User interface processing method, and image processing apparatus

Abstract

To present, to every user, information on a skill level on operation related to each of a plurality of functions.SOLUTION: A processor 51 records, in a non-volatile storage, operation history information representing a history of operation performed on an operating unit 3a corresponding to a plurality of setting screens for every user on each of a plurality of functions of an image processing apparatus 10 (S103). The processor 51 determines a skill level on each of the plurality of functions for every user on the basis of the operation history information (S206). The processor 51 displays, on a display part 3b, a screen that is selected according to operation performed on the operating unit 3a from a plurality of guidance screens presenting explanatory information on each of the plurality of functions (S102, S104). The processor 51 includes information on the skill level on each of the plurality of functions corresponding to the user in at least one of the plurality of guidance screens (S104).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a user interface processing method and an image processing device capable of presenting an operation proficiency level for each user. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Image processing devices such as printers, copiers, and multifunction peripherals are equipped with user interface devices that include an operation device and a display device.

[0003] The image processing device has a guidance function for displaying on the display device a screen selected from a plurality of guidance screens in response to an operation on the operation device, each of the guidance screens being a screen presenting explanatory information for each of a plurality of functions of the image processing device.

[0004] It is also known that in the multifunction peripheral, the user interface device changes the display priority of a plurality of guidance items in accordance with the operation history of each user (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-224767 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the image processing device, it is desirable that each user can easily grasp his / her own level of proficiency in operating each of the functions, so that each user can efficiently learn how to operate the image processing device by utilizing the guidance function.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a user interface processing method and an image processing device that can present each user with information about the level of proficiency in operating each of a plurality of functions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A user interface processing method according to one aspect of the present invention is a method for executing processing related to a user interface in an image processing device including an operation device that accepts operations and a display device that displays information. The user interface processing method includes a processor executing a setting screen control for displaying on the display device a screen selected from a plurality of setting screens including information regarding operations for setting processes to be performed by the image processing device for each of a plurality of functions of the image processing device, for a user authenticated by a user authentication process, in response to an operation on the operation device. The user interface processing method further includes the processor recording, in a non-volatile storage device, operation history information representing a history of operations on the operation device corresponding to the plurality of setting screens for each of the plurality of functions for each of the users. The user interface processing method further includes the processor determining, based on the operation history information, a proficiency level for each of the plurality of functions for each of the users. The user interface processing method further includes the processor executing a guidance screen control for displaying on the display device a screen selected from a plurality of guidance screens presenting explanatory information for each of the plurality of functions, in response to an operation on the operation device, for the user authenticated by the user authentication process. In the user interface processing method, the processor includes, in at least one of the plurality of guidance screens, information on the level of proficiency for each of the plurality of functions corresponding to the user authenticated by the user authentication process.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing device including the operation device, the display device, the processor for implementing the user interface processing method, and an image processing unit, the image processing unit executing image processing set by an operation on the operation device. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a user interface processing method and an image processing device that can present each user with information on the level of proficiency in operating each of a plurality of functions. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of a screen output process in the image processing device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of a skill level determination process in the image processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen in the image processing device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a guidance screen in the image processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of operation history data in the image processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of individual skill level data in the image processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of overall skill level data in the image processing device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiment is an example of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0013] [Configuration of image processing device 10] The image processing device 10 according to the embodiment is capable of executing various types of image processing such as image formation processing, image reading processing, image transmission processing, etc. For example, the image processing device 10 is a printer, a copier, a facsimile machine, a multifunction machine, or the like.

[0014] In the example shown in FIG. 1, an image processing apparatus 10 includes an image forming apparatus 1, an image reading apparatus 2, a touch panel unit 3, a communication apparatus 4, a control apparatus 5, and a secondary storage apparatus 6.

[0015] The image processing device 10 is capable of communicating with other devices such as a host device 8 through a network 80. The network 80 includes a LAN (Local Area Network) and the Internet.

[0016] The image forming apparatus 1 executes the image forming process in a predetermined manner such as an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method. The image forming process is a process of forming an image on a sheet 91.

[0017] The image forming apparatus 1 includes a sheet transport mechanism that transports a sheet 91 and a printing device that forms an image on the sheet 91 .

