Processing device and display method

Abstract

A processing device and a display method are provided. The processing device includes a display section that displays an object corresponding to a specific function, and a control section that changes a display mode of the object in accordance with a processing status related to implementation of the specific function.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a processing device and a display method. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-211830 discloses the following: When it is possible to update the firmware installed in a multifunction printer, a specific firmware warning icon indicating that the firmware can be updated will be displayed on a portable terminal that can communicate wirelessly with the multifunction printer. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a processing device that allows users to grasp the importance of events they want to be notified of.

[0004] Solution for solving the problem To solve the above problems, the processing apparatus disclosed herein includes: a display unit that displays an object corresponding to a specific function; and a control unit that changes the display mode of the object according to the processing status related to the implementation of the specific function.

[0005] Furthermore, the display method disclosed herein is a method for displaying objects corresponding to specific functions, wherein the display mode of the objects is changed according to the processing status related to the implementation of the specific function.

[0006] Invention Effects According to this disclosure, a processing device or the like can be provided that allows a user to grasp the importance of an event that they want to be notified of. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a perspective view illustrating the overall structure of the composite machine according to the first embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0009] Figure 3A This is a diagram illustrating the correspondence between the processing stages related to firmware updates and the display methods of the icons corresponding to the firmware updates.

[0010] Figure 3B This is a diagram illustrating an example of how icons are displayed using animated images.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow involved in the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation involved in the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation involved in the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation involved in the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation involved in the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation involved in the second embodiment.

[0017] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of an action involved in the third embodiment.

[0018] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an example of an action involved in the third embodiment.

[0019] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating the operation screen of a typical multifunction printer.

[0020] Figure 13 It is a diagram illustrating the display positions of the icons in the display area of ​​the system information button and the correspondence between them and the icons displayed in each area.

[0021] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the display structure of a system information screen that appears when the user selects the system information button. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the following embodiments are merely illustrative examples of the present disclosure, and the technical content described in the claims is not limited to the following description.

[0023] In processing devices such as multifunction printers, when there is an event that needs to be notified to the user, the user is sometimes notified by displaying an icon corresponding to the event in a designated area of ​​the operation screen or similar device.

[0024] Figure 12 This diagram illustrates an example of the display structure of a typical multifunction printer's operating screen (main screen). Figure 12 The main screen W50 shown has a system information button B50 indicating the display of system information. Figure 12 In the display area of ​​the illustrated system information button B50, an icon can be displayed representing the object corresponding to the event to be notified to the user. Furthermore, Figure 12The icons shown in the following figure represent five events: LAN cable not connected, IR transmission error data, firmware update (with update information), USB device confirmation, and keyboard text.

[0025] In the case where the icon of the object corresponding to the event to be notified to the user is displayed in the display area of ​​the system information button B50, such as Figure 13 As shown, a maximum of 5 icons (A~E) can be displayed at the same time. Figure 13 This diagram illustrates the correspondence between the display positions of areas A through E within the system information button B50's display area and the events displayed in each area. Here, when more than five events (icons) need to be displayed within the system information button B50's display area, the displayed icons are switched at certain intervals according to the following rules.

[0026] - If events corresponding to icons displayed in the same area occur simultaneously, the icons with higher priority will be displayed instead of switching between them. Icons that cannot be displayed will be displayed sequentially in the available space in the order of A, B, C, D, E.

[0027] - Icons displayed in other areas will have their display restored to their original area when the state is simultaneously canceled.

[0028] - When icons are displayed in all areas A through E, if more than two events occur in the same area, they will be displayed in a loop according to the priority order of that area.

[0029] Figure 14 This illustration shows an example of the display configuration of a system information screen W60 that is displayed upon receiving a selection instruction from the display area of ​​the system information button B50, where these icons are displayed. The system information screen W60 includes a notification display area R60. The notification display area R60 is an area that displays the content of events to be notified to the user item by item, using icons displayed in the display area of ​​the system information button B50. Figure 14 The notification display area R60 shown in the example displays content from an icon notification related to a firmware update (if there is a firmware update).

