JP5442081B2 - Display control apparatus, control method therefor, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a display control apparatus, a control method therefor, and a program.

  In recent years, MFPs such as MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) that can realize multiple functions can not only realize a single function of COPY / FAX / PDL conversion / storage processing, but these functions are also linked to each other. Functions can be provided. And the complexity of this function has increased dramatically.

  Due to the complication, a problem arises that the user needs a great deal of effort to find and select an achievement purpose (hereinafter referred to as a task) in the multifunction peripheral.

  For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-151826 is an assisting technology for performing such a task. In this patent document 1, a technique for reducing a user's operation burden for executing appropriate processing such as schedule management in accordance with input information is proposed. Specifically, a configuration is disclosed in which a requested job is processed by an appropriate apparatus according to time.

JP-A-10-240818

  In the operation environment as described above, in addition to the configuration shown in Patent Document 1, as a support technology for selecting a task, methods such as (1) search and (2) classification presentation are adopted. Yes. Here, the search in (1) is always necessary for users who are unfamiliar with the operation, even when searching for a complicated task in which a plurality of tasks are combined, if the operation process related to the search is stepped. It is effective because a task can be selected. However, even when searching for a simple task, since the same operation process is required, it cannot be said that the operability is simple depending on the task to be searched.

  In the case of (2) category presentation, it is necessary to preliminarily apply tasks required by the user to those categories. Therefore, until the category is learned, it cannot be used easily and is not necessarily a comfortable operating environment. .

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism by which a user can easily identify a key related to an attached external memory.

In order to achieve the above object, a display control apparatus according to the present invention comprises the following arrangement. That is,
A first key for causing the image processing apparatus to execute a copy task for printing an image of a document read by a reading unit that reads an image of the document by a printing unit, and an image of the document read by the reading unit in an external memory Display means for displaying a plurality of keys including a second key for causing the image processing apparatus to execute a storage task for storing on the display unit;
Determining means for determining whether or not the external memory is mounted;
The display means includes
If it is determined by the determination means that the external memory is not mounted, the first key is displayed so that the image processing apparatus can execute the copy task, and the second key is displayed. The key is displayed so that the image processing apparatus can execute the storing task,
When it is determined by the determination means that the external memory is mounted, the first key is used to cause the image processing apparatus to execute the copy task, and the external key Displaying in the same display state as when it is determined that the memory is not installed, displaying the second key so that the image processing apparatus can execute the storage task, and It is displayed in a display state different from the case where it is determined that the external memory is not attached.

  According to the present invention, when the external memory is attached, the display state of the first key for causing the image processing apparatus to execute a task that does not use the external memory is greater than when the external memory is not attached. Since the display state of the second key for causing the image processing apparatus to execute the task using the external memory is changed without change, the user can easily identify the key related to the attached external memory.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the principal part of the image processing apparatus of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a sectional side view which shows the hardware constitutions of the scanner and printer of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the detailed structure of the operation part of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation screen displayed on the operation part of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation screen displayed on the operation part of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the priority determination table of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation screen displayed on the operation part of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation screen displayed on the operation part of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation screen displayed on the operation part of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the display control process of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the priority determination table of Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the schedule information of Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the data information of Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation screen displayed on the operation part of Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the priority determination table of Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the log | history information management table of Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation screen displayed on the operation part of Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the priority determination table of Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the external cooperation information management table of Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation screen displayed on the operation part of Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation screen displayed on the operation part of Embodiment 5 of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<Embodiment 1>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main part of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Here, as an image processing apparatus, an MFP having a plurality of types of functions such as a copy function, a print function, a fax function, a data transfer function, and a data search function will be described as an example.

  The MFP 1001 includes a controller unit 2000, to which a scanner 2070 that is an image input device and a printer 2095 that is an image output device are connected, and an operation unit 2012 is connected.

  The controller unit 2000 performs control for realizing a copy (copying) function in which image data read by the scanner 2070 is printed out by the printer 2095. In addition, the controller unit 2000 performs control for realizing a data transfer function for inputting and outputting image information and device information by connecting to the network 1006 and the public line 1008 (WAN). In addition to this, it goes without saying that the control for realizing the above functions is performed.

  The controller unit 2000 has a CPU 2001, and the CPU 2001 starts up an operation system (OS) by a boot program stored in the ROM 2003. The CPU 201 executes application programs stored in an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 2004 on the OS, thereby executing various processes. A RAM 2002 is used as a work area for the CPU 2001 to execute various processes. The RAM 2002 provides a work area and an image memory area for temporarily storing image data. The HDD 2004 stores the application program and image data.

  An operation unit I / F (interface) 2006, a network I / F 2010, a modem 2050, and an image bus I / F 2005 are connected to the CPU 2001 through a system bus 2007 together with a ROM 2003 and a RAM 2002.

  The operation unit I / F 2006 is an interface with the operation unit 2012 having a touch panel, for example, and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 2012 to the operation unit 2012. Further, the operation unit I / F 2006 sends information input by the user through the operation unit 2012 to the CPU 2001.

