JP7077927B2 - Image forming device, information processing method and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an information processing method and a program.

Conventionally, a method of displaying so-called help in setting an image forming apparatus or the like is known.

In addition, an error code may occur in the settings and the like. In such a case, a technique for printing a help or a manual corresponding to an error code based on a user's instruction is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

However, depending on the content of the help, a device such as an information processing device connected to the image forming device may be the target of setting. In such a case, when the help content is opened by the display unit or the display device of the image forming apparatus, the user operates the image forming apparatus and the information processing apparatus separately, which is troublesome. Is often required.

One aspect of the present invention is intended to reduce the time and effort of the user.

An image forming apparatus connected to an information processing apparatus and having a display unit according to an embodiment of the present invention is
A display control unit that displays help content about the image forming device on the display unit, and
It is equipped with a remote control unit that remotely controls the information processing device.
The display control unit
The display unit is characterized in that a screen for remote control of the information processing device including the help content is displayed on the display unit.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, the time and effort of the user can be reduced.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the whole configuration example of an image forming apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware composition example of a display device and a main body part. It is a schematic diagram which shows the appearance example of a display device. It is a block diagram which shows the software configuration example of a display device and a main body part. It is a system diagram which shows the system configuration example. It is a sequence diagram which shows the whole processing example. It is a sequence diagram (the 1) which shows the processing example which performs a remote control. It is a sequence diagram (No. 2) which shows the processing example which performs a remote control. It is a sequence diagram which shows the processing example which performs authentication. It is a figure which shows the menu screen example of a help content. It is a figure which shows the display example of a help content. It is a figure which shows the display example of the screen acquired by remote control. It is a figure which shows the display example of a list. It is a figure which shows the display example of an error screen. It is a figure which shows the display example of the help content which does not use remote control. It is a figure which shows the display example of the help content using remote control. It is a schematic flowchart which shows the whole processing example of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of screen switching. It is a sequence diagram which shows the login process example. It is a sequence diagram which shows the display processing example of a help screen. It is a sequence diagram (the 1) which shows the processing example which displays the help screen on a terminal. It is a sequence diagram (No. 2) which shows the processing example which displays the help screen on a terminal. It is a functional block diagram which shows the functional configuration example.

Hereinafter, the optimum mode for carrying out the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment>
<Example of image forming device>
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration example of an image forming apparatus. As shown in the figure, the image forming apparatus 100 is, for example, an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) or the like. Therefore, for example, the image forming apparatus 100 has an image processing function such as a copy function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, and a printer function. The image forming apparatus 100 may further have other functions (for example, an error display function and the like).

In this example, the image forming apparatus 100 has a display device 110. On the other hand, the image forming apparatus 100 has a configuration other than the display device 110 (hereinafter referred to as “main body 120”).

For the display device 110, the user inputs various operations for the image forming apparatus 100. Then, the image forming apparatus 100 executes image processing based on the operation by the display apparatus 110 and the main body portion 120.

<Hardware configuration example>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the display device and the main body. First, the display device 110 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit, hereinafter referred to as “CPU211”), a ROM (Read-Only Memory, hereinafter referred to as “ROM212”), a RAM (Random Access Memory, hereinafter referred to as “RAM 213”). ), Flash memory 214, operation panel 215, connection interface (hereinafter referred to as "connection I / F216"), and communication interface (hereinafter referred to as "communication I / F217"). Also, as shown, these hardware resources are interconnected by bus 218.

The CPU 211 is an example of an arithmetic unit and a control unit. Then, the CPU 211 executes various programs stored in the ROM 212, the flash memory 214, or the like, using the main storage device such as the RAM 213 as a work area. By such control and calculation, the CPU 211 controls the display device 110 and the like, and realizes various functions.

The flash memory 214 is an example of a non-volatile storage medium. For example, the flash memory 214 stores programs, data, and the like.

The operation panel 215 is an example of an input device and an output device. That is, the operation panel 215 displays the operation screen, the processing result, and the like. On the other hand, the operation panel 215 accepts operations by the user.

The connection I / F 216 is an interface that communicates with the main body 120 via the communication path 230. For example, the connection I / F 216 is a connector, a cable, or the like. Specifically, the connection I / F 216 communicates by USB (Universal Serial Bus) or the like.

The communication I / F 217 is an interface for communicating with an external device via the network 260. For example, the communication I / F 217 is an antenna or the like. In the illustrated example, the communication I / F 217 is connected to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) AP (access point) (hereinafter referred to as “wireless LAN AP 240”) to perform communication.

On the other hand, the main body 120 is a device having a hardware configuration including, for example, a CPU 221, a ROM 222, a RAM 223, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive, hereinafter referred to as “HDD 224”), an engine 225, a connection I / F 226, and a communication I / F 227. Is. Also, as shown, these hardware resources are interconnected by bus 228.