[0030] When a firmware update item is selected in the notification display area R60, a dialog box D60 will appear indicating whether to accept or perform the firmware update. When the user selects the OK (confirm) button B60 to agree to perform the firmware update, the firmware update begins. Furthermore, in the automatic firmware update mode (also known as automatic mode), where the update automatically begins when a preset start time is reached, the firmware update will automatically start after a certain period of time even if the OK button B60 is not selected. Additionally, the Cancel button B62 is used to cancel the firmware update.

[0031] like Figure 12 As illustrated, the icons displayed in the display area of ​​the system information button B50 are always displayed as static images, even when the notification event involves the implementation of an important function such as firmware update. Therefore, it is difficult for users to grasp the importance of the event notified by the icon at a glance.

[0032] In this disclosure, by changing the display method of the icon as an object according to the processing status related to the realization of a specific function, a processing device that enables the user to grasp the importance of the event that they want to be notified of can be realized in the following embodiments.

[0033] Here, the specific function involved in this disclosure refers to the function of performing countermeasures necessary for maintaining the processing device, such as firmware updates, replacement of consumables like toners or fixing devices, and resolving network connectivity issues, through multiple processing stages, and resolving events that hinder or affect the execution of the operation. The description will be based on a processing state that includes these multiple processing stages. In the following embodiments, firmware updates will be described as an example of this specific function.

[0034] [1 First Implementation] The first embodiment describes the following method: the display method of the object (icon) corresponding to the firmware update as a specific function is changed according to the processing status related to the implementation of the firmware update.

[0035] [1.1 Functional Composition] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 10, which is the processing device according to the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, a multifunction printer is described as an example of the image forming apparatus 10, but the image forming apparatus 10 could also be a printer, copier, fax machine, or the like, which limits various operational functions.

[0036] Figure 2This diagram illustrates the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 10. Functionally, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a control unit 11, a display unit 13, an operation input unit 15, a communication unit 17, a storage unit 19, and an image processing unit 21.

[0037] The control unit 11 provides unified control of the image forming apparatus 10. The control unit 11 may be composed of one or more arithmetic units (CPU, Digital Signal Processor, etc.). The control unit 11 implements various functions of the image forming apparatus 10 by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 19. Furthermore, the control unit 11 may also be composed of a System-on-a-Chip (SoC) having multiple functions described below. Additionally, the control unit 11 may also be composed of one or more control circuits.

[0038] The display unit 13 may be composed of a display device capable of displaying various information to users, such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, a micro LED display, or a mini LED display.

[0039] The operation input unit 15 accepts operation input and information input from users, etc. The operation input unit 15 can be composed of various input devices such as hardware keys, software keys, operation keys, buttons, etc. Alternatively, the operation input unit 15 can also be configured as a touch panel display capable of input via the display unit 13. In this case, the input method to the touch panel display can be, for example, resistive film, infrared, electromagnetic induction, or capacitive methods.

[0040] The communication unit 17 includes a wired / wireless network communication interface for communicating with other terminal devices such as PCs via networks NW such as LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), the Internet, telephone lines, and fax lines. Furthermore, the wireless network communication interface may also include interfaces for short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and IrDA.

[0041] The storage unit 19 is one or more storage devices that store various programs and data required for the operation of the image forming apparatus 10. The storage unit 19 may be composed of storage devices such as RAM (Random Access Memory), SSD (Solid State Drive), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), ROM (Read Only Memory).

[0042] In the first embodiment, the storage unit 19 stores the control program 190, the display control program 191, the operation program 192, and the processing status determination program 193, and ensures the operation storage area 194, the object information storage area 195, and the firmware storage area 196.

[0043] Control program 190 is a program read by control unit 11 when uniformly controlling image forming apparatus 10. Control unit 11, having read control program 190, controls the operation of hardware such as display unit 13, operation input unit 15, communication unit 17, and image processing unit 21 by executing firmware stored in firmware storage area 196. This control program 190 includes firmware management program 1901. Control unit 11, having read firmware management program 1901, manages the firmware stored in firmware storage area 196 by maintaining and updating the firmware to ensure it is up-to-date (version). For example, control unit 11, having read firmware management program 1901, periodically communicates with a server device (not shown) provided by the manufacturer of image forming apparatus 10, etc., and downloads the firmware for which an update is available. When the firmware for the update is downloaded and update preparation is complete, control unit 11 accepts input from the firmware update trigger and performs the firmware update.