  The operation unit 2012 may be configured by a display unit (LCD, CRT, etc.) and an input unit (keyboard, pointing device) instead of the touch panel.

  A network I / F 2010 is connected to the network 1006 and inputs / outputs information to / from external devices on the network 1006. The modem 2050 is connected to the public line 1008 and inputs / outputs information via the public line 1008.

  The network 1006 is typically the Internet, LAN, WAN, telephone line, dedicated digital line, ATM, frame relay line, communication satellite line, cable TV line, data broadcasting wireless line, or the like. Or what is called a communication network implement | achieved by these combination, and transmission / reception of data should just be possible.

  The external I / F 2055 connects an external device (removable memory, digital camera, hard disk, etc.) and inputs / outputs information to / from the external device. Examples of the external I / F 2055 include a USB interface and an IEEE 1394 interface.

  An image bus I / F 2005 is a bus bridge that connects the system bus 2007 and an image bus 2008 that transfers image data at high speed and converts the data format of input data. The image bus 2008 is composed of, for example, a PCI bus or IEEE1394. On the image bus 2008, a raster image processor (hereinafter referred to as “RIP”) 2060, a device I / F 2020, a scanner image processing unit 2080, a printer image processing unit 2090, an image rotation unit 2030, and an image compression unit 2040 are provided. .

  The RIP 2060 is a processor that develops a PDL code into a bitmap image, for example. A scanner 2070 and a printer 2095 are connected to the device I / F 2020. The device I / F 2020 performs image data synchronous / asynchronous conversion.

  A scanner image processing unit 2080 executes various processes such as correction, processing, and editing on input image data. The printer image processing unit 2090 executes various processes such as correction and resolution conversion according to the printer 2095 on the output image data. The image rotation unit 2030 executes rotation of image data. The image compression unit 2040 compresses the multivalued image data into JPEG data and the binary image data into compressed data such as JBIG, MMR, and MH, and executes the decompression process.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the scanner 2070 and the printer 2095 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a side sectional view showing a hardware configuration of the scanner and the printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The scanner 2070 and the printer 2095 are integrally configured as shown in FIG. The scanner 2070 includes a document feeding unit 250. The document feeding unit 250 feeds documents one by one from the top to the platen glass 211 one by one, and each time the scanning operation of each document is completed, the document is fed. Is discharged from the platen glass 211 to a discharge tray (not shown). The document feeding unit 250 includes a sensor that detects that a document is placed, and notifies the CPU 2001 of the sensor.

  When the document is fed onto the platen glass 211, the scanner 2070 turns on the lamp 212 and starts moving the moving unit 213. The scanning of the original on the platen glass 211 is performed by the movement of the moving unit 213. During this scanning, the reflected light from the original is guided to a CCD image sensor (hereinafter referred to as “CCD”) 218 via each mirror 214, 215, 216 and lens 217, and the image on the original is on the imaging surface of the CCD 218. Is imaged. The CCD 218 converts an image formed on the imaging surface into an electric signal, and after the electric signal is subjected to predetermined processing, it is input to a control device (not shown). The scanner 2070 has a mechanism for detecting that a document is set by detecting an area where light is blocked when the document is placed on the platen glass 211, except that the document is set by the document feeding unit 250. .

  The printer 2095 has a laser driver 321, and the laser driver 321 drives the laser emission unit 322 based on image data input from the control device. As a result, laser light corresponding to the image data is emitted from the laser light emitting unit 322, and this laser light is irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 323 while being scanned. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 323 by the irradiated laser light, and the electrostatic latent image is visualized as a toner image by the toner supplied from the developing device 324. In synchronization with the irradiation timing of the laser beam, the recording paper is fed from the cassettes 311 and 312 between the photosensitive drum 323 and the transfer unit 325 via the conveyance path, and the toner image on the photosensitive drum 323 is transferred to the transfer unit 325. Is transferred onto the recording paper fed.

  The recording paper onto which the toner image has been transferred is sent to a fixing roller pair (heating roller and pressure roller) 326 via a conveyance belt, and the fixing roller pair 326 records the toner image on the recording paper by heat-pressing the recording paper. Fix on paper. The recording paper that has passed through the fixing roller pair 326 is discharged to the paper discharge unit 330 by the paper discharge roller pair 327. The paper discharge unit 330 includes a sheet processing apparatus capable of performing post-processing such as sorting and stapling.

  When the duplex recording mode is set, after the recording sheet is conveyed to the discharge roller pair 327, the rotation direction of the discharge roller pair 327 is reversed and guided to the refeed conveyance path 339 by the flapper 328. . The recording paper guided to the refeed conveyance path 339 is fed again between the photosensitive drum 323 and the transfer unit 325 at the timing described above, and the toner image is transferred to the back surface of the recording paper.

  In FIG. 2, the laser beam method is described as an example of the printing method of the printer 2095, but another printing method such as an ink jet method or a thermal transfer method may be used.

