Image processing apparatus, output system, terminal device, and output method

Abstract

An image processing apparatus or the like is provided that can perform tasks without direct contact with an operation screen. It includes: a control unit; a device information generation unit that generates device information including device identification information; and a task execution unit that executes a task according to predetermined settings based on task execution-related setting information sent from a terminal device. The control unit displays the generated device information on the terminal device, controls the task execution unit based on task execution-related setting information sent from the terminal device that has read the displayed device information, and outputs the task according to the predetermined settings.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to image processing apparatus and the like. Background Technology

[0002] For example, many multifunction printers that can perform multiple modes such as printing, scanning, faxing, and email on a single device have operation screens for accepting mode selection and inputting / selecting the settings of the selected mode.

[0003] Recently, touch panel displays, consisting of a monitor for displaying various information to the user and a touch panel superimposed on the monitor to detect the position of the user's finger pressing, have become mainstream as operating screens. Users can operate the touch screen while confirming various information displayed on the monitor, thereby intuitively and easily selecting modes and inputting / selecting settings for the selected mode.

[0004] Incidentally, with the spread of the novel coronavirus, it is necessary to avoid frequent contact with many unspecified people in order to reduce the risk of infection.

[0005] For example, operating the multi-purpose multi-function machines (MMUs) in workplaces, convenience stores, and other similar locations also requires emergency measures to avoid frequent contact.

[0006] As an example of avoiding direct contact with the operation screen of a multifunction printer, for instance, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for creating text jobs in a text processing device such as a multifunction printer terminal without manually entering information.

[0007] Existing technical documents

[0008] Patent documents

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-25809 Summary of the Invention

[0010] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention

[0011] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an image processing apparatus or the like that can perform tasks without direct contact with an operating screen.

[0012] Technical solutions for solving technical problems

[0013] To address the aforementioned issues, the image processing apparatus of this disclosure includes: a control unit; a device information generation unit that generates device information including device identification information; and a job execution unit that executes a job according to a predetermined setting based on setting information related to job execution sent from a terminal device. The control unit displays the generated device information on the terminal device, controls the job execution unit based on the setting information related to job execution sent from the terminal device that has read the displayed device information, and outputs the job according to the predetermined setting.

[0014] Furthermore, the output system disclosed herein is an output system for a job including a terminal device, an image processing device, and a network service. The terminal device includes: a control unit; and a device information acquisition unit, which acquires device information including identification information for identifying the image processing device, and generates a user interface for receiving settings related to job execution in the image processing device based on a user request, and sends the setting information related to job execution set via the user interface and the acquired identification information to the network service. The network service includes: a control unit; and a storage unit, which stores the setting information and the identification information in association, and sends the setting information corresponding to the identification information to the image processing device in response to a request from the image processing device. The image processing device includes: a control unit; a device information generation unit, which generates device information including the identification information of the device; and a job execution unit, which outputs the job according to a predetermined setting based on the setting information, and displays the generated device information on the terminal device, and controls the job execution unit based on the setting information sent from the terminal device that reads the displayed device information, and outputs the job according to the predetermined setting.

[0015] Furthermore, the terminal device disclosed herein includes: a control unit; and a device information acquisition unit, which acquires device information including identification information for identifying an image processing device. The control unit generates a user interface for setting an output method for accepting a task in the image processing device based on a user's request, and sends the setting information set via the user interface and the acquired identification information to a network service.

[0016] Furthermore, the output method disclosed herein is a method for outputting a job performed by an image processing device, comprising: a device information generation step, generating device information including device identification information; and a job output step, displaying the generated device information on a terminal device, and outputting the job according to predetermined settings based on setting information related to job execution sent from the terminal device that has read the displayed device information.

[0017] Beneficial effects

[0018] According to this disclosure, an image processing device or the like can be provided that can perform tasks without direct contact with an operating screen. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a diagram that roughly illustrates the overall configuration of the output system of the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the multifunction printer according to the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of device information.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the terminal device according to the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates an example of a combination of setting information and identification information sent by a terminal device.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the network service in the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 7 This diagram illustrates an example of a combination of configuration and identification information stored in a network service.

[0026] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the overall processing of the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the composite machine according to the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the terminal device according to the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the network service in the first embodiment.

[0030] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the display screen shown by a multifunction printer.

[0031] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the layout of the homepage displayed on a multifunction printer.

[0032] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a job execution screen displayed on a multifunction printer.

[0033] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a multifunction printer's completed task display screen.

[0034] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an application screen displayed on a terminal device.

[0035] Figure 17 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a copy operation execution screen displayed on a terminal device.

[0036] Figure 18 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a scanning operation execution screen displayed on a terminal device.

[0037] Figure 19 This is a diagram illustrating an example of how a terminal device displays screen information.

[0038] Figure 20 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the terminal device according to the second embodiment.

[0039] Figure 21 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the copy operation execution screen displayed by the terminal device of the second embodiment.

[0040] Figure 22 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the application screen displayed by the terminal device according to the third embodiment.

[0041] Figure 23 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the application screen displayed by the terminal device according to the third embodiment.

[0042] Figure 24 This is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the multifunction printer according to the fourth embodiment.

[0043] Figure 25 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the composite machine according to the fourth embodiment.

[0044] Figure 26 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the composite machine according to the fourth embodiment.

[0045] Figure 27 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the composite machine according to the fourth embodiment.

[0046] Figure 28 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the composite machine according to the fourth embodiment.

[0047] Figure 29 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the login screen displayed on a multifunction printer.

[0048] Figure 30 This is a diagram illustrating one example of the configuration of other login screens displayed on a multifunction printer.

[0049] Figure 31This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the display screen shown by a multifunction printer.

[0050] Figure 32 This is a diagram illustrating one example of the configuration of other display screens on a multifunction printer.

[0051] Figure 33 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the layout of the homepage displayed on a multifunction printer.

[0052] Figure 34 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the message display area on a multifunction printer.

[0053] Figure 35 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the display screen shown by a multifunction printer.

[0054] Figure 36 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an application screen displayed on a terminal device.

[0055] Figure 37 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing of other terminal devices.

[0056] Figure 38 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an application screen displayed on a terminal device.

[0057] Figure 39 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an application screen displayed on a terminal device. Detailed Implementation

[0058] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this invention, a multifunction printer 10 capable of performing either a copying mode or a scanning mode will be described as an example of an image processing apparatus. Furthermore, the following embodiments are merely examples for illustrating the present disclosure, and the technical scope described in the claims is not limited to the following description.

[0059] [First Implementation Method]

[0060] Figure 1 This diagram schematically illustrates the overall configuration of the output system 100 according to the first embodiment. The output system 100 includes a multifunction printer 10, a terminal device 30, and a network service 50. Additionally, in the output system 100 of the first embodiment, an external authentication server (not shown) may also be provided to perform user authentication for the multifunction printer 10.

[0061] The multifunction printer 10 is communicatively connected to the network service 50 via the network (NW) shown by the solid line in the figure. The terminal device 30 is communicatively connected to the network service 50 via the network (NW). Furthermore, the terminal device 30 is configured to obtain device information (shown later in the figure) from the multifunction printer 10.

[0062] [1.1 Functional Composition]

[0063] [1.1.1 Multifunction Printer 10]

[0064] The multifunction printer 10 is, for example, an image processing device capable of outputting printed materials by scanning printed originals and forming images on paper, which serves as a recording medium. Furthermore, the multifunction printer 10 is also an image processing device capable of outputting electronic data in a specified format (e.g., PDF (Portable Document Format)) based on scanned data of printed originals. Additionally, the input material is not limited to printed originals; for example, it can be electronic data input from external storage media or external devices.

[0065] Figure 2 This is a functional configuration diagram of the multifunction printer 10. The multifunction printer 10 includes a control unit 11, a display unit 13, an operation input unit 15, an output unit 17, a communication unit 19, and a storage unit 21.