[0044] The display control program 191 is a program read by the control unit 11 when performing output control of the screen displayed by the operation input unit 15 configured as a touch panel display on the display unit 13. The control unit 11, having read the display control program 191, controls the display of objects on the operation screens (e.g., main screen, job setting screen, system information screen, etc.) displayed on the display unit 13 (operation input unit 15) and in designated display areas of each operation screen. Here, the objects involved in this disclosure refer to objects on the operation screen that can be displayed and controlled, including icons, operation buttons, dialog boxes, pointers, input boxes for accepting various information input / selection, selection menus, etc.

[0045] The work program 192 is the program read by the control unit 11 when performing various tasks such as printing, copying, scanning, faxing, or emailing. Upon reading the work program 192, the control unit 11 switches the image forming apparatus 10 to the work mode for performing each task and executes the task for which the execution instruction has been received.

[0046] The processing status determination program 193 is a program read by the control unit 11 when determining the processing status related to the implementation of a specific function. For example, if the specific function is related to a firmware update, the control unit 11, having read the processing status determination program 193, determines that the processing status related to the firmware update is at least in one of the following processing statuses: (1) The firmware download stage for updates, (2) The update preparation stage of downloading the completed firmware, and (3) Firmware update completion stage.

[0047] Based on the determined processing status, the control unit 11 changes the display method of the icon corresponding to the firmware update. Furthermore, the change in icon display method disclosed herein includes not only changes to the icon's display form but also changes to the icon itself or a portion thereof.

[0048] Here, Figure 3A This is a diagram illustrating the correspondence between the processing stages related to firmware updates and the display methods of the icons corresponding to the firmware updates.

[0049] During the firmware update download phase, the icon is displayed as an inconspicuous still image. However, during the update preparation completion phase after the firmware download is complete, the icon display is changed to an animated display (sometimes called an animated video) to attract the user's attention, making the icon more prominent. At this time, the icon displayed as an animated video can be an image based on a different image than the still image displayed during the firmware update download phase, or it can be an image based on the same image. Then, during the firmware update completion phase, the animated video display of the icon ends, and the icon display returns to a still image display.

[0050] Figure 3B This is an illustration showing an example of how to use animation to represent icons. Figure 3B The image shown is a still image icon indicating "Status 1" (firmware update (functionality enabled), see reference). Figure 12 , Figure 13 ) and the animated image icon representing "Status 2" (firmware update (update information available), see... Figure 12 , Figure 13This is an example of how the icon is displayed. "State 1" represents an icon displayed during the firmware download and firmware update completion phases. On the other hand, "State 2" represents an icon displayed during the firmware update preparation completion phase. Figure 3B In the middle, as an icon associated with "state 2", the part of the icon ([i] mark) that represents the information "i" surrounded by a circle is shown flashing as an animation. Figure 3B The diagram illustrates how the icon display changes from "State 1" → "State 2" → "State 1" depending on the firmware update processing status. However, for example, after the firmware update preparation is complete, from the input triggered at the start of the firmware update until the firmware update is completed, the animated image related to "State 2" can continue to be displayed, or the icon display can be changed from the animated image to a still image excluding the animated display ("State 2A"), etc. Furthermore, in the event of errors such as firmware download or firmware update failure, an icon with a triangle [i] mark, as exemplified in "State 2B", can be displayed as an attention (attention) icon to remind the user.

[0051] Furthermore, for example, if the firmware update is set to "Administrator confirmation mode (manual mode) where administrator permission is required for firmware updates and the update execution instruction is manually performed by the administrator, etc.," then if the update start trigger is not entered even after the specified time has elapsed after the firmware download is complete, the following operations can be performed: • Change the color of the [i] marker in the icon related to "Status 2". • Change the blinking frequency and icon type of the [i] marker in the "Status 2" icon. • Change the display size of the icon.

[0052] In addition, the display position of the icon can also be changed at this time.

[0053] Additionally, for example, if the firmware update is set to "automatic mode, where updates are performed automatically without administrator permission when the preset update start time is reached," and if the update delay is repeated more than a specified number of times after the firmware download is complete, the following operations can be performed: • Change the color of the [i] marker in the icons related to "Status 2". • Change the blinking frequency and icon type of the [i] marker in the "Status 2" icon. • Change the display size of the icon.