[0018] The image reading device 2 executes the image reading process. The image reading process is a process of reading an image from an original 92. The image reading device 2 includes an optical scanning mechanism that scans the original 92 with light, and an image sensor that receives light reflected from the original 92.

[0019] The image sensor outputs data of the read image. The read image is an image read from an original 92.

[0020] The touch panel unit 3 includes an operation unit 3a and a display unit 3b. The operation unit 3a is a device that accepts operations by a person. For example, the operation unit 3a includes an operation button and a touch panel. The display unit 3b is capable of displaying information. For example, the display unit 3b includes a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel.

[0021] The communication device 4 is a communication interface device that communicates with other devices such as a host device 8 through a network 80. The control device 5 performs all data transmission and reception between the control device 5 and the other devices through the communication device 4.

[0022] The image forming apparatus 1 executes the image forming process based on the data of the scanned image or the received print data. The received print data is data included in a print request received from the host apparatus 8 via the communication device 4.

[0023] The communication device 4 is also capable of executing the image transmission process. The image transmission process is a process for transmitting the data of the scanned image to a specified destination via the network 80.

[0024] The card reader 71 reads authentication data from a user's ID card. For example, the ID card is a contactless IC card that stores the authentication data. For example, the contactless IC card is a card with an embedded RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag.

[0025] The USB interface 72 is an interface to which a USB device 72x such as a USB memory can be connected. The process of recording image data obtained by the image reading device 2 in the USB memory is also an example of the image processing that can be performed by the image processing device 10. Furthermore, the image formation process based on the image data stored in the USB memory is also an example of the image processing.

[0026] The control device 5 executes various calculations, data processing, and control of various electric devices included in the image processing device 10. The control device 5 includes a CPU 51, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 52, and the like.

[0027] The secondary storage device 6 is a computer-readable non-volatile storage device. The secondary storage device 6 can store computer programs and various data. For example, one or both of an SSD (Solid State Drive) and a hard disk drive are adopted as the secondary storage device 6.

[0028] The secondary storage device 6 stores the computer programs executed by the CPU 51 and data referenced by the CPU 51. The CPU 51 is an example of a processor.

[0029] The CPU 51 is a processor that executes the computer programs stored in the secondary storage device 6 to perform various types of data processing and control.

[0030] It is also contemplated that another processor, such as a DSP, may execute the data processing and control instead of the CPU 51 .

[0031] The RAM 52 is a computer-readable volatile storage device that temporarily stores the computer programs executed by the CPU 51 and data output and referenced in the process of the CPU 51 executing the computer programs.

[0032] The CPU 51 includes a plurality of processing modules that are realized by executing the computer programs, including an authentication unit 5a, a job control unit 5b, and a UI control unit 5c.

[0033] The authentication unit 5a executes a user authentication process. In the user authentication process, the authentication unit 5a compares input authentication data with registered user data D0 stored in the secondary storage device 6 (see FIG. 1). The input authentication data is authentication data input via the card reader 71 or the communication device 4. The registered user data D0 includes the authentication data of the user.

[0034] The authentication unit 5a permits the execution of image processing corresponding to a request input via the operation unit 3a or the communication device 4 for a user authenticated by the user authentication process.

[0035] The job control unit 5b executes job control on the condition that the user authentication process is successful. The job control is a process of causing each device of the image processing device 10 to execute the image processing corresponding to a request input through the operation unit 3a or the communication device 4.

[0036] The job control unit 5b controls the image forming apparatus 1, the image reading apparatus 2, and the communication apparatus 4. The job control unit 5b causes the image forming apparatus 1, the image reading apparatus 2, and the communication apparatus 4 to execute some or all of the requested image processing.

[0037] The image forming device 1, the image reading device 2, and the communication device 4 are examples of an image processing unit capable of executing the image processing set by an operation on the operation device 3a. In this embodiment, the image processing includes the image forming process, the image reading process, and the image transmission process.

[0038] The UI control unit 5c executes screen control for the user authenticated by the user authentication process. In the screen control, the UI control unit 5c selects a target screen from a plurality of candidate screens in response to an operation on the operation unit 3a, and causes the selected target screen to be displayed on the display unit 3b.

[0039] The plurality of candidate screens include a plurality of setting screens. The plurality of setting screens include information regarding an operation for setting a process to be executed by the image processing device 10 for each of a plurality of functions of the image processing device 10.

