Image forming apparatus and control method

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus or the like capable of performing display control of a screen requiring a specific instruction by a user in display according to an operation state of the user.SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus includes a display section, a control section, and an image forming section, wherein the control section is capable of setting a screen to be displayed on the display section as an initial screen, is capable of setting whether or not to display a specific screen for displaying information of the apparatus on the display section in preference to the initial screen, and displays the specific screen on the display section in preference to the initial screen in a case where the specific screen is set to be displayed on the display section in preference to the initial screen.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Image forming apparatuses such as multifunction peripherals have been widely used for some time now, and techniques for controlling the timing at which a specific screen is displayed in an image forming apparatus have also been proposed.

[0003] For example, a technology has been proposed that controls the timing of displaying web content according to settings related to the timing of displaying a user authentication screen and settings related to the timing of displaying the web content (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-010863 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Some image forming devices display information about the image forming device, such as the device's status and settings, in response to a user's display instruction. However, for screens that require specific user instructions to display, such as screens that display information about the image forming device, there is a problem in that detailed display control according to the user's operating status is not realized. This problem has not been taken into consideration in prior art such as Patent Document 1.

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present disclosure aims to provide an image forming apparatus etc. that can control the display of a screen that requires specific instructions from the user to be displayed in accordance with the user's operational status. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the image forming device of the present disclosure comprises a display unit, a control unit, and an image forming unit, and the control unit is capable of setting a screen to be displayed on the display unit as an initial screen, and is capable of setting whether a specific screen displaying information about the device is to be displayed on the display unit in priority to the initial screen, and when the setting is made to display the specific screen on the display unit in priority to the initial screen, the specific screen is displayed on the display unit in priority to the initial screen.

[0008] In addition, the control method of the present disclosure is a control method for an image forming device, and is characterized by including the steps of setting a screen to be displayed as an initial screen, setting whether a specific screen displaying information about the device is to be displayed in preference to the initial screen, and, when the setting is made to display the specific screen on the display unit in preference to the initial screen, displaying the specific screen in preference to the initial screen. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus or the like that is capable of controlling the display of a screen that requires a specific instruction from a user to be displayed in accordance with the user's operating status. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an appearance of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the data structure of setting information in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a table showing screen transition modes in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the data structure of message information in the first embodiment. [Figure 6]FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a data configuration of device information in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of main processing of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in a convenience-highest priority mode in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of convenience-first mode processing in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of security priority mode processing in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of security-first mode processing in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing screen transitions in a security-first mode in the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing screen transitions in a security priority mode in the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing screen transitions in a convenience-first mode in the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing screen transitions in a convenience-first mode in the first embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the data structure of message information in the second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a data configuration of device information in the second embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation in the second embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation in the second embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation in the second embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a login screen in the third embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the data configuration of setting information in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of a setting change process in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a login screen in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of main processing of an image forming apparatus according to a sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment for carrying out the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiment is an example for explaining the present disclosure, and the technical scope of the invention described in the claims is not limited to the following description.

[0012] [1. First embodiment] First, a first embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, a case will be described in which an image processing device according to the present disclosure is applied to an image forming apparatus 10. The image forming apparatus 10 is a digital multifunction peripheral (MFP; Multi-Function Peripheral / Printer) having a print function, a copy function, a scan function, etc. The print function is a function of executing printing based on data transmitted from another apparatus. The copy function is a function of printing an image input via an image input unit 120, which will be described later. The scan function is a function of storing an image input via the image input unit 120, which will be described later, in a predetermined storage destination. The storage destination of the image is a storage unit 160, which will be described later, a NAS (Network Attached Storage), a server capable of communicating with the image forming apparatus 10 (for example, cloud storage on the cloud), etc.

[0013] [1.1 Functional Configuration] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of an image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a control unit 100, an image input unit 120, an image forming unit 130, a display unit 140, an operation unit 150, a storage unit 160, and a communication unit 190.

[0015] The control unit 100 is a functional unit for controlling the entire image forming apparatus 10. The control unit 100 realizes various functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 160, and is configured, for example, by one or more arithmetic units (CPUs (Central Processing Units)). The control unit 100 may also be configured as an SoC (System on a Chip) having multiple functions among those described below.

[0016] The control unit 100 executes the programs stored in the storage unit 160 to function as an image processing unit 102, a device information collection unit 104, a login processing unit 106, and a user authentication function setting unit .

[0017] The image processing unit 102 performs various image-related processes. For example, the image processing unit 102 performs sharpening and tone conversion on the image input by the image input unit 120.

[0018] The device information collection unit 104 collects information about the image forming device 10 and stores the collected information as device information in the device information storage area 166. The information about the image forming device 10 is information indicating the operating status and state of the image forming device 10, such as information about the amount of toner remaining in the image forming unit 130 and the amount of paper remaining in the paper feed tray. The information about the image forming device 10 may also be information about the number of sheets of paper printed, the color printing rate, the amount of power consumed, and the amount of power saved. The device information collection unit 104 collects information about the image forming device 10 periodically or at a time specified by the user, and stores the device information.

[0019] The login processing unit 106 executes login processing, which is processing for authenticating a user and permitting the user to log in. The function realized by the login processing unit 106 is also called a user authentication function.

[0020] The login processing unit 106 can use common authentication methods to authenticate a user, such as knowledge authentication using an account name and a password, biometric authentication (fingerprint authentication, voice authentication, face authentication, etc.), and possession authentication using an ID card, a mobile terminal device, etc. Information required for authentication (authentication information) is input by the user. Information for matching with the input authentication information may be stored in the storage unit 160 or may be stored in another device that can communicate via the communication unit 190. In this case, if the input authentication information matches any of the pre-stored authentication information, the login processing unit 106 authenticates the user corresponding to the authentication information and permits the user to log in. The login processing unit 106 may authenticate the user by using a server or service that authenticates users.

[0021] The user authentication function setting unit 108 sets whether to enable or disable the user authentication function (login process). For example, the user authentication function setting unit 108 displays a screen on the display unit 140 for accepting an operation to enable or disable the user authentication function in response to a user operation, and enables or disables the user authentication function in response to the user operation.

[0022] The image input unit 120 inputs image data to the image forming apparatus 10. For example, the image input unit 120 is configured by a scanning device or the like that can read an image and generate image data. The scanning device converts the image into an electrical signal using an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CIS (Contact Image Sensor), and generates digital data by quantizing and encoding the electrical signal.

[0023] Image forming unit 130 forms (prints) an image on a recording medium such as recording paper. Image forming unit 130 is configured, for example, by a laser printer that uses an electrophotographic method. Image forming unit 130 feeds recording paper from paper feed tray 132 in FIG. 1, forms an image on the surface of the recording paper, and discharges the recording paper from paper discharge tray 134, for example.

[0024] The display unit 140 displays various types of information. The display unit 140 is configured by a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, or a micro LED display.

[0025] The operation unit 150 accepts operations from a user of the image forming apparatus 10. The operation unit 150 is configured with an input device such as a touch sensor. The touch sensor may detect input using any common detection method, such as a resistive film method, an infrared method, an electromagnetic induction method, or a capacitance method. The image forming apparatus 10 may be equipped with a touch panel in which the display unit 140 and the operation unit 150 are integrally formed.