[0066] The control unit 11 controls the entire multifunction printer 10. The control unit 11 is composed of, for example, one or more computing devices (CPU (Central Processing Unit) etc.). The control unit 11 performs its functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 21.

[0067] Display unit 13 displays various information to users, etc. Display unit 13 can be configured, for example, as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display. Furthermore, display unit 13 displays device information including the identification information described later.

[0068] The operation input unit 15 receives information input from users, etc. The operation input unit 15 can be composed of hard keys (e.g., numeric keys), buttons, etc. Alternatively, the operation input unit 15 can be configured as a touch panel display that can receive input via the display unit 13. In this case, as the input method to the touch panel display, for example, resistive film, infrared, electromagnetic induction, capacitive, etc., can be used.

[0069] The output unit 17 includes an image forming unit 171 and an image reading unit 173. The image forming unit 171 forms and outputs an image based on image data (image data generated by scanning a printed original, image data input from an external device) on paper, which serves as a recording medium. The image forming unit 171 can be configured, for example, by a laser printer utilizing an electrophotographic method. The image forming unit 171 forms an image using toner supplied from a toner cartridge (not shown) corresponding to a toner color (e.g., cyan, magenta, yellow, black).

[0070] The image reading unit 173 generates and outputs image data by scanning and reading the printed original (original image) of the object to be read. The image reading unit 173 can be configured as a scanner device equipped with an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CIS (Contact Image Sensor). The configuration of the image reading unit 173 is not limited as long as it reads the reflected light image from the printed original through an image sensor and outputs image data.

[0071] The communication unit 19 has an interface for communicating with other devices via wired / wireless means, or both, through LAN (Local area network), WAN (Wide area network), the Internet, telephone lines, fax lines, etc.

[0072] The storage unit 21 stores various programs and data required for the operation of the multifunction printer 10. The storage unit 21 can be composed of storage devices such as RAM (Random access memory), HDD (Hard disk drive), SSD (Solid state drive), and ROM (Read only memory).

[0073] In the first embodiment, the storage unit 21 stores the output unit control program 211, the display processing program 213, the device information generation program 215, and the setting information acquisition program 217, and ensures the device setting value storage area 219.

[0074] The output control program 211 is a program read by the control unit 11 when controlling the output unit 17, such as the image forming unit 171 and the image reading unit 173. After reading the output control program 211 and obtaining the setting information described later, the control unit 11 controls the output unit 17 based on the setting information to perform printing output from the image forming unit 171 or image data output from the image reading unit 173.

[0075] The display processing program 213 is, for example, a program read by the control unit 11 during display processing on the display unit 13, such as the home screen or the execution screen based on various modes. Furthermore, the control unit 11, having read the display processing program 213, displays a screen containing device information on the display unit 13 at arbitrary timings during user login, when the device is started, when sleep mode is resumed, when automatic clearing occurs, or when authentication mode is active. Additionally, the automatic clearing disclosed herein is a process performed when the operation itself is stopped and the input / selection of settings is cancelled. Normally, automatic clearing can be performed by pressing an "automatic clear button" (not shown) provided on the display screen.

[0076] The device information generation program 215 is a program read by the control unit 11 when generating device information including the identification information of the multifunction printer 10. The device information disclosed herein includes at least items related to the settings of the multifunction printer 10 required for inputting setting information in the terminal device 30, and items related to the connection with the network service 50, such as the identification information of the multifunction printer 10 and the session key. The control unit 11, having read the device information generation program 215, generates this information as encoded information obtained by encoding it using one or more of the following: Quick Response (QR) codes, barcodes, symbols, and alphanumeric characters. Furthermore, the control unit 11 updates the device information periodically or irregularly. For example, the control unit 11 updates the driver for the multifunction printer 10, and sometimes updates the device information to accommodate additional update functions. In addition, the control unit 11 updates the device information when updating / changing information related to the connection with the network service 50, or when changing the installation location of the multifunction printer 10, etc.

[0077] Here, use Figure 3 An example of the composition of the equipment information disclosed herein will be described. Figure 3 The device information illustrated herein is described in a specific format as follows: "Name," "Type," and "Version" for interface (I / F) related items; "Color Mode," "Punching," "Staple," and "OCR (Optical Character Recognition)" for multifunction printers; and "Device ID," "Session Key," and "Settings" for connection related items. Terminal device 30 can obtain device information by reading and decoding the encoded device information. Terminal device 30 can then connect to network service 50 based on the connection related items (Device ID, Session Key) of the obtained device information.

[0078] in addition, Figure 3 The equipment information items and their values ​​shown in this disclosure are merely illustrative, and the equipment information disclosed herein is not limited to [specific items]. Figure 3For example, when instructing the execution of a task in the terminal device 30, if authentication of the multifunction printer 10 is required, the PIN (Personal identification number), a one-time password generated by a token, etc., can also be included in the device information.

[0079] Return to Figure 2 The setting information acquisition program 217 is a program read by the control unit 11 when obtaining setting information set in the terminal device 30 from the network service 50. The control unit 11, which has read the setting information acquisition program 217, obtains setting information related to a job, for example, when performing HTTPS (Hypertext transfer protocol secure) long polling communication with the network service 50 and when sending a job from the terminal device 30 to the multifunction printer 10.

[0080] The device setting value storage area 219 is a storage area that stores device setting values ​​related to device information generation. The control unit 11, which reads the device information generation program 215, generates device information related to the multifunction printer by reading the device setting values ​​(e.g., "color mode", "punch", "binding", "OCR", etc.) stored in the device setting value storage area 219.

[0081] [1.1.2 Terminal Device 30]

[0082] The terminal device 30 disclosed herein can be configured as, for example, a smartphone, tablet computer, mobile phone, laptop computer, or other so-called mobile terminal device. The terminal device 30 is configured to have at least the functions of interacting with a (graphical) user interface, communication functions, and functions specific to mobile terminal devices.

[0083] Figure 4 This is a functional configuration diagram of the terminal device 30. The terminal device 30 includes a control unit 31, a display unit 33, an operation input unit 35, a device information acquisition unit 37, a communication unit 39, and a storage unit 41.

[0084] The control unit 31 controls the entire terminal device 30. The control unit 31 is composed of, for example, one or more computing devices (CPU, etc.), and the control unit 31 performs its functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 41.

[0085] The display unit 33 displays various information to users, etc. The display unit 33 may be composed of, for example, an LCD or an organic EL display.

[0086] The operation input unit 35 receives information input from users, etc. The operation input unit 35 can be configured as a touch panel display capable of input via the display unit 33. In this case, as the input method to the touch panel display, for example, resistive film, infrared, electromagnetic induction, or capacitive methods can be used.

[0087] The device information acquisition unit 37 acquires the device information (encoded information) displayed on the display unit 13 of the multifunction printer 10. Examples of device information acquisition units 37 include camera devices and laser scanning devices. Furthermore, there are no particular limitations on the device information acquisition unit 37 as long as it can acquire device information from the multifunction printer 10; it can also acquire device information using wireless communication (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, infrared). Moreover, the device information acquisition unit 37 may not be a direct component of the terminal device 30, but rather a peripheral device, such as one with camera or scanning capabilities.

[0088] The communication unit 39 has an interface for communicating with other devices via wired / wireless means, or both, via LAN, WAN, Internet, telephone lines, etc.

[0089] The storage unit 41 stores various programs and data required for the operation of the terminal device 30. The storage unit 41 can be composed of storage devices such as RAM, HDD, SSD, and ROM.

[0090] In the first embodiment, the storage unit 41 stores the device information acquisition program 411, the display processing program 413, and the setting information generation program 415, and ensures the device information storage area 417 and the setting value storage area 419.

[0091] The device information acquisition program 411 is the program read by the control unit 11 when acquiring device information of the multifunction printer 10. The control unit 31, having read the device information acquisition program 411, acquires the device information by controlling the device information acquisition unit 37.

