JP7459552B2 - Information processing device, information processing system, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Description

This application relates to an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program.

A configuration has been disclosed in which, instead of immediately installing an application when a request to install the application is received, a dummy icon (graphic image) is displayed on the display unit, and the application is installed when a startup operation is performed on the dummy icon, thereby suppressing an increase in startup time of the application execution device (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

However, the configuration of Patent Document 1 does not disclose applications for which usage rights are granted in units of packages including multiple applications provided by a cloud server, so the information processing device can use the information of the applications included in the package. cannot solve the problem of not being able to provide accurate information to people.

The objective of the present invention is to provide accurate information about the applications included in a package.

An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention is an information processing device capable of executing a plurality of applications, and includes a display unit that displays an operation acceptance image that accepts operations for a first application among the plurality of applications that can be operated by a user of the information processing device, and a graphical image that indicates a second application among the plurality of applications that cannot be operated by the user, a first display control unit that generates a display screen on the display unit when the operator is the user, and a second display control unit that generates at least a portion of the display screen when the operator is a device administrator that manages the information processing device .

The present invention makes it possible to provide accurate information about the applications included in a package.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. 2 is a block diagram of an example of a hardware configuration of a contract management server according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example of a software configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a configuration example of a package according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example of a functional configuration of a contract management server according to an embodiment. 1 is a block diagram of an example of a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of an example of an introduction process performed by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. 5 is a flowchart of an example of an operation process performed by the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram of a display screen for a user according to a comparative example. 2A and 2B are diagrams of an example of a display screen for a user according to an embodiment, in which (a) is a diagram of an example of a launcher screen, and (b) is a diagram of an example of a display screen when a dummy icon is operated. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of a display screen for a user according to the embodiment. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen for a device manager according to the first embodiment; 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating an example of screen transition in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an example of a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of an example of an operation process performed by an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. 11A and 11B are diagrams showing examples of display screens for a device administrator according to the second embodiment, in which FIG. 11A is a diagram showing an example of a launcher screen, and FIG.

Below, a description will be given of a mode for carrying out the invention with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same components are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

The information processing device according to the embodiment is a device capable of executing multiple applications. A display unit provided in the information processing device displays a user operation reception image that receives an operation for a first application among the multiple applications that can be operated by a user of the information processing device, and a graphic image that indicates a second application among the multiple applications that cannot be operated by the user.

Here, "an application that cannot be operated by the user" is an application that does not accept operations on graphic images, or an application that accepts operations on graphic images but does not accept operations on the screen displayed in response to operations on graphic images. means.

In the embodiment, even when a second application that cannot be operated by the user is included in multiple applications, the user is informed that the second application is included by displaying a graphic image indicating the second application. Visualize and provide accurate information about the applications included in the package.

<About terms in the embodiment>
(application)
Refers to software that is used for a specific purpose.

(package)
The term "package" refers to a collection of multiple applications that are provided together. Applications according to the embodiment are sold in package units, and usage rights are granted.

Examples of packages include those that aggregate multiple applications useful for a particular industry or business and are provided as industry/business packages, and those that aggregate multiple applications related to a function, such as a reading or printing function, and are provided as function packages.

(user)
A general user who has the authority to use the information processing device but does not have the authority to manage the information processing device. If a plurality of applications to which usage rights are granted in units of packages have been introduced (installed) into an information processing device, the user also has usage rights for these multiple applications.

(Device Administrator)
A device administrator is a person who has administrative authority over an information processing device. When multiple applications that have been granted usage authority on a package basis are installed in an information processing device, the device administrator has administrative authority over these multiple applications as well. Note that the device administrator may or may not have usage authority over the information processing device.

(operator)
This refers to a person who operates an information processing device. When the above-mentioned user operates the information processing device, the operator is the user, and when the above-mentioned device administrator operates the information processing device, the operator is the device administrator.

(First Application)
It refers to an application that a user can operate among a plurality of applications to which usage rights are granted on a package basis. For example, it is an application that has an icon for starting a first application, and is started when a user performs a start operation on the first application, such as touching the icon. Here, the start operation refers to an operation for starting an application.

(Second Application)
This refers to an application that cannot be operated by a user among multiple applications to which usage rights are granted on a package basis. For example, it is an application that is automatically started without user operation and runs in the background of an information processing device. However, the second application is configured to be operable by a device administrator, and the device administrator can operate the second application.

(icon)
An image that is displayed on a display unit included in an information processing device and is used to accept operations by a user or a device administrator. This operation includes an operation to start an application by a user or a device administrator. Here, the icon is an example of an operation reception image.

(dummy icon)
This is an image displayed on a display unit included in an information processing device, and is used to indicate a second application that cannot be operated by a user. Since this is not an image that accepts operations for the application, even if the user performs a startup operation by touching the dummy icon, for example, the second application corresponding to the dummy icon will not start. Here, the dummy icon is an example of a "graphic image" and an example of a "mock reception image."

Embodiments will be described below, taking as an example an information processing system including an image forming apparatus as an example of an information processing apparatus.

First, we will explain the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment.

<Configuration example of information processing system 1>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information processing system 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 includes a contract management server 5 and an image forming device 9. The contract management server 5 and the image forming apparatus 9 are communicably connected via a network N such as the Internet.

The contract management server 5 can be realized by an information processing device such as a computer equipped with a general OS (Operating System) or the like, and is equipped with wireless or wired communication means. Here, the contract management server 5 is an example of a "contract information management device."

Furthermore, the contract management server 5 has a function of managing contract information for each of a plurality of packages. Each of the multiple packages is purchased in package units and includes multiple applications. This package and the applications included in the package will be detailed separately.

Package contract information is information about the contract concluded at the time of purchasing the package, including the expiration date of the package contract, contract type (monthly contract, yearly contract, etc.), fees, payment method, and applications included in the package. This is information such as the type.

