JP7286296B2 - Multifunction peripherals and programs - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to customization of multifunction peripherals. More specifically, it relates to safe and easily assisted multifunction peripherals and programs for specific business or user needs.

Document processing devices include printers, copiers, scanners and e-mail gateways. In recent years, there have been devices in the office environment that have two or more of these functions. These devices are called multifunction peripherals (MFPs) or multifunction devices (MFDs). As used herein, MFP means any of the above devices.

The set of features provided by the MFP that are available to the end user of the device cannot be edited. In addition to printing, copying, scanning, and e-mail, MFPs have devices that add yet another option. Copying and printing may involve hole punching and stapling. Prints may be in black and white or in color. Scanning may be scanning an image file, or scanning a file containing text with optical character recognition. These and other options are typically selectable by the user of the MFP via a user interface (such as a touch screen display integrated with the MFP).

MFPs are becoming increasingly powerful and sophisticated devices. As MFPs become more powerful and sophisticated, the complexity of user interaction with MFPs increases. Multiple menus may be generated in the user interface display of the MFP, having a hierarchical structure with multiple selectable layers. The user must learn how to navigate through these menus and controls. Typically, MFP user interfaces are designed so that the most frequently used functions are displayed at the top or top menu. Device features that tend to be less commonly used can be difficult and time consuming to discover. Depending on the user, a function that the user frequently uses may be a function that generally has a low tendency to be used. Some users have to navigate complex menu structures to access such functions.

Certain MFP features may be needed particularly frequently by certain businesses, but not by others. In such situations, MFP users often must spend significant time navigating the MFP user interface to complete document processing tasks. In businesses that use different MFPs, the steps required to complete the same job with one MFP available to the business may be different than with another MFP.

In addition to the above, various businesses often have a set of frequently used forms. For example, a car dealership may have forms for car sales, car leases, car rentals, or car purchases. Car dealerships may also have forms for credit applications, license plate orders, insurance information, and the like. A car salesperson may keep a form in his personal filing folder, remove the original copy of the required form from the filing folder, and copy the form for the customer on a photocopier. This method increases the work of the salesperson. Also, there may be a salesperson with a different or older version of the form in the paper clip. As a result, errors and inconsistencies can occur with this document-sandwiching method. In addition, depending on the particular form, the production may be completed by taking two copies. The salesperson must remember to take a copy, and must go back to the MFP to take a copy. In addition, certain customer data may be confidential and even subject to privacy protections under the law (such as personal information that should be handled in credit applications).

Other professionals may have their own MFP needs, which are considered to differ significantly from the needs of other businesses. Legal professionals may need, for example, subpoenas, complaints, certificates of service, and invoice forms. A medical professional may need patient consent forms, prescriptions, patient information questionnaires, or patient insurance information forms. Legal and medical professionals are examples of businesses where extremely high levels of confidentiality are always required. If legal professionals do not maintain a high level of confidentiality, they undermine the agent-client privilege that attorneys have. Failure of medical professionals to maintain a high level of confidentiality violates, for example, the confidentiality provisions of the US Federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This could result in criminal or civil default. Use of inadequate or outdated forms may result in legal proceedings and harm to patients in medical situations. Of course, this can also lead to medical malpractice lawsuits.

JP 2011-015179 A JP 2011-154474 A

The problem to be solved by the present invention is that it is possible to design the MFP user interface so that functions frequently used in various businesses are displayed at the top or the top menu by customization through simple operations. The purpose is to provide multifunctional peripherals and programs.

A multifunction peripheral device according to an embodiment includes a processor, storage means for storing a usable business category list, a plurality of application groups, and a plurality of customized applications, and a user interface screen installed attached to a main body. and a display that displays the The processor displays the usable business category list from the storage means on the display, receives a business category selected by an operation from the display, and displays the application group corresponding to the selected business category. When the application group read out from the storage means is set as a default, the application group is set and registered as the user interface screen, and when the customization is executed, the plurality of customizations corresponding to the version of the MFP firmware are read from the storage means. and registering a plurality of customized applications corresponding to required device functions among the plurality of customized applications. displaying on the display to confirm an updated user interface including the plurality of applications.