[0054] In addition, the display position of the icon can also be changed at this time.

[0055] Return again Figure 2The job storage area 194 is a storage area for storing information required by the image forming apparatus 10 to perform various jobs such as printing, copying, scanning, faxing, or emailing.

[0056] The object information storage area 195 is a storage area for storing image information such as still images and animations (dynamic images) related to objects such as icons, operation buttons, and dialog boxes.

[0057] Firmware storage area 196 is a storage area for storing firmware, which is executed by the control unit 11 that has read the control program 190 to control the hardware. Furthermore, firmware storage area 196 can also store update firmware downloaded from the server device. Alternatively, firmware storage area 196 can be located in a storage area outside of storage unit 19, configured in a more secure environment.

[0058] The image processing unit 21 includes an image forming unit 211 and an image input unit 213. The image forming unit 211 supplies paper from the paper supply unit 25, forms an image based on image data on the paper, and then discharges the paper with the image formed to the paper output unit 27. The image forming unit 211 may be configured, for example, as a laser printer employing an electrophotographic method. In this case, the image forming unit 211 uses toner supplied from a toner cartridge (not shown) corresponding to a toner color (e.g., cyan, magenta, yellow, black) to form the image.

[0059] The image input unit 213 generates image data by scanning the original document. The image input unit 213 can be configured, for example, to include an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CIS (Contact Image Sensor), as well as an automatic document feeder (ADF) and a scanning device such as a flatbed for holding and reading the original document. The structure of the image input unit 213 is not particularly limited, as long as it can read the reflected light image from the original document image through the image sensor. Furthermore, the image input unit 213 can also be configured as an interface capable of acquiring image data stored in a storage medium such as a USB memory, or image data transmitted from a terminal device not shown. Additionally, the image processing unit 21 can perform, for example, shading or density correction on the image data input from the image input unit 213 to generate image data for image transmission.

[0060] [1.2 Processing Flow] Next, use Figure 4 The flowchart illustrates the processing flow involved in the first embodiment. Furthermore, Figure 4 The processing described herein is performed by reading the control program 190 (firmware management program 1901), display control program 191, operation program 192, processing status determination program 193, etc. through the control unit 11.

[0061] The control unit 11 confirms whether there is firmware for updating (step S10). The confirmation of whether there is firmware for updating is performed, for example, by communicating with a server device (not shown).

[0062] When it is confirmed that there is firmware for updating, the control unit 11 determines that the processing status related to the firmware update is in the firmware update download stage, and displays an icon of a still image corresponding to the firmware update. Figure 3B "State 1" (Step S10; Yes → Step S12). On the other hand, if the existence of the update firmware cannot be confirmed, the control unit 11 stands still until the existence of the update firmware is confirmed (Step S10; No).

[0063] Next, the control unit 11 begins downloading the firmware for the update (step S14).

[0064] Then, the control unit 11 determines whether the download of the update firmware has been completed (step S16). If it is determined that the download of the update firmware has been completed, the control unit 11 determines that the processing status related to the firmware update is in the update preparation completion stage of the firmware download completed, and changes the display mode of the icon from a still image to an animated image. Figure 3B (State 2) (Step S16; Yes → Step S18). On the other hand, if the download of the firmware for the update has not yet been completed, the control unit 11 continues the download (Step S16; No).

[0065] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether the input to trigger the firmware update start has been accepted (step S20). In this case, the control unit 11 can determine that the input to trigger the firmware update start has been accepted if the user has given an instruction to start the firmware update, or if a certain amount of time has elapsed since the download of the firmware for the update was completed.

[0066] If the input indicating that a firmware update has been initiated is received, the control unit 11 determines whether there is an execution job, such as a print job, copy job, scan job, fax sending job, or email sending job (step S20; yes → step S22). Furthermore, as execution jobs, print jobs in the spool, ongoing jobs, and scheduled (standby) jobs are listed. If any of these jobs have a corresponding job, it is determined that an execution job exists; similarly, if a job corresponds to either the one in the spool or the one being executed, it is also determined that an execution job exists. If an execution job is determined to exist, the control unit 11 temporarily holds the firmware update (step S22; yes → step S24). If no execution job is determined to exist, the control unit 11 transfers the processing to step S30 (step S22; no → step S30).