[0040] For example, each of the setting screens includes one or more operation icons corresponding to operations for setting the type, conditions or start of processing to be performed by the image processing device 10 for various functions such as an image forming function, a copy function, an image transmission function or a facsimile transmission function.

[0041] The plurality of candidate screens further includes a plurality of guidance screens. The plurality of guidance screens are screens that present explanatory information for each of a plurality of functions of the image processing device 10. The UI control unit 5c realizes a guidance function of displaying, on the display unit 3b, a screen selected from the plurality of guidance screens in response to an operation on the operation unit 3a.

[0042] Meanwhile, it is desirable for each user to be able to easily grasp his / her own level of proficiency in operating each of the multiple functions of the image processing device 10. In this way, each user can efficiently learn how to operate the image processing device 10 by utilizing the guidance function.

[0043] In this embodiment, the plurality of processing modules in the CPU 51 further includes a UI analysis unit 5d (see FIG. 1). As will be described later, the UI analysis unit 5d determines the proficiency of each user in the operation related to each of the plurality of functions of the image processing device 10.

[0044] Furthermore, the UI control unit 5c can present the information on the level of proficiency to each user in the guidance function. User interface processing by the UI analysis unit 5d and the UI control unit 5c will be described below.

[0045] In this embodiment, the user interface process includes a screen output process and a skill determination process. The screen output process is a process for controlling the screen output on the display unit 3b. The skill determination process is a process for determining the skill of each user in operating the image processing device 10.

[0046] The user interface processing is an example of a processing for realizing a user interface processing method. The CPU 51 for executing the user interface processing is an example of a processor for realizing the user interface processing method. The user interface processing method is a method for executing processing related to a user interface.

[0047] [Screen output processing] An example of the procedure of the screen output process will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0048] The UI control unit 5c executes the screen output process when the user authentication process by the authentication unit 5a is successful. That is, the UI control unit 5c executes the screen output process for the user authenticated by the user authentication process.

[0049] In the following description, S101, S102, ... represent identification codes of a plurality of steps in the screen output process. In the screen output process, the process of step S101 is executed first.

[0050] <Process S101> In step S101, the UI control unit 5c selects a target setting screen from the plurality of setting screens, and causes the display unit 3b to display the selected target setting screen.

[0051] 3 shows an example of a main menu screen G1, which is one of the multiple setting screens. The main menu screen G1 is the first screen selected from the multiple setting screens after the user authentication process is completed.

[0052] The main menu screen G1 includes a plurality of setting operation icons g11, a logout icon g12, and a help icon g20.

[0053] The multiple setting operation icons g11 are operation icons for setting the type, condition, or start of processing to be executed by the image processing device 10. The multiple setting operation icons g11 on the main menu screen G1 correspond to operations for setting the type of image processing to be executed by the image processing device 10.

[0054] Some of the setting screens include a manual input icon (not shown), which is an example of the setting operation icons g11. The manual input icon is an icon corresponding to an operation of inputting a numerical value or a character that specifies a condition of a process to be executed by the image processing device 10.

[0055] In this embodiment, setting the type of image processing to be executed by the image processing device 10 means selecting one of the multiple functions of the image processing device 10.

[0056] The logout icon g12 is an operation icon that accepts an operation to cancel a logged-in state in which the user is authenticated.

[0057] The logout icon g12 may be included in some or all of the setting screens other than the main menu screen G1 among the plurality of setting screens. Also, the logout icon g12 may be included in some or all of the guidance screens.

[0058] The plurality of guidance screens include the guidance selection screen G2 and a plurality of individual guidance screens (not shown). The help icon g20 is an operation icon that accepts an operation to request that the guidance selection screen G2 be displayed on the display unit 3b (see FIG. 5).

[0059] The guidance selection screen G2 includes a plurality of guidance selection icons g21 and a guidance end icon g22.

[0060] The guidance selection icons g21 correspond to the individual guidance screens, each of which includes information explaining an operation method corresponding to the setting screen.

[0061] The multiple guidance selection icons g21 are operation icons that accept an operation of selecting a target guidance screen to be displayed on the display unit 3b from the multiple individual guidance screens.

[0062] The guidance end icon g22 is an operation icon that accepts an operation to instruct the end of the process of displaying any one of the plurality of guidance screens on the display unit 3b.