The CPU 221 is an example of an arithmetic unit and a control unit. That is, as shown in the figure, it is desirable that the arithmetic unit and the control unit for the main body 120 have a hardware configuration different from the CPU 211 for the display device 110.

The ROM 222 and the RAM 223 are examples of storage devices for the main body 120, like the CPU 221. Therefore, the CPU 221 uses a main storage device such as a RAM 223 to execute a process based on a program or the like stored in an auxiliary storage device such as the ROM 222 and the HDD 224.

The engine unit 225 is a processing device or the like for realizing an image processing function such as a copy function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, and a printer function. Specifically, the engine unit 225 is, for example, a processing IC (Integrated Circuit) or the like. Specifically, the engine unit 225 includes a scanner that scans and reads a document, a plotter that prints on a sheet material such as paper, a communication unit that performs facsimile communication, or a combination thereof. The engine unit 225 may include a device for sorting printed sheet materials, a so-called finisher, an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) for automatically feeding a document, and the like.

The connection I / F 226 is an interface for communicating with the display device 110 via the communication path 230. For example, the connection I / F 216 is a connector, a cable, or the like. Specifically, the connection I / F 226 communicates by USB or the like.

The communication I / F 227 is an interface for communicating with an external device via the network 260. For example, the communication I / F 227 is a cable 250 or the like.

<Example of display device>
FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing an example of the appearance of the display device. For example, the display device 110 is a device having an appearance as shown in the figure. Specifically, the display device 110 displays operation screens of various functions provided by the image forming apparatus by, for example, an operation panel 215 or the like. In this example, the operation screen accepts operations for the "copy", "scanner", "fax", and "printer" functions. Further, the illustrated example is a so-called top screen, and for example, when the "copy" button is pressed, the operation screen displays an operation screen for making detailed settings for the "copy" function.

Further, when the button is pressed on the operation screen, the screen displayed next to the transition or the setting value for setting is set by the menu configuration or the like.

The display device 110 is not limited to the operation panel 215 as shown in the figure. For example, the operation panel 215 may have a hard key or the like in addition to the touch panel. That is, the configuration that serves as an interface for operating the operation screen may be a configuration other than that shown in the figure.

Further, as illustrated, the operation screen has a help button 300. Hereinafter, an example will be described in which the preset help content is expanded on the screen when the help button is pressed. In this way, by pressing the help button 300, the user can refer to the so-called help, manual, and the like. The method of referencing the help content may be a method other than pressing the help button 300. Further, the file that provides the help content to be referred to may be stored by the display device 110 or the main body 120, or may be referred to online via the network.

<Software configuration example of display device and main unit>
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a software configuration example of the display device and the main body. The illustrated example shows a hierarchical structure of software composed of programs installed in the display device 110 and the main body 120.

First, the main body 120 will be described. In this example, a program for constructing, for example, an application layer 421, a service layer 422, and an OS layer (Operating System layer, hereinafter referred to as "OS layer 423") is installed in an auxiliary storage device or the like in the main body 120. ..

The program distinguished by the application layer 421 operates the hardware resources of the image forming apparatus 100 to realize various functions. Specifically, the program distinguished in the application layer 411 is, for example, a copy application, a facsimile application, a scan application, a printer application, or the like.

The program classified into the service layer 422 is a program intervening between the application layer 421 and the OS layer 423. For example, the program classified into the service layer 422 uses the hardware resource of the main body 120 by the program of the application layer 421, or notifies the application layer 421 of the state of the hardware resource of the main body 120. Realize an interface etc.

Further, the program classified into the service layer 422 accepts an operation request for a hardware resource or mediates the received operation request. In addition, the program classified into the service layer 422 sends an error detected in the hardware resource to the application layer 421 as an error notification. The operation request received by the service layer 422 includes, for example, an operation request such as reading by a scanner or printing by a plotter.

The role of the program classified in the service layer 422 as an interface is the same for the application layer 411 of the display device 110. That is, the program classified into the application layer 411 of the display device 110 can access the service layer 422 to operate the hardware resources of the main body 120 and realize the image processing function and the like.

The programs classified into the OS layer 423 are so-called basic software programs and the like. The program divided into the OS layer 423 provides a basic function of controlling the hardware resources of the main body 120. First, the program classified in the service layer 422 converts the operation request for the hardware resource issued by the program classified in the application layer 421 into a command that can be interpreted by the OS layer 423 and passes it to the OS layer 423. Then, when the program classified in the OS layer 423 executes the command, the image processing function is realized based on the operation request for the hardware resource. Further, when the program classified into the OS layer 423 is executed, the hardware resource receives the detected error. Next, the hardware resource passes the received error notification to the service layer 422 that transmits the received error notification to the application layer 421.

Next, the display device 110 will be described. In this example, in the display device 110, for example, a program for constructing the application layer 411, the service layer 412, and the OS layer 413 is installed in the auxiliary storage device or the like.