A program according to an embodiment comprises a processor, storage means for storing a usable business category list, a plurality of application groups, and a plurality of customized applications, and is installed attached to a main body to display a user interface screen. a display; and a multifunction peripheral computer. The program comprises a procedure of displaying the usable business category list from the storage means on the display, a procedure of receiving a business category selected by an operation from the display, and a business category corresponding to the selected business category. a procedure for reading an application group from the storage means; a procedure for setting and registering the application group as a user interface screen when the read application group is set as a default ; a step of reading out the plurality of customized applications according to the above; a step of registering a plurality of applications corresponding to required device functions among the plurality of customized applications; registration of the plurality of applications succeeds; and causing the computer to display an updated user interface including the plurality of registered applications on the display for confirmation if there is no change in the MFP firmware.

1 is a diagram showing an MFP network according to an embodiment; FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a document drawing system according to an embodiment; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first flowchart capable of providing a business-customizable MFP according to the embodiment; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second flowchart that can provide a business-customizable MFP according to the embodiment; FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for customizing an application according to the embodiment; FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for customizing an application according to the embodiment; FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for customizing an application according to the embodiment; 1 is a first flowchart of MFP customization related to available forms, according to an embodiment; 4 is a second flowchart of MFP customization related to available forms, according to an embodiment; 1 is a first flowchart of a customization and customized user interface introduction system according to an embodiment; 2 is a second flow chart of the customization and customized user interface introduction system according to the embodiment;

Various embodiments can be better understood with reference to the specification, claims, and drawings.

The systems and methods disclosed herein will be described in detail by way of example with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that modifications to the examples, installations, arrangements, parts, elements, apparatus, devices, methods, systems, etc. disclosed and described may be suitably made or required for particular applications. In this disclosure, the specific techniques, equipment, etc. are the same as the specific examples presented or simply the general description of the techniques, equipment, etc. It is not intended and should not be construed as being necessarily or exclusively identical to specific details or examples unless specifically stated otherwise.

According to embodiments of the present invention, a multifunctional peripheral device for customizing an MFP for an end user or system administrator (hereinafter simply referred to as an administrator ) , a business customization method, and A program is provided. Customization enhances accessibility to functions specific to a particular business using the MFP interface. The MFP interface is provided in the user interface of the MFP itself, communicated by an MFP connected to a network via a web interface, or implemented in part or all of a driver (such as a printer driver) called on a user device. All you have to do is

Certain functions of the MFP (such as color printing or color copying) may be disabled by the user of the MFP in order to reduce toner or ink consumption. As another example, an administrator may implement mandatory device features (such as automatically encrypting all emails). An administrator may provide a customized interface using company color schemes and company logos. An administrator may recreate the menu hierarchy to place functions of specific or frequent need in easily accessible locations. As a further advantage, employees can equally use electronic documents (such as forms or templates) stored by the MFP. In addition to the above, embodiments of the present invention allow another business to use an MFP pre-stored with a library of forms, controls, menus, etc. commonly used by other businesses of the same type. can.

For example, MFPs prepopulated with different business-specific settings, menus, or electronic documents can be delivered to businesses. For example, "Legal Professional" may be selected as an administrator setting by default. "Legal Professionals" includes legal forms, legal documents, brief templates and blank time charge slips. A "legal professional" may include address information for various courts and government agencies. This allows you to quickly set up all or part of your law firm's needs.

Thereafter, the administrator may add or replace electronic documents, such as by uploading or scanning paper. An administrator may add additional MFP features that are not included in the standard "legal expert" setup but are needed. An administrator may add or change the menu structure, customize colors, fonts, resolution, and so on. An administrator may import a company logo to display the company logo on the user interface display. Preferably, the company logo may be imported via a portable data communication device (USB drive, CD or DVD, etc.), via a network connection, or by scanning a paper document containing the logo. Administrators may export and replicate this interface to other MFPs used in their business.