Next, the image forming device 9 is a device equipped with an image forming function such as an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral/Product/Printer), and is equipped with wireless or wired communication means. The image forming device 9 can execute processes related to image formation such as a multifunction machine, copier, scanner, printer, laser printer, projector, and electronic whiteboard. In the embodiment, the user has the authority to use the image forming device 9, and the device administrator has the authority to manage the image forming device 9.

Note that the information processing system 1 is communicably connected to an application providing server that provides applications via the network N, and can receive applications from the application providing server in units of packages or individually.

Although FIG. 1 shows the information processing system 1 including one image forming device 9 as an example, the information processing system 1 includes a plurality of image forming devices 9, and these can communicate via the network N. May be connected. Further, other devices such as external servers may be connected to the network N and may be configured to communicate with them via the network N.

Further, in the embodiment, an image forming apparatus 9 will be described as an example of an information processing apparatus, but the present invention is not limited to this. If the information processing device is a device with a communication function, it can be a PJ (Projector), an IWB (Interactive White Board: a whiteboard with an electronic blackboard function that allows mutual communication), an output device such as a digital signage, or a HUD. (Head Up Display) equipment, industrial machinery, imaging devices, sound collection devices, medical equipment, network home appliances, automobiles (Connected Cars), notebook PCs (Personal Computers), mobile phones, smartphones, tablet terminals, game consoles, PDAs (Personal Computers), Digital Assistant), digital camera, wearable PC, desktop PC, etc.

<Example of hardware configuration of contract management server 5>
Next, the hardware configuration of the contract management server 5 will be explained with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the contract management server 5. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, the contract management server 5 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 501, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 502, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 503, a HD (Hard Disk) 504, and a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) controller 505. It also includes a display 506, an external device connection I/F (Interface) 508, a network I/F 509, a data bus 510, a keyboard 511, a pointing device 512, a DVD-RW (Digital Versatile Disk Rewritable) drive 514, and a media I/F 516.

Of these, the CPU 501 controls the overall operation of the contract management server 5. The ROM 502 stores programs used to drive the CPU 501, such as an IPL (Initial Program Loader). The RAM 503 is used as a work area for the CPU 501.

The HDD 504 stores various data such as programs. The HDD controller 505 controls the reading and writing of various data from the HDD 504 under the control of the CPU 501. The display 506 displays various information such as a cursor, menu, window, text, or image.

The external device connection I/F 508 is an interface for connecting various external devices. In this case, the external devices are USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, printers, etc. The network I/F 509 is an interface for data communication using the network N. The data bus 510 is an address bus, data bus, etc. for electrically connecting each component such as the CPU 501 shown in FIG. 2.

The keyboard 511 is a type of input means equipped with multiple keys for inputting characters, numbers, various instructions, etc. The pointing device 512 is a type of input means for selecting and executing various instructions, selecting a processing target, moving a cursor, etc.

The DVD-RW drive 514 controls reading and writing of various data on a DVD-RW 513, which is an example of a removable recording medium. Note that it is not limited to DVD-RW, but may be DVD-R or the like. The media I/F 516 controls reading or writing (storage) of data to a recording medium 515 such as a flash memory.

<Example of hardware configuration of image forming apparatus 9>
Next, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 9 will be explained with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 9. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming device 9 includes a controller 910, a short-range communication circuit 920, an engine control unit 930, an operation panel 940, and a network I/F 950.

Of these, the controller 910 includes a CPU 901, which is the main part of the computer, a system memory (MEM-P) 902, a north bridge (NB) 903, a south bridge (SB) 904, and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). 906, a local memory (MEM-C) 907 that is a storage unit, an HDD controller 908, and an HD 909 that is a storage unit. Further, the NB 903 and the ASIC 906 are connected by an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 921.

Of these, the CPU 901 is a control unit that performs overall control of the image forming device 9. The NB 903 is a bridge that connects the CPU 901 with the MEM-P 902, the SB 904, and the AGP bus 921, and includes a memory controller that controls reading and writing to the MEM-P 902, a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) master, and an AGP target.

The MEM-P 902 consists of a ROM 902a, which is memory for storing programs and data that realize the various functions of the controller 910, and a RAM 902b, which is used for expanding programs and data, and as a drawing memory during memory printing.

The programs stored in RAM 902b may be provided by being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, CD-R, or DVD in an installable or executable format.

SB904 is a bridge for connecting NB903, PCI devices, and peripheral devices. The ASIC 906 is an IC (Integrated Circuit) for image processing that includes hardware elements for image processing, and has the role of a bridge that connects the AGP bus 921, the PCI bus 922, the HDD 908, and the MEM-C 907, respectively.

This ASIC 906 is composed of a PCI target and AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) that is the core of the ASIC 906, a memory controller that controls the MEM-C 907, multiple DMACs (Direct Memory Access Controllers) that perform operations such as rotating image data using hardware logic, and a PCI unit that transfers data between the scanner unit 931 and printer unit 932 via the PCI bus 922.

The ASIC 906 may also be connected to a USB interface or an IEEE 1394 (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1394) interface.

MEM-C907 is a local memory used as an image buffer for copying and a code buffer. HD909 is a storage for storing image data, font data used during printing, and forms. HD909 controls the reading and writing of data from and to HD909 under the control of CPU901.

AGP bus 921 is a bus interface for graphics accelerator cards proposed to speed up graphics processing, and can speed up graphics accelerator cards by directly accessing MEM-P902 with high throughput. .

The short-range communication circuit 920 also includes a short-range communication circuit 920a. The short-range communication circuit 920 is a communication circuit such as NFC or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

Further, the engine control section 930 includes a scanner section 931 and a printer section 932. The operation panel 940 also includes a panel display section 940a such as a touch panel that displays current setting values, a selection screen, etc. and accepts input from the operator, and accepts setting values for conditions related to image formation such as density setting conditions. It includes an operation panel 940b that includes a numeric keypad, a start key that accepts a copy start instruction, and the like.