However, the functions realized by the program classified in the application layer 411 and the types of operation requests that can be accepted by the service layer 412 are different from those of the main body 120. Specifically, in the display device 110, the program classified into the application layer 411 provides a user interface function for performing operations and displays mainly related to the image processing function realized by the main body unit 120.

In this example, the display device 110 and the main body 120 operate independently of each other. Further, as long as the display device 110 and the main body 120 can communicate with each other, the respective OSs do not have to be of the same type. For example, the display device 110 may be configured to use Android (registered trademark), and the main body 120 may be configured to use Linux (registered trademark).

In this way, in the image forming apparatus 100, for example, the display device 110 and the main body 120 are controlled by different OSs. Therefore, the communication between the display device 110 and the main body 120 is not interprocess communication within one device, but communication between different devices. For example, the communication is a command communication in which the operation by the user accepted by the display device 110 is transmitted to the main body 120, or an event communication in which the main body 120 instructs the display device 110 to display the display screen (for example, an error notification or an error). Cancellation notice, etc.) etc.

<System configuration example>
For example, the image forming apparatus 100 constitutes the following image forming system 500.

FIG. 5 is a system diagram showing a system configuration example. For example, the image forming system 500 is a system having a PC (Personal Computer, hereinafter referred to as “PC501”) connected by a network, a server 502, an image forming apparatus 100, and the like.

The PC 501 is an example of an information processing device to which the image forming apparatus 100 is connected.

The server 502 is an example of an information processing device that manages a PC 501, an image forming apparatus 100, or an account commonly used for these.

For example, in the image forming system 500, the server 502 manages the login data 503 and the like. The login data 503 stores data that identifies the user 505, that is, a so-called ID (Identification) or the like. Hereinafter, a system configuration in which the server 502 centrally manages the accounts in the PC 501 and the image forming apparatus 100 based on the login data 503 will be described as an example. Therefore, in this example, when the user 505 logs in to the image forming apparatus 100, the server 502 authenticates. Then, once authenticated, the image forming apparatus 100 can remotely control the PC 501 and the like.

The content data 504 is stored, for example, by the image forming apparatus 100 as shown in the figure. For example, the content data 504 is data indicating content or the like for displaying help. In addition to the content data 504, the image forming apparatus 100 may have data indicating the state of the application and the like, data indicating the state of the image forming apparatus 100, and the like.

Further, the system configuration may be a configuration other than those shown in the figure. For example, the PC 501, the server 502, and the like may be one information processing device. On the other hand, the information processing device may be a plurality of information processing devices. Further, the login data 503 and the content data 504 may be stored by a device other than those shown in the figure. Furthermore, each data may be distributed and stored and managed by a plurality of information processing devices. When the content data 504 or the like is stored in an information processing device other than the image forming apparatus 100, the content data 504 may be referred to via the network in the process of displaying the help.

<Overall processing example>
FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of overall processing.

In step S01, the display device 110 accepts an operation for invoking help. Specifically, the display device 110 accepts an operation by the user 505 to press a help button or the like.

In step S02, the display device 110 notifies that the operation for activating the help has been performed.

In step S03, the help display control means 602 acquires the content data for invoking the help from the storage means 603.

In step S04, the help display control means 602 requests that the help content be displayed.

In step S05, the help content display means 601 constructs a screen showing the help content (hereinafter referred to as “help display screen”).

In step S06, the help content display means 601 requests to display the help display screen.

In step S07, the display device 110 updates the screen so as to display the help display screen.

In step S08, the display device 110 accepts an operation to start remote control.

In step S09, the display device 110 notifies that the operation for starting the remote control has been performed.

In step S10, the image forming apparatus executes a process of performing remote control. For example, the process of performing remote control is as follows.

FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram (No. 1) showing an example of processing for performing remote control.

FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram (No. 2) showing an example of processing for performing remote control.

In step S1001, the help display control means 602 issues an instruction to search for an information processing device to be remotely controlled. Hereinafter, an example in which the target of remote control is PC501 will be described. Further, in the following description, the information processing device to be remotely controlled, that is, the PC 501 is simply referred to as a "terminal".

In step S1002, the terminal search means 701 instructs the transmission of the search command.

In step S1003, the data transmission / reception means 702 transmits a search command.

In step S1004, the data transmission / reception means 703 transmits information about the terminal.

If there are a plurality of information processing devices that are candidates for terminals, steps S1003 and S1004 are performed for each terminal.

In step S1005, the data transmission / reception means 702 transfers information about the terminal.

In step S1006, the terminal search means 701 generates a list of information processing devices that are candidates for terminals (hereinafter, simply referred to as "list") based on the information about the terminals.

In step S1007, the terminal search means 701 transfers the list.

In step S1008, the help display control means 602 requests to display a screen for confirming the connection with the terminal.