A customization system in a multifunction peripheral has a processor and a memory that stores a plurality of specific customization groups. Each customization group contains multiple files, and each customization group corresponds to a unique business type. The memory stores a plurality of device customization data sets, each data set corresponding to document processing of the multifunction peripheral corresponding to a firmware version of the multifunction peripheral. The print engine and scanner engine are controllable by at least one data set. An indication is generated on a user interface display that identifies multiple customization groups by business type. User-selected data corresponding to a selected specific customization group selected from the instructions is received via user input.

A customization menu is generated on the user interface display that lists available customizations from the selected specific customization group corresponding to the firmware version of the multifunction peripheral. A document processing options menu is generated on the user interface display that includes document processing options corresponding to the portion of the device customization data set associated with the particular customization group that has been selected. The customization menu is user editable. Register the customization interface according to the edited customization menu. Enable operation of the multifunction peripheral with a registered customization interface.

FIG. 1 shows an MFP network 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. MFP network 100 has one or more MFPs 110 and MFPs 114 . MFP network 104 is preferably a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN) (which may include the global Internet), or a combination thereof. A system administrator or other user (hereinafter simply referred to as an administrator) can operate the MFP 110 via a user interface 118 including a user interface panel integrated with the MFP (which may consist of a touch screen display panel or the like). is. Alternatively, MFP 110 can be controlled remotely from workstation 122 via network cloud 104 . In FIG. 1, workstation 122 is a wired computer. Alternatively, workstation 122 may be any suitable data communication device (including smart phones, tablets, laptop computers, etc.) that can be networked wirelessly or by wire. Workstations 122 are preferably able to communicate by accessing MFP 110 using a network address (such as an Internet Protocol (IP) address). Access from remote devices can be done directly through the web interface.

MFP 110 has data storage 126 . Data storage 126 electronically stores data corresponding to available device function applications, background images, color palettes, icons, business groupings, and the like. For example, data storage 126 stores available business category lists, multiple application groups, multiple form libraries, multiple customization applications, and the like.

Data storage 126 may also store additional applications that can be used to control MFP 110 . Additional applications may also be sent to MFP 110 via a portable data communication device (eg, flash drive 130, etc.). Alternatively, it may be sent to MFP 110 using any other suitable data transfer mechanism (including Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC), optical discs, CDs, DVDs, wireless or wired networks, etc.). Additional applications may be purchased via the network cloud 104, such as from an application store 134.

Next, FIG. 2 illustrates a document rendering system 200 according to an embodiment. Document rendering system 200 is included in an MFP (such as MFPs 110 and 114 in FIG. 1). Document rendering system 200 includes controller 201 . Controller 201 includes one or more processors (such as processor 202 as shown). Processor 202 is coupled to nonvolatile memory ROM 204 and random access memory RAM 206 via data bus 212 .

Processor 202 is also in data communication with storage interface (I/F) 208 . Storage interface 208 reads and writes data to storage 216 according to instructions from processor 202 . Storage 216 (corresponding to data storage 126 in FIG. 1) may comprise a hard disk, optical disk, solid state disk, cloud-based storage, or other suitable data storage. Various data/applications stored in the storage 216 are developed in the RAM 206 via the storage interface 208 and processed or executed by the processor 202 . Data created on the RAM 206 by various processes of the processor 202 are stored in the storage 216 via the storage interface 208 .

Processor 202 is also in data communication with network interface (I/F) 210 . Network interface 210 serves as an interface to network interface controller (NIC) 214 . A network interface controller (NIC) 214 also provides a data path for a wired network (eg, bus connection) connection 220 . Alternatively, network interface controller (NIC) 214 provides a data path for wireless data connections through a wireless network interface. Wireless connections are, for example, cellular, Wi-Fi 218, Bluetooth (registered trademark) interface 226, NFC, wireless universal serial bus (wireless USB), satellite, and the like. The interface of the wired network 220 is, for example, Ethernet, USB, IEEE1394 (FireWire (registered trademark) ) Apple Lightning, telephone line, or the like.

