Recording medium, information processing apparatus, and communication system

Abstract

The present application provides a recording medium, an information processing device and a communication system, which can improve the convenience when displaying a display image related to the processing function of an image processing device. In the case where the link button is operated when a print processing execution screen or a scan processing execution screen is displayed in the PC (10), the control program (30) acquires the image data of the EWS screen of the print processing function or the scan processing function, i.e. the EWS screen of the image processing function, from the MFP (50), and displays the EWS screen on the LCD (16) based on the image data. In addition, in the case where the link button is operated when the home screen is displayed, the control program (30) acquires the image data of the EWS screen of the non-image processing function from the MFP (50), and displays the EWS screen on the LCD (16) based on the image data. Thus, the EWS screen corresponding to the input screen displayed when the link button is operated can be displayed on the LCD (16), thereby improving the convenience.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a control program or the like that a computer of an information processing apparatus can read, the information processing apparatus being capable of causing a display image related to a processing function executable in an image processing device to be displayed on a display interface. BACKGROUND

[0002] As described in the following patent document, an image processing device such as a printer or a scanner transmits image data of a display image related to a processing function executable in the image processing device to an information processing apparatus according to a request from the information processing apparatus, and in the information processing apparatus, a display image related to the processing function is displayed based on the image data.

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT DOCUMENT

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-081113 SUMMARY

[0006] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] An object of the present application is to improve convenience when a display image related to a processing function of an image processing device is displayed in an information processing apparatus.

[0008] TECHNICAL SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

[0009] To address the aforementioned issues, the control program disclosed in the embodiments is a control program readable by a computer of an information processing device. This information processing device has a communication interface and a display interface for communicating with an image processing device. The computer functions as the following units: an input screen display unit that displays an input screen on the display interface, the input screen being used to input an instruction for the image processing device to perform a predetermined function; and an image processing function display unit that, while the input screen display unit displays an input screen indicating that the image processing device should perform an image processing function as the predetermined function, requests an image from the image processing device to display an image. In the case of data, the image processing unit obtains image data of a display image related to the image processing function from the image processing device and displays the display image related to the image processing function on the display interface; and the non-image processing function display unit, when the input screen display unit displays an input screen indicating that the image processing device should perform a function other than the image processing function, i.e., a non-image processing function, as the specified function, requests image data of a display image from the image processing device, obtains image data of a display image related to the non-image processing function from the image processing device, and displays the display image related to the non-image processing function on the display interface.

[0010] In addition, to solve the above-mentioned problems, the information processing apparatus disclosed in the embodiments includes: a communication interface for communicating with an image processing device; a display interface; and a computer, characterized in that the computer functions as the following units: an input screen display unit for displaying an input screen on the display interface, the input screen being used to input an instruction for the image processing device to perform a predetermined function; an image processing function display unit, which, when the input screen display unit displays an input screen for inputting an instruction for the image processing device to perform an image processing function as the predetermined function, requests image data of a display image from the image processing device, obtains image data of a display image related to the image processing function from the image processing device, and displays the display image related to the image processing function on the display interface; and a non-image processing function display unit, which, when the input screen display unit displays an input screen for inputting an instruction for the image processing device to perform a function other than the image processing function, i.e., a non-image processing function, as the predetermined function, requests image data of a display image from the image processing device, obtains image data of a display image related to the non-image processing function from the image processing device, and displays the display image related to the non-image processing function on the display interface.

[0011] In addition, to solve the above-mentioned problems, the communication system disclosed in the embodiments includes: an image processing device having a device-side computer; and an information processing device having a communication interface, a display interface, a user interface, and an information processing device-side computer for communicating with the image processing device. The information processing device-side computer is characterized in that it functions as: an input screen display unit for displaying an input screen on the display interface, the input screen being used to input an instruction for the image processing device to perform a predetermined function; and a request sending unit that, when the input screen display unit displays an input screen indicating that the image processing device should perform an image processing function as the predetermined function, and the user operation requesting image data to be displayed is received via the user interface, sends a request for displaying image data related to the image processing function to the image processing device; and when the input screen display unit displays an input screen indicating that the image processing device should perform a function other than image processing (i.e., a non-image processing function) as the predetermined function, sends a request for displaying image data related to the image processing function to the image processing device; and when the user operation requesting image data to be displayed is received via the user interface, sends a request for displaying image data related to the image processing function to the image processing device. When a user operation requests image data to be displayed, the request for image data related to the image processing function is sent to the image processing device, enabling the device-side computer to function as an image data sending unit. Upon receiving a request for image data related to the image processing function, the image data sending unit sends the image data related to that function to the information processing device. Similarly, upon receiving a request for image data unrelated to the image processing function, the image data unrelated to that function is sent to the information processing device, enabling the information processing device-side computer to function as a processing function display unit. Upon receiving image data related to the image processing function, the processing function display unit displays the image related to that function on the display interface. Conversely, upon receiving image data unrelated to the image processing function, the processing function display unit displays the image unrelated to that function on the display interface.

[0012] Invention Effects

[0013] In the control program disclosed in the embodiments, when an input screen is displayed indicating that the image processing device should perform an image processing function, and image data for a display image is requested from the image processing device, image data for a display image related to that image processing function is obtained from the image processing device, and the display image related to that image processing function is displayed on the display interface. Furthermore, when an input screen is displayed indicating that the image processing device should perform a function other than image processing (i.e., a non-image processing function), and image data for a display image is requested from the image processing device, image data for a display image related to that non-image processing function is obtained from the image processing device, and the display image related to that non-image processing function is displayed on the display interface. This allows the display image corresponding to the input screen to be displayed on the display interface, improving user convenience. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of communication system 1.

[0015] Figure 2 It represents the homepage screen at 100%.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a diagram representing the printing process execution screen 110.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a diagram representing the scan processing execution screen 120.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a diagram representing a non-image processing EWS screen 150.

[0019] Figure 6 This represents the image of EWS screen 160 being scanned and processed.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a diagram representing the EWS screen 170 during print processing.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a diagram representing the EWS screen 170 during print processing.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a diagram representing the EWS screen 180 during print processing.

[0023] Figure 10 This is a diagram representing a non-image processing EWS screen 190.

[0024] Figure 11 This is a timing diagram representing communication system 1.

[0025] Figure 12 This is a flowchart representing control program 74.

[0026] Figure 13 This is a flowchart representing control program 74.

[0027] Figure 14 It is a graph representing the mapped data.

[0028] Figure 15 It is a graph representing the mapped data.

[0029] Figure 16 It is a graph representing the mapped data.