In step S1009, the help content display means 601 requests to display the help display screen.

In step S1010, the display device 110 updates the screen so as to display a list or the like.

In step S1011, the display device 110 accepts an operation of selecting a terminal.

In step S1012, the display device 110 notifies the selected terminal.

In step S1013, the help display control means 602 acquires the information of the user 505. Then, the storage means 603 returns information about the user 505 such as a user name and a password.

In step S1013, that is, the method of acquiring the information of the user 505, for example, the authentication screen or the like may be displayed and the user 505 may be made to input the information of the user 505 such as the user name and the password.

In step S1014, the help display control means 602 requests the start of remote control.

The request may include information such as a user name and a password. Further, for remote control, application software for remote desktop connection may be used.

Further, the remote control is a method according to the standard of the terminal and the like. For example, the remote control method differs depending on the type of OS (Operating System) of the terminal and the like.

Specifically, first, in preparation for remote control, the type of OS such as Windows (registered trademark), MacOS (registered trademark), iOS (registered trademark), Android (registered trademark) and the like is acquired. Then, for example, a remote control request is made according to the type of OS. Therefore, for remote control, application software corresponding to the standard of the terminal or the like may be used. In such a configuration, for example, the help display control means 602 has a table or the like in which the standard of the terminal or the like and the application software to be started are associated with each other.

In step S1015, the data transmission / reception means 702 requests processing by remote control.

In step S1016, the data transmission / reception means 703 requests the processing requested by remote control.

In step S1017, the remote control means 704 requests authentication for remote control.

In step S1018, the data transmission / reception means 703 requests authentication.

In step S1019, the server 502 and the like perform authentication. Authentication is performed, for example, as follows.

FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing for performing authentication.

In step S901, the data transmission / reception means 706 requests authentication.

In step S902, the authentication control means 901 receives an authentication request.

In step S903, the authentication control means 901 acquires the authentication information from the storage means 902.

In step S904, the authentication control means 901 determines whether or not the information such as the user name and password notified at the time of the request is the content registered in advance in the authentication information.

In step S905 and step S906, the data transmission / reception means 706 and the authentication control means 901 notify the authentication result.

In step S1020, the server 502 and the like notify the authentication result of step S1019.

In step S1021, the remote control control means 704 determines whether the authentication is successful or unsuccessful based on the authentication result.

Next, if the authentication is successful ([authentication successful]), the PC 501 proceeds to step S1022. On the other hand, if the authentication fails ([authentication fails]), PC501 proceeds to step S1039.

In step S1022, the remote control control means 704 transmits screen information that is a response to the remote control.

In step S1023 and step S1024, the data transmission / reception means 703 and the data transmission / reception means 702 transmit screen information.

In step S1025 and step S1026, the help display control means 602 and the help content display means 601 request to display the screen indicated by the screen information.

In step S1027, the display device 110 updates the screen so as to display the screen based on the screen information.

In step S1028, the help display control means 602 acquires a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) or the like indicating the help content. For example, first, a table as shown below (Table 1) is set in the storage means 603 in advance.

上記（表１）では、「コンテンツＩＤ」と、「ＵＲＬ」とが対応付けされる。そして、「ＵＲＬ」が示す先に、ヘルプを表示するためのファイルが記憶される。すなわち、ＵＲＬが示すサイトにアクセスすると、所定のヘルプコンテンツを開くことができる。

In the above (Table 1), the "content ID" and the "URL" are associated with each other. Then, a file for displaying help is stored at the destination indicated by the "URL". That is, when the site indicated by the URL is accessed, the predetermined help content can be opened.

In step S1028, the help display control means 602 acquires the information of the "URL" corresponding to the "content ID" in the above (Table 1).

In step S1029, the help display control means 602 requests remote control. For example, the help display control means 602 makes a request to start the browser and send a URL indicating the help content.

In step S1030, step S1031 and step S1032, the help content display means 601 and the data transmission / reception means 702 and the data transmission / reception means 703 request remote control.

In step S1033, the help content display means 705 activates the help content or the like based on the URL indicating the help content.

In step S1034, the remote control control means 704 transmits screen information that is a response to the remote control.

In step S1035 and step S1036, the data transmission / reception means 703 and the data transmission / reception means 702 transmit screen information.

In step S1037, the help content display means 601 requests to display the screen indicated by the screen information.

In step S1038, the display device 110 updates the screen so as to display the screen based on the screen information.

The process of performing remote control is not limited to the process as shown in the figure. For example, the URL or the like indicating the help content may be acquired in step S1013 or the like. In this case, steps S1022 to S1032 and the like may be omitted. That is, the instruction for remote control from the image forming apparatus to the PC and the instruction for displaying the help content may be combined into one.

In steps S1039 to S1041, the remote control control means 704, the data transmission / reception means 703, and the data transmission / reception means 702 notify the failure of authentication. In this case, the help display control means 602 displays the help content by using, for example, the browser included in the display device 110.