Processor 202 is also in data communication with a user input/output (I/O) interface. A user input/output (I/O) interface provides data communication with user peripherals (displays, keyboards, mice, trackballs, touch screens, etc.). The hardware monitor 221 works with the monitoring system to provide device event data to the user. As another example, the monitoring system may include page counters, sensor outputs (consumption level sensors, temperature sensors, power quality sensors, device error sensors, door open/close sensors, etc.), and the like. These detection data are stored in the storage 216 or the like as one or more device logs.

Additionally, a document processor interface 222 connected to the hardware monitor 221 can communicate data with units connected to the data bus 212 . Furthermore, the document processor interface 222 may be in data communication with the MFP's hardware functions 250 . In the example of FIG. 2, MFP hardware functions 250 include copy hardware 240 , scan hardware 242 , print hardware 244 , and fax hardware 246 . Copy hardware 240, scan hardware 242, print hardware 244, and facsimile hardware 246 constitute functional hardware of the MFP. Note that the hardware function unit 250 is an intelligent unit including a hardware or software platform.

3a and 3b show a flowchart 300 for providing a business customizable MFP (hereinafter described using MFP 110 of FIG. 1) according to an embodiment. The MFP 110 business customization process starts at block 304 and proceeds to block 308 . At block 308 , the administrator logs into MFP 110 by operating from MFP user interface 118 . Alternatively, the user logs into the MFP 110 via the network cloud 104 from the workstation 122 of the remote terminal. At block 312, the customization menu is displayed on the display of user interface 118 to the administrator. At block 316, the available business category list retrieved from data storage 126 is displayed on the display. Block 320 accepts the available business categories selected by the administrator via user interface 118 .

At block 324, a preconfigured group of MFP applications for the selected business (eg, including individually selectable or group selectable applications) is retrieved from storage 126 (same as storage 216 of FIG. 2). . At block 328, the retrieved MFP application group is displayed on the display of user interface 118 to the administrator. Alternatively, functions related to a business category (or type) preselected by the administrator may be preselected, and the preselected functions may be read out and displayed.

Next, at block 332, if the default list of displayed MFP application groups is to be changed (Yes at block 332), then at block 336 an administrator adds, deletes, or modifies an MFP application group. Then, at block 340, the administrator's changes are saved to storage 126 via RAM 206 as the default user interface. Additionally, block 344 checks to see if the MFP user interface 118 additionally displays the customized logo. It should be noted that if block 332 determines that the default list of MFP application groups is not to be changed (block 332 No), then the logo change check at block 344 is proceeded directly to.

If, at block 344, the administrator elects to customize (including adding) a logo (Yes at block 344), then at block 348 the customized logo data is transferred via physical media, wireless, wired or network connection. is saved (imported) in the RAM 206 of the MFP 110 . At block 352, the administrator performs customized logo positioning on the display screen(s). Block 356 updates the MFP default user interface according to the positioning and proceeds to block 360 . The updated user interface screen is saved in the storage 126 via the RAM 206 .

At block 360 of FIG. 3b, the administrator checks to determine if the background displayed on the MFP user interface panel is to be customized and used. Note that block 344 also proceeds directly to block 360 if a customized logo is not used (block 344 No). At block 360, if background customization is selected (Yes at block 360), at block 364, using optional background data already available on MFP 110 or background data imported from workstation 122 or the like, Set background customization as well as logo customization. At block 368, the default user interface is updated according to this customization. The updated user interface is saved in storage 126 as well. Next, at block 376, the administrator determines whether to change the display colors or layout of the MFP user interface panels. It should be noted that block 376 is also entered directly if block 360 chooses not to change the background displayed on the MFP user interface panel (block 360 No).

If at block 376 the administrator chooses to change the display colors or layout of the MFP user interface panels (Yes at block 376), block 380 accepts modification of the display colors or layout of the MFP user interface panels. At block 384, the default user interface is updated according to the display color or layout customization. The updated user interface is saved in storage 126 as well. Next, at block 388, the administrator checks to see if application customization is complete. It should be noted that block 388 is also proceeded directly to when block 376 determines that the display color or layout is not to be changed (block 376 No). At block 388, the administrator checks application customizations. If so (Yes at block 388), at block 392 the properties of the application are customized and at block 396 the customization process ends. If block 388 determines not to customize the application (block 388 No), block 396 also terminates the customization process.