[0026] The storage unit 160 stores various programs and various data necessary for the operation of the image forming apparatus 10. The storage unit 160 is configured by a storage device such as a semiconductor memory such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0027] The storage unit 160 reserves a setting information storage area 162, a message information storage area 164, a device information storage area 166, and a job log storage area 168 as storage areas.

[0028] The setting information storage area 162 stores information (setting information) that associates an item name with a setting value for each setting item related to the operation of the image forming apparatus 10. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the setting information includes a setting item name (e.g., "default display screen") and a setting value for the item (e.g., "home screen"). The setting value is, for example, a value input by a user via a screen for setting the image forming apparatus 10 (system setting screen). In other words, the setting value (setting related to the operation of the image forming apparatus 10) stored in the setting information can be changed by the user.

[0029] In this embodiment, the setting information includes setting information about an initial screen. The initial screen is a screen that is displayed on the display unit 140 when no user operation is performed for a certain period of time, when job settings are cleared (when no job settings have been performed at all), when the image forming apparatus 10 is started, etc.

[0030] The initial screen is, for example, a login screen before login, and a home screen after login. The login screen is a screen including an input field for information (authentication information) required for a user to log in, buttons for accepting operations (login operations) for executing login processing, etc. The home screen is a screen on which buttons for selecting functions to be implemented by the image forming apparatus 10 are arranged.

[0031] In this embodiment, the initial screen after login is referred to as a default display screen. The default display screen can be selected by the user, and the settings of the default display screen selected by the user are stored as setting information (D100 in FIG. 3). The default display screen may be a home screen or an operation screen for performing job operations (for example, a copy screen for executing a copy job or a scan screen for executing a scan job).

[0032] Furthermore, in this embodiment, setting information related to a system information screen (specific screen) is stored. The system information screen is a screen that displays information about the image forming apparatus 10 for each item. The information about the image forming apparatus 10 includes, for example, information about the remaining amount of toner, information about the paper feed tray 132, and information about errors (error information, error messages). In other words, the system information screen is a screen that aggregates and displays information about the system-related settings of the image forming apparatus 10 and the operating status of the image forming apparatus 10 for each item. The system information screen is displayed when a specific instruction or a specific operation (for example, an operation of selecting a button to display the system information screen) is performed from the home screen or operation screen that is displayed after logging in.

[0033] In this embodiment, the setting information for the following two setting items is stored as the setting information related to the system information screen.

[0034] (1) Prioritizing display of the system information screen (D102 in Figure 3) The system information screen priority display is a setting item that indicates whether the system information screen is to be displayed preferentially as the initial screen. The setting value is stored as either "OFF" (disabled) or "ON" (enabled). Note that if the setting value for the system information screen priority display is "ON," the default display screen will be displayed after the system information screen is closed.

[0035] (2) Allow the system information screen to be displayed before login (D104 in Figure 3) The permission to display the system information screen before login is a setting item that indicates whether or not to allow the system information screen to be displayed before the user logs in. The setting value is stored as either "OFF" (not allowed) or "ON" (allowed).

[0036] In this embodiment, the transition (display timing) of the system information screen changes depending on the combination of the setting values ​​(1) and (2) described above. Figure 4 is a table showing the screen transition modes corresponding to the combination of setting values.

[0037] There are four screen transition modes: (A) Security-first mode The security-first mode is a mode in which the setting value for priority display of the system information screen is "OFF" and the setting value for display permission before login of the system information screen is "OFF." This mode is suitable for cases in which functions that require direct input of operations to image forming apparatus 10, such as the copy function and scan function, are primarily used, and the system information screen is displayed only to users who perform operations to display it for security reasons or the like.

[0038] (B) Security Priority Mode The security priority mode is a mode in which the setting value for the priority display of the system information screen is "ON" and the setting value for display permission before login of the system information screen is "OFF." This mode is suitable for a case in which functions that do not require direct operation of the image forming device 10, such as the print function, are mainly used, and the system information screen is preferentially displayed as the initial screen only for users who use functions that require direct input of operations to the image forming device 10, such as the copy function and scan function.

[0039] (C) Convenience Priority Mode The convenience priority mode is a mode in which the setting value for priority display of the system information screen is "OFF" and the setting value for display permission before login of the system information screen is "ON." This mode is suitable for users who mainly use functions that directly input operations to the image forming device 10, such as the copy function and scan function, and who want to check the status of the device before logging in.

[0040] (D) Convenience-first mode The convenience-first mode is a mode in which the setting value for priority display of the system information screen is "ON" and the setting value for display permission before login of the system information screen is "ON." This mode is suitable for users who mainly use functions that do not require direct operation of the image forming device 10, such as the print function, and who want to check the status of the device before logging in, or for users who mainly use functions that require direct input of operations to the image forming device 10, such as the copy function and scan function, and who want to check the status of the device before and after logging in.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 3, the setting information storage area 162 may store setting information such as the IP address of the image forming device 10, whether Wi-Fi Direct can be used, whether remote operation can be used, the paper size and paper type for each paper feed tray, etc.

[0042] The message information storage area 164 stores information about messages to users (message information). For example, as shown in Fig. 5, the message information includes a message ID (e.g., "1") that identifies the message and a message (e.g., "Toner is out").

[0043] The message may include the content of the process that the control unit 100 will execute when the message is selected, such as "Display image job log when selected." The message information may also include information other than the above-mentioned information, such as the type of message, the date and time the message was created, and the creator of the message.

[0044] In addition, the message information storage area 164 may store an error message indicating the content of an error (error information) that has occurred in the image forming apparatus 10.

[0045] The device information storage area 166 stores information (device information) indicating the status of the image forming device 10. For example, as shown in Fig. 6, the device information includes an item name (e.g., "remaining toner amount (Bk)") and an item value (e.g., "100%") indicating the information of the item.

[0046] The job log storage area 168 stores a log of an executed job (job log). The job log includes information such as a job ID (e.g., "0025") that identifies the job, the type of job executed (e.g., "print"), the execution date and time of the job (e.g., "2021 / 04 / 01 16:20:50"), and the processing status of the job (e.g., "completed"). Note that the storage unit 160 may store information on logs other than the job log.

[0047] The communication unit 190 communicates with external devices via a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network). The communication unit 190 is configured by, for example, a communication device or a communication module such as a NIC (Network Interface Card) used in a wired / wireless LAN.

[0048] [1.2 Processing flow] The flow of processing executed by the image forming apparatus 10 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 11. The processing shown in Figures 7 to 11 is executed by the control unit 100 of the image forming apparatus 10 reading out a program stored in the storage unit 160. It is also assumed that the user authentication function is enabled and the login processing unit 106 is capable of executing login processing.

[0049] [1.2.1 Main Processing] 7, a flow of main processing executed by image forming apparatus 10 will be described. First, control unit 100 acquires setting information related to the system information screen (priority display of the system information screen and permission to display the system information screen before login) from setting information storage area 162 (step S100).

[0050] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether the setting value for display permission before login of the system information screen is "ON" (step S102). If the setting value for display permission before login of the system information screen is "ON", the control unit 100 determines whether the setting value for priority display of the system information screen is "ON" (step S102; Yes → step S104).