<Screen example>
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a menu screen of help contents. Hereinafter, an example in which the display device displays an operation screen as shown in the figure will be described. This example is an example of a scene where a predetermined operation is performed and help is activated. Specifically, when the button 1001 is pressed on the operation screen as shown in the figure, the help content is displayed as follows, for example.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display example of help content. The illustrated example is an example of a screen showing help contents for a predetermined setting method. For example, the explanation 1101 and the like are displayed based on the help file and the like. In this way, the display device opens the content data 504 stored in the main body or the like to display the help content.

Hereinafter, when the remote control button 1102 is pressed on the illustrated screen, the remote terminal, that is, the PC 501 in the example shown in FIG. 5 is remotely controlled, and the contents of the help are displayed. This operation corresponds to the operation of starting the remote control in step S08 in the overall process shown in FIG. Therefore, when such an operation is performed, for example, the following screen is displayed by the processing after step S09.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a display example of a screen acquired by remote control. That is, the illustrated screen is an example of displaying the screen of the help content displayed by the browser of the PC 501.

For example, when the "return to top" button 1201 is pressed, the remote control ends. After the end, for example, the screen transitions to the top screen or the like.

In addition, when the operation button 1202 is pressed, the remote control ends. After the end, the screen transitions to a screen or the like showing the help content displayed by the display device.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display example of the list. The illustrated screen is an example of the screen displayed by the display device in step S1010. Then, the operation of selecting a terminal from the list displayed on the screen as shown in the figure, that is, the operation of step S1011 is performed. Therefore, remote control is performed with the terminal selected by this operation. When the "Cancel" button is clicked, for example, the dialog is closed and the screen transitions to a screen for displaying help contents.

The screen as shown in step S1010 may not be displayed. For example, first, data in which a user is associated with a host name or an IP (Internet Protocol) address of a terminal is managed. With such data, it is possible to proceed from step S09 to step S1013. Therefore, remote control and the like can be executed even if the screen as shown in the figure is not displayed.

Further, the screen as shown in the figure is not limited to displaying a list. For example, the screen may be a screen for inputting a host name, an IP address, or the like.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a display example of an error screen. For example, in the scanning process or the like, a screen as shown in the figure is displayed when a process of transmitting data is performed. Hereinafter, a screen as shown in the figure will be described as an example.

When the help start button 1401 or the like is pressed on such an error screen, the help is started. Such an operation is an operation for activating the help in step S01.

The help start button 1401 may be located in the dialog or the like instead of the position shown in the figure.

The error screen is managed by, for example, the following (Table 2).

例えば、スキャナアプリにおいてフォルダーへデータを送信する場合のエラーは、上記（表２）のようなエラー等である。

For example, the error when transmitting data to a folder in the scanner application is an error as shown in (Table 2) above.

Specifically, for example, the error of "folder authentication failure" is an error that occurs when the folder on the PC501 side cannot be authenticated in the scanner application. Further, this error is managed by the data shown in the above (Table 2) such that the "help content ID" is "1" and the "error ID" is "folder_aut_failure".

For example, among the errors shown in the above (Table 2), the errors such as "folder authentication failure" and "folder write failure" are "necessary" because "is it necessary to confirm the PC settings?" It turns out that the setting of is necessary.

Depending on the error, whether or not the setting of the PC 501 is necessary may be determined depending on the "device status" and the "device setting". Specifically, in the case of "failure to connect to the PC at the time of folder transmission", first, as shown in "device status", it is confirmed whether or not it is possible to connect to an external device via the network. In this case, if the network connection state is "not connected", it is determined that the setting of the PC 501 is "unnecessary". On the other hand, if the network connection status is "connected", the "device setting" is confirmed next.

In this example, the setting of whether or not there is a registration in the "server name" is confirmed. Then, as shown in the "device setting", if the server exists, it is determined that the setting of the PC 501 is "necessary". On the other hand, if the server does not exist, it is determined that the setting of the PC 501 is "unnecessary". For example, the existence of the server is confirmed by a "ping" command or the like.

<Example of remote control>
The display of help content differs depending on the presence or absence of remote control, for example, as follows.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of displaying help contents without using remote control. For example, when help is started on a screen that is not an error screen, for example, a screen as shown in the figure is displayed. Then, when the button is pressed according to the content to be examined, the help content is displayed based on the file or the like.

On the other hand, when remote control is used, for example, the following screen is displayed.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a display example of help content using remote control. In this example, the operation screen on the PC 501 (hereinafter referred to as "operation screen 1601") is displayed on the left side of the figure. On the other hand, on the right side of the figure, a screen showing help contents (hereinafter referred to as "help screen 1602") is displayed.

As described above, the image forming apparatus displays the operation screen 1601 and the help screen 1602 by remote control. By doing so, the PC 501 can be set while referring to the help.