  Next, a detailed configuration of the operation unit 2012 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the operation unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The LCD display unit 2013 has a structure in which a touch panel sheet is pasted on the LCD, and displays an operation screen of the MFP 1001. When a key displayed on the operation screen is pressed, the position information of the controller unit 2000 is displayed. Tell the CPU 2001. A start key 2014 is used to instruct the start of processing such as the start of a document image reading operation.

  A green and red two-color LED 2018 is provided at the center of the start key 2014, and indicates whether or not the start key 2014 can be used depending on the color. A stop key 2015 is operated when stopping an operation in progress. The ID key 2016 is operated when inputting the user ID of the user. A reset key 2017 is used when initializing settings from the operation unit 2012. The authentication device 501 is used when performing an authentication process for determining whether the MFP 1001 can be accessed. For example, an input unit for inputting a user name, a password, etc., a reading device for reading an authentication card, and biometric information It consists of an authentication device.

  Although not shown in FIG. 3, physical keys such as numeric keys and button keys may be configured.

  Next, an example of an operation screen displayed on the operation unit 2012 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen displayed on the operation unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The operation screen shown in FIG. 4 is an example in which authentication settings are made for access to the MFP 1001. The MFP 1001 is initially on this operation screen when it is activated. When the user authenticates with the authentication device 501 in this state, a top menu 601 (initial operation screen) shown in FIG. 5 is displayed.

  The device port in the display of FIG. 4 includes a space for placing devices such as a digital camera, a mobile phone, and a PDA in addition to the authentication device 501, and the CPU 2001 can recognize which device is placed. The device type is recognized by, for example, receiving device type information from the device by wirelessly communicating with a wireless module mounted on each device.

  In the top menu 601, in addition to the user information 602 indicating the authenticated user, keys corresponding to tasks available in the MFP 1001 are displayed. Here, the display of the key group of the top menu 601 is a display in the initial state. In the initial state, the display size of each key is displayed in the standard display size (initial display size). Further, the display position in the initial state is displayed at the reference display position (initial display position) assigned to each key.

  Here, a Copy key 603, a ScanToSend (eMail / Fax) key 604, a ScanToStore key 605, a StorePrint key 606, a StoreSend key 607, and a transmission address call key 608 are displayed.

  A Copy key 603 is a key for executing a copy function for printing an original image read from the scanner 2070 by the printer 2095. A ScanToSend (eMail / Fax) key 604 is a key for executing an e-mail / fax transmission function for transmitting a document image read from the scanner 2070 as an attachment to an e-mail, or transmitting a fax.

  A ScanToStore key 605 is a key for executing a data storage function of storing a document image read from the scanner 2070 in the HDD 2004. A StorePrint key 606 is a key for executing a print function of reading out image data stored in the HDD 2004 and printing it by the printer 2095. A StoreSend key 607 is a key for executing a data transmission function of reading out image data stored in the HDD 2004 and transmitting it to an external apparatus via the network 1006. A transmission address call key 608 is a key for calling address information that is a transmission destination of e-mail transmission, fax transmission, and data transmission.

  Note that the key group shown in FIG. 5 is an example, and for the function group realized in the MFP 1001 or a composite function obtained by any combination thereof, a corresponding key is appropriately prepared and arranged on the operation screen. It is also possible to do. In addition, when all of the prepared keys cannot be displayed on the operation screen, a screen switching unit such as a screen scroll key is configured, and an appropriate number of keys are arranged for each screen to operate each key. It can be so. Alternatively, a plurality of tab screens may be prepared, a key group belonging to a common category may be arranged for each tab, and each key may be operated by a tab operation.

  When the document is set on the scanner 2070 in the display state of FIG. 5, the MFP 1001 refers to the priority determination table shown in FIG. This priority order determination table manages information for determining the display priority order of keys corresponding to tasks. The priority order determination table is stored in, for example, the RAM 2002 or the HDD 2004.

  Further, the priority order determination table in the first embodiment manages a flag for changing the priority order of displaying keys corresponding to each task according to the operation status of the MFP 1001 for each task available in the MFP 1001. Yes.

  In particular, in the example illustrated in FIG. 6, various operation status items such as when a document is set (“document”) and when an external device having a memory function is connected (“memory”) are configured as the operation status. Has been. For each operation status item, a flag (“1” or “0”) for each task is managed. In particular, for a task whose flag is “1”, when a corresponding operation situation occurs, a process of changing (increasing) the priority of displaying keys corresponding to the task in a stepwise manner is executed.

  When the document is set on the scanner 2070 in the display state of FIG. 5, the MFP 1001 refers to the priority determination table. As a result of the reference, the MFP 1001 selects a task (Copy / ScanToSend / ScanToStore) in which the flag of the operation status item name “original” is “1”.

  Then, the display priority of the key corresponding to the selected task is increased by one level, and the display contents of the top menu 601 are redrawn (updated). Here, according to the priority of the key corresponding to each task, if the priority is high, the display size of the key is increased, the character information indicating the function name is displayed on the key top, and the display position is changed. Perform highlighting control such as changing and so on. This highlighting means a display that makes it easy to identify the operation control to be changed compared to other operation controls that are not to be changed.