The controller 910 controls the entire image forming device 9, for example, controlling drawing, communication, and input from the operation panel 940. The scanner unit 931 or the printer unit 932 includes an image processing section that performs error diffusion, gamma conversion, and the like.

The image forming device 9 can sequentially switch between the document box function, copy function, printer function, and facsimile function using the application switching key on the operation panel 940.

When the document box function is selected, the document box mode is selected, when the copy function is selected, the copy mode is selected, when the printer function is selected, the printer mode is selected, and when the fax mode is selected, the fax mode is selected.

Further, the network I/F 950 is an interface for data communication using the network N. Near field communication circuit 920 and network I/F 950 are electrically connected to ASIC 906 via PCI bus 922.

<Example of software configuration of image forming apparatus 9>
Next, the software configuration of the image forming apparatus 9 will be explained with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the image forming apparatus 9. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the image forming apparatus 9 includes an application layer 81, a service layer 82, and a handler layer 83.

The application layer 81, the service layer 82, and the handler layer 83 are actually various software stored in the ROM 103, the secondary storage device 16, and the like. Various functions are provided by the CPU 901 executing these software. A hardware layer 84 indicates hardware resources included in the image forming apparatus 9. The service layer 82, handler layer 83, and hardware layer 84 are collectively referred to as a platform.

The software in the application layer 81 is applications that operate the hardware resources belonging to the hardware layer 84 to provide specific functions. It receives instructions or setting requests from the user via the operation panel 940 and makes requests to the platform to realize the application functions.

Examples of the applications include a copy application for providing a copy function, a scan application for providing a scan function, a fax application for providing a fax function, a print application for providing a print function, and the like. It also includes applications with extended functions additionally purchased by the user.

The software of the service layer 82 is software that is interposed between the application layer 81 and the handler layer 83 and provides an interface for using the hardware resources provided in the image forming apparatus 9 to applications. More specifically, it is software for providing functions of accepting operation requests for hardware resources and arbitrating the operation requests. Examples of operation requests accepted by the service layer 82 include requests for reading by the scanner unit 931 and requests for printing by the printer unit 932. The interface function of the service layer 82 is provided by Web API (Web Application Programming Interface) or the like.

The software in the handler layer 83 is basic software for providing basic functions that control the hardware resources of the image forming device 9. The software in the service layer 82 converts requests to use the hardware resources from various applications into commands that the handler layer 83 can interpret, and passes them to the handler layer 83. The software in the handler layer 83 then executes the commands, causing the hardware resources to operate in accordance with the application requests.

Operations performed by the software in the handler layer 83 include control of data storage and/or data retrieval in the MEM-P 902, control of data storage and/or data retrieval in the HD 909, control of the scanner unit 931, control of the printer unit 932, etc.

<Package configuration example>
Next, the configuration of a package including a plurality of applications will be described. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the package configuration. As shown in Fig. 5, package 60 is a security set package including a launcher application L and applications 61, 62, and 63, and the use of applications 61, 62, and 63 is controlled according to the monthly billing status.

The launcher app L is an application that displays a launcher screen (home screen) for displaying a list of icons for multiple applications on the operation panel 940 (see Figure 3).

An icon for launching the launcher app L is displayed on the operation panel 940, and the operator of the image forming device 9 can display a list of each icon of a plurality of applications on the launcher screen on the operation panel 940 by simply performing a single operation on the icon of the launcher app L. This launcher app L is an example of a "display control application."

Package 60 is purchased by the user or device administrator on a package basis and downloaded from an application site provided on a cloud server or the like. The launcher app L and applications 61, 62, and 63 included in package 60 are installed on image forming device 9, and a license to use each of them is granted to the user.

More specifically, the application 61 is a post office box print application. The post office box print application is an application that stores print documents received from an external device such as a PC in a storage location called a "post office box" provided for each user on the image forming apparatus 9. By using the PO Box Print App, users can easily prevent setting errors and mix-ups of print documents by checking the print documents stored in their own PO Box before printing. This application 61 corresponds to a first application that can be operated by the user.

Further, the application 62 is a standard condition printing application. The fixed condition printing application is an application that selects and prints a document in a shared folder from the image forming apparatus 9. By using the standard print application, users can easily select and print documents such as flyers stored in a shared folder. This application 62 corresponds to a first application that can be operated by the user.

Application 63 is also a job log sending application. The job log sending application is an application that automatically sends the history of print instructions received by image forming device 9 (called a job log) to a specified external device such as a PC on a regular basis. If the job log is sent to the PC of a user or equipment administrator of image forming device 9, the user or equipment administrator can recognize the billing status for use of image forming device 9 or applications 61, 62 based on the sent job log.

The application 63 only performs communication between the image forming apparatus 9 and an external device, and operates in the background of the image forming apparatus 9. Further, since the application 63 is related to billing, it is preferable to prevent the user from arbitrarily operating it in consideration of safety. This application 63 corresponds to a second application that cannot be operated by the user.

In this way, the second application corresponds to an application whose function can be realized without any operation by the user, or an application for which it is preferable not to allow the user to operate the application arbitrarily for safety reasons.

<Example of functional configuration of contract management server 5>
Next, the functional configuration of the contract management server 5 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Here, Fig. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the contract management server 5.

As shown in FIG. 6, the contract management server 5 comprises a transmission/reception unit 51, a contract information acquisition unit 52, and a contract information storage unit 53. Of these, the function of the transmission/reception unit 51 is realized by a network I/F 509 (see FIG. 2) or the like, and the function of the contract information acquisition unit 52 is realized by the CPU 501 executing a predetermined program or the like. The function of the contract information storage unit 53 is realized by the HD 504 or the like.

The transmitting/receiving unit 51 has a function of transmitting and receiving information to and from the image forming apparatus 9. Note that the transmitting/receiving section 51 can also transmit and receive information with an external device other than the image forming apparatus 9.