[0030] Figure 17 It is a graph representing the mapped data. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with appropriate reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the embodiments described below are merely examples of the present invention, and of course, the embodiments of the present invention can be appropriately modified without changing the spirit of the present invention. For example, the execution order of the processes described later can be appropriately modified without changing the spirit of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a communication system (an example of a communication system) 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 1 The communication system 1 shown includes a PC (an example of an information processing device) 10 and an MFP (an example of an image processing device) 50.

[0033] PC10 mainly includes a CPU (an example of a computer and information processing device-side computer) 12, memory 14, LCD (an example of a display interface) 16, input I / F (an example of a user interface) 18, and communication I / F (an example of a communication interface) 20. These components can communicate with each other via bus 24.

[0034] PC10 can communicate with MFP50 via communication I / F20 and communication path 80. The communication method via communication path 80 can be, for example, wired LAN, USB, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0035] CPU 12 executes processing according to control program (an example of a control program) 30 stored in memory 14. Control program 30 is, for example, an application program for performing image processing on MFP 50. Additionally, browser (an example of a browser) 32 is an application program for displaying web pages on LCD 16, capable of obtaining various information from MFP 50 via communication path 80 and displaying web pages on LCD 16 based on the obtained information. Furthermore, in the following description, sometimes only the program name is used to refer to CPU 12, such as the one executing control program 30. For example, the designation "control program 30" sometimes means "CPU 12 executing control program 30".

[0036] In addition, the memory 14 includes a data storage area 34. The data storage area 34 is an area that stores data required for the execution of the control program 30, etc. In addition, the memory 14 is composed of RAM, ROM, flash memory, HDD, removable storage media such as USB memory that can be detached from the PC 10, and buffers provided by the CPU 12.

[0037] In addition, LCD16 displays various information from PC10. Furthermore, the display in this application is not limited to a liquid crystal display (LCD), but can also be a display using other display methods such as an organic EL display. Input I / F18 includes a keyboard, mouse, etc., and is an interface for inputting user operations. Furthermore, input I / F18 is not limited to a keyboard, etc., and can also be a film-like touch sensor superimposed on the display screen of LCD16.

[0038] In addition, the MFP50 mainly includes a CPU (an example of a device-side computer of the present invention) 52, a memory 54, an LCD 56, an input I / F 58, a reading unit 60, a recording unit 62, a modem 64, a telephone line connection unit 66, a communication I / F 68, and an EWS (Embedded Web Server, an example of a server) 70. These components can communicate with each other via a bus 72.

[0039] CPU 52 executes the control program 74 stored in memory 54. Control program 74 is a program used to create image data for displaying images based on requests from PC 10. Hereinafter, the CPU 52 executing control program 74 will sometimes be referred to simply by its program name. For example, the designation "control program 74" sometimes means "CPU 52 executing control program 74".

[0040] Furthermore, the memory 54 is composed of removable storage media such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, HDD, and USB memory that can be detached from the MFP50, as well as the buffer provided by the CPU 52. Additionally, the memory 54 includes a data storage area 76. The data storage area 76 stores data required for the execution of the control program 74.

[0041] Furthermore, the memory 54 of the MFP50 and the memory 14 of the PC10 can also be computer-readable storage media. Computer-readable storage media refers to non-transitory media. Besides the examples mentioned above, non-transitory media also includes recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs. Additionally, non-transitory media can also be tangible media. On the other hand, electrical signals used to transmit programs downloaded from servers on the Internet are a type of computer-readable signal medium, but they are not included in non-transitory computer-readable storage media.

[0042] In addition, the LCD56 displays various information from the MFP50. Furthermore, the display in this application is not limited to a liquid crystal display (LCD), but can also be a display using other display methods such as an organic EL display. The input I / F58 is, for example, a touch panel integrated with the LCD56, which handles user operations on icons, buttons, etc., displayed on the LCD56. Alternatively, in addition to a touch panel, it can also be a hard key, etc.

[0043] The reading unit 60 is a component that reads images and performs scanning; it may be a CCD image sensor or a contact image sensor. Thus, scanning processing is performed in the MFP 50. The recording unit 62 is a printing mechanism, such as an inkjet head. The CPU 52 inputs a drive signal to the recording unit 62, and when the recording unit 62 is an inkjet head, ink is ejected from the nozzle according to the input drive signal. Thus, printing processing is performed in the MFP 50.

[0044] The modem 64 modulates the original data sent via the fax function into a signal that can be transmitted to the telephone line network 78 and transmits it via the telephone line connection unit 66, or receives signals input from the telephone line network 78 via the telephone line connection unit 66 and demodulates the original data. Thus, fax processing is performed in the MFP50.

[0045] Communication I / F68 is an I / F used for communication with external devices via communication path 80. Thus, MFP50 can communicate with PC10.

[0046] The EWS70 has the same functions as a web server. The EWS70 stores information representing HTML web pages (hereinafter referred to as "EWS information"), which are related to information representing the status and settings of the MFP50.

[0047] Furthermore, this specification basically illustrates the processing performed by CPUs 12 and 52 according to commands written in the program. That is, the processes such as "determine," "extract," "select," "calculate," "decide," "confirm," "acquire," "accept," "control," and "set" described below represent the processing of CPUs 12 and 52. The processing performed by CPUs 12 and 52 also includes hardware control via the OS. In addition, "acquire" is used with the concept of not necessarily making a request. That is, processing such as CPUs 12 and 52 receiving data without making a request is also included in the concept of "CPUs 12 and 52 acquiring data." In addition, "data" in this specification is represented by a bit string that a computer can read. Furthermore, data with the same substantive meaning but different formats are treated as the same data. The same applies to "information" in this specification. In addition, processing such as "command," "response," and "request" is performed by communicating information representing "command," "response," and "request." Alternatively, statements such as "command," "response," and "request" may be described with the meaning of the information itself representing "command," "response," and "request." Additionally, the CPU's determination of whether information A represents event B is sometimes conceptually recorded as "determine whether it is event B based on information A". Conversely, the CPU's determination of whether information A represents event B or event C is sometimes conceptually recorded as "determine whether it is event B or event C based on information A".

[0048] In communication system 1, according to the above structure, the MFP50 performs various image processing tasks such as printing, scanning, and faxing according to instructions from the PC10. Specifically, in the PC10, when the control program 30 is started, Figure 2 The home screen (an example of an input screen) 100 shown is displayed on the LCD 16. The home screen 100 displays icons 102 corresponding to image processing that can be performed by the MFP 50. Therefore, for example, the home screen 100 displays an icon 102a for performing print processing and an icon 102b for performing scan processing.

[0049] Furthermore, for example, by manipulating icon 102a in the homepage screen 100, the homepage screen 100 can be replaced. Figure 3The print processing execution screen 110 (an example of an input screen) is displayed on the LCD 16. The print processing execution screen 110 displays multiple filenames containing image data. By selecting any filename from these filenames and choosing the image data stored in the selected filename, the image data of the object to be printed is determined. Then, by pressing the print button 112 on the print processing execution screen 110, the image-based printing process is performed in the MFP 50.