[0051] When the setting value of the priority display of the system information screen is "ON", the control unit 100 determines that the mode of screen transition is the convenience-first mode, and executes the convenience-first mode process to perform the screen transition according to the mode (step S104; Yes → step S106). The convenience-first mode process will be described later.

[0052] On the other hand, when the setting value of the priority display of the system information screen is "OFF", the control unit 100 determines that the mode of screen transition is the convenience priority mode, and executes the convenience priority mode process to perform the screen transition according to the mode (step S104; No → step S108). The convenience priority mode process will be described later.

[0053] Furthermore, if the control unit 100 determines in step S102 that the setting value for display permission before login of the system information screen is "OFF", it determines whether the setting value for priority display of the system information screen is "ON" (step S102; No → step S110).

[0054] When the setting value of the priority display of the system information screen is "ON", the control unit 100 determines that the mode of screen transition is the security priority mode, and executes security priority mode processing to perform screen transition according to the mode (step S110; Yes → step S112). The security priority mode processing will be described later.

[0055] On the other hand, if the setting value for the priority display of the system information screen is "OFF", the screen transition mode is determined to be the security-first mode, and security-first mode processing is executed to perform screen transition according to the mode (step S110; No→step S114). The security-first mode processing will be described later.

[0056] After executing the process in step S106, step S108, step S112, or step S114, control unit 100 determines whether or not an end operation has been performed (step S116). An end operation is, for example, an operation to turn off the power of image forming apparatus 10. If an end operation has been performed, control unit 100 ends the process shown in FIG. 7 (step S116; Yes). On the other hand, if an end operation has not been performed, control unit 100 returns to step S100 (step S116; No→step S100).

[0057] [1.2.2 Convenience Mode Processing] The flow of the convenience-first mode process will be described with reference to FIG. 8. First, the control unit 100 displays the system information screen in tabs (step S200). Tab display refers to displaying the system information screen and other screens (for example, a default display screen, a home screen, or an operation screen) in a switchable manner using tabs. The other screens are, for example, a login screen before a user logs in, and a home screen, copy screen, or the like after a user logs in. For example, the control unit 100 provides an area (system area) of a predetermined height at the top of the screen, and displays tabs in the system area for switching screens. Here, the control unit 100 displays a tab for displaying a system information screen and a tab for displaying a login screen as tabs to be displayed on the screen before login.

[0058] Next, the control unit 100 displays a system information screen on the display unit 140 (step S202). At this time, the control unit 100 may select a tab for displaying the system information screen from among the tabs displayed in step S200. Next, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the login screen tab has been selected (step S204). Note that the control unit 100 continues to display the system information screen until the login screen tab is selected (step S204; No).

[0059] If the login screen tab is selected, the control unit 100 displays the login screen on the display unit 140 (step S204; Yes→step S206), and determines whether or not a login operation has been performed by the user (step S208). If the login operation has not been performed, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the system information screen tab has been selected (step S208; No→step S210). If the system information screen tab has been selected, the control unit 100 returns to step S202 (step S210; Yes→step S202), and if the system information screen tab has not been selected, the control unit 100 returns to step S208 (step S210; No→step S208).

[0060] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S208 that a login operation has been performed, the control unit 100 (login processing unit 106) executes login processing (step S208; Yes -> step S212). Note that if the login processing unit 106 does not permit the user to log in, it may execute error processing such as displaying an error message.

[0061] If the control unit 100 permits the user to log in, it displays a system information screen on the display unit 140 (step S212; Yes -> step S214). Note that, just as before login, the control unit 100 provides a system area at the top of the screen and displays tabs for switching screens in the system area. Here, the control unit 100 displays tabs to be displayed on the screen after login, such as a tab for displaying a system information screen, a tab for displaying a home screen, and a tab for displaying an operation screen. The control unit 100 may also include a logout button in the system area to enable the user to perform a logout operation.

[0062] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether or not a logout operation has been performed (step S216). If a logout operation has been performed, the control unit 100 executes a logout process to log out the logged-in user, and ends the process shown in Fig. 8 (step S216; Yes -> step S218).

[0063] On the other hand, if a logout operation has not been performed, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the user has performed an operation to select a tab other than the system information screen (step S216; No→step S220). If an operation to select a tab other than the system information screen has not been performed, the control unit 100 returns to step S216 (step S220; No→step S216). In this case, the control unit 100 maintains the display of the system information screen.

[0064] On the other hand, when an operation to select a tab other than the system information screen is performed, the control unit 100 displays a screen corresponding to the tab selected by the user on the display unit 140 in response to the operation (step S220; Yes→step S222). As a result, the control unit 100 displays a home screen or an operation screen on the display unit 140.

[0065] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the user has performed an operation to select a tab on the system information screen (step S224). If an operation to select a tab on the system information screen has been performed, the control unit 100 returns to step S214 (step S224; Yes → step S214). As a result, the control unit 100 displays the system screen on the display unit 140.

[0066] On the other hand, if an operation to select a tab on the system information screen has not been performed, the control unit 100 executes a predetermined process (step S224; No -> step S226). For example, if an operation to select a tab (home tab) to display a home screen has been performed, the control unit 100 displays the home screen on the display unit 140 in step S226. Also, if an operation to select a tab to display an operation screen has been performed, the control unit 100 displays the operation screen on the display unit 140 in step S226. In addition, the control unit 100 sets or executes a job in response to a user operation. Also, if a logout operation has been performed by the user, the control unit 100 may execute a logout process and end the process shown in FIG. 8.

[0067] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether the job settings have been cleared (step S228). If the job settings have been cleared, the control unit 100 returns to step S214 (step S228; Yes → step S214). That is, when the job settings have been cleared, the control unit 100 displays a system information screen on the display unit 140.

[0068] The job settings are cleared, for example, when the user performs an operation to clear the job settings, when the job execution is completed, or when no operation is input from the user for a predetermined period of time after the job execution is completed.

[0069] On the other hand, if the job settings have not been cleared, the control unit 100 returns to step S224 (step S228; No→step S224).

[0070] In this way, in the convenience-first mode, the control unit 100 displays the system information screen on the display unit 140 after logging in or when job settings are cleared, thereby giving priority to displaying the system information screen.

[0071] In the description of the processing flow in the convenience-first mode, the control unit 100 has been described as displaying the system display screen when a user's login is permitted, but a default display screen (for example, a home screen) may be displayed when a user's login is permitted. That is, the control unit 100 may preferentially display the system information screen before login, and preferentially display the default display screen after login. Whether the screen to be displayed first after login is the system information screen or the default display screen may be predetermined or may be selectable by the user.

[0072] [1.2.3 Convenience Mode Processing] The flow of the convenience-first mode process will be described with reference to FIG. 9. First, the control unit 100 displays a login screen on the display unit 140 (step S300). Next, the control unit 100 cancels the tab display of the system information screen (step S302). In other words, the control unit 100 changes the screen transition method so that the system information screen and other screens are not displayed so that they can be switched using tabs, but are switched using a method other than tabs. For example, the control unit 100 makes the screens switchable using buttons. In this case, the control unit 100 controls the display of buttons displayed in the system area as follows, depending on the screen to be displayed.