Next, FIG. 4 shows an example screen 400 for management customization of the copy application (Copy App) according to the embodiment. In this example, the administrator can set application settings such as scan quality 404, color mode 408, output file type 412, page scanning 416, and finishing 420. The administrator can select whether or not to print the confirmation receipt in the scan confirmation 424 settings.

FIG. 5 shows an example screen 500 for administrative customization of an application according to an embodiment. In the example of FIG. 5, a list 504 of available applications is displayed. In list 504, it is possible to set the application to be installed/uninstalled or to set the application to be changed.

FIG. 6 shows an example screen 600 for customization according to the embodiment. The application vertical (or UI customization ) shown here is designed to contain one or more installed applications. Additionally, an administrator can configure the UI. The following setting items 602, 604, 608, and 612 can be customized . In setting item 602, the user selects a background image pre-stored in storage 126 or an uploaded background image from a set. In setting item 604, the user adds a tagline and selects a font color. In the setting item 608, the user selects from available (installed) applications, changes the display order and position, and adds an application tag level. In setting item 612, the user adds a company logo. A window 610 displays a preview of the set background image, company logo, and tagline.

7a and 7b illustrate a flow chart 700 of MFP customization related to available forms, according to an embodiment. The form customization process starts at block 702 and proceeds to block 704 . At block 704, the administrator selects a business type from among the available options. At block 708 , form libraries associated with the selected business type are retrieved from storage 126 . At block 712, the retrieved form list is displayed on the user interface display. At block 714, the administrator chooses whether to view the form. If the form is to be viewed (Yes at block 714), at block 718 the administrator selects the form for viewing. At block 722, the selected form is displayed on the user interface display. At block 724, the administrator chooses whether to delete or edit the form displayed on the user interface display. Note that if at block 714 no form is selected for view (No at block 714 ), the process also proceeds directly to block 724 .

At block 724, if the administrator edits or deletes the form (Yes at block 724), block 728 accepts the edited or deleted changes, block 732 saves the changes to storage 126, block 736 move on. Note that block 724 also proceeds directly to block 736 if the administrator does not edit or delete the form (block 724 No).

At block 736 , if the administrator wishes to review the list again, the process returns to block 712 . If the list is not to be reviewed again (No at block 736), at block 740 the administrator chooses whether to request a new form. If a new form is not required (No at block 740), block 744 terminates the process.

If a new form is requested (Yes at block 740), at block 748 of FIG. 8b, the administrator checks to see if MFP 110 has a new form (such as a form associated with another business library). If the MFP 110 does not have the new form (No at block 748), at block 752 the new form is uploaded or scanned by the scanner of the MFP 110 to obtain the new form. If MFP 110 has a new form available (Yes at block 748), or if a new form is uploaded or scanned, at block 756 the new form is stored in storage 126 and entered into the default library. . The process then returns to block 740. At block 740, the administrator determines whether to request another new form, and if so, proceeds to block 748, otherwise exits at block 744.

Figures 8a and 8b show a flowchart 800 of a system for customization and customized user interface implementation, according to an embodiment. The installation process starts at block 804 and at block 808 the user interface displayed on the current MFP user interface display is stored in storage 126 and backed up. At block 812, the administrator determines the MFP firmware version. At block 814, the user interface customization application corresponding to the determined version is loaded from storage 816 (same as storage 126 of FIG. 1). At block 820, the retrieved customization application is stored in storage 126 for backup if an error condition occurs during the customization process. At block 824, of the loaded customization applications, applications (subsets) of device functions considered necessary are stored in storage 126 and pre-registered. At block 828, customization is completed. A preferred customization operation is described in detail below.