[0050] Alternatively, for example, by manipulating icon 102b on homepage screen 100, the homepage screen 100 can be replaced. Figure 4 The scan processing execution screen (an example of an input screen) 120 shown is displayed on the LCD 16. The scan processing execution screen 120 displays multiple setting buttons 122 for setting scan processing parameters. Scan processing parameters are set by operating these multiple setting buttons 122. Then, by operating the scan button 124 on the scan processing execution screen 120, scan processing of the original document placed on the MFP 50 is performed.

[0051] In this way, on PC10, various input screens such as the homepage screen 100 and the print processing execution screen 110 are displayed on LCD16. MFP50 executes the prescribed functions according to the instructions entered on these various input screens. That is, for example, MFP50 executes the print processing function according to the instructions entered on the print processing execution screen 110, and MFP50 executes the scan processing function according to the instructions entered on the scan processing execution screen 120. In this way, MFP50 executes image processing functions such as print processing and scan processing according to the instructions entered on the print processing execution screen 110 or the scan processing execution screen 120.

[0052] Furthermore, for example, the MFP50 performs basic image processing functions selected according to the instructions entered on the main screen 100, such as confirming the status of the MFP50. That is, the MFP50 performs functions different from image processing functions such as printing and scanning (hereinafter referred to as "non-image processing functions") according to the instructions entered on the main screen 100. Moreover, in the various input screens described above, when a request is made for information stored in the EWS70 of the MFP50, i.e., EWS information, the PC10 retrieves the EWS information corresponding to the input screen from the MFP50 and displays a webpage based on the EWS information on the LCD16. Specifically, when a request for EWS information is made on the print processing execution screen 110, the PC10 retrieves the EWS information corresponding to the print processing function from the MFP50 and displays a webpage related to the print processing function on the LCD16 based on the EWS information. Additionally, when an EWS information request is made on the scan processing execution screen 120, the PC 10 obtains the EWS information corresponding to the scan processing function from the MFP 50, and displays the webpage related to the scan processing function on the LCD 16 based on the EWS information. Furthermore, when an EWS information request is made on the home screen 100, the PC 10 obtains the EWS information corresponding to non-image processing functions from the MFP 50, and displays the webpage related to non-image processing functions on the LCD 16 based on the EWS information. Hereinafter, using... Figure 11 The timing diagram shown and Figure 12 , Figure 13 The flowchart shown illustrates the process by which PC10 and MFP50 obtain EWS information corresponding to various processing functions from MFP50 and display web pages related to various processing functions on LCD16 based on the EWS information.

[0053] Specifically, in PC10, control program 30 displays any one of the following screens on LCD16: home screen 100, print processing execution screen 110, and scan processing execution screen 120 (S100: refer to...). Figure 11Additionally, link buttons 106, 116, and 126 for requesting EWS information are displayed on the home screen 100, print processing execution screen 110, and scan processing execution screen 120, respectively. Then, the control program 30 determines whether any of the link buttons 106, 116, and 126 have been operated on the screen displayed on the LCD 16 (S102). At this time, a standby state is entered before any of the link buttons 106, 116, and 126 are operated (S102: No); if any of them are operated (S102: Yes), the control program 30 obtains information indicating the processing function corresponding to the screen displaying the operated link button 106, 116, or 126 (hereinafter referred to as "screen information") (S104). That is, for example, if link button 106 is operated on the home screen 100, the control program 30 obtains screen information indicating the processing function corresponding to the home screen 100, i.e., a non-image processing function. Furthermore, for example, if the link button 116 is operated in the print processing execution screen 110, the control program 30 obtains screen information indicating the processing function corresponding to the print processing execution screen 110, i.e., the print processing function. Furthermore, for example, if the link button 126 is operated in the scan processing execution screen 120, the control program 30 obtains screen information indicating the processing function corresponding to the scan processing execution screen 120, i.e., the scan processing function.

[0054] Then, the control program 30 sends the request information to the MFP50 by specifying the URL corresponding to the processing function represented by the screen information (S106). Additionally, if the control program 30 has URLs corresponding to non-image processing functions (hereinafter referred to as "non-image processing function URLs") (an example of a non-image processing function specified URL), URLs corresponding to printing processing functions (hereinafter referred to as "printing processing function URLs") (an example of an image processing function specified URL), and URLs corresponding to scanning processing functions (hereinafter referred to as "scanning processing function URLs") (an example of an image processing function specified URL), the control program 30 generates a URL that combines any one of the URLs corresponding to each processing function with a pre-obtained address on the MFP50's network, and uses this URL as the URL corresponding to the processing function represented by the screen information. For example, if the address on the MFP50's network is "192.163.11.11" and the printing processing function URL is " / print.html", the control program 30 generates "http: / / 192.163.11.11 / print.html". Then, the request information is sent to the MFP50 by specifying the URL corresponding to the processing function represented by the generated screen information. In addition, the request information includes the user ID (an example of identification information) of the user operating the PC10 and the password corresponding to that user ID.

[0055] Then, when the MFP50 receives the request information, the screen creation processing execution subroutine is executed in the MFP50 (S108). In the screen creation processing execution subroutine, the control program 74 of the MFP50 determines whether the user who sent the request information has the necessary access rights (S200: refer to...). Figure 12 Specifically, data storage area 76 of the MFP50 stores... Figure 14 The mapping data shown is used to associate a user ID with the corresponding password. Specific examples of user IDs include "User A," and specific examples of passwords include "Pass A." If the user ID and password contained in the received request information match those associated with the mapping data, access is determined to be granted. That is, for example, if the received request information contains the user ID "User A" and the password "Pass A," access is determined to be granted. Conversely, if the received request information contains a password different from the user ID "User A" and the password "Pass A," access is determined to be denied.

[0056] Then, if access permission is determined (S200: Yes), the control program 74 determines whether the processing function corresponding to the URL specified when receiving the request information (hereinafter referred to as "specified URL") is a processing function that the user using PC10 can execute (S202). Specifically, not all users can execute all of the multiple functions that MFP50 can execute; for each user, the functions that are allowed to be executed from the multiple functions that MFP50 can execute are set. Therefore, the data storage area 76 of MFP50 stores... Figure 15 The mapping data shown. In this mapping data, a user ID is associated with a function that the user corresponding to that user ID is allowed to perform (hereinafter referred to as "permitted function") (an example of executable information).