[0073] (1) When a screen other than the system information screen is displayed When the control unit 100 is displaying a screen other than the system information screen, it displays in the system area a home button for displaying the home screen and a button for displaying the operation screen, as well as a system information screen button for displaying the system information screen.

[0074] (2) When the system information screen is displayed When the system information screen is displayed, the control unit 100 displays a button for hiding the system information screen (close button) in addition to a home button and a button for displaying an operation screen in the system area. That is, the control unit 100 displays the close button in the system area instead of the system information screen.

[0075] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether or not a login operation has been performed (step S304). If a login operation has not been performed, the control unit 100 determines whether or not a system information screen button has been selected (step S304; No→step S306).

[0076] If the system information screen button is not selected, the control unit 100 returns to step S304 (step S306; No → step S304). On the other hand, if the system information screen button is selected, the control unit 100 displays the system information screen on the display unit 140 (step S306; Yes → step S308). The control unit 100 also determines whether or not the [Close] button displayed on the system information screen has been selected (step S310), and continues to display the system information screen until the [Close] button is selected (step S310; No). On the other hand, if the [Close] button has been selected, the control unit 100 returns to step S300 (step S310; Yes → step S300). As a result, the system information screen is closed, and a login screen is displayed on the display unit 140.

[0077] On the other hand, if the control unit 100 (login processing unit 106) determines in step S304 that a login operation has been performed, it executes the login process (step S304; Yes→step S312). Furthermore, if the control unit 100 permits the user to log in, it displays a default display screen on the display unit 140 (step S314).

[0078] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether or not a logout operation has been performed (step S316), and if a logout operation has been performed, executes a logout process and ends the process shown in Fig. 9 (step S316; Yes -> step S318). On the other hand, if a logout operation has not been performed, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the system information screen button has been selected (step S316; No -> step S320).

[0079] If the system information screen button is selected, control unit 100 displays the system information screen on display unit 140 and returns to step S316 (step S320; Yes → step S322 → step S316). On the other hand, if an operation other than the operation of selecting the system information screen button is performed, control unit 100 executes processing corresponding to the operation and returns to step S316 (step S320; No → step S324 → step S316). For example, if the [Close] button is selected, control unit 100 hides the system information screen in step S324 and displays on display unit 140 the screen that was displayed before the system information screen was displayed.

[0080] Note that if the job settings are cleared or if no operation is input from the user for a predetermined time after the job is executed, the control unit 100 displays a default display screen on the display unit 140. As a result, the default display screen is displayed as the initial screen after login.

[0081] [1.2.4 Security Priority Mode Processing] The flow of security priority mode processing will be described with reference to Fig. 10. First, the control unit 100 displays a login screen on the display unit 140 (step S400), and determines whether a login operation has been performed (step S402). The control unit 100 continues to display the login screen until a login operation has been performed (step S402; No). On the other hand, if a login operation has been performed, the control unit 100 (login processing unit 106) executes login processing (step S402; Yes → step S404).

[0082] If the control unit 100 permits the user to log in, the control unit 100 displays the system information screen as a tab (step S406). The process in step S406 is the same as the process in step S200 in Fig. 8. Furthermore, the control unit 100 displays the system information screen on the display unit 140 (step S408).

[0083] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether or not a logout operation has been performed (step S410), and if a logout operation has been performed, executes a logout process and ends the process shown in FIG. 10 (step S410; Yes → step S412). On the other hand, if a logout operation has not been performed, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the user has performed an operation to select a tab other than the system information screen (step S410; No → step S414). If an operation to select a tab other than the system information screen has not been performed, the control unit 100 returns to step S410 (step S414; No → step S410). In this case, the control unit 100 maintains the display of the system information screen.

[0084] On the other hand, when an operation to select a tab other than the system information screen is performed, the control unit 100 displays a screen corresponding to the tab selected by the user on the display unit 140 in response to the operation (step S414; Yes → step S416). As a result, the control unit 100 displays a home screen or an operation screen on the display unit 140.

[0085] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the user has performed an operation to select a tab on the system information screen (step S418). If an operation to select a tab on the system information screen has been performed, the control unit 100 returns to step S408 (step S418; Yes → step S408). As a result, the control unit 100 displays the system screen on the display unit 140.

[0086] On the other hand, if an operation to select a tab on the system information screen has not been performed, the control unit 100 executes a predetermined process (step S418; No→step S420).

[0087] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether the job settings have been cleared (step S422), and if the job settings have been cleared, the process returns to step S408 (step S422; Yes→step S408). That is, if the job settings have been cleared, the control unit 100 displays a system information screen on the display unit 140. On the other hand, if the job settings have not been cleared, the control unit 100 returns to step S418 (step S422; No→step S418).

[0088] In this way, in the security priority mode, after logging in or when the job settings are cleared, the control unit 100 displays the system information screen on the display unit 140, thereby giving priority to displaying the system information screen.

[0089] 1.2.5 Security-first mode processing The flow of security-top-priority mode processing will be described with reference to Fig. 11. First, the control unit 100 displays a login screen on the display unit 140 (step S500), and determines whether a login operation has been performed (step S502). The control unit 100 continues to display the login screen until a login operation has been performed (step S502; No). On the other hand, if a login operation has been performed, the control unit 100 (login processing unit 106) executes login processing (step S502; Yes → step S504).

[0090] If the control unit 100 permits the user to log in, it cancels the tab display on the system information screen (step S506). Note that the process of step S506 is the same as the process of step S302 in Fig. 9. Furthermore, the control unit 100 displays a default display screen on the display unit 140 (step S508).

[0091] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether a logout operation has been performed (step S510). If a logout operation has been performed, the control unit 100 executes a logout process and terminates the process shown in FIG. 11 (step S510; Yes → step S512). On the other hand, if a logout operation has not been performed, the control unit 100 determines whether the user has performed an operation to select the system information screen button (step S510; No → step S514). If the system information screen button has been selected, the control unit 100 displays the system information screen on the display unit 140 and returns to step S510 (step S514; Yes → step S516 → step S510). On the other hand, if an operation other than the operation to select the system information screen button has been performed, the control unit 100 executes a process corresponding to the operation and returns to step S510 (step S514; No → step S518 → step S510).

[0092] It should be noted that the control unit 100 displays a default display screen on the display unit 140 when the job settings are cleared or when no operation is input from the user for a predetermined time after the job is executed.

[0093] [1.3 Example of operation] An example of screen transition operations in this embodiment will be described below. In the following description, it is assumed that the home screen is set as the default display screen.

[0094] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing screen transitions when the screen transition mode is security-first mode. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing example screens including a login screen W100, a home screen W110, and a system information screen W120. The arrows in Fig. 12 indicate the destination of the screen transition.

[0095] In the security-first mode, a login screen W100 is first displayed on the display unit 140. The login screen W100 includes a login name input field E100 and a password input field E102, as well as a button B100 for accepting a login operation.

[0096] The user enters authentication information in input fields E100 and E102, and selects button B100 to execute the login process. If the login is permitted, the home screen W110, which is the default display screen, is displayed (FIG. 12(1)).

[0097] Here, a system area E110 reserved at the top of the screen includes a button (system information screen button) B110 for displaying a system information screen. When the user selects the button B110, the system information screen W120 is displayed (FIG. 12(2)). In other words, the displayed screen transitions to the system information screen W120. Note that the button B110 may be displayed on a screen other than the home screen.