Based on the transmission request received from the image forming apparatus 9 via the transmission/reception section 51, the contract information acquisition section 52 refers to the contract information storage section 53 that stores contract information of a plurality of packages, and selects a package corresponding to the transmission request. Get contract information. Then, the acquired package contract information can be transmitted to the image forming apparatus 9 via the transmitting/receiving section 51.

[First embodiment]
<Example of functional configuration of image forming device 9>
Next, the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 9 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7. Here, FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 9. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 7, the image forming apparatus 9 includes a transmitting/receiving section 91, an operation receiving section 92, an introduction processing section 93, an authentication section 94, a screen starting section 95, a first display control section 96, and a first display control section 96. 2 display control section 97, display section 98, and operation determination section 99.

Among these, the functions of the transmitting/receiving section 91 are realized by the network I/F 950 (see FIG. 3), and the functions of the operation receiving section 92 and the display section 98 are realized by the operation panel 940 and the like. Further, the functions of the introduction processing section 93, the authentication section 94, the screen starting section 95, the first display control section 96, the second display control section 97, and the operation determination section 99 are realized by the CPU 901 executing a predetermined program. . More specifically, the functions of the first display control unit 96 can be realized by the CPU 901 executing the launcher application L, and the functions of the second display control unit 97 can be realized by the CPU 901 executing the second application. can.

The image forming device 9 has a function of installing an application included in a package selected based on the contract information into the image forming device 9 by a transmission/reception unit 91, an operation reception unit 92, an introduction processing unit 93, etc. In addition, the image forming device 9 has a function of displaying an icon for operating the first application and a dummy icon for indicating the second application on the operation panel 940 by an authentication unit 94, a screen activation unit 95, a first display control unit 96, a second display control unit 97, a display unit 98, an operation determination unit 99, etc.

The transmitting/receiving unit 91 transmits and receives information to and from an external device such as the contract management server 5 or an application providing server. Specifically, based on an operation by the operator via the operation reception unit 92, a request is made to the contract management server 5 to send contract information, and contract information in response to the transmission request is received from the contract management server 5. The transmitting/receiving section 91 can display the received contract information on the display section 98. Note that the transmitting/receiving unit 91 can also transmit and receive information with an external device other than the contract management server 5 or the application providing server.

The operation accepting unit 92 accepts an operation by an operator of the image forming apparatus 9. This operation is a screen touch on an icon or dummy icon displayed on the operation panel 940, or the like. Further, the operation reception unit 92 can execute controls such as starting an application corresponding to an icon by operating on an icon, and displaying information regarding the application by operating on a dummy icon.

In response to an application package selection operation via the operation reception unit 92, the introduction processing unit 93 installs the application included in the selected package from the application providing server to the image forming device 9 via the transmission/reception unit 91.

The authentication unit 94 executes a process for authenticating whether the operator operating the image forming device 9 is a user or a device administrator. The authentication unit 94 can execute the authentication process by having the operator input a user ID and password via the operation reception unit 92 and referencing operator information stored in the HD 909 or the like. However, it may also be configured to be capable of ID (identify) card authentication, biometric authentication, or the like.

The screen activation unit 95 activates the first display control unit 96 or the second display control unit 97 in response to a launcher screen display request operation performed by the operator on the icon of the launcher application L via the operation reception unit 92. Instruct one side to display the launcher screen. The screen activation unit 95 instructs the first display control unit 96 when the operator is a user, and instructs the second display control unit 97 when the operator is a device administrator.

The first display control unit 96 generates a screen to be displayed on the display unit 98 when the operator is a user, and causes the display unit 98 to display the screen. This screen is a launcher that includes an application icon (user operation reception image) that corresponds to the first application among multiple applications included in the package, and a dummy icon (graphic image) of the application that corresponds to the second application. It's a screen.

More specifically, the first display control unit 96 determines whether each of the multiple applications included in the package is a first application or a second application, and if it is a first application, generates a corresponding icon, and if it is a second application, generates a corresponding dummy icon.

For example, the first display control unit 96 generates an icon by reading an icon file included in an application, and also generates a dummy icon by reading a dummy icon file stored in advance in the HD 909 (see FIG. 3) or the like. Then, a launcher screen is generated by arranging icons or dummy icons.

Further, when the user operates the dummy icon, the first display control unit 96 responds to an instruction from the operation determination unit 99 to display information about the second application, information about a package including the second application, or a predetermined information. At least one piece of notification information can be generated and displayed on the display unit 98.

Here, the second application manages the availability status separately and is capable of responding to a request from the first display control unit 96 for the availability status and version information of the second application.

When a user issues a display request operation to the screen launching unit 95 via the operation reception unit 92 to display a launcher screen, the first display control unit 96 determines whether or not the second application is installed according to an instruction from the screen launching unit 95. If the second application is installed, the first display control unit 96 requests the availability status and version information of the second application from the second application.

In response to the request, the second application notifies the first display control unit 96 of the availability status and version information of the second application. If the first display control unit 96 is able to obtain the availability status and version information from the notification from the second application, it retains the information and generates a dummy icon. If it is unable to obtain the information, it does not generate a dummy icon.

On the other hand, the second display control unit 97 generates a screen to be displayed by the display unit 98 when the operator is a device administrator. This screen is a launcher screen that includes icons (administrator operation reception images) of applications that correspond to the first application and the second application among the multiple applications included in the package.

More specifically, the second display control unit 97 generates icons by reading icon files provided by the application, and then arranges the generated icons to generate a launcher screen.

The display unit 98 displays a launcher screen generated by either the first display control unit 96 or the second display control unit 97. The display unit 98 also displays information about the second application or a package including the second application generated by the first display control unit 96, or information about a specified notification.