[0063] After executing the process of step S101, the UI control unit 5c executes the process of step S102.

[0064] <Process S102> In step S102, the UI control unit 5c checks the status of the operation on the operation unit 3a, and further selects the next process to be executed according to the status of the operation on the operation unit 3a.

[0065] When one of the multiple setting screens is displayed on the display unit 3b, the UI control unit 5c executes the processing of step S103 when a setting operation corresponding to any of the multiple setting operation icons g11 in the target setting screen is performed on the operation unit 3a.

[0066] Moreover, in a state where the main menu screen G1 is displayed on the display unit 3b, the UI control unit 5c executes the process of step S104 when an operation corresponding to the help icon g20 is performed on the operation unit 3a.

[0067] In addition, when the guidance selection screen G2 is displayed on the display unit 3b, the UI control unit 5c also executes the processing of step S104 when a guidance selection operation corresponding to any of the multiple guidance selection icons g21 is performed on the operation unit 3a.

[0068] In addition, when one of the multiple guidance screens is displayed on the display unit 3b, the UI control unit 5c executes the processing of step S101 when an operation corresponding to the guidance end icon g22 is performed on the operation unit 3a.

[0069] For example, when an operation corresponding to the guidance end icon g22 is performed on the operation unit 3a, the UI control unit 5c causes the main menu screen G1 to be displayed on the display unit 3b in step S101.

[0070] Furthermore, when an operation corresponding to the logout icon g12 is performed on the operation unit 3a, the UI control unit 5c ends the screen output process.

[0071] Furthermore, the UI control unit 5c executes the process of step S105 when an operation corresponding to the screen displayed on the display unit 3b is not performed on the operation unit 3a.

[0072] <Process S103> In step S103, the UI control unit 5c records operation history data D1 indicating the history of the setting operations confirmed in step S102 in the secondary storage device 6 (see FIGS. 1 and 6).

[0073] The setting operation confirmed in step S102 is one of a plurality of unit operations corresponding to the plurality of setting screens.

[0074] For example, the UI control unit 5c includes a user code D11, a time stamp D12, an operation code D13, and a function code D14 in the operation history data D1 (see FIG. 6).

[0075] The user code D11 is data for identifying a user authenticated by the user authentication process. In other words, the user code D11 is an identifier for a user who is currently logged in. For example, a user ID used in the user authentication process is recorded as the user code D11.

[0076] The time stamp D12 is data that indicates the date and time when the setting operation was performed on the operation unit 3a. In this embodiment, the time stamp D12 includes data of the year, month, and date and data of the time.

[0077] The operation code D13 is data for identifying the setting operation confirmed in step S102. The operation code D13 indicates which of the multiple setting operation icons g11 on the multiple setting screens has been operated by the user.

[0078] The function code D14 is data for identifying a target function among a plurality of image processing functions of the image processing device 10, which corresponds to the setting operation confirmed in step S102.

[0079] For example, the function code D14 is a code for identifying the image forming function, the copy function, the image transmission function, the facsimile transmission function, or the like.

[0080] In this embodiment, each of the image forming function, the copy function, the image transmission function, and the facsimile transmission function is further classified into more detailed functions according to differences in the input source of image data, etc.

[0081] The setting operation icons g11 on the setting screens are each previously associated with an operation code D13 and a function code D14.

[0082] The UI control unit 5c executes the process of step S103 and then executes the process of step S101. In step S101 after step S103, the UI control unit 5c causes the display unit 3b to display the new target setting screen corresponding to the setting operation confirmed in step S102.

[0083] The processing in steps S101 and S102 is an example of setting screen control for displaying on the display unit 3b a screen selected from the plurality of setting screens in response to an operation on the operation unit 3a.

[0084] Then, with the new target setting screen being displayed on the display unit 3b, the process of step S102 is executed again.

[0085] Each time the setting operation is performed on the operation unit 3a, the process of step S103 is executed. As a result, operation history data D1 representing the history of operations on the operation unit 3a corresponding to the multiple setting screens is recorded in the secondary storage device 6.

[0086] The operation history data D1 includes a user code D11 and a function code D14, and thereby represents the operation history of each of the plurality of functions of the image processing device 10 for each user.