<Second Embodiment>
The second embodiment is realized, for example, by the same hardware configuration as the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the points different from those of the first embodiment will be mainly described, and duplicate description will be omitted. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in overall processing and the like.

FIG. 17 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of overall processing according to the second embodiment.

In step S1701, the image forming apparatus acquires the state of the application. For example, a state such as whether or not an error screen as shown in FIG. 14 is displayed is acquired.

In step S1702, the image forming apparatus determines whether or not the error screen is displayed. For example, in the state shown in FIG. 14, the image forming apparatus determines that the error screen is displayed.

Next, when it is determined that the error screen is being displayed (YES in step S1702), the image forming apparatus proceeds to step S1703. On the other hand, if it is determined that the error screen is not displayed (NO in step S1702), the image forming apparatus proceeds to step S1707.

In step S1703, the image forming apparatus confirms the setting. For example, in the case of the above (Table 2), the image forming apparatus has an error in the network connection status, transmission to the folder, authentication has failed, access to the folder has failed, or the like. Check the cause of the error and the setting status of the folder as shown below. Then, the image forming apparatus determines the type of error as shown in the above (Table 2), for example.

In step S1704, the image forming apparatus determines whether or not the information processing apparatus needs to be set. For example, in the case of the above (Table 2), the image forming apparatus specifies whether "necessary to confirm the setting of the PC?" Is "necessary" or "unnecessary" from the error type. Then, if it is "necessary", the image forming apparatus determines that the setting of the information processing apparatus is necessary.

Next, when it is determined that the setting of the information processing apparatus is necessary (YES in step S1704), the image forming apparatus proceeds to step S1705. On the other hand, if it is determined that the setting of the information processing apparatus is not necessary (NO in step S1704), the image forming apparatus proceeds to step S1707.

In step S1705, the image forming apparatus performs remote control. That is, the image forming apparatus makes a so-called remote connection to the PC 501 in the example shown in FIG.

In step S1706, the image forming apparatus uses remote control to display help content.

In step S1707, the image forming apparatus displays the help content without using remote control.

By performing the above processing, the screen can be switched as follows, for example.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of switching screens.

First, it is assumed that a screen for operating a scanner or the like (hereinafter referred to as "scanner screen 1801") is displayed. When the help button 300 is pressed on such a screen or an error screen as shown in FIG. 14, help is activated.

Then, for example, by a process such as step S1702 to step S1703, the image forming apparatus determines whether to display the help content by remote control or to display the help content without using remote control. ..

Hereinafter, the screen for displaying the help content by remote control is referred to as "remote screen 1802". On the other hand, a screen for displaying help contents without using remote control is called "local screen 1803".

In this way, the image forming apparatus sets the remote screen 1802 or switches the local screen 1803 depending on whether or not the information processing apparatus needs to be set in the help content.

Depending on the content of the help, both the information processing device and the image forming device may need to be set. For such a case, it is desirable that the screen for setting the information processing device and the screen for setting the image forming apparatus can be switched by, for example, a button 1804 and a button 1805 such as "close". .. As described above, if the configuration is switchable, it is possible to reduce the time and effort for the user to move when both the information processing device and the image forming device are set.

Further, in order to perform the entire processing as described above, the image forming apparatus first performs the following processing, for example.

FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram showing an example of login processing. For example, the user 505 logs in to the image forming apparatus by a process as shown in the figure.

In step S2001, the display device 110 accepts an operation of pressing the login key.

In step S2002, the display device 110 notifies that the login key has been pressed.

In step S2003, the authentication control means 2001 requests to display a login screen.

In step S2004, the display device 110 displays a login screen. For example, the login screen accepts a user name and password.

In step S2005, the display device 110 accepts an operation for inputting a user name and a password.

In step S2006, the display device 110 notifies login information such as a user name and a password.

In step S2007, the authentication control means 2001 requests authentication based on the login information.

In step S2008, the data transmission / reception means 702 requests authentication based on the login information. Then, when there is a request, authentication is performed, for example, in step S1019, that is, the process shown in FIG.

In step S2009 and step S2010, the data transmission / reception means 702 and the data transmission / reception means 706 notify the authentication result. Then, if the authentication is successful ([authentication successful]) based on the authentication result, the image forming apparatus proceeds to step S2011. On the other hand, if the authentication fails ([authentication fails]), the image forming apparatus proceeds to step S2014.

In step S2011, the storage means 603 stores login information such as a user name and a password. Note that this login information may be used for displaying a help screen or the like.

In step S2012, the display device 110 requests to display a screen notifying the success of the authentication.

In step S2013, the display device 110 displays a screen notifying the success of the authentication.

In step S2014, the display device 110 requests to display a screen notifying the authentication failure.

In step S2015, the display device 110 displays a screen notifying the authentication failure.