The operation determination unit 99 has a function of determining whether or not an operation performed by an operator is an operation on an icon or an operation on a dummy icon. For example, when the first display control unit 96 or the second display control unit 97 generates an icon or a dummy icon, information is provided that identifies whether or not it is an icon or a dummy icon. The operation determination unit 99 can make the above determination by referring to this information.

Further, when the operator performs an operation on an icon, the operation determination unit 99 starts an application corresponding to the icon. Further, when the operator performs an operation on a dummy icon, the first display control unit 96 is provided with information on either the second application corresponding to the dummy icon or the package containing the second application, or a predetermined information. Instructs to generate notification information. In response to this instruction, the availability status and version information of the second application are displayed on the operation panel 40.

Furthermore, the operation determination unit 99 also has a function of determining whether or not to end processing using the launcher screen. This termination determination may be performed based on the operator's operation on a termination icon provided separately from the application, or may be performed on the basis of the operator's operation on a close button provided on the screen.

<Example of Processing by Image Forming Apparatus 9>
(Installation process example)
Next, the process of installing an application included in a package into the image forming apparatus 9 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the installation process by the image forming apparatus 9.

When the operation reception unit 92 receives a request to send contract information from the operator of the image forming device 9, first in step S81, the transmission/reception unit 91 responds to the operation by the operator by making a request to send contract information to the contract management server 5, and receives the contract information from the contract management server 5.

Subsequently, in step S82, the display section 98 displays the contract information received by the transmitting/receiving section 91.

Next, in step S83, the operation reception unit 92 receives the package selection operation performed by the operator based on the displayed contract information.

Next, in step S84, the introduction processing unit 93 installs multiple applications included in the selected package from an external application providing server via the transmission/reception unit 91.

In this way, the image forming device 9 can install the applications included in the package.

(Example of application operation processing)
Next, application operation processing by the image forming apparatus 9 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of application operation processing performed by the image forming apparatus 9. As shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 shows that the authentication unit 94 performs authentication processing to determine whether the operator is a user or a device administrator before starting processing, and after the operator performs an operation to request display of the launcher screen. Processing is shown.

When a request to display the launcher screen is received, first in step S91, the screen launch unit 95 determines whether the operator is a user or a device administrator.

If it is determined in step S91 that the operator is a user (step S91, Yes), in step S92, the screen starting unit 95 instructs the first display control unit 96 to display the launcher screen. I do. The first display control unit 96 acquires the availability status and version information from the second application in response to the instruction, and generates an initial screen of the launcher screen.

Next, in step S93, the first display control unit 96 sets a variable n for distinguishing applications to 0. Note that the variable n is provided for the sake of convenience of explanation and also functions as a counter.

Next, in step S94, the first display control unit 96 selects application n.

Next, in step S95, the first display control unit 96 determines whether application n is the first application. If it is determined that application n is the first application (step S95, Yes), in step S96, the first display control unit 96 generates an icon for application n.

Subsequently, in step S97, the first display control unit 96 arranges the generated icon of application n on the launcher screen.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S95 that the application is not the first application (step S95, No), the first display control unit 96 generates a dummy icon for application n in step S98. However, if the availability status and version information of the second application cannot be obtained in step S92, this dummy icon is not generated.

Next, in step S99, the first display control unit 96 places a dummy icon for the generated application n on the launcher screen.

Subsequently, in step S100, the first display control unit 96 determines whether the variable n is smaller than the total number M. Here, the total number M is the total number of applications included in the package.

If it is determined in step S100 that the variable n is smaller than the total number M (Yes in step S100), the first display control unit 96 sets the variable n to n+1 in step S101. Then, the process returns to step S94, and the processes in steps S94 to S100 are performed again.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S100 that the variable n is not smaller than the total number M (step S100, No), the generation of the launcher screen is ended, and the process moves to step S104.

Here, returning to step S91, if it is determined in step S91 that the operator is not the user (step S91, No), the screen starting unit 95 displays the launcher screen to the second display control unit 97. Give instructions to display. The second display control section 97 generates an initial screen of the launcher screen in response to an instruction from the screen starting section 95.

Next, in step S102, the second display control unit 97 generates icons for each of all applications included in the package.

Next, in step S103, the generated icon is placed on the launcher screen. After that, generation of the launcher screen ends, and the process proceeds to step S104.

Next, in step S104, the display unit 98 displays the launcher screen generated by the first display control unit 96 or the second display control unit 97.

Next, in step S105, the operation reception unit 92 determines whether or not the operator has operated an icon or a dummy icon displayed on the launcher screen.

If it is determined in step S105 that no operation has been performed (step S105, No), the processing of step S105 is performed again.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S105 that an operation has been performed (step S105, Yes), in step S106, the operation determination unit 99 determines whether or not the operation is an operation on an icon.

If it is determined in step S106 that the operation is directed to an icon (Yes in step S106), in step S107, the operation determination unit 99 launches an application corresponding to the operated icon.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S106 that the operation is not an operation on an icon (step S106, No), in step S108, the operation determination unit 99 determines whether the operation is an operation on a dummy icon.

If it is determined in step S108 that the operation is on a dummy icon (step S108, Yes), in step S109, the first display control unit 96 changes the operation to a dummy icon in response to an instruction from the operation determination unit 99. Information about the corresponding application is displayed on the display unit 98. More specifically, information about the second application corresponding to the dummy icon or a package including the second application, or information about a predetermined notification is displayed. The second application information includes availability status and version information of the second application.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S108 that the operation is not directed to a dummy icon (step S108, No), the process proceeds to step S110.

Next, in step S110, the operation determination unit 99 determines whether or not to end the process.

If it is determined in step S110 that the process should end (Yes in step S110), the process ends. If it is determined that the process should not end (No in step S110), the process returns to step S105, and the process from step S105 onwards is performed again.

In this way, the image forming apparatus 9 can execute application operation processing.