[0057] Furthermore, as specific examples of permitted functions, non-image processing functions are labeled "General," printing functions are labeled "Print," and scanning functions are labeled "Scan." Then, the control program 74, based on this mapping data, determines whether the processing function corresponding to the specified URL is a function that a user currently using the PC 10 can execute. That is, for example, if the request information includes the user ID "User A," the permitted functions are "non-image processing function," "printing function," and "scanning function." In this case, if the processing function corresponding to the specified URL is the printing function, it is determined that the processing function corresponding to the specified URL is a function that a user currently using the PC 10 can execute. Conversely, for example, if the request information includes the user ID "User B," the permitted functions are "non-image processing function" and "printing function." In this case, if the processing function corresponding to the specified URL is the scanning function, it is determined that the processing function corresponding to the specified URL is not a function that a user currently using the PC 10 can execute.

[0058] Then, if the processing function corresponding to the specified URL is a processing function that can be executed by the user using PC10 (S202: Yes), the control program 74 sets the EWS screen of the processing function corresponding to the specified URL as the main screen (S204). At this time, for example, if the specified URL is a non-image processing function URL, the control program 74 sets the EWS screen of the non-image processing function as the main screen. In addition, the so-called non-image processing function, as mentioned above, is a basic processing function, such as the status confirmation function of MFP50. In addition, the EWS screen is a webpage screen based on EWS information display, which will be explained in detail later. Therefore, the EWS screen of the non-image processing function is a webpage screen related to the basic processing function, and the webpage screen related to the basic processing function is set as the main screen. In addition, regarding the main screen, which will also be explained in detail later, the main screen is the screen initially displayed on LCD16 when the link buttons 106, 116, and 126 are operated on PC10. In addition, if the specified URL is a printing processing function URL, the control program 74 sets the EWS screen of the printing processing function, that is, the webpage screen related to the printing processing function, as the main screen. In addition, when the specified URL is the scanning processing function URL, the control program 74 sets the EWS screen of the scanning processing function, that is, the screen of the webpage related to the scanning processing function, as the main screen.

[0059] Additionally, in S202, if the processing function corresponding to the specified URL is not a processing function that the user using PC10 can execute (S202: No), the control program 74 sets the EWS screen of the non-image processing function as the main screen instead of the EWS screen of the processing function corresponding to the specified URL (S206).

[0060] Thus, when the EWS screen with any processing function is set as the main screen through processing S204 or S206, the control program 74 determines whether, in addition to the processing function of the EWS screen set as the main screen, there are other processing functions that can be executed by the user currently using the PC10 (S208). That is, the control program 74 determines whether, in addition to the processing function of the EWS screen set as the main screen, there are other processing functions that can be executed by the user currently using the PC10. Figure 15 In the mapping data shown, it is determined whether any of the allowed functions corresponding to the user ID of the user using PC10 are different from the processing function of the EWS screen set as the main screen. Specifically, for example, if the request information includes the user ID "User A" and the processing function of the EWS screen set as the main screen is a non-image processing function, it is determined that the allowed functions include printing and scanning functions as functions different from the non-image processing function. Furthermore, for example, if the request information includes the user ID "User B" and the processing function of the EWS screen set as the main screen is printing, it is determined that the allowed functions include a non-image processing function as a function different from the printing function.

[0061] Then, if it is determined that among the allowed functions corresponding to the user ID, there exists a function that is different from the processing function of the EWS screen set as the main screen (S208: Yes), the control program 74 adds the function that was determined to exist, that is, a processing function that the user using the PC10 can execute, other than the processing function of the EWS screen set as the main screen, as the processing function of the EWS screen (S210). That is, for example, if the processing function of the EWS screen set as the main screen is a non-image processing function, and there are printing processing function and scanning processing function as allowed functions other than the non-image processing function, the printing processing function and scanning processing function are added to the processing function of the EWS screen. Therefore, the non-image processing function, printing processing function, and scanning processing function are set as the processing functions of the EWS screen. In addition, for example, if the processing function of the EWS screen set as the main screen is the printing processing function, and there are non-image processing functions as allowed functions other than the printing processing function, the non-image processing function is added to the processing function of the EWS screen. Therefore, the printing processing function and the non-image processing function are set as the processing functions of the EWS screen.

[0062] On the other hand, if in S208 it is determined that there is no function among the allowed execution functions corresponding to the user ID that is different from the processing function of the EWS screen set as the main screen (S208: No), the processing in S210 is skipped. That is, no function other than the processing function of the EWS screen set as the main screen is added as the processing function of the EWS screen.

[0063] Thus, when more than one processing function is set as the processing function of the EWS screen, the control program 74 determines the permission information corresponding to the user ID of the user using PC10 (showing an example of allowed permissions) (S212: see Figure 13 Specifically, each user is assigned display permissions indicating whether or not the EWS screen based on EWS information is allowed to be displayed on the PC10, and this information representing display permissions is stored as permission information in the data storage area 76 of the MFP50. This permission information is stored as... Figure 16 The mapping data shown associates user IDs with permission information. Therefore, control program 74 determines the permission information corresponding to the user ID based on this mapping data. For example, if the request information contains the user ID "User A", control program 74 determines the permission information "Administrator" corresponding to that user ID. Similarly, if the request information contains the user ID "User B", control program 74 determines the permission information "Normal" corresponding to that user ID.

[0064] Additionally, the "Administrator" permission information indicates display permissions for all EWS screens, while the "Normal" permission information indicates narrower display permissions than "Administrator." Furthermore, information related to the various processing functions displayed on the EWS screen consists of multiple settings items, and the permission information indicates the display permissions for each of these settings items. Specifically, such as... Figure 17As shown, the printing function consists of multiple settings such as "Print," "Tray," "Duplex Printing," and "Print Color," while the scanning function consists of multiple settings such as "Scan to USB," "FTP / Network…Scan," and "FTP / Network…Configuration File." Additionally, non-image processing functions consist of multiple settings such as "Status" and "Re-read Interval." Furthermore, the settings constituting the processing functions (hereinafter referred to as "major items") are further refined into multiple refined settings (hereinafter referred to as "minor items"). Specifically, for example, the major item "Print" constituting the printing function consists of multiple minor items such as "Toner Saving" and "Error Removal." Similarly, for example, the major item "Scan to USB" constituting the scanning function consists of multiple minor items such as "Resolution" and "File Format." Moreover, for each of the major and minor items constituting various processing functions, display permissions are set according to each permission information. Furthermore, in... Figure 17 In this context, "TRUE" is recorded when display permissions are granted, and "FALSE" is recorded when display permissions are not granted. That is, as shown below... Figure 17 As shown, the "Administrator" permission information grants display permissions for all major and minor projects constituting various processing functions, while the "Normal" permission information grants display permissions for a subset of these projects. Therefore, the "Administrator" permission allows the display of all EWS screens, while the "Normal" permission allows display within a narrower range than the "Administrator" permission. Furthermore, Figure 17 The information shown is stored as mapping data in the data storage area 76 of the MFP50. Incidentally, as various processing functions that can be performed by the MFP50, the above description describes non-image processing functions, printing processing functions, and scanning processing functions, but also sets various processing functions such as administrator setting functions and network functions as functions that can be performed by the MFP50. In this mapping data, the display permissions of permission information are set for each of the above-mentioned processing functions.

