetermined time. After the native screen 50 is displayed, when a predetermined time elapses without an operation being performed, the switching button 50v is hidden. A dialog box may be displayed before hiding, and may be hidden if the user performs an approval operation. The predetermined time may be set for each user. Similarly, after the customization screen 57 is displayed, the switching button 57y is not displayed when a predetermined time elapses without an operation being performed.

  When a plurality of IWS applications 47 correspond to one native application 40, when the switching button 50v of the native screen 50 of the native application 40 is touched, any customization screen 57 of these IWS applications 47 is displayed. The user may select whether to display.

  In the present embodiment, texts (character strings) representing names are arranged on the native screen 50 and the customization screen 57 as an image for identifying an object, but icons or markers may be arranged.

  In the present embodiment, the process of arranging the explanation box 50 x on the native screen 50 is performed by the native application 40, but may be performed by the object guidance program 106.

  Although the native application 40 and the object guidance program 106 are separated in this embodiment, the object guidance program 106 may be incorporated into the native application 40.

  In addition, the application system 100, the configuration of the entire or each part of the image forming apparatus 1, the processing content, the processing order, the configuration of the screen, the configuration of data, and the like can be appropriately changed in accordance with the spirit of the present invention.

1 Image forming device 10f Touch panel display (display)
40 native application (first display processing method)
47 IWS application (second display processing means)
50 native screen (first screen)
50Ca Menu button (first object)
50Cb to 50Ce selection button (first object)
607 Object display request unit (first display processing means)
57 Customization screen (second screen)
57Ba pull-down menu (second object)
57Bb, 57Bc Selection text (second object)
6A Object information (second identifier)
6C object information (first identifier)
601 Object information storage unit (storage means)
604 Object information acquisition unit (acquisition means)
606 Corresponding Object Discrimination Unit (Discrimination Means)

Claims (12)

An image forming apparatus in which the first application is fixedly installed,
A first display processing means in which one or a plurality of first objects for setting conditions for executing a specific process are arranged and a first screen used in the first application is displayed on the display When,
One or a plurality of second objects for setting the conditions more restrictively than the first screen are arranged and used in a second application that can be installed on the image forming apparatus in an expanded manner . Second display processing means for displaying the screen of the display on the display;
Have
The first display processing means may include a common object corresponding to any one of the one or more second objects among the one or more first objects. Displaying the corresponding second object together with an identification image for identifying the user;
An image forming apparatus. The first display processing means displays the identification image when the option of the second application is selected from a plurality of options.
An image forming apparatus according to claim 1 . Storage means for storing a first identifier for identifying each of the one or more first objects;
Obtaining means for obtaining a second identifier for identifying each of the one or more second objects from the second application;
The common of each of the one or more second objects by searching the first identifier stored in the storage means corresponding to the second identifier acquired by the acquisition means Determining means for determining an object;
Have
The first display processing unit displays the identification image based on a determination result by the determination unit.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 . First display processing means for displaying on a display a first screen on which one or more first objects for setting conditions for executing a specific process are arranged;
A second screen on which one or more second objects for setting the condition more specifically than the first screen are arranged and on which a calling object for calling the first screen is arranged A second display processing means for displaying on the display;
Have
The first display processing means may be one of the one or more second objects of the one or more first objects when the calling object is operated. For the corresponding common object, h is displayed together with an identification image for allowing the user to identify the second object corresponding to the common object.
An image forming apparatus. The first display processing means displays the name of the second object corresponding to the common object as the identification image.
An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . One of the one or more first objects and one of the one or more second objects are for selecting the same value,
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. One of the one or more first objects and one of the one or more second objects are for selecting the same item,
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The first display processing means reflects the contents set in the second screen and displays the first screen;
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7. A screen display method in an image forming apparatus in which a first application is fixedly installed,
One or more first objects for setting conditions for executing a specific process are arranged and a first screen used in the first application is displayed on the display, and the first screen is displayed. The display includes a second screen used in a second application in which one or a plurality of second objects for setting the condition more restrictively than the second object can be installed and expandedly installed in the image forming apparatus. A screen display method in the image forming apparatus to be displayed on the screen,
For the common object corresponding to any one of the one or more second objects of the one or more first objects, the second object corresponding to the common object is given to the user. Display with an identification image for identification
Screen display method characterized by Displaying on a display of the image forming apparatus a first screen on which one or more first objects for setting conditions for performing a specific process are arranged;
A second screen on which one or more second objects for setting the condition more specifically than the first screen are arranged and on which a calling object for calling the first screen is arranged Is displayed on the display,
When the calling object is operated , the common object corresponding to any one of the one or more second objects of the one or more first objects is the common object. Displaying a second object corresponding to the object together with an identification image for identifying the user;
Screen display method characterized by A computer program used for an image forming apparatus in which a first application is fixedly installed ,
In the image forming apparatus,
A first display process in which one or a plurality of first objects for setting a condition for executing a specific process is arranged and a first screen used in the first application is displayed on the display; Let it run
Executing a second display process for causing the display to display a second screen on which one or more second objects for setting the condition more restrictively than the first screen is arranged;
The first display processing corresponds to the common object for the common object corresponding to any one of the one or more second objects of the one or more first objects. is a process of Ru is displayed together with the identification image for identifying the second object to the user who,
A computer program characterized by A first screen on which one or a plurality of first objects for setting a condition for executing a specific process is arranged is displayed on the display, and the condition is more limited than the first screen. Computer for use in an image forming apparatus for displaying on the display a second screen on which one or more second objects for setting are arranged and on which a calling object for calling the first screen is arranged A program,
In the image forming apparatus,
The common object corresponding to any one of the one or more second objects of the one or more first objects when the calling object is operated. A process of displaying a second object corresponding to the object together with an identification image for identifying the user;
A computer program characterized by

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