<Display screen example>
Next, a description will be given of a display screen of the image forming apparatus 9. An example of a launcher screen displayed by the launcher application L will be described.

(Display screen according to comparative example)
First, prior to describing the display screen according to the embodiment, a display screen according to a comparative example to which the embodiment is not applied will be described with reference to FIG. 10.

Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating a display screen according to a comparative example. The launcher screen LX in Figure 10 is a display screen when the operator is a user, and is a screen that displays applications included in the package 60.

As shown in FIG. 10, the launcher screen LX displays an icon 61a of the application 61 that corresponds to the first application and an icon 62a of the application 62, and does not display the icon of the application 63 that corresponds to the second application. .

As described above, since application 63 cannot be operated by the user, no functional problem occurs even if an icon for receiving operations is not displayed. However, since the icon is not displayed on launcher screen LX, the user may mistakenly believe that application 63, which should be included in package 60, is not included in package 60, and may become dissatisfied.

(Example of display screen for users according to embodiment)
In contrast, FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen for a user according to an embodiment, in which (a) is a diagram showing an example of a launcher screen, and (b) is a diagram showing an example of a launcher screen displayed by an operation on a dummy icon. It is a figure which shows an example of a screen.

As shown in FIG. 11A, the launcher screen L1 displays an icon 61a of the application 61, an icon 62a of the application 62, and a dummy icon 63a of the application 63. Here, the icon 61a and the icon 62a are each an example of a "user operation reception image," and the dummy icon 63a is an example of a "graphic image" and an example of a "simulation reception image."

This launcher screen L1 is a display screen when the operator is a user, and is a display screen generated by the first display control unit 96. This is also a display screen when the package 60 includes a second application.

When the user operates icon 61a, application 61 is launched, and when the user operates icon 62a, application 62 is launched. On the other hand, even if the user operates dummy icon 63a, the operation on application 63 is not accepted and application 63 is not launched. Instead, information screen 64a shown in FIG. 11(b) is displayed. As shown in FIG. 11(b), information screen 64a displays a notification 641 indicating that application 63 cannot be operated, version information 642 of application 63, and availability status 643 of application 63.

Here, the information displayed on the information screen 64a is an example of "application information," and the notification 641 is an example of a "predetermined notification." Furthermore, the version information 642 is an example of "bibliographic information." However, the first display control unit 96 can also display bibliographic information such as the version of the package 60 as the bibliographic information.

By displaying the dummy icon 63a of the application 63 in this way, the user is prevented from operating the application 63, and the user is able to properly recognize that the application 63 is included in the package 60. Furthermore, when the user operates the dummy icon 63a, the information screen 64a is displayed, making it possible to provide more detailed information about the application 63.

Further, FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating another example of the display screen for the user according to the embodiment. The launcher screen L2 in FIG. 12 is a display screen when the operator is a user, and is a screen that displays applications included in the package 70. The package 70 includes applications 71, 72, and 73, which are first applications, but does not include the second application.

As an example, application 71 is an estimate creation application that reads estimates and the like received on paper using scanner unit 931 (see Figure 3), automatically converts them into a desired file format, and sends them to an individual's PC. Application 72 is a tax-free application that easily and quickly creates an "export tax-free goods purchase record ticket" and a "purchaser's pledge" required for tax-free sales procedures. Application 73 is an aggregate printing application that reads the front and back of an ID card such as a driver's license or insurance card using scanner unit 931, aggregates the images onto a single A4 sheet of paper, and prints them using printer unit 932.

As shown in FIG. 12, the launcher screen L2 displays an icon 71a of the application 71, an icon 72a of the application 72, and an icon 73a of the application 73.

When the user operates on the icon 71a, the application 71 is started, when the user operates on the icon 72a, the application 72 is started, and when the user operates on the icon 73a, the application 73 is started.

In this manner, when the package 70 includes only the first application, the first display control unit 96 displays only the icon without displaying the dummy icon.

(Example of display screen for device administrator according to embodiment)
Next, FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen for the device administrator according to the embodiment. The launcher screen L2 is a display screen when the operator is a device administrator, and is a display screen generated by the second display control unit 97.

As shown in FIG. 12, the launcher screen L2 displays an icon 61b of application 61, an icon 62b of application 62, and an icon 63b of application 63. These icons 61b, 62b, and 63b are each an example of an "administrator operation reception image."

When the device administrator operates icon 61b, application 61 is launched, when the device administrator operates icon 62b, application 62 is launched, and when the device administrator operates icon 63b, application 63 is launched.

In this way, the device administrator can operate the second application.

(Example of screen transition of image forming device 9)
Next, a description will be given of screen transitions of the image forming device 9. Fig. 14 is a diagram for explaining an example of screen transitions of the image forming device 9, in which (a) is a selection screen, (b) is a screen when a scanner application is started, (c) is a screen when a security set is started, and (d) is a screen when a simple print set is started.

FIG. 14(a) shows a selection screen for selecting either an operation reception image for starting a display control application that displays a list of multiple applications or an operation reception image for starting another application. It is.

When the user touches button 141 in FIG. 14(a), the screen in FIG. 14(b) is displayed. This screen is the screen that appears when a scanner application, which is an example of another application, is launched.

When the user touches button 142 in FIG. 14(a), the screen in FIG. 14(c) is displayed. This screen displays an operation reception image that receives an operation for the first application included in the package, and a graphic image that shows the second application.

When the user touches the button 143 in FIG. 14(a), the screen in FIG. 14(d) is displayed. This screen is a screen displayed when the Easy Print Set is started as an example of another application.

When the operator logged in to the image forming device 9 is a device administrator, a second application such as a job log sending app displays an operation screen that can be operated by the device administrator. When the operator logged in to the image forming device 9 is a user, a display control application such as a launcher app can display a display screen indicating that the user cannot operate the device.