[0087] <Process S104> In step S104, the UI control unit 5c selects the target guidance screen corresponding to the operation confirmed in step S102 from among the plurality of guidance screens, and causes the display unit 3b to display the selected target guidance screen.

[0088] If the operation confirmed in step S102 is a help operation, the UI control unit 5c displays the guidance selection screen G2 on the display unit 3b. The help operation corresponds to the help icon g20 on the main menu screen G1 (see FIG. 5).

[0089] On the other hand, if the operation confirmed in step S102 is the guidance selection operation, the UI control unit 5c causes the display unit 3b to display one of the guidance screens corresponding to the guidance selection operation. The guidance selection operation is an operation corresponding to one of the guidance selection icons g21 in the guidance selection screen G2 (see FIG. 5).

[0090] The processing of steps S102 and S104 is an example of guidance screen control for displaying on the display unit 3b a screen selected from the plurality of guidance screens in response to an operation on the operation unit 3a.

[0091] 5, the UI control unit 5c may include one or more individual mastery marks g23 in the guidance selection screen G2. Similarly, the UI control unit 5c may include a total mastery mark g24 in the guidance selection screen G2.

[0092] The individual proficiency mark g23 and the overall proficiency mark g24 will be described later.

[0093] <Process S105> In step S105, the UI control unit 5c determines whether or not a predetermined logout condition is met.

[0094] For example, the logout condition is that the duration of no operation on the operation unit 3a exceeds a first set time that is set in advance.

[0095] In the case where the image processing device 10 includes a human presence sensor, the logout condition may be a condition that the duration of a state in which no person is detected by the human presence sensor exceeds a preset second set time.

[0096] The human presence sensor detects a person in front of the image processing device 10. For example, an infrared sensor is adopted as the human presence sensor.

[0097] If the UI control unit 5c determines that the logout condition is not met, it repeats the process from step S102.

[0098] On the other hand, if it is determined that the logout condition is met, the UI control unit 5c ends the screen output process.

[0099] Step S103 is an example of a step in which the CPU 51 records the operation history information for each of the users authenticated by the user authentication process for each of the plurality of functions of the image processing device 10 in a non-volatile storage device.

[0100] The operation history information indicates a history of operations on the operation unit 3a corresponding to the plurality of setting screens. The operation history data D1 is an example of the operation history information.

[0101] Step S103 is also an example of a step in which the CPU 51 includes information on the operation date and time in the operation history information. The time stamp D12 is an example of information on the operation date and time.

[0102] [Proficiency assessment process] Next, an example of the procedure of the skill level determination process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0103] For example, the UI analysis unit 5d executes the proficiency determination process every time the operation history data D1 is updated. Alternatively, the UI analysis unit 5d may execute the proficiency determination process every time the image processing device 10 executes the image processing corresponding to an operation on the operation unit 3a.

[0104] In the following description, S201, S202, ... represent identification codes of a plurality of steps in the skill level assessment process. In the skill level assessment process, the process of step S201 is executed first.

[0105] The index value derived or determined in the proficiency level determination process is the index value for each of all of the users.

[0106] <Process S201> In step S201, the UI analysis unit 5d derives the number of operations for each of the plurality of functions based on the operation history data D1. The UI analysis unit 5d further executes the process of step S202.

[0107] <Process S202> In step S202, the UI analysis unit 5d derives the operation interval for each of the plurality of functions based on the operation history data D1.

[0108] The operation interval is an interval between a plurality of operation dates and times corresponding to a series of a plurality of operations for setting one process to be executed by the image processing device 10. The operation dates and times are specified by a time stamp D12.

[0109] The series of operations is specified by a user code D11, a time stamp D12, an operation code D13, and a function code D14. The UI analysis unit 5d extracts a series of operation data corresponding to the series of operations from the operation history data D1.

[0110] For example, a series of operation master data corresponding to each of the plurality of functions is registered in advance. The series of operation master data indicates a start operation and a final operation of the series of operations.

[0111] The UI analysis unit 5d extracts, from the operation history data D1, consecutive data by function that have a common user code D11 and function code D14 and consecutive time stamps D12.

[0112] Furthermore, the UI analysis unit 5d extracts, from the function-specific continuous data arranged in the order of timestamp D12, data including the operation code D13 representing the start operation to data corresponding to the operation code D13 representing the end operation as the series of operation data.