  Specifically, when the document is set on the scanner 2070, the top menu 601 in the display state in FIG. 5 is redrawn on the top menu 801 in the display state in FIG. That is, among the keys 603 to 608 corresponding to each task in FIG. 5, the keys 603 to 605 are redrawn in the display state of the keys 803 to 805 in FIG. On the other hand, the keys 606 to 608 in FIG. 5 correspond to the keys 806 to 808 in FIG. 7, and the display state is maintained in the same display state as the display state in FIG.

  In FIG. 7, in particular, the keys 603 to 605 displayed in the reference display size in FIG. 5 are displayed in the first display size larger than the reference display size.

  Further, when the document is removed from the scanner 2070 in the display state of FIG. 7, the priority order of the keys 801 to 803 corresponding to the highlighted task is lowered and returned to the original state, so that the display state of FIG. 5 is restored. .

  Furthermore, when the MFP 1001 is connected to an external device having a memory function in the display state of FIG. 5, the MFP 1001 refers to the priority order determination table. As a result of the reference, the MFP 1001 selects a task (ScanToStore / StoreSend / StorePrint) whose operation status item name “memory” flag is “1”.

  Then, the display priority of the key corresponding to the selected task is increased by one level, and the display contents of the top menu 601 are redrawn (updated).

  Specifically, when an external device having a memory function is connected, the top menu 601 in the display state in FIG. 5 is redrawn to the top menu 901 in the display state in FIG. That is, among the keys 603 to 608 corresponding to the tasks in FIG. 5, the keys 605 to 607 are redrawn in the display state of the keys 905 to 907 in FIG. On the other hand, the keys 603, 604, and 608 in FIG. 5 correspond to the keys 903, 904, and 908 in FIG. 8, and the display state is maintained in the same display state as the display state in FIG.

  In FIG. 8, in particular, in FIG. 5, the keys 605 to 607 displayed with the reference display size are displayed with the keys 905 to 907 having a first display size larger than the reference display size.

  Further, when the document is set again on the scanner 2070 in the display state of FIG. 8, the MFP 1001 refers to the priority order determination table. In this case, an external device having a memory function is connected and a document is set in the scanner 2070. Therefore, the MFP 1001 selects a task (ScanToStore) in which the flag of the operation status item name “original” is “1” and the flag of “memory” is “1”.

  In this case, since the flag for the two types of operation status items is “1”, the MFP 1001 raises the display priority of the key corresponding to the selected task by two levels, and redraws the display contents of the top menu 901 ( Update).

  Specifically, when an original is set on the scanner 2070 with an external device having a memory function connected, the top menu 901 in the display state in FIG. 8 is redrawn on the top menu 101 in the display state in FIG. Is done. That is, the keys 903 to 908 corresponding to the tasks in FIG. 8 are redrawn in the display state of the keys 103 to 108 in FIG.

  In particular, in FIG. 9, the display size and display position of the key are controlled according to the corresponding priority order before and after redrawing.

  For example, the priority of the key 905 in FIG. 8 is increased by two levels, so the display state is changed like the key 105 in FIG. That is, since the key 905 is a key having a higher priority, the display size (second display size larger than the first display size) and the display position shown in FIG. Changed to In particular, here, the key 905 is displayed at a predetermined position of the top menu 101 (in this case, the upper center (key head display position)) and larger than the other keys.

  Further, since the priority order of the keys 906 and 907 is lowered by one step, the display state is changed like the keys 106 and 107 in FIG. That is, the key 906 and the key 907 have a lower priority than the display state of FIG. 8, and thus the display size is changed from the first display size to the reference display size in the display state of FIG. Further, the display positions of other keys including the keys 906 and 907 are changed in accordance with the change of the display position of the keys 905.

  In addition, when the external device having the memory function is disconnected in the display state of FIG. 9, the display state is changed to that of FIG. 7. Conversely, when the document is removed from the scanner 2070, the display state of FIG. Will be changed.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the display of operation controls (keys) for accessing various tasks available in the MFP 1001 is controlled according to the operation status related to the MFP 1001.

  Next, the display control process executed in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing display control processing according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  This display control process is realized by, for example, a control program stored in the HDD 2004 under the control of the CPU 2001, for example.

  Under this control program, in the MFP 1001, various events such as an event that occurs due to an operation from the operation unit 2012, an event that detects setting of a document on the scanner 2070, an event that detects connection of an external device to the external I / F 2055, and the like. Monitor for presence.

  When an arbitrary event occurs, display control processing for updating the display content in the initial operation screen (FIG. 5) is executed according to the content of the event.

  First, in step S101, it is determined whether or not an event has occurred. If no event has occurred (NO in step S101), the process waits until an event occurs. On the other hand, if an event has occurred (YES in step S101), the process proceeds to step S102.

  In step S102, the priority determination table is referenced based on event information indicating the event that has occurred. In step S103, the display contents are updated as described above in order to change the display size and display position of each operation control in the operation screen based on the reference result.

  The priority order determination table may be configured in advance, or a dedicated setting screen may be prepared so that the setting contents in the priority order determination table can be changed at an arbitrary timing.