[0065] Then, control program 74 is based on Figure 17 The mapping data shown determines whether or not display permission exists for each of the multiple large or small items that constitute the processing functions set as EWS screens. Furthermore, as mentioned above, since more than one processing function is set for EWS screens, the control program 74 determines any one of the more than one processing functions set as the processing function to be determined (hereinafter referred to as "object function") (S214). That is, for example, if both printing processing function and non-image processing function are set as processing functions for the EWS screen, the printing processing function is determined as the object function.

[0066] Next, control program 74 is based on Figure 17 The mapping data shown is used to determine whether one of the multiple large or small items constituting the object function is a displayable item (S216). Then, if one of the multiple large or small items constituting the object function is a displayable item (S216: Yes), that item is set as a displayable item (S218). On the other hand, if one of the multiple large or small items constituting the object function is not a displayable item (S216: No), the processing in S218 is skipped. That is, it is determined that the object's item is not set as a displayable item.

[0067] Specifically, for example, when the permission information is "Administrator" and the object function is print processing, the control program 74 determines whether the major item "Color Correction" in the print processing function is a displayable item. In this case, the display permission for the major item "Color Correction" is set to "TRUE" relative to the permission information "Administrator" in the mapping data, therefore the major item "Color Correction" in the print processing function is set as a displayable item. On the other hand, for example, when the permission information is "Normal," the display permission for the major item "Color Correction" is set to "FALSE" in the mapping data, therefore the major item "Color Correction" in the print processing function is not set as a displayable item.

[0068] Then, control program 74 determines whether S216 has been processed for all items of the multiple large or small items constituting the object function (S220). If S216 has not been processed for all items constituting the object function (S220: No), then processing after S216 is executed. That is, it determines whether each item of the multiple large or small items constituting the object function has display permissions, and sets items with display permissions as display items.

[0069] Then, when all items constituting the object function have been processed in S216 (S220: Yes), the control program 74 determines whether all functions set as processing functions of the EWS screen have been processed in S214 (S222). Then, if not all functions set as processing functions of the EWS screen have been processed in S214 (S222: No), the processing after S214 is executed. That is, all functions set as processing functions of the EWS screen are identified as object functions, and the processing after S214 is executed on the identified object functions. Therefore, for example, if both printing processing function and non-image processing function are set as processing functions of the EWS screen, the processing of S214 to S220 is executed on each of these two processing functions.

[0070] Then, when all functions set as processing functions of the EWS screen are processed in S214 (S222: Yes), the control program 74 creates image data for the EWS screen based on the EWS information stored in the EWS 70 (S224). At this time, the control program 74 creates image data for the EWS screen to display the items set as display items in S218 according to each processing function. That is, for example, the control program 74 creates image data to display the print processing function set as a display item as an EWS screen. At this time, the control program 74 creates image data to assign a tab to an EWS screen. Then, the control program 74 creates image data in the state where the tab assigned to the EWS screen set as the main screen in S204 or S206 is selected. Therefore, for example, when image data for multiple EWS screens is created, image data is created such that when the tab assigned to the EWS screen set as the main screen is selected among the multiple tabs of the multiple EWS screens, the EWS screen set as the main screen is displayed at the forefront of the multiple EWS screens. Then, when the image data for the EWS screen is created, the screen creation processing subroutine ends, and the control program 74 sends the created image data to PC10 (S110: reference). Figure 11 Therefore, in PC10, control program 30 starts browser 32, and browser 32 displays EWS screen on LCD16 based on image data (S112).

[0071] Specifically, for example, if a user with the user ID "User A" interacts with the link button 106 on the homepage screen 100, the non-image processing functions corresponding to the homepage screen 100 are included in the allowed execution functions for user ID "User A" (see [reference]). Figure 15 Therefore, the EWS screen, which does not handle image processing, is set as the main screen (S204). Furthermore, since the allowed functions for user ID "User A" also include "print processing function" and "scanning processing function" (see...),... Figure 15 Therefore, "print processing function" and "scanning processing function" were added to the processing functions of the EWS screen. That is, non-image processing functions, printing processing function, and scanning processing function are set as processing functions of the EWS screen. Furthermore, in Figure 16 In the mapping data shown, the permission information "Administrator" is stored in association with the user ID "User A". Figure 17In the mapping data shown, for the permission information "Administrator," the display permission for all settings items of all processing functions is set to "TRUE." Therefore, in the MFP50, image data is created for the EWS screen corresponding to non-image processing functions (hereinafter referred to as "non-image processing EWS screen"), the EWS screen corresponding to printing processing functions (hereinafter referred to as "printing processing EWS screen"), the EWS screen corresponding to scanning processing functions (hereinafter referred to as "scanning processing EWS screen"), the EWS screen corresponding to administrator setting processing functions (hereinafter referred to as "administrator processing EWS screen"), and the EWS screen corresponding to network processing functions (hereinafter referred to as "network processing EWS screen"). At this time, image data is created so that each of the aforementioned multiple EWS screens contains all settings items of the processing function constituting each EWS screen. That is, for example, image data is created so that the non-image processing EWS screen contains all settings items constituting the non-image processing function. Furthermore, image data is created to assign tabs to each of the multiple EWS screens. That is, for example, image data is created to assign a non-image processing tab to a non-image processing EWS screen, a print processing tab to a print processing EWS screen, a scan processing tab to a scan processing EWS screen, an administrator processing tab to an administrator processing EWS screen, and a network processing tab to a network processing EWS screen. Furthermore, image data is created to display the non-image processing EWS screen when one of the aforementioned tabs (i.e., the non-image processing tab) is selected. By sending this thus created image data to PC10, as... Figure 5 As shown, a non-image processing EWS screen 150 is displayed on the LCD 16. This non-image processing EWS screen 150 displays multiple tabs, including a non-image processing tab 152a, a print processing tab 152b, a scan processing tab 152c, an administrator processing tab 152d, and a network processing tab 152e, and shows the non-image processing tab 152a selected. Furthermore, the non-image processing EWS screen 150 displays all settings that constitute the non-image processing functions, such as settings 156 for "Status," "Re-read Interval," and "Maintenance Information." Information related to the selected settings among the aforementioned multiple settings 156 is displayed on the non-image processing EWS screen 150.