[0092] The display processing program 413 is a program read by the control unit 31 when the display unit 33 displays the user interface that accepts the selection of the operation mode and the input / selection of the setting value executed by the multifunction printer 10.

[0093] The setting information generation program 415 is a program read by the control unit 31 when generating setting information based on setting values ​​input / selected via the user interface displayed on the display unit 33. The control unit 31, having read the setting information generation program 415, inputs / selects via the user interface and generates setting information based on various setting values ​​stored in the setting value storage area 419. Then, the control unit 31 sends the generated setting information along with the identification information (device ID) of the multifunction printer 10 to the network service 50.

[0094] here, Figure 5 The illustration shows an example of a combination of configuration information and identification information (device ID) sent by terminal device 30 to network service 50. Figure 5 This example includes setting information for a group of inputs / selections via the user interface, such as "mode", "number of copies", "paper tray", "duplex copying", "rotate the back side 180 degrees", "color mode", "punch", and "binding", and "Jv6Ou3QBGv8w6yNtGt" as identification information (device ID) for the multifunction printer 10, which is sent together.

[0095] Return to Figure 4 The device information storage area 417 is a storage area for storing device information obtained from the multifunction printer 10. Additionally, the setting value storage area 419 is a storage area for storing setting values ​​input / selected by the user through the user interface.

[0096] [1.1.3 Network Services 50]

[0097] Network service 50, referred to as the cloud, is, for example, a computing system that provides specified services such as processing resources, storing resources, and distributing resources via a web browser. The services provided by network service 50 can be accessed and used via a network (NW) from multifunction printer 10 or terminal device 30 using any of the data communication protocols such as Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), Internet Protocol (IP), or other protocols. Network service 50 includes one or more network devices 50a as hardware. Furthermore, in the following description, unless otherwise specified, the hardware configuration will only be described as network service 50.

[0098] Figure 6 This is a functional configuration diagram of the network device 50a included in the network service 50. The network device 50a includes a control unit 51, a display unit 53, an operation input unit 55, a communication unit 57, and a storage unit 59.

[0099] The control unit 51 controls the entire network service 50. The control unit 51 is composed of one or more computing devices (CPU, etc.), and the control unit 51 performs its functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 59.

[0100] Display unit 53 displays various information to users, etc. Display unit 33 can be, for example, composed of an LCD or an organic EL display.

[0101] The operation input unit 55 receives information input from users, etc. The operation input unit 55 can use input units such as keyboards and mice.

[0102] The communication unit 57 has an interface for communicating with other devices via wired / wireless means, or both, via LAN, WAN, Internet, telephone lines, etc.

[0103] Storage unit 59 stores various programs and data required for the operation of network service 50. Storage unit 59 can be composed of storage devices such as RAM, HDD, SSD, and ROM.

[0104] In the first embodiment, the storage unit 59 stores the terminal device authentication procedure 591 and the setting information sending procedure 593, and ensures the identification information / setting information storage area 595.

[0105] The terminal device authentication procedure 591 is a procedure read by the control unit 51 when authenticating a connection with the terminal device 30. After reading the terminal device authentication procedure 591, the control unit 51 authenticates the connection with the terminal device 30 based on the session key sent along with the terminal device 30, provided that identification information and setting information have been sent from the terminal device 30.

[0106] The setting information sending program 593 is a program read by the control unit 51 when sending setting information to the multifunction printer 10. The control unit 51, having read the setting information sending program 593, performs a long HTTPS poll from the multifunction printer 10 to retrieve the job ID attached to the identification information (device ID) of the multifunction printer 10. If the job ID is associated with setting information, a connection is established with the multifunction printer 10, and the setting information is sent.

[0107] like Figure 7 As shown, the identification information / setting information storage area 595 is a storage area where the control unit 51 associates the identification information and setting information of the multifunction printer 10 sent from the terminal device 30, adds a job ID, and stores it. The control unit 51 manages the information that associates the identification information (device ID) and setting information through the job ID. Alternatively, the job ID can also be added on the terminal device 30 side. In this case, the terminal device 30 can add a job ID based on associating the identification information and setting information of the multifunction printer 10 and send it to the network service 50. The control unit 51 stores the identification information and setting information of the multifunction printer 10 with the job ID attached into the identification information / setting information storage area 595.

[0108] [1.2 Processing Flow]

[0109] [1.2.1 Overall Processing]

[0110] Next, use Figure 8 The flowchart illustrates the overall processing of the first embodiment. First, when the multifunction printer 10 is started, when sleep mode is resumed, when automatic clearing occurs, or when authentication mode is active, at any time during user login, a display screen containing device information is displayed on the display unit 13 (step S10).

[0111] The user sets up the original document (for printing) in the multifunction printer 10 and inputs a start instruction for the job application to the terminal device 30 (step S100). The terminal device 30 receives the start instruction for the job application and starts the job application (step S102).

[0112] The user selects the operation to be performed by the multifunction printer 10 via the user interface displayed on the display unit 33, and enters / selects the setting value of the selected operation (step S104).

[0113] The terminal device 30 receives the setting value that has been accepted by the input instruction and stores the setting value in the setting value storage area 419 (step S106).

[0114] The user presses the start button (step S108). After the start button is pressed, the control unit 31 of the terminal device 30 reads the device information acquisition program 411 and acquires the device information displayed on the display unit 13 of the multifunction printer 10 (step S110).

[0115] The terminal device 30 generates setting information based on various setting values ​​stored in the setting value storage area 419, and sends it to the network service 50 along with the identification information of the multifunction printer 10 (step S112).

[0116] Based on the association between the identification information and setting information of the multifunction printer 10 sent from the terminal device 30, the network service 50 adds a job ID and stores it in the identification information / setting information storage area 595 (step S114).

[0117] The multifunction printer 10 performs HTTPS long polling on the network service 50 to inquire whether there is setting information corresponding to the identification information of the multifunction printer 10 (step S116).

[0118] If there is setting information corresponding to the identification information of the multifunction printer 10, the network service 50 establishes a connection with the multifunction printer 10 and sends the setting information (step S118).

[0119] The multifunction printer 10 performs the operation according to the received setting information (step S120).

[0120] [1.2.2 Processing of the multifunction printer 10]

[0121] Next, use Figure 9 The flowchart below explains the processing of the multifunction printer 10. The control unit 11 of the multifunction printer 10 determines whether the device status is activated or a recovery from sleep mode (step S200).

[0122] If it is determined that the device is started or resumed from hibernation mode, the control unit 11 performs device start-up processing (step S200; "Yes" → step S210).

[0123] On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that it is not a device startup or a recovery from sleep mode, it determines whether it is an input for automatic clearing (step S200; "No" → step S220).

[0124] If the control unit 11 determines that the input is for automatic clearing, it moves the processing to step S230 (step S220; "Yes" → step S230). On the other hand, if the input is determined not to be for automatic clearing, the control unit 11 moves the processing to step S300.

[0125] After the device startup process in step S210, the control unit 11 determines, for example, whether the driver has been updated, or information related to the connection to the network service 50 has been updated (step S230). If update information exists, the control unit 11 reads the device information generation program 215 and updates the device information based on the update information (step S230; "Yes" → step S240).

[0126] Then, the control unit 11 reads the display processing program 213 and displays a display screen containing the device information updated in step S230 on the display unit 13 (step S250).

[0127] On the other hand, if no information is updated, the control unit 11 does not update the device information and displays the device information on the display unit 13 (step S230; "No" → step S250).

[0128] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether the "off button" displayed on the screen including device information has been pressed (step S260). If the "off button" has not been pressed, the control unit 11 requests the acquisition of setting information (step S260; "No" → step S270). That is, the control unit 11 performs HTTPS polling communication with the network service 50 by reading the setting information acquisition procedure 217. Alternatively, the HTTPS polling communication with the network service 50 can also continue before the "off button" is pressed in step S260, for example, after the device startup process in step S210.