[0067] Next, the control unit 11 executes the execution task (step S26). During the execution of the task, the control unit 11 may continue to display the animation image related to "state 2". Then, the control unit 11 determines whether the execution task has ended (step S28). If it is determined that the execution task has ended, the control unit 11 performs a firmware update (step S28; yes → step S30). In addition, if any error occurs after the firmware update begins, it can also display... Figure 3B The "Status 2B" example is indicated by the (Note) icon. Furthermore, if it is determined that the execution operation has not yet been completed, the control unit 11 continues to execute the execution operation (step S28; No).

[0068] After the firmware update, the control unit 11 reverts the icon display to the still image icon. Figure 3B The process ends in "State 1" (step S32). Additionally, in this case, the display of icons related to firmware updates can also be terminated.

[0069] [1.3 Action Examples] Next, examples of actions involved in the first embodiment will be described. Figures 5 to 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the display configuration of the main screen W10 according to the first embodiment. Figure 5 This indicates that the main screen W10 displays a still image icon I10 related to "Status 1" when the firmware update process is in the download stage.

[0070] The main screen W10 is displayed on the display unit 13, for example, when the power is turned on, in standby mode, or when resuming from sleep mode. It is the basic screen for receiving user instructions and operation inputs. The main screen W10 includes a system information button B10, an operation status button B12, a mode selection area R10, a device status display area R12, and a function selection area R14.

[0071] The system information button B10 is the target of the operation for receiving the display instruction of the system information screen (described later). The system information button B10 is displayed in the designated display area of ​​the main screen W10. When the selection instruction of the system information button B10 is received, the control unit 11 displays the system information screen, which is a summary screen of system information such as information related to device maintenance, such as paper shortage or firmware update, and device information related to communication settings.

[0072] When there is a notification to the user, the system information button B10 functions as a display area with a rectangular display surface capable of displaying strings, graphics, etc. related to the notification information. Figure 5 The system information button B10 shown in the example is an example of a display area that functions as a display area. This display area shows the string "System Information" indicating that the button is responding to the display instruction of the system information screen, and the icon I10 of a still image indicating the processing status of the firmware update (the download stage of the firmware for the update).

[0073] The job status button B12 is a button that accepts the display instruction of a job status screen (not shown). When the job status button B12 is selected, the control unit 11 displays a job status screen that uses text or icons to indicate whether a job is in progress or in standby.

[0074] The mode selection area R10 is a display area for shortcut keys, which handle screen transfer instructions for various setting screens related to the modes and functions that can be realized by the image forming apparatus 10. Figure 5 In addition to displaying shortcut keys related to "Simple Copy", "Simple Fax", and "Simple Scan" in the mode selection area R10, it also displays examples of shortcut keys related to "Recent Jobs".

[0075] The device status display area R12 is a display area for displaying the device status of the image forming apparatus 10. Figure 5 This is an example of how the remaining amount of toner is displayed in the device status display area R12.

[0076] The function selection area R14 displays various buttons related to function settings of the image forming apparatus 10, such as change instructions and reference instructions. For example, when the "Large Font Mode" button is selected, a checkmark will appear in the upper right corner of the button, and the text size on the screen will increase. Additionally, when the "Total Sheets Used Display" button is selected, a display screen showing the total number of sheets used and the remaining toner (in percentage) will be displayed. The "Settings" button displays instructions for a system settings screen (not shown).

[0077] Figure 6 This indicates that when the firmware update process is in the "Preparation for Update Complete" stage (where the downloaded firmware has been downloaded), the main screen W10 displays the animated image icon I10.

[0078] Figure 6 The system information button B10 shown in the example is an example of a display area that functions as a display area. This display area shows the text string "System Information" indicating that the button is a button that accepts the system information screen display instruction, and displays the icon I10 as an animated image related to "Status 2" indicating the firmware update processing status (the update preparation stage where the downloaded firmware has been completed).

[0079] Figure 7 When the firmware update process is in the completion stage, the main screen W10 displays a still image icon I10 related to "Status 1". Figure 5 same.

[0080] Additionally, icon display control is implemented based on the processing status related to firmware updates, in addition to... Figures 5 to 7 In addition to being performed on the main screen W10 as shown, it can also be performed on the system information screen displayed by selecting the system information button B10.