[0072] Furthermore, for example, if a user with user ID "User A" operates the link button 126 in the scan processing execution screen 120, based on Figure 15 The mapping data shown sets the EWS screen for the scanning processing function as the main screen (S204). Additionally, similarly to the method described above, based on...Figure 15 The mapping data shown sets non-image processing, printing, and scanning functions as processing functions for the EWS screen. Furthermore, similar to the method described above, based on... Figure 16 and Figure 17 The mapping data shown creates image data for a non-image processing EWS screen (without an image processing tab), an image data for a print processing EWS screen (with a print processing tab), and an image data for a scan processing EWS screen (with a scan processing tab), etc. At this time, image data is created so that each of the EWS screens contains all the settings items constituting the processing function of each EWS screen. Furthermore, image data is created to display the scan processing EWS screen when the scan processing tab, which is set as the main screen among the aforementioned tabs, is selected. By sending the image data thus created to the PC10, as shown... Figure 6 As shown, the Scan Processing EWS screen 160 is displayed on the LCD 16. This Scan Processing EWS screen 160 displays a non-image processing tab 152a, a print processing tab 152b, a scan processing tab 152c, etc., and shows the state where the scan processing tab 152c is selected. Additionally, the Scan Processing EWS screen 160 displays all the settings that constitute the scan processing function, such as settings 166 for "Scan to USB," "FTP / Network…Scan," and "FTP / Network…Profile." Furthermore, information related to the selected state of the settings 166 is displayed on the Scan Processing EWS screen 160.

[0073] Furthermore, for example, if a user with user ID "User A" operates the link button 116 on the print processing execution screen 110, based on Figure 15 The mapping data shown sets the EWS screen for print processing as the main screen (S204). Additionally, similarly to the method described above, based on... Figure 15 The mapping data shown sets non-image processing, printing, and scanning functions as processing functions for the EWS screen. Furthermore, similar to the method described above, based on... Figure 16 and Figure 17The mapping data shown creates image data for a non-image processing EWS screen (without an image processing tab), image data for a print processing EWS screen (with a print processing tab), and image data for a scan processing EWS screen (with a scan processing tab). Furthermore, image data is created so that each of the EWS screens contains all the settings items constituting the processing functions of that EWS screen. Moreover, image data is created to display the print processing EWS screen when the print processing tab, which is set as the main screen among the aforementioned tabs, is selected. By sending the image data thus created to the PC10, as shown... Figure 7 As shown, the print processing EWS screen 170 is displayed on the LCD 16. This print processing EWS screen 170 displays a non-image processing tab 152a, a print processing tab 152b, a scan processing tab 152c, etc., and shows the state where the print processing tab 152b is selected. Furthermore, the print processing EWS screen 170 displays all the settings that constitute the print processing function, such as "Print," "Tray," "Duplex Printing," and other settings 176. Then, information related to the selected state of the settings among the aforementioned multiple settings 176 is displayed on the print processing EWS screen 170.

[0074] In this way, by operating the link buttons 106, 116, and 126 on the screen displayed on LCD16, information related to the displayed screen can be displayed as an EWS screen. Thus, the user can browse the information they desire simply by operating the link buttons.

[0075] Additionally, if different settings 176 are selected in the EWS screen 170 for print processing, for example, ... Figure 8 As shown, when the "Tray" setting is selected, information related to the "Tray" setting is displayed on the Print Processing EWS screen 170. This allows the user to browse the settings they desire.

[0076] Furthermore, for example, if a non-image processing tab 152a is selected in the print processing EWS screen 170, such as Figure 5 As shown, instead of the print processing EWS screen 170, the non-image processing EWS screen 150 is displayed on the LCD 16. This allows the user to browse information related to processing functions that differ from the initially displayed processing functions.

[0077] Furthermore, for example, if a user with the user ID "User C" operates the link button 116 on the print processing execution screen 110, the print processing function corresponding to the print processing execution screen 110 is included in the allowed execution function for user ID "User C" (see [reference]).Figure 15 Therefore, the EWS screen for print processing is set as the main screen (S204). Furthermore, since the allowed functions for user ID "User C" also include "non-image processing functions" and "scanning processing functions" (see...), Figure 15 Therefore, "non-image processing functions" and "scanning processing functions" were added to the processing functions of the EWS screen. That is, non-image processing functions, printing processing functions, and scanning processing functions were set as processing functions of the EWS screen. Furthermore, in Figure 16 In the mapping data shown, the permission information "Normal" is stored associated with the user ID "User C". Figure 17 In the mapping data shown, for the permission information "Normal," only a portion of the settings items constituting multiple processing functions have their display permissions set to "TRUE." Therefore, in the MFP50, image data for the EWS screen corresponding to the processing function with a display permission of "TRUE" is created. Specifically, image data for the non-image processing EWS screen, the print processing EWS screen, and the scan processing EWS screen are created. At this time, image data is created so that each EWS screen contains only the settings items with a display permission of "TRUE" among the multiple settings items constituting the processing function of each EWS screen. That is, for example, image data is created so that the print processing EWS screen includes settings such as "toner saving" and "error resolution," but excludes settings such as "color correction" and "automatic color deviation correction." At this time, image data is created to assign a tab to each of the non-image processing EWS screen, the print processing EWS screen, and the scan processing EWS screen. Furthermore, image data is created to display the print processing EWS screen when the tab of the EWS screen set as the main screen (i.e., the print processing tab) among the aforementioned multiple tabs is selected. By sending the image data thus created to PC10, thus... Figure 9As shown, a print processing EWS screen 180 is displayed on the LCD 16. This print processing EWS screen 180 displays the non-image processing tab 152a, the print processing tab 152b, and the scan processing tab 152c, but does not display the administrator processing tab 152d, network processing tab 152e, etc., and only shows the print processing tab 152b as selected. Furthermore, the print processing EWS screen 180 displays settings 176 such as "Print," "Tray," and "Duplex Printing" among all the settings that constitute the print processing function, but does not display the settings 176 for "Color Correction" and "Automatic Color Deviation Correction." Then, information related to the selected state of the displayed settings 176 is displayed on the print processing EWS screen 180. Therefore, only the processing functions and settings corresponding to the permission information can be viewed by the user on the EWS screen. That is, the display content of the EWS screen can be adjusted arbitrarily for each user.