[0129] Then, the control unit 11 determines whether setting information has been obtained (step S280). If setting information is obtained from the network service 50, the control unit 11 performs operations based on the obtained setting information and ends the process (step S280; "Yes" → step S290). Furthermore, if the user does not obtain setting information from the network service 50 within a certain period after logging in while the authentication mode is active, the control unit 11 can also automatically perform a logout process. Therefore, automatic logout when the user is in a state of inactivity or no operation while authentication is active can prevent unauthorized use.

[0130] Furthermore, when the "Close button" is pressed, the control unit 11 displays the home screen (step S260; "Yes" → step S300). In this case, the control unit 11 does not output any operations based on the setting information sent from the terminal device 30 and obtained via the network service 50.

[0131] Then, the control unit 11 determines whether a job execution instruction has been received via the home screen (step S310). If it is determined that the user has input the job execution instruction via the home screen, the control unit 11 executes the job and ends the process (step S310; "Yes" → step S320).

[0132] [1.2.3 Processing of Terminal Device 30]

[0133] Next, use Figure 10 The flowchart below explains the processing of the terminal device 30. The control unit 31 of the terminal device 30 determines whether it has received a start instruction for a user-initiated job application (step S400).

[0134] If it is determined that a startup instruction for the job application has been received, the control unit 31 reads the display processing program 413 and displays the application screen as a user interface on the display unit 33 (step S400: "Yes" → step S410).

[0135] Next, the control unit 31 determines whether the user has selected a copy job via the application screen (step S420). If it is determined that the user has selected a copy job, the control unit 31 displays a copy job execution screen on the display unit 33 (step S420; "Yes" → step S430). On the other hand, if it is determined that the user has not selected a copy job, the control unit 31 displays a scan job execution screen on the display unit 33 (step S420; "No" → step S440).

[0136] The control unit 31 receives the setting value input via either the copy job execution screen displayed in step S430 or the scan job execution screen displayed in step S440 (step S450). Then, the control unit 31 stores the received setting value in the setting value storage area 419 (step S460).

[0137] The control unit 31 determines whether the user has pressed the "Start button" (step S470). If it is determined that the user has pressed the "Start button", the control unit 31 obtains device information from the multifunction printer 10 (step S470; "Yes" → step S480a). That is, after the start button is pressed, the control unit 31 reads the device information acquisition program 411 and obtains the device information displayed on the display unit 13 of the multifunction printer 10 (step S480a).

[0138] Next, the control unit 31 reads the setting information generation program 415 and generates setting information based on various setting values ​​stored in the setting value storage area 419 (step S480b). Then, the control unit 31 sends the generated setting information together with the identification information of the multifunction printer 10 to the network service 50, and ends the process (step S490).

[0139] [1.2.4 Processing of Network Service 50]

[0140] Next, use Figure 11 The flowchart below explains the processing of network service 50. The control unit 51 of network service 50 determines whether identification information and setting information have been obtained from terminal device 30 (step S500). In this case, the control unit 51 reads the terminal device authentication procedure 591 and determines whether identification information and setting information have been obtained by checking whether the connection with terminal device 30 has been authenticated.

[0141] If it is determined that identification information and setting information have been obtained from terminal device 30, control unit 51 adds a job ID after establishing an association between the identification information and setting information and stores it in identification information / setting information storage area 595 (step S500; "Yes" → step S510).

[0142] Next, the control unit 51 determines whether a request to retrieve setting information has been received from the multifunction printer 10 (step S520). If it is determined that a request to retrieve setting information has been received from the multifunction printer 10, the control unit 51 determines whether setting information corresponding to the identification information of the multifunction printer 10 is stored (step S520; "Yes" → step S530). In this case, the control unit 51 retrieves the job ID attached to the identification information (device ID) of the multifunction printer 10 for HTTPS long polling from the multifunction printer 10. If setting information is associated with the job ID, the control unit 51 determines that setting information corresponding to the identification information of the multifunction printer 10 is stored.

[0143] If the control unit 51 has stored setting information corresponding to the identification information, it establishes a connection with the multifunction printer 10 (step S530; "Yes" → step S540). Then, the control unit 51 reads the setting information sending program 593, sends the setting information as a job to the multifunction printer 10, and ends the process (step S550).

[0144] [1.3 Action Examples]

[0145] Next, an example of the operation of the first embodiment will be described. Figure 12 This is an example of the configuration of the display screen W10 shown on the display unit 13 of the multifunction printer 10. Furthermore, this operating example is similar to... Figure 9 Corresponding to step S250, the display screen W10 is displayed at any time during user login when the device is started, when sleep mode is resumed, when automatic clearing occurs, or when authentication mode is valid.

[0146] The display screen W10 includes an operation process display area R10 and a close button B10. The operation process display area R10 is used to illustrate the operation process of the output method of the first embodiment through illustrations or animations. Figure 12 In the example, the operation process is explained in the order of (1) the original manuscript group, (2) the settings in the terminal device, and (3) the execution of the task.

[0147] The operation process display area R10 includes a device information display area R11 that displays device information of the multifunction printer 10. In the first embodiment, an example of using a Quick Response (QR) code as the encoded information representing device information will be described. A QR code (registered trademark) is a two-dimensional code used to represent data in graphic form. In addition to QR codes, device information can also be encoded using barcodes, symbols, and one or more of the following: alphanumeric characters.

[0148] The terminal device 30 can perform operations by reading the QR code through a camera or other imaging device, or a laser scanning device.

[0149] The close button B10 is a button that is pressed when the user wishes to perform a task via the normal home screen, without using the output method of the present invention. When the close button B10 is pressed, the control unit 11 displays the home screen, as shown in the next figure, on the display unit 13.

[0150] Figure 13 This is a configuration example of the home screen W20 in the first embodiment. Furthermore, this operational example is similar to... Figure 9 The process corresponds to step S300. The main screen W20, for example, is a basic screen for accepting user selections of jobs and various function displays. The main screen W20 includes a job / function selection button B12, a display progress button B16, and a job status button B18.

[0151] The job / function selection button B12 accepts the user's selection of desired jobs, function displays, etc. For example, when the user presses the "Easy Copy" button on the job / function selection button B12, the control unit 11 displays a job execution screen (not shown) for setting up the "Easy Copy". Furthermore, the job / function selection button B12 in the first embodiment includes a function for switching the screen to... Figure 12 The remote operation button B14 is shown on the display screen W10. If the user presses the remote operation button B14, the control unit 11 will transfer the screen display to the display screen W10, and the output method of this disclosure can be used. Furthermore, Figure 13 The example of the display configuration of the job / function selection button B12 is just an illustration. It can display job / function display buttons that are not displayed by pressing the display advancement button B16.

[0152] The job status button B18 receives notifications and instructions regarding the progress and scheduling status of the jobs being performed by the multifunction printer 10. When the user presses the job status button B18, the control unit 11 displays information such as the job progress and scheduling status (not shown).

[0153] Figure 14 This is an example of a configuration where the multifunction printer 10 receives setting information from the network service 50 and displays an execution screen on the display unit 13 during the execution of a task based on that setting information. Furthermore, this operational example corresponds to... Figure 9 The processing of step S290. The execution screen W30 has a message display area R12 indicating that a job is being executed, and displays the type of job being executed through illustrations or animations. Figure 14 The example is the execution job display area R14 for a photocopy job.

[0154] Figure 15 This is one example of a configuration of the completion screen displayed on the display unit 13 when the multifunction printer 10 completes a task. Furthermore, this operational example corresponds to... Figure 9 The processing after step S290. The completion screen W40 has a message display area R16 indicating that the task is completed, and a completion task display area R18 that displays the completion of the task through illustrations or animations.

[0155] Figure 16 This is a configuration example where the user accepts the application launch instruction and displays the application screen on the display unit 33. Furthermore, this operational example is similar to... Figure 10 The processing steps S400 to S410 correspond to this. The application screen W50 has a menu display area R20 and a favorites list display area R22.