  In addition, the task using a document is not limited to the above, and various modifications and additions such as a task for searching an image obtained by scanning a document or a character string obtained by performing character recognition processing on the image can be performed. . The same applies to tasks from the external memory.

  The event also includes an event that a predetermined device is placed in the device port. For example, when a digital camera is placed, a menu for printing or transmitting image data in the digital camera or loading it into the memory in the MFP 1001 is displayed. In addition, when a mobile phone is placed, a menu for printing, sending and storing image data and e-mail data in the mobile phone, and a menu for importing the address book in the mobile phone are displayed. To do.

  Further, the process of FIG. 10 is executed not only in the first embodiment, but also in the second and subsequent embodiments described below.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the operation status of the image processing apparatus is monitored, and the priority of the operation control displayed on the operation unit is determined according to the operation status. Then, according to the priority order, the display form of the operation control (function) necessary for the user is highlighted and displayed. As a result, it is possible to easily select the operation control for executing the function intended by the user in the image processing apparatus capable of providing abundant functions by making it possible to grasp the operation control necessary for the user at a glance. Enable.

<Embodiment 2>
In the first embodiment, the configuration has been described in which the display state of each operation control on the operation screen is controlled according to the type of event detected by the MFP 1001 (operation status for the apparatus), but the present invention is not limited to this.

  The MFP 1001 may authenticate a user who is using the user and then permit the user to use the user. In this case, the MFP 1001 can separately acquire schedule information indicating a schedule (schedule) of a task used by the user for each user who uses the MFP 1001.

  Thus, in the second embodiment, a configuration for controlling the display state of each operation control on the operation screen using the user's schedule information in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment will be described as the priority determination table. In other words, the display state of each operation control on the operation screen is controlled according to the user's usage status (usage schedule).

  In addition, below, about the part which is common in Embodiment 1, it abbreviate | omits suitably and only the difference is demonstrated.

  In the case of the configuration of the second embodiment, the priority order determination table has, for example, the configuration of FIG. Here, in addition to the operation status item in the priority order determination table of FIG. 6 of the first embodiment, a “schedule” item for managing a flag for the use schedule of each task is configured.

  For example, when the MFP 1001 is installed at a base such as a conference room in a company, the MFP 1001 determines whether or not there is a use plan for each function that the MFP 1001 has based on the user's separately acquired schedule information. It is possible to grasp. Thereby, it is possible to control the display state of each operation control according to this utilization schedule.

  The user schedule information is managed, for example, in the MFP 1001 or a database server configured on the network.

  This schedule information has, for example, the configuration shown in FIG.

  The schedule information shown in FIG. 12 includes a task use date (Date), a use start (Start) / end (End) time, a meeting name (Title) attended by the user, and data to be processed by the MFP 1001. Link information (Link).

  Further, for this link information, there is data information indicating an actual data storage destination or the like. This data information has, for example, the configuration shown in FIG.

  The data information shown in FIG. 13 includes an ID for identifying data, address information (Home) indicating the storage destination of the data, an author of the data (Author), and the like.

  By using these pieces of information, the MFP 1001 can control the display state of each operation control on the operation screen using the user's schedule information in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment.

  Hereinafter, an example of the operation will be specifically described.

  First, when the user authentication process is successful in the MFP 1001, the MFP 1001 refers to the schedule information (FIG. 12). At the same time, if the time obtained from the clock in the MFP 1001 is, for example, 09:45 of 4/8, the user status indicates that the conference “Next Generation Product Planning Conference” starts within a predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes). Recognize as

  In this case, the priority order determination table is referred to. As a result of the reference, the MFP 1001 selects a task (StorePrint) in which the flag of the operation status item name “plan” is 1. Then, the display priority of the key corresponding to the selected task is increased by one level. At this time, it is determined that the display size of this key is changed from the reference display size to the first display size.

  In addition to this, the data information (FIG. 13) is referred to by the link information in the schedule information (FIG. 12). As a result of the reference, it is determined whether or not there is actual data in the data storage location (\\ Projects \ NextProducts \ Meeting \ NextDocs) indicated by the address information in the data information. If there is actual data, the key display priority corresponding to the task (StorePrint) is further increased by one level. That is, in this case, finally, the priority of displaying the key corresponding to the task (StorePrint) is increased by two levels. As a result, it is determined that the display size of the key is changed from the standard display size → the first display size → the second display size, and the display position is also changed to the key head display position.

  In this case, if the display content of the initial operation screen is the display state of FIG. 5, the display content changes from the display state of FIG. 5 to the display state of FIG. That is, the key 606 in FIG. 5 is redrawn to the display state of the key 231 in FIG.

  In particular, the key 231 in FIG. 14 performs a blink display in which the display color alternately repeats the priority color display and the standard display in addition to the control of the display size and the display position. Furthermore, character information indicating the meeting name and the like obtained from the schedule information is displayed in the key 231.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the display state of each operation control on the operation screen is controlled according to the user situation (usage schedule) using the device. In particular, in the case of the second embodiment, the key corresponding to the task scheduled to be used is changed to a display form that is more easily noticed by the user. It becomes possible to discover the task.