[0098] A system area E120 is also reserved at the top of the system information screen W120. The system area E120 also includes a [Close] button B120. When the user selects the button B120, the system information screen W120 is closed, and the screen that was displayed before the system information screen W120 was displayed is displayed again (FIG. 12(3)).

[0099] The system information screen W120 displays information based on setting information, message information, and device information. For example, area E122 of the system information screen W120 is an area (notification area) where, for each piece of message information, a message included in that message information is displayed. An icon corresponding to the message type and the date and time the message was created may be displayed together with the message. Note that error messages may be displayed in a distinguishable manner in the notification area. Furthermore, error messages and messages other than error messages may be displayed in different areas.

[0100] Area E124 is an area (toner remaining area) where the remaining toner amount is displayed based on the device information. Area E126 is an area (machine information area) where the setting item name (e.g., "IP address") and setting value (e.g., "10.36.159.104") included in the setting information are displayed. In other words, area E126 is an area where items (setting items) for setting the operation of image forming device 10 are displayed.

[0101] Note that area E126 may include an input means for changing the setting value for each setting item. In other words, the items displayed in area E126 may be displayed as items for setting the operation of image forming apparatus 10. In this case, the setting values ​​included in the setting information can be changed via system information screen W120.

[0102] For example, a slide switch C120 for switching a setting value between "ON" and "OFF" may be displayed. When the slide switch C120 is operated by the user, a value according to the operation is stored as the setting value of the setting information corresponding to the item for which the slide switch C120 is displayed.

[0103] Area E128 is an area (paper feed tray area) in which the paper size, paper type, and remaining amount of paper for each paper feed tray are displayed based on the setting information and device information.

[0104] 12 shows an example of a system information screen, and the type and amount of information included in the system information screen, the screen layout, etc. may be set by the user. Also, the type and layout of information included in the system information screen may be selectable from predetermined display patterns.

[0105] Figure 13 shows screen transitions when the screen transition mode is security-priority mode. Figure 13 shows examples of a login screen W200, a system information screen W210, and a home screen W220. The arrows in Figure 13 indicate the destination of the screen transition.

[0106] In the security priority mode, the login screen W200 is displayed first on the display unit 140. The login screen W200 is the same screen as the login screen W100 in FIG. 12. If login is permitted, the system information screen W210 is displayed (FIG. 13(1)). In the security priority mode, the system information screen is prioritized for display and therefore the system information screen W210 is displayed before the home screen W220, which is the default display screen. Furthermore, because the system information screen is prioritized for display and therefore "ON," a tab E212 for displaying the system information screen is displayed in the system area E210.

[0107] The system area E210 includes a home button E214 (home tab) for displaying a home screen. When the home button E214 is selected, a home screen W220 is displayed (FIG. 13(2)). The home screen W220 has a system area E220 at the top, and a tab E222 for displaying a system information screen is displayed. When the tab E222 is selected, the system information screen W210 is displayed (FIG. 13(3)).

[0108] Figure 14 shows screen transitions when the screen transition mode is convenience-first mode. Figure 14 shows example screens including a login screen W300, a system information screen W310, and a home screen W320. The arrows in Figure 14 indicate the destination screens.

[0109] In the convenience-first mode, a login screen W300 is first displayed on the display unit 140. The login screen W300 is the same as the login screen W100 in Fig. 12, but includes a button B300 for displaying a system information screen in a system area E300 provided at the top of the screen. When the user selects button B300, a system information screen W310 is displayed (Fig. 14(1)).

[0110] A system area E310 is reserved at the top of the system information screen W310. The system area E310 also includes a "Close" button B310. When the user selects button B310, the system information screen W310 closes and the login screen W300 is displayed again (FIG. 14(2)). Note that when the login process is executed on the login screen W300 and login is permitted, the home screen W320, which is the default display screen, is displayed (FIG. 14(3)).

[0111] Figure 15 shows screen transitions when the screen transition mode is convenience-first mode. Figure 15 shows example screens including a system information screen W400, a login screen W410, and a home screen W420. The arrows in Figure 15 indicate the destination screens.

[0112] In the convenience-first mode, the system information screen W400 is first displayed on the display unit 140. A system area E400 is provided at the top of the system information screen W400, and includes a tab E402 for displaying a login screen and a tab E404 for displaying the system information screen. When tab E402 is selected, the login screen W410 is displayed (FIG. 15(1)). A system area E410 is provided at the top of the login screen W410, and includes a tab E412 for displaying the system information screen. When tab E412 is selected, the system information screen W400 is displayed (FIG. 15(2)). When a login process is executed on the login screen W410 and login is permitted, the home screen W420, which is the default display screen, is displayed (FIG. 15(3)).

[0113] In the above description, the screen (specific screen) that is displayed with priority is described as a system information screen, but the screen that is displayed with priority may be a screen other than the system information screen. For example, the screen that is displayed with priority may be a screen such as a bulletin board that lists information for logged-in users, or a screen that displays job history information, setting information for job execution, etc. In this way, the control unit 100 can display a screen that requires a specific instruction from the user to be displayed either by displaying it with priority over the initial screen or by displaying it after a specific instruction is given, depending on the user's operating status.

[0114] Furthermore, in the above explanation, the case where the user authentication function is enabled has been described, but when the user authentication function is disabled, control unit 100 may control the display of the system information screen in a normal manner without giving priority to displaying the system information screen. In other words, when the user authentication function is disabled, control unit 100 may display the system information screen on display unit 140 when the user issues a specific instruction (specific operation) to display the system information screen.

[0115] In this way, the image forming apparatus of this embodiment controls the display of a screen that will not be displayed until login is complete and a predetermined display operation is performed, based on two settings: a setting of whether to prioritize that screen, and whether to allow display of that screen before login. This allows the image forming apparatus of this embodiment to display, as an initial screen, a screen that will not be displayed until login is complete and a predetermined display operation is performed. Furthermore, a user of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment can have the image forming apparatus realize detailed screen display control according to the operating status of the image forming apparatus.

[0116] [2. Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment is an embodiment in which the content included in the system information screen displayed before a user logs in differs from the content included in the system information screen displayed after the user is authenticated in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, Fig. 5 of the first embodiment is replaced with Fig. 16, and Fig. 6 of the first embodiment is replaced with Fig. 17.

[0117] [2.1 Functional Configuration] 16 is a diagram showing message information of this embodiment. The message information of this embodiment includes a message ID (e.g., "1"), a message type (e.g., "Internal Notice"), a pre-login message (e.g., "Health checkups will be conducted from November 1, 2021. (The [Print] button is not displayed)"), a post-login message (e.g., "Health checkups will be conducted from November 1, 2021. Please print out the examination ticket and bring it with you when you take the examination. (The [Print] button is displayed)"), and the date and time of the message (e.g., "October 6, 2021 14:24:21").

[0118] The message type is information indicating the type of message based on the content of the message and the creator of the message. For example, there are the following types of message types:

[0119] (1) Internal notice An internal notice is a message related to business communication or the like, created by an administrator of the image forming apparatus 10 or a user authorized to create messages. For example, an administrator of the image forming apparatus 10 may create an internal notice message via a setting screen of the image forming apparatus 10. The image forming apparatus 10 may also acquire an internal notice message from a server that manages internal notice messages and store the message information. The image forming apparatus 10 may also acquire an internal notice message from the content of an email sent to a specified address or a message posted on a social networking service (SNS) to a specified account and store the message information.