[0078] Furthermore, for example, if a user with the user ID "User B" operates the link button 126 on the scan processing execution screen 120, the scan processing function corresponding to the scan processing execution screen 120 is not included in the allowed execution function for user ID "User B" (see reference). Figure 15 Therefore, the EWS screen, which does not handle image processing, is set as the main screen (S206). Furthermore, since the allowed functions for user ID "User B" also include "print processing function" (see...). Figure 15 Therefore, a "print processing function" has been added to the EWS screen's processing functions. That is, non-image processing functions and print processing functions are now set as EWS screen processing functions. Furthermore, in Figure 16 In the mapping data shown, the permission information "Normal" is stored associated with the user ID "User B". Figure 17In the mapping data shown, for the permission information "Normal," only the display permissions of a portion of the multiple processing functions are set to "TRUE," and only the display permissions of a portion of the multiple settings items constituting the processing functions whose display permissions are set to "TRUE" are set to "TRUE." Therefore, in the MFP50, image data for the EWS screen corresponding to the processing functions whose display permissions are set to "TRUE" for the processing functions set as EWS screens is created. At this time, image data is created so that each EWS screen contains only the settings items whose display permissions are set to "TRUE" among the multiple settings items constituting the processing functions of each EWS screen. That is, image data for non-image processing EWS screens and print processing EWS screens is created. For example, image data is created to include settings such as "Device Information," "Toner Remaining," and "Re-read Interval" in the non-image processing EWS screen, but not settings such as "Language" and "Device Location." At this time, image data is created to assign a tab to each of the non-image processing EWS screens and print processing EWS screens. Furthermore, image data is created to display a non-image processing EWS screen when one of the aforementioned tabs, specifically the one set as the main EWS screen (i.e., a non-image processing tab), is selected. This image data is then sent to the PC10, thereby achieving... Figure 10 As shown, a non-image processing EWS screen 190 is displayed on the LCD 16. This non-image processing EWS screen 190 displays the non-image processing tab 152a and the print processing tab 152b, but not the scan processing tab 152c, etc., and shows the non-image processing tab 152a as selected. Furthermore, the non-image processing EWS screen 190 displays settings 156 such as "device status," "toner remaining," and "re-read interval," which constitute the non-image processing function, but not settings 156 such as "language" or "device location." Then, information related to the selected state of the displayed settings 156 is displayed on the non-image processing EWS screen 190. Thus, if the link button 126 is operated on the scan processing execution screen 120, and the user is not allowed to perform the processing function corresponding to that scan processing execution screen 120, i.e., the scan processing function, the non-image processing EWS screen is displayed instead of the scan processing EWS screen. Therefore, the display of the EWS screen for processing functions that the user is not allowed to perform can be prevented. Furthermore, since the scan processing tab 152c is also not displayed, the display of the scan processing EWS screen can be reliably prevented.

[0079] In addition, Figure 12 and Figure 13In the screen creation processing execution subroutine shown, if it is determined in the S200 process that there is no access permission (S200: No), the control program 74 does not create the image data of the EWS screen and terminates the screen creation processing execution subroutine. In such a case, as Figure 11 As shown, control program 74 sends an error message to PC10 instead of image data (S110). Consequently, an error screen (illustration omitted) is displayed on PC10 (S112).

[0080] Furthermore, the CPU 12 executing S100 is an example of an input screen display unit. The CPU 12 displaying the scan processing EWS screen 160 or the print processing EWS screen 170 in S112 is an example of an image processing function display unit. The CPU 12 displaying the non-image processing EWS screen 150 in S112 is an example of a non-image processing function display unit. The CPU 12 executing S106 is an example of a request sending unit. The CPU 52 executing S110 is an example of an image data sending unit. The CPU 12 executing S112 is an example of a processing function display unit.

[0081] According to the above implementation method, the following effects are achieved.

[0082] When link buttons 116 and 126 are operated while the LCD16 of PC10 displays the print processing execution screen 110 or the scan processing execution screen 120, the control program 30 obtains image data from the MFP50 of the EWS screen for print processing or scan processing functions, i.e., the EWS screen for image processing functions. Then, the control program 30 displays the EWS screen on the LCD16 based on this image data. Conversely, when link button 106 is operated while the LCD16 displays the home screen 100, the control program 30 obtains image data from the MFP50 of the EWS screen for non-image processing functions. Then, the control program 30 displays the EWS screen on the LCD16 based on this image data. Thus, the EWS screen corresponding to the input screen displayed on the LCD16 when the link button is operated can be displayed on the LCD16, thereby improving the operability of the link button.

[0083] The control program 30 uses the browser 32 to obtain image data of the EWS screen from the EWS70 of the MFP50, and displays the EWS screen on the LCD16 based on the image data. Thus, the control program 30 is able to obtain image data appropriately.

[0084] Tabs are assigned to the EWS screen. When the control program 30 acquires image data from multiple EWS screens, and the tab assigned to the EWS screen corresponding to the input screen displayed when the link button is operated is selected, that EWS screen is displayed on the LCD 16. Thus, by operating the tabs, the user can browse any EWS screen.

[0085] In addition, Figure 16 In the mapping data shown, permission information is set for each user ID. This permission information represents the display permissions allowed for information related to the processing function, and is set to either "Administrator" (wide display permission) or "Normal" (narrow display permission). Furthermore, only information related to the processing function whose display permission information corresponds to the user ID is displayed on the EWS screen. This allows each user to view only information related to any given processing function. Additionally, permission information is set for each of the multiple settings items constituting the processing function. Furthermore, only information related to the settings items of the processing function whose display permission is allowed is displayed on the EWS screen. This allows each user to view only information related to any given settings item.

[0086] In addition, Figure 15 The mapping data shown specifies allowed functions for each user ID. Allowed functions are those functions that the user corresponding to that user ID is permitted to execute. Furthermore, the EWS screen containing the processing functions for the allowed functions corresponding to the user ID is displayed, while EWS screens containing processing functions not included in the allowed functions are not displayed. This allows users to view only the EWS screens containing the processing functions they are authorized to execute.

[0087] In addition, Figure 14 The mapping data shown includes a password set for each user ID. Therefore, if the user ID and password of a user currently using PC10 match the user ID and password set in the mapping data, it is determined that they have access rights. Furthermore, the EWS screen is displayed only when access rights are granted; otherwise, it is not displayed. This allows only users with access rights to view the EWS screen.

[0088] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but can be implemented in various ways with modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art. Specifically, for example, in the embodiments described above, Figures 14-17The mapping data shown is stored in the MFP50, and the MFP50 performs the selection of information that can be displayed by the PC10. Alternatively, this mapping data can also be stored in the PC10, and the PC10 performs the selection of information that can be displayed by the PC10. That is, the MFP50 can also send all the image data of the EWS screen to the PC10, and the PC10 selects the information that can be displayed from the sent image data based on the mapping data.

[0089] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the EWS information is stored in the EWS70 of the MFP50, but it can also be stored in a different device than the MFP50, such as a server. In such a case, the PC10 can obtain the EWS information from the server via the MFP50, or it can obtain the EWS information directly from the server.

[0090] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, it is explained that the CPU12 and 52 execute the commands. Figures 11-13 The examples shown are examples of processing, but these processes are not limited to being executed by CPU12 or 52. They can also be executed by ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or other logic integrated circuits. These processes can also be executed in cooperation with CPUs, ASICs, and other logic integrated circuits.