[0156] The menu display area R20 includes a copy job selection button B20 and a scan job selection button B22. The copy job selection button B20 accepts the user's selection of a copy job. When the copy job selection button B20 is pressed, the control unit 31 can determine that the user has selected a copy job. When the copy job selection button B20 is pressed, the control unit 31 displays the copy job execution screen on the display unit 33.

[0157] On the other hand, the scan job selection button B22 accepts the scan job selection made by the user. When the scan job selection button B22 is pressed, the control unit 31 can determine that the user has selected a scan job. When the scan job selection button B22 is pressed, the control unit 31 displays the scan job execution screen on the display unit 33.

[0158] The favorites list display area R22 shows frequently used items in a list format. The favorites list can be switched between ascending and descending order using the sorting button B24.

[0159] Figure 17 This is an example of a copy job execution screen displayed on display unit 33 when the user selects a copy job. This example of operation is similar to... Figure 10 The processing steps S420, S430, and S450 correspond to each other. The copy job execution screen W60a has a setting value setting area R24 and a start button B26.

[0160] The setting area R24 accepts the input / selection of settings related to job execution. Settings can be entered / selected for each copy job, such as "number of copies", "paper tray", "duplex copy", "rotate back side 180 degrees", and "color mode".

[0161] For example, the copy job execution screen W60b is a configuration example of a copy number setting screen that is displayed when a "copy number" setting value is selected through a click operation or other means. The copy job execution screen W60b has a mode M10 for accepting input of the copy number setting value and a setting value input button B28.

[0162] like Figure 17 As shown, when mode M10 is displayed, the control unit 31 displays other setting values ​​in gray and restricts their input, preventing the input of setting values. The user inputs the number of copies using the setting value input button B28. After inputting the specified number of copies, pressing the "OK" button confirms the set number of copies. Additionally, pressing the "OK" or "Cancel" button returns the screen to the copy job execution screen W60a.

[0163] Figure 18 This is a configuration example of a scan job execution screen displayed on display unit 33 when the user selects a scan job. This operation example is similar to... Figure 10 The processing steps S420, S440, and S450 correspond to each other. The scan job execution screen W70a has a setting value setting area R26 and a start button B26.

[0164] The setting area R26 accepts the input / selection of settings related to job execution. Settings can be entered / selected for each scanning job, such as "Enter Address", "Send to Self", "Read Settings", "Image Orientation", and "Color Mode".

[0165] For example, the scan job execution screen W70b is an example of a sending destination setting screen that is displayed when the setting value "Send to Self" is selected as the setting value through a click operation or other means. The scan job execution screen W70b has a mode M12 for accepting input of the setting value sent to Self, and a setting value input button B30.

[0166] like Figure 18 As shown, when mode M12 is displayed, the control unit 31 displays other setting values ​​in gray and restricts their input, preventing the user from entering any setting values. The user inputs the sending destination using the setting value input button B30. After inputting the specified sending destination, pressing the "OK" button confirms the setting values ​​related to the sending destination. Furthermore, pressing the "OK" or "Cancel" button returns the screen to the scan job execution screen W70a.

[0167] Figure 19 Is it pressed? Figure 17 The copy job execution screen of W60a or Figure 17When the start button B26 of the scanning job execution screen W70a is pressed, and the device information is being displayed on the multifunction printer 10, this is one example of the device information acquisition screen displayed by the control unit 31. The device information acquisition screen W80a includes a device information acquisition area R28 and a status display area R30.

[0168] Equipment information acquisition area R28, such as Figure 19 As illustrated in the example, when the acquired device information is encoded information such as a QR code, a guide line can be configured to guide the user to store the encoded information within the reading area of ​​the camera or scanner. The user operates the terminal device 30 to store the encoded information such as the QR code within the device information acquisition area R28. When device information is acquired, the control unit 31 transfers the device information acquisition screen W80a to the device information acquisition screen W80b.

[0169] The status display area R30 is the area used to display the progress (status) of an operation or task to the user. For example, the status display area R30 of the device information acquisition screen W80a displays a message indicating that a QR code has been stored in the device information acquisition area R28 and that the QR code has been read.

[0170] When reading QR codes or other encoded information, the device information acquisition screen W80b displays the main message that the operation (setting information) was sent to the multifunction printer 10 in the status display area R32.

[0171] If the job transmission to the multifunction printer 10 is completed, the control unit 31 will switch the display screen to the device information acquisition screen W80c. In the device information acquisition screen W80c, the completion of the job transmission is displayed in the status display area R34.

[0172] As described above, according to the first embodiment, since the setting value of the operation to be performed by the image processing device can be set on the terminal device, the operation can be performed without direct contact with the operation screen of the image processing device.

[0173] [Second Implementation]

[0174] In the first embodiment, device information is obtained after the setting information has been set. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the setting information is performed after the device information has been obtained.

[0175] The functional configuration of the second embodiment can be the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used to mark the same configurations as in the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0176] The processing of the multifunction printer 10 and the network service 50 can be the same as in the first embodiment, so the description here is omitted.

[0177] use Figure 20 The flowchart below explains the processing of the terminal device 30. The control unit 31 of the terminal device 30 determines whether a startup instruction for a user-initiated application has been received (step S600). If a startup instruction for a user-initiated application has been received, the control unit 31 displays the application screen as a user interface on the display unit 33 by reading the display processing program 412 (step S600; "Yes" → step S610).

[0178] The control unit 31 obtains equipment information from the multifunction printer 10 (step S680a).

[0179] Next, the control unit 31 determines whether the user has selected a copy job via the application screen (step S620). If it is determined that the user has selected a copy job, the control unit 31 displays a copy job execution screen on the display unit 33 (step S620; "Yes" → step S630). On the other hand, if it is determined that the user has not selected a copy job, the control unit 31 displays a scan job execution screen on the display unit 33 (step S620; "No" → step S640).

[0180] The control unit 31 receives the input of setting values ​​via either the copy job execution screen displayed in step S630 or the scan job execution screen displayed in step S640 (step S650). At this time, based on the device information obtained in step S680a, the control unit 31 cannot input / select setting values ​​for functions that cannot be implemented in the multifunction printer 10.

[0181] Then, the control unit 31 stores the received setting value in the setting value storage area 419 (step S660).

[0182] The control unit 31 determines whether the user has pressed the "Start button" (step S670). If it is determined that the user has pressed the "Start button", the control unit 31 generates setting information based on various setting values ​​stored in the setting value storage area 419 (step S680b). Then, the control unit 31 sends the generated setting information together with the identification information of the multifunction printer 10 to the network service 50, and ends the process (step S690).

[0183] Figure 21 This is an example of a copy job execution screen displayed on display unit 33 when the user selects a copy job. This example of operation is similar to... Figure 20 The processing steps S620, S630, and S650 correspond to each other. The copy job execution screen W60c has a setting value setting area R24 and a start button B26.

[0184] Regarding the structure / function of the setting area R24 and the start button B26 in the copy execution screen W60c, and... Figure 17 The copy job execution screen W60a shown in the example is the same. However, in the copy job execution screen W60c of the second embodiment, based on the previously obtained device information, the setting value of a function that cannot be implemented in the multifunction printer 10 (e.g., "rotate the back side 180 degrees") is displayed in a darkened state and cannot be entered / selected.

[0185] As described above, according to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, for functions that are performed but cannot be implemented in the processing device, since they are displayed in advance in a state where they cannot be input / selected, the trouble associated with setting the setting value that cannot be performed can be avoided.

[0186] [3 Third Implementation]

[0187] In the first and second embodiments, methods for applying the invention disclosed herein to a multifunction printer were described. In the third embodiment, methods in which either the multifunction printer or the display device (display device) can be selected are described.

[0188] The functional configuration of the third embodiment may be the same as that of the first or second embodiment. Therefore, configurations identical to those in the first or second embodiment will be labeled with the same reference numerals and their descriptions will be omitted. Furthermore, descriptions of common aspects of the processing flow will also be omitted.