[0120] (2) External notification An external notification is a message related to a notice from an external source (e.g., a retailer). For example, the image forming device 10 periodically acquires the contents of the message from a server or the like managed by the retailer of the image forming device 10 and stores the contents as message information.

[0121] (3) Notification from the MFP The notification from the MFP is a message generated by the image forming apparatus 10. For example, it is generated when an error occurs during job execution or when there is unconfirmed received data. The notification from the MFP may be able to distinguish between error messages and messages other than error messages.

[0122] The pre-login message is the content of the message that is displayed when the system information screen is displayed before logging in, and the post-login message is the content of the message that is displayed when the system information screen is displayed after logging in. The date and time of the message may be the date and time that the message was stored, the date and time that the message was created, or the date and time that was set by the creator of the message.

[0123] Fig. 17 is a diagram showing device information in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the device information stored includes, for example, the last logout date and time (D500 in Fig. 17), an IP address change flag (D502 in Fig. 17), and a paper feed tray change flag (D504 in Fig. 17).

[0124] Here, the IP address change flag is information indicating whether or not the IP address setting of the image forming apparatus 10 has been changed by a user operation. The paper feed tray change flag is information indicating whether or not the paper size and paper type settings of the paper feed tray 132 of the image forming apparatus 10 have been changed by a user operation. Such flag information indicating that the settings have been changed is stored by the apparatus information collection unit 104.

[0125] For example, the device information collection unit 104 acquires and compares the setting values ​​of the IP address and paper feed tray 132 at the time of user login with the setting values ​​at the time of the user logout. If the setting values ​​at the time of login and the time of logout differ, the device information collection unit 104 stores "Yes" as the item value of the item name corresponding to the setting value. The device information collection unit 104 also stores the date and time when the logout process was executed by the control unit 100 as the last logout date and time. Note that the device information collection unit 104 may update flag information such as the IP address change flag and paper feed tray change flag to "No" when a predetermined number of logins (for example, one or five times) have been performed after storing "Yes." The flag information may also be information other than the IP address change flag and paper feed tray change flag described above.

[0126] [2.2 Processing flow] In this embodiment, the control unit 100 varies the information included in the system information screen depending on whether the system information screen is displayed before or after the user logs in.

[0127] For example, the control unit 100 displays the contents of the pre-login message included in the message information in the notification area of ​​the system information screen displayed before login, and displays the contents of the post-login message included in the message information in the notification area of ​​the system information screen displayed after login.

[0128] Furthermore, when the control unit 100 displays the system information screen on the display unit 140 in step S202 of FIG. 8 or step S308 of FIG. 9, it executes one or more of the following processes.

[0129] (1) Processing to conceal some information The control unit 100 conceals some of the information (text) included in the system information screen by hiding or masking it. For example, the control unit 100 hides or masks the IP address of the image forming apparatus 10. The information to be concealed and the method of concealment may be predetermined or may be set by the user.

[0130] (2) Displaying alternative information to the concealed information The control unit 100 displays information (text) that substitutes for the concealed information (text). For example, when the IP address of the image forming apparatus 10 is concealed and the IP address has been changed (when the IP address change flag is "Yes"), the control unit 100 displays information such as "IP address has been changed" on the system information screen. In this way, if the settings or status have been changed since the previous login, the control unit 100 can display that the settings or status have been changed before login.

[0131] (3) Processing to disable operations to change settings The control unit 100 hides or disables the change means (for example, a slide switch) for changing the setting value in the area where the display based on the setting information is performed. In this way, the control unit 100 makes it impossible (prohibits) to change the setting before logging in.

[0132] (4) Limiting the items displayed in the notification area to those that the user can handle before logging in The control unit 100 limits the items (messages) to be displayed in the notification area to those that can be handled before login. For example, the control unit 100 displays messages such as "out of paper" or "output tray full," but does not display "firmware update information." In this case, the control unit 100 may determine the messages to be displayed on the system information screen before login according to the message type included in the message information. For example, the control unit 100 may display only messages with a message type of "internal notice" or "notice from the MFP" on the system information screen before login.

[0133] Furthermore, the control unit 100 may display only messages whose message type is "Notice from MFP" and whose message content is an error message (error information). Furthermore, if the paper feed tray change flag is "Yes," the control unit 100 may display a notification such as "The paper feed tray setting has been changed." In other words, the control unit 100 may display a notification based on the flag information in the notification area.

[0134] (5) Displaying only the presence or absence of notifications in the notification area The control unit 100 displays only "You have a notice" or "There is no notice" in the notice area. For example, if message information including a date and time after the last logout date and time stored in the device information is stored, the control unit 100 displays "You have a notice" in the notice area, and otherwise displays "There is no notice" in the notice area.

[0135] (6) Hiding some areas The control unit 100 hides some of the areas included in the system information screen that is displayed after logging in, on the system information screen that is displayed before logging in. For example, the control unit 100 may hide the machine information area on the system information screen that is displayed before logging in.

[0136] By executing process (1) among the above-described processes, the control unit 100 can hide some of the items included in the system information screen that will be displayed after the user logs in, before the user logs in. Furthermore, by executing processes (2) and (5) among the above-described processes, the control unit 100 can display notifications regarding items included in the system information screen before the user logs in, and display detailed information about the items included in the system information screen after the user logs in. Furthermore, by executing process (4) among the above-described processes, the control unit 100 can display some of the items included in the system information screen that will be displayed after the user logs in, before the user logs in.

[0137] Note that the control unit 100 may display a login screen when a portion of the system information screen displayed before login that displays content different from the content included in the system information screen displayed after login is selected. In this way, the control unit 100 can prompt the user to log in and enable the user to confirm the changes.

[0138] [2.3 Example of operation] Next, an example of the operation of this embodiment will be described. Fig. 18(a) shows an example of the system information screen W500 displayed before login, and Fig. 18(b) shows an example of the system information screen W510 displayed after login.

[0139] A pre-login message is displayed in area E500 (notification area) included in system information screen W500. Meanwhile, a post-login message is displayed in area E510 (notification area) included in system information screen W510. In this way, in this embodiment, the content of the message to be displayed can be changed before and after login.

[0140] Furthermore, in area E502 included in system information screen W500, the IP address of image forming apparatus 10 is displayed as shown in area E512 on system information screen W510 after login. However, before login, the IP address is concealed as shown in area E502. The method of concealing the IP address may be a method of masking the text or a method of hiding the text.

[0141] Furthermore, slide switch C500 and slide switch C502 included in system information screen W500 are displayed as grayed out (disabled). Therefore, in the example of Fig. 18(a), it is not possible to change the Wi-Fi Direct settings and the remote operation settings before logging in. This allows the user to understand that logging in is required to change the Wi-Fi Direct settings and the remote operation settings.

[0142] Fig. 19(a) is another example of a system information screen W520 that is displayed before logging in. As shown in the notification area E520 of Fig. 19(a), the system information screen W520 that is displayed before logging in may display only messages that the user can respond to before logging in in the notification area. Also, the total number of messages may be displayed, or an explanation may be displayed that logging in is required to view all messages.