<Embodiment 3>
In the second embodiment, the configuration in which the display state of each operation control on the operation screen is controlled in accordance with the usage status (usage schedule) of the user has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the user's behavior used in the past may be used as the user's usage status, and the display state of each operation control on the operation screen may be controlled accordingly.

  Here, the user's action used in the past may be, for example, searching for desired image data as a task and temporarily storing it in a memory such as the HDD 2004 (data search function). Note that image data to be searched by the data search function is managed by, for example, an external device having a memory function or an external device on a network. The user can execute this data search function by operating the MFP 1001 with respect to these external devices.

  Then, after executing this data search function, the user may formally store or print the image data (temporarily stored document) stored in the memory such as the HDD 2004 in the HDD 2004 at another timing. Is possible. Further, tasks for realizing these functions include PendingStore (formally storing temporarily stored documents) and PendingPrint (printing temporarily stored documents).

  In the third embodiment, a configuration in the case where the final task is completed at different timings will be described.

  In addition, below, about the part which is common in Embodiment 1 and 2, it abbreviate | omits suitably and only the difference is demonstrated.

  In the case of the configuration of the third embodiment, the priority order determination table has, for example, the configuration of FIG. Here, in addition to the operation status item in the priority determination table of FIG. 6 of the first embodiment, a “temporarily stored document” item for managing a flag for a temporarily stored document temporarily stored by a past user operation is configured. ing.

  On the other hand, the MFP 1001 holds a history information management table for managing history information of operations (jobs) generated by user operations that have used the MFP 1001 in the past. The history information has, for example, the configuration shown in FIG.

  The history information shown in FIG. 16 includes the date and time (Date, Time) when the job occurred, the job setting content (JobSetting), the image processing apparatus (Machine) that executed the job processing, and the like. Here, the job setting content includes the type of operation (copy, print, data search, etc.) and setting information. This setting information includes the number of copies, double-sided / single-sided, staple, etc. in the case of copying. In the case of printing, the number of prints, N-up printing designation, etc. There is.

  In the third embodiment, based on the history information, it is possible to grasp whether or not the user has executed processing for generating a temporarily stored document in the past. As a result, it is possible to control the display state of each operation control according to the presence or absence of the temporarily stored document.

  The history information is normally managed in the MFP 1001, but may be managed by a database server on the network.

  By using this information, the MFP 1001 can control the display state of each operation control on the operation screen using history information in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment.

  Hereinafter, an example of the operation will be specifically described.

  First, when the user authentication process is successful in the MFP 1001, the MFP 1001 refers to the history information management table. Whether or not a temporarily stored document is generated by the data search function is determined based on the history information in the history information management table. When a temporarily stored document exists, the priority order determination table is referred to. As a result of the reference, the MFP 1001 selects tasks (PendingStore and PendingPrint) whose operation status item name “temporarily stored document” is 1. Then, the display priority of the key corresponding to the selected task is increased by one level.

  In this case, if the display content of the initial operation screen is the display state of FIG. 5, the display content changes from the display state of FIG. 5 to the display state of FIG. In FIG. 5, the key corresponding to the task (data search function) for generating the “temporarily stored document” is not shown, but this key is displayed in the same reference display size as the other keys. Shall. Then, the reference display size of the key is changed to the display size of the keys 321 and 322 shown in FIG. 17, and the character information for guiding the operation intended by the user is displayed in the keys 321 and 322. .

  When the user operates the key 321 corresponding to PendingStore on the operation screen shown in FIG. 17, the temporarily stored document is read from the storage location indicated by Result = ¥¥ UserG ¥ 20050801131517 in the history information shown in FIG. . Then, the read temporarily stored document is stored in a storage location designated by the user. When the key 322 corresponding to PendingPrint is operated, the temporarily stored document is read from the storage location indicated by Result = ¥¥ UserG ¥ 20050801131517 in the history information shown in FIG. Then, the read temporarily stored document is printed by a printing method designated by the user.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, when a task that the user has acted in the past is likely to be used in another task after that, the user situation (planned use) of using the device The display state of each operation control on the operation screen is controlled accordingly. In particular, in the case of the third embodiment, a key corresponding to a task that may be used next from a task used in the past is changed to a display form that is more easily noticed by the user. As a result, the user can discover the target task more efficiently when actually using the apparatus.

<Embodiment 4>
In the second and third embodiments, the configuration has been described in which the display state of each operation control on the operation screen is controlled in accordance with the usage status (usage schedule) of the user. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, another user's action may be used as the user's usage status, and the display state of each operation control on the operation screen may be controlled accordingly. Here, the other user's action corresponds to the user's action described in the third embodiment.

  In addition, below, about the part which is common in Embodiment 1 and 2, it abbreviate | omits suitably and only the difference is demonstrated.

  In the case of the configuration of the fourth embodiment, for example, the priority order determination table has the configuration of FIG. Here, in addition to the operation status item in the priority determination table of FIG. 6 of the first embodiment, an “external cooperation” item for managing flags for operations of other users is configured.