[0091] Label Explanation

[0092] 1: Communication system, 10: PC, 12: CPU, 16: LCD, 20: Communication I / F, 30: Control program, 32: Browser, 50: MFP, 52: CPU, 70: EWS.

Claims

1. A recording medium containing a control program readable by a computer of an information processing device, the information processing device having a communication interface and a display interface for communicating with an image processing device, characterized in that, The control program enables the computer to function as a unit in the following ways: An input screen display unit displays any one of a plurality of input screens on the display interface. The plurality of input screens are used to input instructions for the image processing device to perform a specified function, including a first input screen for inputting an instruction for the image processing device to perform an image processing function as the specified function, and a second input screen for inputting an instruction for the image processing device to perform a function other than the image processing function, i.e., a non-image processing function, as the specified function. The image processing function display unit, when the first input screen is displayed by the input screen display unit, requests image data of the display image from the image processing device, obtains image data of the display image related to the image processing function from the image processing device, and displays the display image related to the image processing function on the display interface; and When the input screen display unit requests image data of the display image from the image processing device while the second input screen is displayed by the input screen display unit, the non-image processing function display unit obtains the image data of the display image related to the non-image processing function from the image processing device and displays the display image related to the non-image processing function on the display interface.

2. The recording medium according to claim 1, characterized in that, The information processing device includes a browser, which is used to retrieve image data from a server provided by the image processing device using a URL. When the image processing function display unit requests image data for a display image from the image processing device using an image processing function specified URL that specifies the display image related to the image processing function, it obtains the image data for the display image related to the image processing function from the server and displays the display image related to the image processing function on the display interface. When the non-image processing function display unit requests image data of the display image from the image processing device using a non-image processing function specified URL for specifying the display image related to the non-image processing function, it obtains the image data of the display image related to the non-image processing function from the server and displays the display image related to the non-image processing function on the display interface.

3. The recording medium according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The image processing function display unit obtains from the image processing device a first display image related to the image processing function and image data associated with a first tab representing the first display image, as well as a second display image related to an image processing function different from the image processing function and image data associated with a second tab representing the second display image, and displays the first display image related to the image processing function on the display interface when the first tab is selected.

4. The recording medium according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The device can set display permission permissions based on the identification information of each user using the information processing device. These display permission permissions represent the allowed display images among multiple display images associated with multiple image processing functions that can be performed by the image processing device. If the display permission corresponding to the user's identification information who requested the image data to be displayed from the image processing device includes a display image related to the image processing function, the image processing function display unit displays the image related to the image processing function on the display interface; if the display permission corresponding to the user's identification information does not include a display image related to the image processing function, the image processing function display unit does not display the image related to the image processing function on the display interface.

5. The recording medium according to claim 4, characterized in that, The display image associated with the image processing function consists of multiple settings for that image processing function. The display permission indicates whether the display of each of the multiple settings items constituting the displayed image is permitted or not. When the display permission corresponding to the identification information of the user who requested the image data of the display image from the image processing device includes one or more setting items that constitute the display image related to the image processing function, the image processing function display unit displays one or more setting items on the display interface, and does not display setting items other than one or more setting items among the multiple setting items that constitute the display image related to the image processing function on the display interface.

6. The recording medium according to claim 5, characterized in that, As the display permission, a first display permission and a second display permission can be set, wherein the second display permission allows fewer settings to be displayed among the multiple settings constituting the display image compared to the first display permission.

7. The recording medium according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, For each user using the information processing device, executable information is set based on their identification information. This executable information indicates which of the all image processing functions that can be performed by the image processing device can be executed through the user's operation. When the executable information corresponding to the user's identification information that requested image data to be displayed from the image processing device includes the image processing function, the image processing function display unit displays the image related to the image processing function on the display interface; when the executable information corresponding to the user's identification information does not include the image processing function, the image processing function display unit does not display the image related to the image processing function on the display interface.

8. The recording medium according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Access permission information is set for the identification information of each user using the information processing device, indicating whether access to the image processing device is permitted. When the access permission information corresponding to the user's identification information who requested the image data to display the image from the image processing device indicates that access is permitted, the image processing function display unit and the non-image processing function display unit obtain the image data of the display image from the image processing device and display the display image on the display interface. When the access permission information corresponding to the user's identification information who requested the image data to display the image from the image processing device does not indicate that access is permitted, the display image is not displayed on the display interface.

9. An information processing device, comprising: Communication interface for communicating with image processing equipment; Display interface; and computer, Its features are, The computer functions as a unit in the following ways: An input screen display unit displays any one of a plurality of input screens on the display interface. The plurality of input screens are used to input instructions for the image processing device to perform a specified function, including a first input screen for inputting an instruction for the image processing device to perform an image processing function as the specified function, and a second input screen for inputting an instruction for the image processing device to perform a function other than the image processing function, i.e., a non-image processing function, as the specified function. The image processing function display unit, when the first input screen is displayed by the input screen display unit, requests image data of the display image from the image processing device, obtains image data of the display image related to the image processing function from the image processing device, and displays the display image related to the image processing function on the display interface; and When the input screen display unit requests image data of the display image from the image processing device while the second input screen is displayed by the input screen display unit, the non-image processing function display unit obtains the image data of the display image related to the non-image processing function from the image processing device and displays the display image related to the non-image processing function on the display interface.

10. A communication system comprising: Image processing equipment, having a device-side computer; and The information processing device includes a communication interface for communicating with the image processing device, a display interface, a user interface, and a computer on the information processing device side. Its features are, The computer on the information processing device side functions as the following unit: An input screen display unit displays any one of a plurality of input screens on the display interface. The plurality of input screens are used to input instructions for the image processing device to perform a specified function, including a first input screen for inputting an instruction for the image processing device to perform an image processing function as the specified function, and a second input screen for inputting an instruction for the image processing device to perform a function other than the image processing function, i.e., a non-image processing function, as the specified function. and The request sending unit, when the first input screen is displayed by the input screen display unit and a user operation requesting image data to be displayed is received via the user interface, sends a request for image data related to the image processing function to the image processing device. Conversely, when the second input screen is displayed by the input screen display unit and a user operation requesting image data to be displayed is received via the user interface, the request sending unit sends a request for image data not related to the image processing function to the image processing device. This enables the device-side computer to function as an image data transmission unit. When the image data sending unit receives a request for image data of a display image related to the image processing function, it sends the image data of the display image related to that image processing function to the information processing device; and when it receives a request for image data of a display image not related to the image processing function, it sends the image data of the display image not related to that image processing function to the information processing device. This enables the computer on the information processing device side to function as a processing and display unit. When the processing function display unit receives image data of a display image related to the image processing function, it displays the display image related to the image processing function on the display interface; and when it receives image data of a display image not related to the image processing function, it displays the display image not related to the image processing function on the display interface.

Images