In addition, on the selection screen, when an operation acceptance image is selected to launch a display control application, and the operator logged in to the image forming device 9 is a user, the operation acceptance image that accepts operations for the first application is displayed by the first application, and the graphic image showing the second application is displayed by the display control application.

<Functions and Effects of Image Forming Apparatus 9>
Next, the effects of the image forming apparatus 9 will be described.

Here, the tenant on the cloud server grants usage authority for each package containing multiple applications, and the user of the information processing device operates the icon (operation acceptance image) displayed on the display of the information processing device. A known method is to use an application linked to a package.

In this type of usage, if the package includes an application that cannot be started by the user, such as one that starts automatically and runs in the background of the information processing device, the icon for this application may not be displayed on the display. There is. Therefore, information about the applications included in the package cannot be accurately provided to the user, and the user may feel dissatisfied or misunderstood that the desired application is not included.

In the present embodiment, the display section 98 provided in the image forming apparatus 9 displays an icon 61a that accepts an operation for applications 61 and 62 that can be operated by the user of the image forming apparatus 9 among the plurality of applications included in the package 60. , 62a are displayed. Further, a dummy icon 63a indicating an application 63 that cannot be operated by the user among the plurality of applications described above is displayed.

By displaying a dummy icon 63a that does not accept operations performed by the user on application 63 and allowing the user to visually recognize it, the user is prevented from operating application 63 and is made aware that application 63 is included in package 60. This makes it possible to provide accurate information on applications 61, 62, and 63 included in package 60.

In this embodiment, an authentication unit 94 and a second display control unit 97 are also provided, and if the operator is identified as a device administrator as a result of authentication by the authentication unit 94, a launcher screen L2 displaying icons for applications 61, 62, and 63 is displayed. These icons accept operations performed by the device administrator on applications 61, 62, and 63. This allows the device administrator to operate not only applications 61 and 62, which correspond to the first application, but also application 63, which corresponds to the second application.

In addition, in this embodiment, when the user operates the dummy icon 63a, the first display control unit 96 causes the display unit 98 to display application information related to the application 63. As the application information, bibliographic information of at least one of the application 63 and the package 60 is displayed. Furthermore, a message is displayed indicating that the user cannot operate the application 63. This makes it possible to provide more detailed or accurate information about the application 63 included in the package 60.

[Second embodiment]
Next, an image forming apparatus 9a according to a second embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, when an operator of the image forming apparatus 9a is a device administrator, if the device administrator operates the administrator operation reception image, a setting screen of the second application is displayed on the display unit.

This setting screen is a screen for configuring operation settings such as start time and stop time of the second application. The device administrator can use the displayed setting screen to set the operation of the second application. Note that the availability status of the second application, etc. may be displayed on this setting screen.

Here, the operation of setting the operation of the second application, such as the start time and the stop time, is included in the operation performed by the device administrator on the second application.

Below, descriptions of parts that overlap with those of the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

<Example of Functional Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 9a>
14 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 9a. As shown in FIG. 14, the image forming apparatus 9a includes an operation determining unit 99a.

The operation determination unit 99a has a function of determining whether the operation performed by the user is an operation on an icon or a dummy icon.

When the user performs an operation on an icon, the operation determination unit 99a launches the application corresponding to the icon. When the user performs an operation on a dummy icon, the operation determination unit 99a instructs the first display control unit 96 to generate information on either the second application corresponding to the dummy icon or a package including the second application, or information on a specified notification. This makes it possible to display the availability status and version information of the second application on the operation panel 40.

The operation determination unit 99a also has a function of displaying the settings screen of the application corresponding to the icon on the display unit 98 when the device administrator performs an operation on the icon. It also has a function of determining whether or not to end the process using the launcher screen.

<Processing Example by Image Forming Apparatus 9a>
Next, the process by the image forming device 9a will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a flow chart for explaining an example of the operation process of an application by the image forming device 9a. Note that the processes of steps S151 to S163 and steps S165 to S170 in Fig. 15 are similar to the processes of steps S91 to S103 and steps S105 to S110 in Fig. 9, and therefore overlapping descriptions will be omitted here.

In step S164, the display unit 98 displays the launcher screen generated by the first display control unit 96.

Also in step S171, the display unit 98 displays the launcher screen generated by the second display control unit 97.

Next, in step S172, the operation reception unit 92 determines whether or not an operation has been performed by the device administrator on an icon displayed on the launcher screen.

If it is determined in step S172 that no operation has been performed (step S172, No), the process of step S172 is repeated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S172 that an operation has been performed (step S172, Yes), in step S173, the operation determination unit 99a causes the display unit 98 to display the settings screen of the application corresponding to the operated icon. . The device administrator can use the displayed settings screen to configure operation settings such as start time and stop time of the application corresponding to the operated icon.

In this way, the device administrator can set the operation of each application included in package 60. Note that, in this embodiment, when an operation is performed on the icon of each application included in package 60, an example is shown in which the setting screen of the application corresponding to the icon is displayed, but this is not limited to this. It may be configured to display the setting screen of the second application only when an operation is performed on the icon of a second application among the applications included in package 60. In this case, when an operation is performed on the icon of a first application, the setting screen of the first application is not displayed, and a predetermined operation such as starting or stopping the first application is performed.

<Display screen example>
Next, FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen for a device administrator according to this embodiment, where (a) is a diagram showing an example of a launcher screen, and (b) is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen.

When an operation is performed on the icon 63c of the job log transmission app corresponding to the second application, a setting screen 64c of the job log transmission app shown in FIG. 16(b) is displayed. The device administrator can use the setting screen 64c to configure operation settings such as the start and stop times of the job log transmission app.

<Functions and effects of the image forming device 9a>
As described above, in the present embodiment, when the operator of the image forming apparatus 9a is a device administrator and the device administrator operates the icon 63c of the job log transmission application, job log transmission is performed. The setting screen of the application is displayed on the display unit 98. This allows the device administrator to set and manage the operation of the job log transmission application.

Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above specifically disclosed embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the claims. .

In the embodiment described above, when the operator is a user, the first display control unit 96 generates the launcher screen, and when the operator is a device administrator, the second display control unit 97 generates the launcher screen. has shown an example in which a launcher screen is generated, but the present invention is not limited to this. Even when the operator is a device administrator, the first display control unit 96 generates a launcher screen, and the second display control unit 97 generates a second application from among the launcher screens generated by the first display control unit 96. The configuration may be such that only the icon (administrator operation acceptance image) is generated. In other words, the second display control section 97 can be configured to generate at least part of the launcher screen generated by the first display control section 96.

Further, in the description of the embodiment, specific applications are shown, but these are just examples, and the applications included in the package are not limited to the embodiment.

The embodiment also includes an information processing method. For example, the information processing method is an information processing method by an information processing device capable of executing a plurality of applications to which usage rights are granted on a package-by-package basis, and includes a step of displaying a user operation reception image that receives an operation for a first application among the plurality of applications that is operable by a user of the information processing device, and a graphic image that indicates a second application among the plurality of applications that is inoperable by the user. Such an information processing method can provide the same effect as the image forming device described above.

Furthermore, embodiments also include programs. For example, the program is a program that causes an executable information processing device to execute a plurality of applications to which usage rights are granted in units of packages, and is operable by a user of the information processing device among the plurality of applications. The information processing device is caused to perform a process of displaying a user operation acceptance image for accepting an operation for a first application, and a graphic image indicating a second application among the plurality of applications that the user cannot operate. With such a program, effects similar to those of the image forming apparatus described above can be obtained.

Moreover, each function of the embodiment described above can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Here, the term "processing circuit" as used herein refers to a processor programmed to execute each function by software, such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, or a processor designed to execute each function explained above. This includes devices such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), DSPs (digital signal processors), FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays), and conventional circuit modules.

1 Information processing system 5 Contract management server (an example of a contract information management device)
51 Transmission/reception unit 52 Contract information acquisition unit 53 Contract information storage unit 9 Image forming device (an example of an information processing device)
91 Transmission/reception unit 92 Operation reception unit 93 Introduction processing unit 94 Authentication unit 95 Screen startup unit 96 First display control unit 97 Second display control unit 98 Display unit 99 Operation determination unit 60 Package 61-62, 71-73 Application (an example of a first application)
61a to 62a, 71a to 73a Icons (examples of user operation reception images)
61b to 63b, 61c to 63c Icons (examples of administrator operation reception images)
63 Application (an example of a second application)
63a Dummy icon (an example of a graphic image, an example of a mock reception image)
64a Information screen 64c Setting screen 641 Notification 642 Version information (an example of application information, an example of bibliographic information)
643 Availability (an example of application information)
N Network L Launcher app (an example of a display control application)
L1-L3 Launcher screen

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-191105

Claims (14)

An information processing device capable of executing multiple applications,
an operation acceptance image that accepts an operation for a first application that can be operated by a user of the information processing device among the plurality of applications; and a graphic that shows a second application among the plurality of applications that cannot be operated by the user. a display section that displays an image ;
a first display control unit that generates a display screen on the display unit when the operator is the user;
An information processing device comprising : a second display control unit that generates at least a portion of the display screen when the operator is a device administrator who manages the information processing device . The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of applications are applications to which a usage right is given on a package basis. 3. An information processing device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the second application among the plurality of applications that the user cannot operate is an application that does not accept operations on the graphic image, or that accepts operations on the graphic image but does not accept operations on a screen displayed in response to operations on the graphic image. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the graphic image is a simulated reception image that does not accept operations performed by the user on the second application. 5. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the second application is configured to be operable by a device administrator of the information processing device. the first display control unit is configured by a display control application included in the plurality of applications,
The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the second display control unit is configured by the second application. 7. The first display control section displays application information regarding the second application on the display section when the user operates the graphic image. information processing equipment. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the application information is bibliographic information of at least one of the second application and a package including the plurality of applications. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , wherein the first display control unit displays a predetermined notification on the display unit when the user operates the graphic image. . The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the second display control unit causes the display unit to display the operation acceptance image for accepting an operation by the device administrator for the second application. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the second display control unit causes a setting screen of the second application to be displayed on the display unit when the device administrator performs an operation on the operation acceptance image. An information processing system including an information processing device capable of executing a plurality of applications and a contract information management device that manages contract information for each package,
The information processing device includes:
a display unit that displays an operation reception image by receiving an operation for a first application that is operable by a user of the information processing device among the plurality of applications, and a graphic image showing a second application that is inoperable by the user among the plurality of applications ;
a first display control unit that generates a display screen on the display unit when an operator is the user;
a second display control unit that generates at least a part of the display screen when the operator is a device administrator that manages the information processing device . An information processing method using an information processing device capable of executing multiple applications, the method comprising:
The display unit displays an operation acceptance image for accepting an operation for a first application among the plurality of applications that can be operated by the user of the information processing device, and an operation reception image for accepting an operation for a first application among the plurality of applications that can be operated by the user. a step of displaying a graphical image indicating the application;
a step of generating, by a first display control section, a display screen to be displayed on the display section when the operator is the user;
An information processing method comprising: generating at least a part of the display screen by a second display control unit when the operator is a device administrator who manages the information processing device . A program that causes an information processing device capable of executing multiple applications to execute,
The display unit displays an operation acceptance image for accepting an operation for a first application among the plurality of applications that can be operated by the user of the information processing device, and an operation reception image for accepting an operation for a first application among the plurality of applications that can be operated by the user. display a graphical image representing the application ;
A first display control unit generates a display screen to be displayed on the display unit when the operator is the user;
A second display control unit generates at least a portion of the display screen when the operator is a device administrator who manages the information processing device.
A program that causes the information processing device to execute a process.

Images