[0189] In the third embodiment, Figure 10 Step S410 or Figure 20 The configuration of the application screen displayed on the display unit 33 in step S610 is different from that in the first embodiment or the second embodiment.

[0190] Figure 22 This is an example of the configuration of the application screen displayed by the control unit 31 on the display unit 33 in the third embodiment. The application screen W51 includes a menu display area R36 and a favorites list display area R22.

[0191] The menu display area R36 includes a multifunction printer selection button B32 and a display device selection button B34. The multifunction printer selection button B32 accepts user selection of the multifunction printer. If the multifunction printer selection button B32 is pressed, the control unit 31 determines that the user has selected the multifunction printer. When the multifunction printer selection button B32 is pressed, the control unit 31 will... Figure 16 The application screen W50 for the multifunction printer shown in the example is displayed on the display unit 33.

[0192] On the other hand, the display device selection button B34 accepts the display device selection made by the user. When the display device selection button B34 is pressed, the control unit 31 determines that the user has selected the display device. When the press of the display device selection button B34 is received, the control unit 31 displays an application screen (not shown) for the display device on the display unit 33.

[0193] However, if there are multiple multifunction printers or display devices selected via the application screen W51, a selection screen can be set up to further accept the user's desired output device selection. Figure 23 As one example of the application screen W52, it has a menu display area R38. When the user selects a multifunction printer as an output device in the application screen W51, and there are multiple multifunction printers (MFP1 to MFP3) that can perform the operation, the menu display area R38 further facilitates the selection of the multifunction printer.

[0194] Users can select the desired multifunction printer from multiple available multifunction printers via the W52 application screen.

[0195] As described above, according to the third embodiment, the same effects as the first or second embodiment can be obtained, while allowing the display device other than the multifunction printer to be selected as another output device. Furthermore, even when multiple output devices (multifunction printers) are available, the user can easily select the output device to perform the operation.

[0196] [4 Fourth Implementation Method]

[0197] The fourth implementation method is to control the output of the job based on the user authentication result.

[0198] [4.1 Functional Composition]

[0199] [4.1.1 Multifunction Printer 90]

[0200] The functional configuration of the multifunction printer in the fourth embodiment can be set to be substantially the same as that of the multifunction printer 10 in the first embodiment. Therefore, for configurations that are the same as those in the multifunction printer 10 of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are used and descriptions are omitted, while different parts are described.

[0201] Figure 24 This is a functional configuration diagram of the multifunction printer 90 according to the fourth embodiment. The multifunction printer 90 includes an authentication information acquisition unit 23 and a storage unit 91 that replaces the storage unit 21 included in the multifunction printer 10.

[0202] The authentication information acquisition unit 23 acquires authentication information used for user authentication. The authentication information acquisition unit 23 can be configured, for example, as a card reader that reads ID (Identity / Identification Card) cards such as IC (Integrated Circuit) cards or magnetic stripe cards assigned to users. If the ID card is a contactless IC card, the card reader is a contactless IC card reader. The authentication information acquisition unit 23 acquires the user's authentication information (user identification information, connection ID, etc.) recorded in the ID card by reading it. Furthermore, the authentication information acquisition unit 23 is not limited to a card reader; for example, it can communicate via short-range wireless communication protocols such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, infrared, NFC (Near Field Communication), and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification). Its configuration is unrestricted as long as it can acquire authentication information used for user authentication. Moreover, to address biometric authentication based on fingerprint authentication, facial recognition, etc., it can also include scanning devices, cameras, and other imaging devices.

[0203] In the fourth embodiment, the storage unit 91 stores the output unit control program 211, the display processing program 213, the device information generation program 215, the setting information acquisition program 217, and the authentication program 911, and ensures the device setting value storage area 219.

[0204] The authentication procedure 911 is a program read by the control unit 11 when authenticating a user logging into the multifunction printer 90. When the authentication function is enabled, the control unit 11, having read the authentication procedure 911, performs user authentication based on the authentication information obtained by the authentication information acquisition unit 23 and the authentication information entered via the login screen (described later). In addition to knowledge-based authentication such as ownership authentication via the authentication information acquisition unit 23 and a combination of username and password, user authentication can also be performed via biometric authentication, etc.

[0205] Furthermore, since the functional configuration of the terminal device 30 and the network service 50 is largely the same as that of the first embodiment, the description here is omitted.

[0206] [4.2 Processing Flow]

[0207] The overall processing of the fourth embodiment, the processing related to the terminal device 30, and the processing related to the network service 50 are largely the same as those of the first embodiment, so the description here is omitted.

[0208] [4.2.1 Processing of the multifunction printer 90]

[0209] use Figure 25The flowchart illustrates the processing of the multifunction printer 90. Furthermore, for applications that can be adopted with the first embodiment... Figure 9 In the flowchart, processes that are the same as those described are labeled with the same step number, and their descriptions are omitted. Figure 25 The processing described in the text and Figure 9 The difference in the processing described above is that, after the device starts processing in step S210, a login (user authentication) process is performed; and if no setting information is obtained in step S280, the processing returns to step S260. This will be explained below.

[0210] In step S210, after the device startup process is completed, the control unit 11 performs a login process (authentication process) by reading the authentication program 911 (step S330). If the login process is completed, the control unit 11 transfers the process to step S230. Additionally, the login process... Figure 26 The explanation is provided below.

[0211] Furthermore, in step S280, if no setting information is obtained from network service 50, control unit 11 returns the process to step S260. Then, control unit 11 executes the processing after step S260.

[0212] Next, regarding Figure 25 The login processing (authentication processing) step S330 will be explained here. Furthermore, this section will describe the methods that can be used when authentication is impossible. Figures 26 to 28 Please provide an explanation.

[0213] [4.2.2 Methods for handling duplicate authentication when the authentication result is impossible]

[0214] use Figure 26 The flowchart illustrates the process of repeating authentication when the authentication result is impossible.

[0215] If login processing begins, the control unit 11 determines whether the authentication mode is valid (ON) or invalid (OFF) (step S3310). In this case, the control unit 11 can determine whether the authentication mode is valid or invalid by referring to preset settings related to the validity / invalidity of the authentication mode via system settings, etc.

[0216] If the authentication mode is determined to be valid, the control unit 11 begins preparing to accept authentication information (step S3310; "Yes" → step S3320). In this case, the control unit 11 prepares for the user to input authentication information by initializing the authentication information acquisition unit 23 and displaying the login screen (described later) on the display unit 13.

[0217] On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that the authentication mode is invalid, the login process ends (step S3310; "No"). In addition, since the control unit 11 sets the authentication mode to invalid at the end of the login process, a message indicating the end of the process can be displayed on the display unit 13.

[0218] If the preparation for inputting authentication information has been completed, the control unit 11 determines whether the user has input authentication information (step S3320 → step S3330).

[0219] If it is determined that authentication information has been entered through the authentication information acquisition unit 23 or the login screen, the control unit 11 accepts the entered authentication information (step S3330; "Yes" → step S3340). On the other hand, if it is determined that no authentication information has been entered, the control unit 11 stands still until authentication information is entered (step S3330: "No").

[0220] When authentication information is received, the control unit 11 performs authentication processing on the received authentication information (step S3340 → step S3350). For example, when performing authentication processing based on authentication information entered via the login screen, the control unit 11 stores the login username and login password in advance. Furthermore, user authentication can be performed by comparing the login username and login password, which are authentication information entered via the login screen.

[0221] If authentication is deemed successful, control unit 11 terminates the login process (step S3350; "Yes"). Then, control unit 11 transfers the process to... Figure 25 Step S230.

[0222] On the other hand, if the authentication is determined to be unsuccessful, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S3330 and repeats the acceptance of the authentication information input (step S3350; "No" → step S3330) until the authentication is successful.