[0081] For example, Figure 8 Is it accepted? Figures 5 to 7 The example shown is a configuration of the selection indicator of the system information button B10 on the main screen W10 and the display of the system information screen W20 on the control unit 11.

[0082] The system information screen W20 includes a device status display area R12, a function selection area R14, a notification display area R16, a machine information display area R18, a paper feed tray display area R20, a power off button B14, and a work status button B12. Additionally, for... Figures 5 to 7 For structures that are identical to those described above, the same reference numerals shall be attached and their descriptions shall be omitted.

[0083] The notification display area R16 is used to display notifications to the user (error messages, toner depletion, firmware updates, maintenance information, etc.). Notifications in R16 include relatively urgent messages that will prevent the user from continuing the task if they do not respond quickly. Figure 8 In the notification, besides "Firmware update available," it also displays... Figure 3B The still image icon I10 is an example of "Status 2A". Furthermore, the display of this icon can be synchronized with the display in the system information button B10 display area.

[0084] When the firmware update item in the notification display area R16 is selected, with Figure 14 The example is the same as above, displaying a dialog box indicating whether to accept the user's selection instruction to perform a firmware update. When the user selects the "OK" button in the dialog box, the control unit 11 begins the firmware update.

[0085] The machine information display area R18 is a display area that displays information related to the machine's status (e.g., communication settings, communication status, etc.). Figure 8 In the machine information display area R18, examples such as IP address, Wi-Fi Direct connection for device-to-device communication without a wireless router, remote operation for remote control of the image forming apparatus 10, and fax reception settings are displayed as machine information. Furthermore, when the firmware update function is active, the machine information display area R18 displays icons and strings related to firmware updates, as well as an [i] button. When the user selects the [i] button, the control unit 11 displays a dialog box message corresponding to the firmware update processing status. In this case, the control unit 11 may display the same dialog box message as when the user selects the firmware update item in the notification display area R16.

[0086] The paper feed tray display area R20 is a display area that shows the paper feed tray mounted on the image forming apparatus 10, information about the paper contained in the paper feed tray (paper size, paper type), the amount of paper remaining, etc. In the paper feed tray display area R20, the paper feed tray in paper feeding (operation) can also be displayed in a way that can be distinguished from other paper feed trays.

[0087] The close button B14 is the button whose display is changed after the system information button B10 is displayed along with the system information screen W20, and it is the button that accepts the end of the display of the system information screen W20.

[0088] In the notification display area R16 and machine information display area R18 of the system information screen W20, by controlling the display of icons corresponding to the content of the notifications to the user, it is possible to attract the user's attention more effectively.

[0089] As described above, according to the first embodiment, by changing the display method of the icon corresponding to the firmware update as a specific function according to the processing status related to the implementation of the firmware update, the user can clearly understand the notifications related to the firmware update that are to be notified to him.

[0090] [2 Second Implementation] The second implementation method is as follows: In a low-power mode such as a preheating mode that reduces the temperature of the fixing unit to standby, if the setting to turn off the operation screen is effective, the operation screen is not turned off, but a smearing process (scrim) is applied to objects other than the icon, thereby making the icon conspicuous.

[0091] Since the functional configuration and processing flow of the image forming apparatus involved in the second embodiment can be the same as those of the image forming apparatus 10 involved in the first embodiment, the description here is omitted.

[0092] Figure 9 This diagram schematically illustrates an example of the configuration of the operation input unit 15 of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment. The operation input unit 15 includes a touch panel display 131, a fax reception / data indicator L10, and a power-saving button B16.

[0093] The touch panel display 131 is a display device capable of accepting touch input from the user. The touch panel display 131 displays various operation screens such as the main screen, operation setting screen, and system information screen. Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the main screen W30 on the touch panel display 131 where objects other than icon I10 are masked.

[0094] The fax receive / data indicator L10 is a light-emitting device that informs the image forming apparatus 10 of its status by using different light-emitting modes (on, flashing, off, etc.) depending on the reception of fax data and the ongoing operation.