[0113] For example, the UI analysis unit 5d derives, as the operation interval, one or both of an average value and a maximum value of the time interval of the time stamps D12 in the series of operation data. The UI analysis unit 5d further executes the process of step S203.

[0114] <Process S203> In step S203, the UI analysis unit 5d derives the number of hesitant operations for each of the plurality of functions based on the operation history data D1.

[0115] At least some of the setting screens include one or both of a stop icon and a back icon. The stop icon is an operation icon that accepts an operation to instruct the image processing device 10 to stop setting the process to be executed. The back icon is an operation icon that accepts an operation to instruct the image processing device 10 to go back to the previous step in setting the process to be executed.

[0116] In the following description, an operation corresponding to one or both of the stop icon and the back icon is referred to as a hesitation operation. That is, the operations corresponding to the plurality of setting screens include the hesitation operation.

[0117] The number of hesitation operations is the number of times the hesitation operations are performed when the series of setting operations corresponding to each of the plurality of setting screens are performed. The UI analysis unit 5d derives the number of hesitation operations by counting the number of operation codes D13 representing the hesitation operations included in the series of operation data extracted from the operation history data D1.

[0118] The UI analysis unit 5d further executes the process of step S204.

[0119] <Process S204> In step S204, the UI analysis unit 5d derives a no-operation time for each of the plurality of functions based on the operation history data D1. The no-operation time is a time during which no operation is performed on the operation unit 3a.

[0120] The UI analysis unit 5d derives the no-operation time based on the time stamp D12 of the operation history data D1 for each of the plurality of functions. For example, the UI analysis unit 5d derives the no-operation time as the number of days during which no operation is performed on the operation unit 3a.

[0121] The UI analysis unit 5d further executes the process of step S205.

[0122] <Process S205> In step S205, the UI analysis unit 5d determines the ambiguity of each of the plurality of functions according to either or both of the operation interval derived in step S202 and the number of hesitant operations derived in step S203.

[0123] The ambiguity is an evaluation value of the ambiguity of the user's understanding of the operation of each of the plurality of functions. For example, the UI analysis unit 5d determines the ambiguity in a plurality of stages, such as from 2 stages to 5 stages.

[0124] Specifically, the UI analysis unit 5d determines the first ambiguity by comparing the operation interval with one or more preset reference times. In this case, the UI analysis unit 5d determines that the first ambiguity is higher when the operation interval is long than when the operation interval is short.

[0125] Furthermore, when the operation interval includes an average value and a maximum value of the time interval of the time stamp D12 in the series of operation data, the UI analysis unit 5d may determine the first ambiguity according to a difference between the maximum value and the average value. The difference between the maximum value and the average value is an example of an index value of the variation of the time interval of the time stamp D12. In this case, the UI analysis unit 5d determines that the first ambiguity is higher when the difference is large than when the difference is small.

[0126] In addition, the UI analysis unit 5d determines the second ambiguity by comparing the number of hesitant operations with one or more preset reference numbers. In this case, the UI analysis unit 5d determines that the second ambiguity is higher when the number of hesitant operations is large than when the number of hesitant operations is small.

[0127] Furthermore, the UI analysis unit 5d selects the higher of the first ambiguity and the second ambiguity as the ambiguity. The first ambiguity may be the ambiguity. Similarly, the second ambiguity may be the ambiguity.

[0128] In the present embodiment, the UI analysis unit 5d judges the ambiguity only when the number of times the series of operations for each of the functions for each user is performed exceeds a preset effective lower limit number of times. The initial value of the ambiguity is in an undefined state.

[0129] The number of pieces of series of operation data for each of the plurality of functions for each of the users included in the operation history data D1 is the number of times the series of operations for each of the plurality of functions for each of the users has been performed.

[0130] The UI analysis unit 5d further executes the process of step S206.

[0131] <Process S206> In step S206, the UI analysis unit 5d judges an individual mastery level for each of the plurality of functions based on the results obtained by the processes in steps S201 to S205.

[0132] For example, the UI analysis unit 5d determines the individual proficiency level in a plurality of stages, such as from 3 stages to 5 stages. In the present embodiment, the UI analysis unit 5d determines the individual proficiency level in three stages.