[0223] [4.2.3 The method to terminate the processing of the multifunction printer 90 when the number of incorrect authentication information inputs exceeds the limit]

[0224] use Figure 27 The flowchart illustrates how the multifunction printer (90°) terminates processing and limits job output when the number of incorrect authentication attempts exceeds the limit. Figure 27 The processing described in the text is... Figure 26 The process described in step S3330 is supplemented with a step to determine whether the number of times the authentication information has been entered exceeds the limit.

[0225] and Figure 26Similarly, if the authentication fails, the control unit 11 returns to step S3330 to determine whether the user has entered authentication information (step S3350; "No" → step S3330).

[0226] If it is determined that authentication information has been entered, the control unit 11 determines whether the number of times the authentication information has been entered exceeds the prescribed limit (step S3330; "Yes" → step S3360).

[0227] If the number of times the authentication information is entered exceeds the prescribed limit, the control unit 11 terminates the processing of the multifunction printer 90 (step S3360; "Yes" → "End").

[0228] In addition, if the number of times the authentication information is entered does not meet the prescribed limit, the control unit 11 accepts the entered authentication information (step S3360; "No" → step S3340).

[0229] When the input authentication information is received, the control unit 11 performs authentication processing on the received authentication information (step S3340 → step S3350).

[0230] If authentication is deemed successful, control unit 11 terminates the login process (step S3350; "Yes"). Then, control unit 11 transfers the process to... Figure 25 Step S230.

[0231] On the other hand, if the authentication is determined to have failed, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S3330 (step S3350; "No" → step S3330).

[0232] [4.2.4 Methods for limiting the device function of multifunction printer 90 when the certification result is impossible]

[0233] use Figure 28 The flowchart illustrates how to restrict the functionality of the multifunction printer 90 when the authentication result is "not possible". Figure 28 The processing described in the text is... Figure 26 In the authentication process of step S3350 described herein, if the control unit 11 determines that the authentication has failed, a process for determining the device function limitation of the multifunction printer 90 is added.

[0234] Here, device function restriction refers to limiting functions that the multifunction printer 90 can normally perform, such as copying, scanning, faxing, emailing, historical information referencing, and changing operating modes. This restriction limits device functions that a user deemed unauthenticated can perform. For example, the execution of specific job types like faxing or emailing can be restricted, and certain functions included in the job can be designated as objects of the restriction. If a device function restriction is determined, the control unit 11 restricts the targeted device functions.

[0235] In step S3350, if authentication fails, the control unit 11 determines that the device function has been restricted and ends the process (step S3350; "No" → step 3370). Additionally, in step S3310, even if the authentication mode is determined to be invalid, the control unit 11 still determines that the device function has been restricted and ends the process (step S3310; "No" → step 3370). Furthermore, whenever the device function is restricted, since the authentication mode is invalid or authentication has failed, the control unit 11 can display the message "The device function has been restricted" on the display unit 13.

[0236] However, the login processes illustrated in [4.2.2], [4.2.3], and [4.2.4] above can be implemented independently or in combination. For example, in the login process illustrated in [4.2.4], if the number of times authentication information is entered exceeds a predetermined limit, the device function may be restricted. Furthermore, it is self-evident that if the number of times authentication information is entered exceeds the predetermined limit, it is possible to choose to terminate the processing of the multifunction printer 90 or to restrict the device function.

[0237] [4.3 Action Examples]

[0238] Next, an example of the operation of the fourth embodiment will be described. Figure 29 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the login screen W90 displayed on the display unit 13 by reading the authentication program 911 through the control unit 11.

[0239] The login screen of W90 includes a username input box (Bx10), a password input box (Bx12), a login button (B36), and a cancel button (B38).

[0240] The login username input box Bx10 is a box for accepting the login username input of users attempting to log in to the multifunction printer 90.

[0241] The login password input box Bx12 is a box that accepts the input of the login password associated with the login username of the user attempting to log in to the multifunction printer 90.

[0242] The login button B36 is a button that receives confirmation from the user regarding the input in the username input field Bx10 and the password input field Bx12. The cancel button B38 is a button that receives a cancellation instruction for the login process. After entering the username and password in the username input field Bx10 and the password input field Bx12, the user can select the login button B36 to input the execution instruction for the login process.

[0243] Figure 30 This diagram illustrates another method of the login screen. The login screen W100 has a selection button display area R40, which displays the selection buttons assigned to the user attempting to log in to the multifunction printer 90.

[0244] The selection buttons shown in the selection button display area R40 are created as icons for each user based on the authentication information (e.g., login username, email address, login password, etc.) of the user who registered via the user append / edit screen (not shown).

[0245] For users attempting to log in to the multifunction printer 90, a self-representing icon (selection button) is selected. Then, login authentication is achieved by entering a login password on a password input screen (not shown) displayed via the icon selection. The login screen W100, by selecting a self-representing icon, eliminates the need to enter a username, enabling simple and quick login processing.

[0246] Figure 31 This is an example of the configuration of the display screen W110 on the display unit 13 of the multifunction printer 90. Furthermore, this operating example is similar to... Figure 25 This corresponds to step S250. The display screen W110 may have the same configuration as the display screen W10 in the first embodiment, but it differs from the display screen W10 in that it has a login username display area R42. Figure 31 This is an example of a user with the login username "User G" successfully logging into the multifunction printer 90. Additionally, the login username display area R42 is configured as a selection button that allows logging out of the multifunction printer 90.

[0247] Figure 32 This diagram illustrates another way in which the display screen of the multifunction printer 90 is displayed on the display unit 13. Figure 32 and Figure 31 Unlike the previous example, this example overlays the display screen W112 onto the main screen W20. In this case, the control unit 11 displays the entire area of ​​the main screen W20 in gray to prevent the user from accidentally selecting the operation / function selection button B12 on the main screen W20.

[0248] like Figure 31and Figure 32 As shown in the example, the login username of the multifunction printer 90 can be displayed on the display screen W110 or display screen W112, so the user who reads the device information can know the login user of the multifunction printer 90.

[0249] Figure 33 This explains how to select... Figure 31 The illustrated display screen W110 or Figure 32 This diagram illustrates an example configuration where the control unit 11 is displayed on the main screen W22 of the display unit 13 via the off button B10 on the display screen W112. The main screen W22 can be set to... Figure 13 The example homepage W20 has the same structure, but differs from the W20 in that it includes a login username display area R42. Additionally, when selecting... Figure 32 When the close button B10 is pressed on the display screen W112 as illustrated, the login username display area R42 shown on the display screen W112 continues to be displayed on the home screen W22. Thus, since the login username display area R42 continues to be displayed based on the screen transition from the display screen to the home screen, even if the user does not use the output method of this disclosure but wishes to perform operations through the normal home screen, they can correctly know the login username logged into the multifunction printer 90.

[0250] Figure 34 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the message display area R44 notified by the control unit 11 when the number of incorrect authentication information inputs exceeds the limit.

[0251] If the number of incorrect authentication information inputs exceeds the limit, the control unit 11 terminates the processing of the multifunction printer 90, thus limiting the output of the job. At this time, the control unit 11 notifies the user that the processing of the multifunction printer 90 has ended by displaying a message such as "Remote operation cannot be used because the input limit has been exceeded" on the main screen W20. To emphasize that the job / function selection button B12 cannot be selected, this button may be displayed in gray.

[0252] Figure 35 This is an example of a configuration where the authentication result is unsatisfactory, and the device functions of the multifunction printer 90 are restricted. Furthermore, this operational example is similar to... Figure 28 This corresponds to step S3370. The display screen W114 can adopt the same configuration as the display screen W10 in the first embodiment, but it differs from the display screen W10 in that it has a function-limited display area R46 that means the display device function is limited.

[0253] Furthermore, at this time, such as Figure 36 As shown, the control unit 31 of the terminal device 30 may also display mode M20, indicating that the device function of the multifunction printer 90 is restricted, on the display unit 33. In this case, the multifunction printer 90 generates device information that indicates that the device function is restricted. Then, the control unit 31 of the terminal device 30 can understand that the device function of the multifunction printer 90 is restricted by reading the device information.