When the above processing is performed, the server 502 in FIG. 5 can log the user 505 into the image forming apparatus 100 by using the login data 503 and the like. Further, the PC 501 may be remotely controlled from the image forming apparatus 100 by using such a login. The authentication method may be a method according to the specifications of the information processing apparatus or the like.

Further, in order to display the help screen or the like, the image forming apparatus performs the following processing, for example.

FIG. 20 is a sequence diagram showing an example of display processing of the help screen. In the following example, the user 505 performs an operation to display the help screen while the error screen or the like is displayed.

In step S3001, the display device 110 accepts an operation of pressing the help button.

In step S3002, the display device 110 notifies that the help button has been pressed.

In step S3003, the help display control means 602 acquires the application information from the application 2002. That is, the application 2002 is an application in which an error has occurred and an application in which an operation is being performed. Help is often different for each application. Therefore, the help display control means 602 acquires the application information that can specify the type of the application, the content of the error, and the like from the application corresponding to the help. Specifically, the application information is, for example, information that can specify the type of an error screen, information that can specify the type of an application such as a scanner, and information that can specify the content of an error such as an error ID.

Next, when the error screen is displayed ([displaying the error screen]), the image forming apparatus 100 performs step S3004.

In step S3004, the help display control means 602 acquires an error management table. For example, the error management table is a table as shown in (Table 2) above. Therefore, when the error management table is acquired, the help display control means 602 can grasp the content of the error and the like.

In step S3005, the help display control means 602 acquires device information from the device information management means 2003 and the like.

In step S3006, the help display control means 602 determines whether or not it is necessary to set the terminal (PC501 in the example shown in FIG. 5). For example, in the case of a table like the one in (Table 2) above, if it is specified from the error content whether "Is it necessary to check the PC settings?" Is "necessary" or "unnecessary", help display control is performed. The means 602 can determine whether or not the terminal needs to be set.

Next, when the terminal setting is required ([terminal setting is required]), the image forming apparatus 100 or the like performs step S3007.

In step S3007, the image forming apparatus 100 and the like perform the following processing, for example.

FIG. 21 is a sequence diagram (No. 1) showing an example of processing for displaying a help screen on a terminal.

FIG. 22 is a sequence diagram (No. 2) showing a processing example for displaying a help screen on the terminal.

In step S3101, the help display control means 602 acquires the login information stored in the login process. Therefore, in step S3101, the help display control means 602 acquires the user name, password, and the like of the logged-in user. Hereinafter, for example, the image forming apparatus 100 and the like perform the same processing as in FIGS. 7 and 8. Therefore, the same processes as those in FIGS. 7 and 8 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

Therefore, when the above processing is performed, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, the help content can be displayed on the display device by using the browser on the PC 501. Note that, for example, as shown in FIG. 14, in the display device, both the help content and the operation screen may be displayed by using the browser on the PC501.

In step S3008, the help display control means 602 acquires the help content.

In step S3009, the help display control means 602 notifies the content of the help content.

In step S3010, the help content display means 601 constructs a screen for displaying the content of the help content.

In step S3011, the help content display means 601 requests to display a screen for displaying the content of the help content.

In step S3012, the display device 110 displays a screen showing help content.

<Function configuration example>
FIG. 23 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the image forming apparatus. For example, the image forming apparatus 100 has a functional configuration including a display control unit 2301 and a remote control unit 2302. Further, as shown in the figure, it is desirable that the image forming apparatus 100 has a functional configuration further including a determination unit 2303, an output unit 2304, a switching unit 2305, and the like. Hereinafter, the illustrated functional configuration will be described as an example.

The display control unit 2301 performs a display control procedure for displaying help contents about the image forming device on the display device 110 or the like. Further, the display control unit 2301 causes the display device 110 or the like to display a screen for remote control of the information processing device including the help content. For example, the display control unit 2301 is realized by the CPU 211 or the like.

The remote control unit 2302 performs a remote control procedure for performing remote control. For example, the remote control unit 2302 is realized by a communication I / F 217 or the like.

The determination unit 2303 determines whether or not the help content displayed by the display control unit 2301 includes the settings for the information processing device. For example, the determination unit 2303 is realized by the CPU 221 or the like.

When the output unit 2304 determines that the setting for the information processing device is included based on the determination result by the determination unit 2303, the output unit 2304 displays a display screen showing the contents of the help content and an operation screen for remote control. Perform the output procedure to output to. For example, the output unit 2304 is realized by an operation panel 215 or the like.

The switching unit 2305 performs a switching procedure for switching between the first operation screen by the display device and the second operation screen for the information processing device. For example, the switching unit 2305 is realized by an operation panel 215 or the like.

With the above configuration, when the help content is displayed on the display device 110 or the like, even if it is necessary to set an information processing device other than the image forming device, the setting can be performed by remote control. can. Therefore, even if the content of the help content requires the setting of the information processing device, the user can print the help content on paper, display the help content on a mobile device, or use the information processing device. You can reduce the trouble of displaying help contents again.