At block 830, the newly selected application corresponding to the selected device feature or user interface option is automatically registered. Block 834 checks for registration errors. If there are no errors (No in block 834), the firmware version is checked in block 854 of FIG. 8b. Then, at block 858, the firmware version is checked against the current version. If the firmware versions are different (Yes at block 858), at block 838 of FIG. 8a, the backup user interface of block 808 is restored to storage 126. At block 842, the backup user interface is registered. At block 846 an abort notice is generated and at block 850 the installation process ends. If there are no version changes (block 858 No), then at block 860 the administrator checks for user interface updates. If the user interface update is confirmed (Yes at block 860), the process ends at block 850. FIG. If the user interface update is not confirmed, block 864 unregisters the user interface and the installation process proceeds to block 838 described above. At block 838, the backup interface is restored and registered.

According to embodiments, MFPs pre-populated with different business-specific settings, menus or electronic documents can be delivered to businesses. And with different business-specific customized MFP interfaces, the accessibility to functions specific to a particular business is enhanced.

Although embodiments of the technology have been described above, the embodiments are merely exemplary and the technology is not limited only to the above-described embodiments. The novel embodiments described above may be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The claims and their equivalents cover these forms or variations and do not depart from the spirit of the invention.

100... MFP network 104... network cloud 122... workstations 126, 216, 816... data storage 130... flash drive (USB memory)
134... Application store 200... Document drawing system 201... Controller 202... Processor 204... ROM
206 RAM
208 ... storage interface (I/F)
210 network interface 212 data bus 214 network interface controller (NIC)
221 hardware monitor 222 document processor interface 250 MFP functional units 400, 500, 600 customization screen examples

Claims (5)

a processor;
storage means in which a list of available business categories, a plurality of application groups and a plurality of customized applications are stored;
a display attached to the main body and configured to display a user interface screen;
A multifunctional peripheral device comprising:
The processor
displaying on the display the available business category list from the storage means;
receiving a business category selected by an operation from the display;
reading the application group corresponding to the selected business category from the storage means;
If the read application group is set as a default, setting and registering the application group as the user interface screen,
reading out the plurality of customization applications corresponding to the version of the MFP firmware from the storage means when executing the customization ;
Registering a plurality of applications corresponding to necessary device functions among the plurality of customized applications;
If the registration of the plurality of applications is successful and there is no change in the MFP firmware, displaying an updated user interface including the registered application on the display for confirmation;
Multifunctional peripherals. 2. The multifunction peripheral of claim 1, wherein the processor accepts modification of one or more of a logo, background image, color or layout of the user interface screen and changes the modified user interface screen to the default. 3. The multifunction peripheral device according to claim 2, wherein when customizing an application included in the read application group, the processor customizes properties of the application. a processor;
storage means in which a list of available categories, a plurality of application groups and a plurality of customized applications are stored;
a display attached to the main body and configured to display a user interface screen;
A multifunctional peripheral device comprising:
The processor
displaying the list of available categories from the storage means on the display;
Receiving a category selected by an operation from the display,
reading the application group corresponding to the selected category from the storage means;
If the read application group is set as a default, setting and registering the application group as the user interface screen,
reading a plurality of customization applications according to the version of the MFP firmware from the storage means when executing the customization;
Registering a plurality of applications corresponding to necessary device functions among the plurality of customized applications;
If the registration of the plurality of applications is successful and there is no change in the MFP firmware, displaying on the display to confirm an updated user interface including the plurality of registered applications;
Multifunctional peripherals. a processor, a storage means in which an available business category list, a plurality of application groups, and a plurality of customized applications are stored; and a display attached to the main body for displaying a user interface screen. A program executed by a functional peripheral computer comprising:
displaying the list of available business categories from the storage means on the display;
a procedure for accepting a business category selected by an operation from the display;
reading the application group corresponding to the selected business category from the storage means;
a step of setting and registering the application group as a user interface screen when the read application group is set as a default;
a step of reading the plurality of customization applications corresponding to the version of the MFP firmware from the storage means when executing the customization ;
a step of registering a plurality of applications corresponding to required device functions among the plurality of customized applications;
displaying on the display for confirmation an updated user interface including the registered applications if the registration of the plurality of applications is successful and there is no change in the MFP firmware;
A program that causes the computer to execute

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