[0095] The power-saving button B16 is a button that receives a switching instruction to switch the operating mode of the image forming apparatus 10 to the AutoPower Shut-off Mode. Here, the AutoPower Shut-off Mode is a low-power mode that operates in standby mode with minimal power consumption by turning off the power to the operation screen and the fixing unit. When the control unit 11 receives a user's selection instruction for the power-saving button B16, it switches the operating mode of the image forming apparatus 10 to the AutoPower Shut-off Mode. During the AutoPower Shut-off Mode, the operation screen is off, and the power-saving button B16 flashes. The AutoPower Shut-off Mode is deactivated when the flashing power-saving button B16 is selected by the user, or when printing data, fax data, or the like is received.

[0096] On the other hand, the preheating mode is a low-power mode that reduces the temperature of the fixing unit and enters standby mode with low power consumption. While its power saving rate is lower than the automatic power-off mode, its recovery time is faster. In the preheating mode, the setting to enable / disable the operation screen from being turned off during standby can be configured. In the second embodiment, in low-power modes such as the preheating mode, when the setting to turn off the operation screen is enabled, the operation screen is not turned off; instead, display control is applied to objects other than the icon corresponding to the firmware update. Furthermore, similar to the case of turning off the operation screen, the preheating mode can be deactivated by the user touching the operation screen that has been masked.

[0097] like Figure 9 As shown, since objects other than the icon I10 corresponding to the firmware update are displayed as an operation screen with a mask applied, the icon I10 can be made particularly conspicuous. On the other hand, the display control of applying the mask to the operation screen can also be performed only when the icon I10 is an animated image. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, as a notification unit for the firmware update processing status, for example, a notification tone can be emitted by an audio output device (not shown), or the firmware update processing status can be notified by a light-emitting device such as a fax receiver / data indicator L10.

[0098] As described above, according to the second embodiment, even when the image forming apparatus 10 is in a low-power mode such as a preheating mode, the user can clearly know the events that they want to be notified of.

[0099] [3 Third Implementation] The third implementation method is as follows: [Improvements were made in...] Figure 8 and Figure 14 The dialog box shown in the description indicates whether or not a firmware update can be performed. For... Figure 8 and Figure 14The same components are described herein, and the same reference numerals are attached to the accompanying drawings, with their descriptions omitted.

[0100] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the display configuration of the dialog box D10 according to the third embodiment. Figure 10 The example dialog box D10 is automatically displayed when the firmware update is set to automatic firmware update mode and the update time has arrived. After dialog box D10 is displayed, if no user action is taken within a specified time (e.g., 10 minutes), the update will start automatically.

[0101] In the third embodiment, Figure 14 In dialog box D60, the OK button B60 is renamed "Update Now" button B20, and the Cancel button B62 is renamed "Process Later" button B22. Here, when the user selects the "Process Later" button B22, the control unit 11 closes dialog box D10 and re-displays it after a specified time (e.g., 30 minutes). Conversely, when the user selects the "Update Now" button B20, the control unit 11 displays dialog box D12 as shown in the following diagram.

[0102] Furthermore, when the firmware update is set to manual mode, in addition to changing the cancel button B62 to a "close" button, a dialog box identical to dialog box D10 will be displayed after receiving a selection instruction for the firmware update item in the notification display area R16 or the [i] button related to the firmware update in the machine information display area R18. When the user selects the "close" button, the control unit 11 closes the dialog box and will not display it until it receives another selection instruction for the firmware update item in the notification display area R16 or the [i] button related to the firmware update in the machine information display area R18. On the other hand, the operation is the same as in automatic mode when the user selects the "update now" button.

[0103] Figure 11 This diagram illustrates an example of the display of dialog box D12 shown by control unit 11 after receiving the selection instruction of the "Update Now" button B20 in dialog box D10. Dialog box D12 includes an administrator password input box Bx10, an "Execute" button B24, and a "Cancel" button B26.

[0104] The administrator password input box Bx10 is for entering the password of the administrator (user) who approves the firmware update. The "Execute" button B24 is for entering the execution instruction for the firmware update performed by the administrator (user). The "Cancel" button B26 is for canceling the firmware update.

[0105] When a password is entered into the administrator password input box Bx10 and a selection instruction for the "Execute" button B24 is received, the control unit 11 verifies whether the entered password is correct. If the entered password is determined to be correct, the control unit 11 begins the firmware update. On the other hand, if the entered password is determined to be incorrect, the control unit 11 prompts the user to enter the correct password.