  On the other hand, the MFP 1001 holds an external cooperation information management table for managing external cooperation management information indicating the actions of each user using the MFP 1001. For example, the external linkage information has the configuration shown in FIG.

  The external cooperation information shown in FIG. 19 includes a user name or user ID (ID) for identifying each user, an action content (Event) of the user, and an address indicating a storage destination of data to be processed by the action content. There is information (Detail). In addition to this, there is a flag (Flag (external cooperation target: “1”, non-external cooperation target: “0”)) indicating an external cooperation target.

  The action content “StoreDocument” in FIG. 19 indicates that another user has stored the image data in a predetermined folder in the external device or MFP on the network. “ReadDocument” indicates that another user has referred to the image data in the predetermined folder.

  Here, in the example of FIG. 19, it can be seen that User A has stored the image data in \\ Projects \ Next Products \ Meeting \ NextDocs. On the other hand, it can be seen that UserB referred to the image data in \\ Projects \ Next Products \ Meeting \ NextDocs. Here, another user can execute another process in cooperation with the image data stored in the folder by the action of UserA. In such a case, “1” is set in the flag in the external linkage information management table.

  By using these pieces of information, the MFP 1001 can control the display state of each operation control on the operation screen using external cooperation information for other users in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment. It becomes.

  Hereinafter, an example of the operation will be specifically described.

  First, when the user authentication process is successful in the MFP 1001, the MFP 1001 refers to the external cooperation information management table. Based on the external cooperation information in the external cooperation information management table, it is determined whether or not the action content by another user is an external cooperation target. This determination is executed based on the flag in the external cooperation information management table. If there is a task to be externally linked as a result of the determination, the priority order determination table is referred to. As a result of the reference, a task (StorePrint) whose operation status item name “external cooperation” is 1 is selected. Then, the display priority of the key corresponding to the selected task is increased by one level.

  In this case, if the display content of the initial operation screen is the display state of FIG. 5, the display content changes from the display state of FIG. 5 to the display state of FIG. Here, the key 606 in FIG. 5 is changed to the display size of the key 421 shown in FIG. 20, and character information for guiding an operation intended by the user is displayed in the key 421.

  When the user operates the key 421 corresponding to StorePrint on the operation screen shown in FIG. 20, the user refers to the storage location indicated by \\ Projects \ Next Products \ Meeting \ NextDocs in the external linkage information shown in FIG. Then, the stored document list obtained by this reference is displayed in order from the newest storage time so that printing of any stored document can be instructed.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, when a task by another user is highly likely to be used by another user's task thereafter, according to the user situation of using the device, Control the display status of each operation control on the operation screen. In particular, in the case of the fourth embodiment, a key corresponding to a task that may be used by another user (a task that may be used in cooperation between users) from a task performed by one user. Thus, the display form is changed to be more easily noticed by the user. As a result, the user can discover the target task more efficiently when actually using the apparatus.

<Embodiment 5>
In the first to fourth embodiments, the configuration has been described in which the display state of each operation control on the operation screen is controlled based on the priority determination table and various situations such as the operation status of the MFP 1001 and the user status. However, depending on the application and purpose, there may be a case where the display state control as described above is unnecessary.

  Thus, in the fifth embodiment, a configuration will be described in which the display state of each operation control on the operation screen is once updated and then the display state is returned to before update. In other words, the configuration for canceling the display control of the operation control based on the priority order as described in the first to fourth embodiments will be described.

  For example, this release is realized by configuring a release key 501 on the operation screen as shown in FIG. FIG. 21 shows a configuration in which a release key is arranged on the operation screen of FIG. 17 of the third embodiment. When the release key 501 is operated, the operation screen before the display state is updated is restored. In this case, the display state of FIG. 21 returns to the display state of FIG.

  As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, even when the display control as described in the first to fourth embodiments is performed, it is possible to return to the operation screen in the standard display format as necessary. It becomes.

  It should be noted that the display state on the operation screen described in the first to fifth embodiments is merely an example, and it is needless to say that various display controls may be executed depending on the application and purpose. In other words, in addition to the operation control display position, display size, display color, blink display, etc., the display size and display position can be changed periodically, the color-coded display, and a color frame can be added to the outer frame of the operation control. It is also possible to add a shadow to. In addition to this, grayout display and display / non-display control are also possible. In any case, any display format can be used as long as it can easily guide and identify the task intended by the user.

  Moreover, each said embodiment may be implement | achieved independently and it is also possible to implement | achieve embodiment which combined each embodiment arbitrarily according to a use or the objective.

  Although the embodiment has been described in detail above, the present invention can take an embodiment as a system, apparatus, method, program, storage medium, or the like. Specifically, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices, or may be applied to an apparatus composed of a single device.

  In the present invention, a software program (in the embodiment, a program corresponding to the flowchart shown in the drawing) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is directly or remotely supplied to a system or apparatus. In addition, this includes a case where the system or the computer of the apparatus is also achieved by reading and executing the supplied program code.