Further, it is desirable to determine whether or not the content of the help content includes the setting for the information processing device. For example, if the state of the application, the error screen, the setting of the information processing device, the state of the information processing device, the network setting, the execution result of the job, etc. are known, it can be determined whether or not the setting for the information processing device is necessary. Then, if the setting for the information processing device is necessary, the image forming device is remotely connected to the information processing device by remote control. By doing so, for example, the display screen showing the contents of the help content and the operation screen for remote control can be referred to and operated on the display device. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the time and effort for the user to go back and forth between the image forming apparatus and the information processing apparatus.

Further, it is desirable to use a browser of the information processing apparatus for the display. As described above, if the help content can be referred to by the browser of the information processing apparatus, it is possible to reduce the trouble of changing the software of the image forming apparatus. That is, the function can be expanded by changing the help content side.

Further, it is desirable that whether or not the information processing device needs to be set is centrally managed by, for example, an error management table. With such a configuration, the influence of the application version and the like can be reduced. Therefore, management becomes easy. On the other hand, whether or not the information processing device needs to be set may be managed on the application side. Then, it is desirable that the error management table is updated by version upgrade or the like. With such a configuration, the influence on the entire device can be reduced.

Further, the screen of the information processing device and the screen of the image forming device are represented by a GUI such as a button, for example, as shown in FIG. 18, a local screen 1803 which is an example of the first operation screen and an example of the second operation screen. It is desirable to be able to switch between the remote screen 1802 and the remote screen 1802. As described above, if switching is possible by a switching unit realized by a GUI such as a button, the image forming apparatus and the information processing apparatus can be easily set.

The image forming apparatus 100 may be configured to include a display unit realized by an operation panel or the like. That is, the image forming apparatus 100 may be configured to include a display unit realized by an input device, an output device, or the like other than the display device 110. Then, the operation may be accepted by the operation procedure by the display unit.

<Other embodiments>
All or part of each process according to the present invention may be described in a low-level language or a high-level language, and may be realized by a program for causing a computer to execute an information processing method. That is, the program is a computer program for causing a computer such as an information processing device or an information processing system including a plurality of information processing devices to execute each process.

Therefore, when the information processing method is executed based on the program, the arithmetic unit and the control unit of the computer perform the arithmetic and control based on the program in order to execute each process. In addition, the storage device of the computer stores the data used for the processing based on the program in order to execute each processing.

The program can also be recorded and distributed on a computer-readable recording medium. The recording medium is a medium such as a magnetic tape, a flash memory, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a magnetic disk. In addition, the program can be distributed over telecommunication lines.

The embodiment of the present invention may be realized by an image forming system. Further, the image forming system may execute each process in a redundant, distributed, parallel, virtualized manner, or a combination thereof.

Although an example in the embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. That is, various modifications and improvements are possible within the scope of the present invention.

100 Image forming device 110 Display device 500 Image forming system 501 PC
502 Server 2301 Display control unit 2302 Remote control unit 2303 Judgment unit 2304 Output unit 2305 Switching unit

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-145948

Claims (9)

An image forming device that is connected to an information processing device and has a display unit.
A display control unit that displays help content about the image forming device on the display unit, and
It is equipped with a remote control unit that remotely controls the information processing device.
The display control unit
An image forming device for displaying a screen of remote control for the information processing device including the help content on the display unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a determination unit for determining whether or not the help content includes a setting for the information processing apparatus. When it is determined that the setting for the information processing apparatus is included based on the determination result by the determination unit, the display unit displays the display screen showing the contents of the help content and the operation screen for performing the remote control. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising an output unit for output. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a switching unit for switching between a first operation screen by the display unit and a second operation screen for the information processing device. It is an information processing method performed by an image forming apparatus that is connected to an information processing apparatus and has a display unit.
A display control procedure in which the image forming apparatus displays help content about the image forming apparatus on the display unit, and
The image forming apparatus includes a remote control procedure for remotely controlling the information processing apparatus.
In the display control procedure,
An information processing method for displaying a screen for remote control of the information processing device including the help content on the display unit. A program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method according to claim 5. An image forming device that connects to an information processing device.
Display device and
A display control unit that displays help content about the image forming device on the display device, and
It is equipped with a remote control unit that remotely controls the information processing device.
The display control unit
An image forming device that causes the display device to display a screen for remote control of the information processing device including the help content. It is an information processing method performed by an image forming device that is connected to an information processing device and has a display device.
A display control procedure in which the image forming apparatus displays help content about the image forming apparatus on the display device, and
The image forming apparatus includes a remote control procedure for remotely controlling the information processing apparatus.
In the display control procedure,
An information processing method for displaying a screen of remote control for the information processing device including the help content on the display device. A program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method according to claim 8.

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