[0106] In addition, the display time of dialog box D10 can be changed appropriately. For example, if the current display interval of dialog box D10 is 10 minutes, the display interval can be set to be longer, and vice versa.

[0107] like Figure 10 As illustrated, by changing the button name, users can clearly and easily understand the firmware update delay. Furthermore, by differentiating the button name from other notifications, users can assure them that the notification associated with this dialog box is related to an important event.

[0108] As described above, according to the third embodiment, in addition to controlling the display of the icon as the object, the button names of the operation buttons in the displayed dialog box are also changed. Therefore, based on the effect of the first embodiment, the user can more clearly understand that the notification related to the dialog box is related to an important event.

[0109] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made. That is, embodiments obtained by combining appropriate modified technical means without departing from the spirit of this disclosure are also included within the technical scope of this disclosure.

[0110] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, some parts are described separately for the sake of convenience, but of course, they can also be combined and implemented within the scope that is technically possible.

[0111] Furthermore, in the implementation, the programs running in each device are programs that control the CPU and other devices to achieve the functions described in the above implementation (programs that enable the computer to perform its functions). Also, the information processed by these devices is temporarily stored in temporary storage devices (such as RAM) during processing, and then stored in various ROM (Read Only Memory), HDD, and other storage devices, and is read, corrected, and written by the CPU as needed.

[0112] Here, the computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which the program in the information processing device is recorded can be any of the following: semiconductor media (e.g., ROM, non-volatile memory cards, etc.), optical recording media / optical-magnetic recording media (e.g., DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), MO (Magneto Optical Disc), MD (Mini Disc), CD (Compact Disc), BD (Blu-ray Disc, etc.)), and magnetic recording media (e.g., magnetic tape, floppy disk, etc.). In this case, the program recorded on the recording medium is read by the computer of the information processing device and executed by the computer, thereby not only realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments, but also realizing the functions of this disclosure by cooperating with the operating system or other applications based on the instructions of the program.

[0113] Furthermore, when the program is released to the market, it can be stored on a portable recording medium or transmitted to a connected server computer via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the storage device of the server computer is naturally included in this disclosure.

[0114] Furthermore, the various functional blocks or features of the apparatus used in the above embodiments can also be installed and executed by circuits, such as integrated circuits or multiple integrated circuits. Circuits designed to implement the functions described in this specification may include: general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or combinations thereof. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, a conventional processor, a controller, a microcontroller, or a state machine. The aforementioned circuits may be constructed from digital circuits or analog circuits. Furthermore, if advancements in semiconductor technology lead to integrated circuit technologies that replace current integrated circuits, one or more aspects of this disclosure may also use new integrated circuits based on such technologies.

[0115] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 10: Image forming apparatus 11: Control Department 13: Display Section 15: Operation Input Section 17: Ministry of Communications 19: Storage Department 190: Control Procedure 1901: Firmware Manager 191: Display Control Program 192: Operating Procedures 193: Handling Status Determination Procedure 194: Job storage area 195: Object information storage area 196: Firmware storage area 21: Image Processing Department 211: Image Forming Unit 213: Image input section.

Claims

1. A processing apparatus, characterized in that, include: The display section shows objects corresponding to specific functions; as well as Control Department The control unit changes the display mode of the object based on the processing status related to the implementation of the specific function.

2. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processing status includes multiple processing stages. The control unit changes the display method of the object for each of the processing stages.

3. The processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The control unit changes the display method of the object by switching and displaying an image or video corresponding to the specific function for each processing stage.

4. The processing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The specific function mentioned is related to firmware updates. The control unit, as part of the processing stage, changes the display mode of the object at least for the firmware download stage, the update preparation completion stage of the downloaded firmware, and the update completion stage of the downloaded firmware.

5. The processing apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, During the download phase, the control unit displays the object as a still image; during the update preparation completion phase, it displays the object as an animated image different from the still image; and during the update completion phase, it displays the object as the still image.

6. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit displays the object in a designated area of ​​the operation screen of the processing device.

7. The processing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The control unit displays the object as the target of the operation of the summary screen that receives and summarizes the system information of the processing device in the designated area.

8. A display method for displaying objects corresponding to specific functions, characterized in that, The display method of the object is changed according to the processing status related to the implementation of the specific function.

Images