[0143] Fig. 19(b) is another example of the system information screen W530 that is displayed before logging in. As shown in the notification area E530 of Fig. 19(b), on the system information screen W530 that is displayed before logging in, the notification area may only display information indicating whether or not there is a notification.

[0144] FIG. 20(a) is a diagram showing a state in which a portion of the system information screen W540 displayed before login that displays information different from the information included in the system information screen displayed after login is selected. FIG. 20(a) shows a state in which a portion of the system information screen W540 that displays a masked IP address is selected. After the selection operation is performed, the system information screen W540 displayed before login switches to the login screen W550 shown in FIG. 20(b). This allows the user to intuitively know that they need to perform a login operation when they wish to check the information displayed after login.

[0145] In the above description, the message displayed before and after login is changed by including a message displayed before login and a message displayed after login, but other methods for changing the message display before and after login may be used. For example, as in the first embodiment, if one message is included in the message information and the control unit 100 displays the message before login, it may display only the first sentence of the message, or only a predetermined number of characters from the beginning of the sentence.

[0146] Furthermore, when the permission to display the system information screen before login is "ON," the control unit 100 may disable the display of the system information screen before the user logs in, and enable the display of the system information screen when the user attempts to log in and fails. In this case, the control unit 100 may display the system information screen when login fails by hiding some of the items on the system information screen that is displayed after login. Furthermore, the control unit 100 may disable the display of the system information screen again when a predetermined time has passed since the last user operation was input.

[0147] In this way, the image forming apparatus of this embodiment can, when displaying a screen before logging in that is displayed upon completion of login and performing a predetermined display operation, make the information included on that screen different from the screen displayed after logging in. For example, the image forming apparatus of this embodiment can realize the display of information that takes security, etc. into consideration by concealing part of the information displayed before logging in.

[0148] 3. Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment is an embodiment in which, even when the screen transition mode in the first embodiment is the security highest priority mode or the security priority mode, part of the information included in the system information screen is displayed before login. That is, this embodiment is an embodiment in which information that should be notified to the user regardless of the user's login status is displayed, and which, from a security standpoint, can be displayed without any problems even if it is displayed before login.

[0149] In this embodiment, part of the information displayed on the system information screen is displayed on the login screen displayed in step S400 of Fig. 10 or step S500 of Fig. 11. For example, the control unit 100 displays the following information on the login screen:

[0150] (1) Error information, paper tray information, remaining toner The control unit 100 displays error information (for example, a message indicating the details of an error in the image forming apparatus 10), information about the paper feed tray, and information about the remaining amount of toner on the login screen.

[0151] (2) Information indicating that the status (settings) have changed since the last login For some information (e.g., setting information) that is hidden before login, if the setting or status has been changed since the previous login (last login), the control unit 100 displays information indicating that the setting or status has been changed. For example, if the IP address of the image forming apparatus 10 has been changed, the control unit 100 displays text such as "IP address has been changed." In this case, the control unit 100 may determine whether to display information indicating that the setting or status has been changed and the content of the display by executing a process similar to the process of displaying information in place of the concealed information described in the second embodiment.

[0152] (3) Notification The control unit 100 displays information indicating whether or not there is a notification (for example, the text "There is a notification" or "There is no notification") by performing a process similar to that described in the second embodiment, which displays only whether or not there is a notification in the notification area.

[0153] 21 is a diagram showing an example of a login screen W600 in this embodiment. For example, the login screen W600 displays information indicating that the status (settings) have changed since the previous login (e.g., "IP address has changed") as shown in area E600, and displays the remaining toner amount as shown in area E602. This allows the user to grasp some of the information displayed on the system information screen before logging in, without having to perform a login operation.

[0154] Note that information to be displayed regardless of the login status, such as error information, paper feed tray information, and remaining toner amount, may be included and displayed on the login screen as described above, or may be included and displayed on a system information screen before login (simple system information screen) separate from the login screen. In this case, control unit 100 may display a button for displaying the simple system information screen on the login screen, and when that button is selected, the simple system information screen may be displayed on display unit 140.

[0155] In this way, the image forming device of this embodiment can improve user convenience while taking security into consideration by displaying, before logging in, some of the information contained in the screen that is displayed when login is completed and a specified display operation is performed.

[0156] [4. Fourth Embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. In the fourth embodiment, in addition to the processing in the first embodiment, processing is executed to change the priority display setting of the system information screen according to the user's usage status (frequency of calling up the system information screen). In this embodiment, FIG. 2 of the first embodiment is replaced with FIG. 22, and FIG. 3 of the first embodiment is replaced with FIG. 23. Note that the same functional units are assigned the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0157] [4.1 Functional Configuration] Fig. 22 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of image forming apparatus 12 in this embodiment. Image forming apparatus 12 differs from image forming apparatus 10 shown in Fig. 2 in that control unit 100 has the function of setting change processing unit 110, and storage unit 160 stores system information screen display date and time log 170.

[0158] The setting change processing unit 110 executes a process (setting change process) for changing the setting of the priority display of the system information screen in accordance with the frequency with which the user calls up the system information screen. The setting change process will be described later.

[0159] Furthermore, the system information screen display date and time log 170 is information that stores the date and time when the system information screen was displayed by user operation. The system information screen display date and time log 170 is data that includes zero or more date and time information, and is text data in which dates and times are expressed separated by commas, such as "October 1, 2021, 12:30, October 1, 2021, 14:21." Note that the system information screen display date and time log 170 may be in any format that can store multiple dates and times when the system information screen was displayed, and may be, for example, a list of dates and times.

[0160] In addition, in this embodiment, as setting information, as shown in D700 of FIG. 23, a setting value of the switching threshold (for example, "more than 20 times a week") is stored as a threshold used to determine whether or not to switch the setting value of the priority display on the system information screen.

[0161] [4.2 Processing flow] [4.2.1 Convenience Mode Processing] 9, the control unit 100 stores the date and time when the process was executed in step S308 and step S322 of the convenience-first mode process in the system information screen display date and time log 170. That is, when the system information screen is displayed by a user operation, the control unit 100 stores the date and time when the system information screen is displayed.

[0162] [4.2.2 Security-first mode processing] 11, the control unit 100 stores the date and time when the process was executed in the system information screen display date and time log 170. That is, when the system information screen is displayed by a user operation, the control unit 100 stores the date and time when the system information screen is displayed.

[0163] [4.2.3 Setting change processing] 24, the flow of the setting change processing executed by the setting change processing unit 110 will be described. The setting change processing may be executed when a system information screen is displayed by a user operation, at a predetermined time, or periodically.

[0164] First, the setting change processing unit 110 determines whether the setting value for the priority display of the system information screen is "OFF" (step S600). When the setting value for the priority display of the system information screen is "OFF", the screen transition mode is the convenience priority mode or the security top priority mode.

[0165] If the setting value for the system information screen priority display is "ON", the setting change processing unit 110 ends the setting change processing (step S600; No). On the other hand, if the setting value for the system information screen priority display is "OFF", the setting change processing unit 110 calculates the display frequency of the system information screen (step S600; Yes → step S602).