  Accordingly, since the functions of the present invention are implemented by computer, the program code installed in the computer also implements the present invention. In other words, the present invention includes a computer program itself for realizing the functional processing of the present invention.

  In that case, as long as it has the function of a program, it may be in the form of object code, a program executed by an interpreter, script data supplied to the OS, or the like.

  Examples of the recording medium for supplying the program include a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, and an optical disk. Further, as a recording medium, magneto-optical disk, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-R), etc. is there.

  As another program supply method, a browser on a client computer is used to connect to an Internet home page. Then, the computer program itself of the present invention or a compressed file including an automatic installation function can be downloaded from a homepage of the connection destination to a recording medium such as a hard disk. It can also be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program of the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different homepage. That is, a WWW server that allows a plurality of users to download a program file for realizing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer is also included in the present invention.

  In addition, the program of the present invention is encrypted, stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, distributed to users, and key information for decryption is downloaded from a homepage via the Internet to users who have cleared predetermined conditions. Let It is also possible to execute the encrypted program by using the key information and install the program on a computer.

  Further, the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the computer executing the read program. Further, based on the instructions of the program, an OS or the like running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments can be realized by the processing.

  Further, the program read from the recording medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. Thereafter, the CPU of the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

Claims (7)

A first key for causing the image processing apparatus to execute a copy task for printing an image of a document read by a reading unit that reads an image of the document by a printing unit, and an image of the document read by the reading unit in an external memory Display means for displaying a plurality of keys including a second key for causing the image processing apparatus to execute a storage task for storing on the display unit;
Determining means for determining whether or not the external memory is mounted;
The display means includes
If it is determined by the determination means that the external memory is not mounted, the first key is displayed so that the image processing apparatus can execute the copy task, and the second key is displayed. The key is displayed so that the image processing apparatus can execute the storing task,
When it is determined by the determination means that the external memory is mounted, the first key is used to cause the image processing apparatus to execute the copy task, and the external key Displaying in the same display state as when it is determined that the memory is not installed, displaying the second key so that the image processing apparatus can execute the storage task, and A display control apparatus that displays in a display state different from a case where it is determined that the external memory is not attached. When it is determined by the determination means that the external memory is mounted, the first key is used to cause the image processing apparatus to execute the copy task, and the external key Displaying the same size as when it is determined that the memory is not installed, displaying the second key so as to make the image processing apparatus execute the storage task, and The display control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control apparatus displays a larger image than when it is determined that the external memory is not attached. When it is determined by the determination means that the external memory is mounted, the first key is used to cause the image processing apparatus to execute the copy task, and the external key Displaying the same position as when it is determined that the memory is not installed, displaying the second key so that the image processing apparatus can execute the storage task, and displaying the second key The display control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display is displayed at a position different from a case where it is determined that the external memory is not attached. When it is determined by the determination means that the external memory is mounted, the first key is used to cause the image processing apparatus to execute the copy task, and the external key Displayed in the same color as when it is determined that the memory is not installed, the second key is displayed so that the image processing device can execute the storage task, and the second key is displayed. The display control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control device displays a color different from that when it is determined that the external memory is not attached. The display control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of keys including the first key and the second key are displayed separately on a scrollable screen. A first key for causing the image processing apparatus to execute a copy task for printing an image of a document read by a reading unit that reads an image of the document by a printing unit, and an image of the document read by the reading unit in an external memory A display step of displaying a plurality of keys including a second key for causing the image processing apparatus to execute a storage task for storing on the display unit;
A determination step of determining whether or not the external memory is mounted,
In the display step,
If it is determined in the determination step that the external memory is not mounted, the first key is displayed so that the image processing apparatus can execute the copy task, and the second key is displayed. The key is displayed so that the image processing apparatus can execute the storing task,
When it is determined in the determination step that the external memory is mounted, the first key is used to cause the image processing apparatus to execute the copy task, and the external key Displaying in the same display state as when it is determined that the memory is not installed, displaying the second key so that the image processing apparatus can execute the storage task, and A display control device control method, wherein display is performed in a display state different from that when it is determined that the external memory is not attached. A first key for causing the image processing apparatus to execute a copy task for printing an image of a document read by a reading unit that reads an image of the document by a printing unit, and an image of the document read by the reading unit in an external memory A display step of displaying a plurality of keys including a second key for causing the image processing apparatus to execute a storage task for storing on the display unit;
A determination step of determining whether or not the external memory is mounted,
In the display step,
If it is determined in the determination step that the external memory is not mounted, the first key is displayed so that the image processing apparatus can execute the copy task, and the second key is displayed. The key is displayed so that the image processing apparatus can execute the storing task,
When it is determined in the determination step that the external memory is mounted, the first key is used to cause the image processing apparatus to execute the copy task, and the external key Displaying in the same display state as when it is determined that the memory is not installed, displaying the second key so that the image processing apparatus can execute the storage task, and A program for causing a computer to execute control of a display control device, wherein the display control device displays information in a display state different from a case where it is determined that the external memory is not attached.

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