[0254] Mode M20 indicates that part (or all) of the multifunction printer 90 is restricted, and a message such as "Some functions are restricted. Do you want to perform the job?" is displayed to the user. If the job can still be performed even with some functions restricted, the user selects the "Yes" button. On the other hand, if the user wants to cancel the job, they select the "Cancel" button. In this case, as... Figure 36 As illustrated, you can also set up a receiving unit or other reference instruction for receiving restricted functions in mode M20 (e.g., a "View Restricted Functions" button).

[0255] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, it is also possible to control the output of the job based on the user authentication result.

[0256] [5 Other methods]

[0257] In the first embodiment, a configuration in which either a copy job or a scan job can be selected via the application screen of the terminal device 30 has been described. Here, as another approach, a method for selecting jobs other than copying and scanning jobs will be described. Here, "other jobs" refers to jobs other than copying and scanning jobs, as long as they can be set via the application screen, and there are no particular limitations. For example, scan-and-save jobs, fax jobs, etc., can be listed.

[0258] use Figure 37 This section explains the processing of other terminal devices 30. The processing of other terminal devices 30 involves... Figure 10 The process from step S420 to step S440 as described in the flowchart is replaced by the process from step S420a to step S445. Additionally, regarding the ability to perform... Figure 10 For processes that are identical, label them with the same step number and omit their descriptions.

[0259] The control unit 31 determines whether the user has selected a copy job via the application screen (step S420a). If it is determined that the user has selected a copy job, the control unit 31 displays a copy job execution screen on the display unit 33 (step S420a; "Yes" → step S430). On the other hand, if it is determined that the user has not selected a copy job, the control unit 31 determines whether a scan job has been selected (step S420a; "No" → step S420b).

[0260] If the control unit 31 determines that the user has selected a scanning job, it displays the scanning job execution screen on the display unit 33 (step S420b; "Yes" → step S440). On the other hand, if the control unit 31 determines that the user has not selected a scanning job, it determines whether another job has been selected (step S420b; "No" → step S420c).

[0261] If it is determined that the user has selected another job, the control unit 31 displays the other job execution screen on the display unit 33 (step S420c; "Yes" → step S445). On the other hand, if it is determined that the user has not selected another job, the control unit 31 returns the process to step S410 and displays the application screen (step S420c; "No" → step S410).

[0262] The control unit 31 accepts input of setting values ​​via any of the following screens: the copy job execution screen displayed in step S430, the scan job execution screen displayed in step S440, or other job execution screens displayed in step S440 (step S450). Then, the control unit 31 stores the received setting value in the setting value storage area 419 (step S460). Processing after step S470 can be performed in conjunction with... Figure 10 The same procedure applies.

[0263] Figure 38 This is an example of an application screen 55 that receives a startup instruction from a user's application program and displays it on the display unit 33. The application screen W55 may have the same characteristics as the application screen W50 in the first embodiment (e.g., ...). Figure 16 It has the same structure as the application screen W50, but differs from it in the selection method (three-dot reader L10) for receiving selections of other tasks. Additionally, in Figure 38 The example shown is a three-dot reader L10 as a selection device for receiving other operations, but the selection device is not limited to the three-dot reader L10 as long as it can select the operations that can be executed via the application screen W50.

[0264] Figure 39 This indicates that the device has been received. Figure 38The application screen W55 displays the selection of the three-dot reader L10, and the menu display area R48 of the control unit 31 forms a diagram.

[0265] When the control unit 31 receives a selection instruction from the three-point reader L10, it displays the job selection button B40 (in the application screen W55) indicating the available jobs. Figure 39 In the example, it is the scan save job selection button). In this case, the control unit 31 expands the display area of ​​the menu display area R20, which is capable of displaying the copy job selection button B20 and the scan job selection button B22, to... Figure 39 Following the menu display area R48 shown in the example, the job selection button B40 is displayed.

[0266] As mentioned above, other jobs besides photocopying and scanning can also be selected via the application screen, thus expanding the types of jobs that can be performed.

[0267] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made. That is, embodiments obtained by appropriately modifying the technical means without departing from the spirit of this invention are also included within the technical scope of this invention.

[0268] Furthermore, the above embodiments differ in their respective parts for ease of explanation, and can of course be combined and implemented within the scope of technical possibility.

[0269] Furthermore, in the embodiments, the programs operating in each device are programs that control the CPU and the like (programs that enable the computer to perform its functions) in a manner that achieves the functions described in the above embodiments. In the embodiments, devices are envisioned that execute multiple programs simultaneously as needed through multitasking. Moreover, information processed in these devices is temporarily stored in temporary storage devices (e.g., RAM) during processing, and subsequently stored in various ROM (Read-Only Memory) and HDD storage devices, and read, modified / written by the CPU as needed.

[0270] Here, the recording medium for storing the program can be any of the following: semiconductor media (e.g., ROM, non-volatile memory cards, etc.), optical recording media / magnetic-optical recording media (e.g., DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), MO (Magneto Optical Disc), MD (Mini Disc), CD (Compact Disc), BD (Blu-ray Disk, etc.), magnetic recording media (e.g., magnetic tape, floppy disk, etc.). Furthermore, by executing the loading program, not only are the functions of the above-described embodiments achieved, but sometimes, based on the instructions of the program, processing is performed jointly with the operating system or other applications, thereby realizing the functions of the present invention.

[0271] Furthermore, in the case of market circulation, the program can be stored and circulated on a portable recording medium, or transmitted to a connected server computer via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the server computer's storage device is naturally also included in the present invention.

[0272] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0273] 10, 90 multifunction printer

[0274] 11 Control Department

[0275] 13 Display Section

[0276] 15 Operation Input Section

[0277] 17 Output Section

[0278] 171 Image Forming Unit

[0279] 173 Image Reading Unit

[0280] 19 Ministry of Communications

[0281] Storage Units 21 and 91

[0282] 211 Output Control Program

[0283] 213 Display Processor

[0284] 215 Equipment Information Generation Program

[0285] 217 Setting up the information retrieval procedure

[0286] 219 Device sets storage area

[0287] 23. Department of Certification Information Acquisition

[0288] 911 Authentication Procedure

[0289] 30 Terminal devices

[0290] 31 Control Department

[0291] 33 Display Department

[0292] 35 Operation Input Section

[0293] 37 Equipment Information Acquisition Department

[0294] 39 Ministry of Communications

[0295] 41 Storage Department

[0296] 411 Equipment Information Acquisition Procedure

[0297] 413 Display Processor

[0298] 415 Setting up the information generation program

[0299] 417 Device Information Storage Area

[0300] 419 Setting value storage area

[0301] 50 Network Services

[0302] 50a Network Device

[0303] 51 Control Department

[0304] 53 Display Department

[0305] 55 Operation Input Section

[0306] 57 Ministry of Communications

[0307] 59 Storage Department

[0308] 591 Terminal Device Authentication Procedure

[0309] 593 Setting up the message sending program

[0310] 595 Identification / Settings Information Storage Area

[0311] 100 Output System

Claims

1. An image processing apparatus, characterized in that, It includes: Control Department; Display section; The equipment information generation unit generates equipment information that includes recognition information from the image processing device. as well as The copy job execution unit executes the copy job according to the specified settings based on the setting information related to copy job execution sent from the terminal device. The control unit displays the device information on the display unit, obtains setting information related to copy job execution sent from the terminal device that reads the displayed device information via a network service, and controls the copy job execution unit to execute the copy job based on the obtained setting information. If a user logs in while the authentication mode is active, and fails to obtain the specified information from the network service within a certain period, the user will be logged out.

2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit displays the device information at any time during user login when the device is started, when sleep mode is resumed, when automatic clearing occurs, or when authentication mode is valid.

3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit periodically sends requests to the network service to obtain the setting information corresponding to the identification information.

4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device information is encoded using one or more of the following: quick response codes, barcodes, symbols, and alphanumeric characters.

Images