[0166] The setting change processing unit 110 determines whether the display frequency calculated in step S602 is equal to or greater than the switching threshold stored in the setting information (step S604).

[0167] If the display frequency calculated in step S602 is equal to or greater than the switching threshold stored in the setting information, the setting change processing unit 110 switches the setting value of the priority display of the system information screen to "ON" (step S604; Yes → step S606). On the other hand, if the display frequency calculated in step S602 is less than the switching threshold stored in the setting information, the setting change processing unit 110 omits the processing of step S606 (step S604; No).

[0168] The above process switches the setting value for the priority display of the system information screen depending on the display frequency of the system information screen, and the screen transition mode automatically shifts from security-first mode to security-first mode, or from convenience-first mode to convenience-first mode.

[0169] In this way, the image forming device of this embodiment can automatically switch the settings related to the display of the screen that is displayed when login is completed and a specified display operation is performed, depending on the user's operational status, thereby improving user convenience.

[0170] [5. Fifth Embodiment] Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. This embodiment is an embodiment in which, in the first embodiment, if the display permission of the system information screen before login is "ON", information on the system information screen is displayed on the login screen.

[0171] In this embodiment, in step S302 of the convenience-first mode process in Fig. 9, control unit 100 displays a screen including information from the system information screen as the login screen. For example, as shown in Fig. 25, control unit 100 displays an area E700 displaying a message as login screen W700, along with an input field for inputting authentication information, etc. This allows the user to understand the content of the message stored in image forming apparatus 10 without switching the login screen to the system information screen.

[0172] 25 is an example, and the login screen may display information about the remaining toner amount, information about the paper feed tray, error information, setting information, etc. Furthermore, the control unit 100 may display a screen that includes an input field for authentication information in addition to the system information screen as the login screen.

[0173] In this way, the image forming apparatus of this embodiment allows the user to omit the operation of switching screens.

[0174] [6. Sixth Embodiment] Next, a sixth embodiment will be described. In addition to the processing described in the first embodiment, this embodiment executes processing to preferentially display the system display screen even when the user authentication function is disabled.

[0175] The flow of processing in the image forming apparatus 10 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 26. First, the control unit 100 determines whether the user authentication function is disabled (step S700). If the user authentication function is enabled, the control unit 100 executes the same processing as that described in the first embodiment (step S700; No). That is, the control unit 100 displays a login screen on the display unit 140. Furthermore, the login processing unit 106 executes login processing when a login operation is performed.

[0176] On the other hand, when the user authentication function is disabled, the control unit 100 omits the process related to login. In this case, the control unit 100 omits the process of displaying a login screen on the display unit 140. As a result, the login processing unit 106 does not execute the login process.

[0177] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether the setting value for the priority display of the system information screen is "ON" (step S700; Yes → step S702). If the setting value for the priority display of the system information screen is "ON", the control unit 100 displays the system information screen as the initial screen (step S702; Yes → step S704). On the other hand, if the setting value for the priority display of the system information screen is "OFF", the control unit 100 displays the default display screen as the initial screen (step S702; No → step S706). In this case, the system information screen is displayed when the user performs an operation on the default display screen to display the system information screen.

[0178] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether or not an end operation has been performed (step S708). If an end operation has been performed, the control unit 100 ends the processing shown in Fig. 26 (step S708; Yes). On the other hand, if an end operation has not been performed, the control unit 100 returns to step S700 (step S708; No→step S700).

[0179] Through the above-described processing, the control unit 100 can switch between displaying the system information screen as the initial screen or displaying it when a specified operation is performed on the default display screen, depending on the setting value for the priority display of the system information screen.

[0180] In this way, even when user authentication is disabled, the image forming apparatus of this embodiment can display a screen that cannot be displayed until a predetermined display operation is performed with priority based on a setting indicating whether or not to display the screen with priority. As a result, the image forming apparatus of this embodiment can appropriately display a screen that cannot be displayed until login is completed and a predetermined display operation is performed, depending on the setting related to the screen and whether the user authentication function is enabled or disabled, in accordance with the user's operating status.

[0181] [7. Variations] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible. In other words, embodiments obtained by combining technical means that are appropriately modified within the scope of the present invention are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0182] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiments are described separately for the sake of convenience, they may of course be combined and executed within the scope of technical feasibility.

[0183] In addition, the programs that run on each device in the embodiments are programs that control the CPU, etc. (programs that make a computer function) so as to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments. Information handled by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (e.g., RAM) during processing, and then stored in various storage devices such as ROMs (Read Only Memories) and HDDs, and is read, modified, and written by the CPU as needed.

[0184] Here, the recording medium for storing the program may be any of semiconductor media (e.g., ROM, non-volatile memory card, etc.), optical recording media / magneto-optical recording media (e.g., DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), MO (Magneto Optical Disc), MD (Mini Disc), CD (Compact Disc), BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc), etc.), magnetic recording media (e.g., magnetic tape, flexible disk, etc.), etc. Furthermore, not only are the functions of the above-described embodiments realized by executing the loaded program, but the functions of the present invention may also be realized by processing in cooperation with an operating system or other application programs, etc., based on instructions from the program.

[0185] Furthermore, when distributing the program on the market, the program can be stored on a portable recording medium and distributed, or transferred to a server computer connected via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the storage device of the server computer is of course included in the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0186] 10, 12 Image forming device 100 control section 102 Image processing section 104 Equipment Information Collection Department 106 Login processing section 108 User authentication function setting part 110 Setting change processing section 120 Image input unit 130 Image forming unit 140 Display section 150 Operation section 160 Storage section 162 Setting information storage area 164 Message information storage area 166 Device information storage area 168 Job log storage area 170 System Information Screen Display Date and Time Log 190 Communications Department

Claims

1. A display unit and a control unit are provided, The control unit User authentication can be enabled or disabled. If the user authentication is valid, a login screen can be displayed on the display unit; It is possible to set whether or not a specific screen displaying the operating status of the device is to be displayed on the display unit before the login screen is displayed, If a setting is made to display the specific screen on the display unit before the login screen is displayed, the specific screen is displayed on the display unit before the login screen is displayed; The specific screen includes information about the remaining amount of toner, information about the paper feed tray, and information indicating that the settings of the device have been changed. An image forming apparatus characterized by:

2. The control unit When no operation is performed by the user for a predetermined time, the specific screen is displayed on the display unit before the login screen is displayed.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

3. The control unit When the specific screen is closed, the login screen is displayed on the display unit.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

4. The control unit An initial screen to be displayed on the display unit after a user logs in can be set, If the user has successfully logged in, the initial screen is displayed on the display unit.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

5. The control unit When the settings of the device are changed, information indicating that the settings of the device have been changed is displayed on the specific screen.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

6. The control unit The specific screen can be displayed on the display unit even after the user logs in.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

7. A control method for an image forming apparatus having a display unit, comprising: a step of enabling or disabling user authentication; a step of setting whether or not a specific screen displaying an operating status of the device is to be displayed on the display unit before displaying a login screen that can be displayed on the display unit when the user authentication is valid; When a setting is made to display the specific screen on the display unit before displaying the login screen, displaying the specific screen on the display unit before displaying the login screen, the specific screen including information about the remaining toner amount, information about the paper feed tray, and information indicating that the settings of the device have been changed; A control method comprising:

Images