[0133] In the present embodiment, the UI analysis unit 5d determines the individual mastery level for each of the plurality of functions according to the number of operations for each of the plurality of functions.

[0134] Specifically, the UI analysis unit 5d determines the individual proficiency by comparing the number of operations with one or more preset reference numbers. In this case, the UI analysis unit 5d determines that the individual proficiency is higher when the number of hesitant operations is large than when the number of hesitant operations is small.

[0135] Furthermore, the UI analysis unit 5d corrects the individual proficiency for each of the plurality of functions in accordance with the operation interval for each of the plurality of functions. For example, the UI analysis unit 5d corrects the individual proficiency for each of the plurality of functions in accordance with the first ambiguity for each of the plurality of functions.

[0136] Furthermore, the UI analysis unit 5d corrects the individual familiarity for each of the plurality of functions in accordance with the number of hesitation operations for each of the plurality of functions. For example, the UI analysis unit 5d corrects the individual familiarity for each of the plurality of functions in accordance with the second ambiguity for each of the plurality of functions.

[0137] The UI analysis unit 5d corrects the individual mastery in a downward direction as the first ambiguity is higher. Similarly, the UI analysis unit 5d corrects the individual mastery in a downward direction as the second ambiguity is higher.

[0138] Furthermore, the UI analysis unit 5d corrects the individual mastery level in accordance with the no-operation time for each of the plurality of functions derived in step S204.

[0139] The UI analysis unit 5d corrects the individual mastery level in a direction that decreases as the no-operation time becomes longer.

[0140] For example, the UI analysis unit 5d determines the individual mastery level reflecting the correction based on each of the operation interval, the number of hesitant operations, and the no-operation time as the individual mastery level for each of the multiple functions.

[0141] In addition, the UI analysis unit 5d may determine the individual proficiency level for each of the multiple functions as the individual proficiency level reflecting only the largest correction amount among the correction amount based on the operation interval, the correction amount based on the number of hesitant operations, and the correction amount based on the no-operation time.

[0142] In step S206, the UI analysis unit 5d records the determination results in steps S205 and S206 as individual skill level data D2 in the secondary storage device 6 (see FIGS. 1 and 7).

[0143] As shown in FIG. 7, the UI analysis unit 5d records in the secondary storage device 6 individual mastery data D2 including a function code D14, a user code D11, an individual mastery D21, and an ambiguity D22, which are associated with each other.

[0144] The ambiguity D22 is the result obtained in step S205, and the individual proficiency D21 is the result obtained in step S206. As described above, the UI analysis unit 5d determines the individual proficiency D21 for each of the functions for each user based on the operation history data D1 (see steps S201 to S206). The UI analysis unit 5d further executes the process of step S207.

[0145] <Process S207> In step S207, the UI analysis unit 5d determines an overall proficiency level for each of the users by integrating the individual proficiencies for each of the multiple functions.

[0146] For example, the UI analysis unit 5d sets the minimum, average, median, or maximum value of the individual mastery levels for each of the plurality of functions as the overall mastery level.

[0147] In step S207, the UI analysis unit 5d records the determination result in step S207 as overall mastery data D3 in the secondary storage device 6 (see FIGS. 1 and 8).

[0148] As shown in FIG. 8, the UI analysis unit 5d records in the secondary storage device 6 comprehensive mastery data D3 including a user code D11 and a comprehensive mastery D31 that are associated with each other.

[0149] The overall mastery score D31 is the result obtained in step S207. The UI analysis unit 5d further executes the process of step S208.

[0150] <Process S208> In step S208, the UI analysis unit 5d counts the number of ambiguous users, which is the number of users whose ambiguity determined in step S205 exceeds a reference level, for each of the plurality of functions.

[0151] Furthermore, the UI analysis unit 5d determines the next process depending on whether the number of ambiguous people exceeds a preset reference number. If the number of ambiguous people exceeds the reference number, the UI analysis unit 5d executes the process of step S209.

[0152] In the following description, a function among the plurality of functions of the image processing device 10 in which the number of ambiguous persons exceeds the reference number is referred to as a specific function.

[0153] On the other hand, if the number of ambiguous users does not exceed the reference number, the UI analysis unit 5d ends the mastery level determination process.

[0154] <Process S209> In step S209, the UI analysis unit 5d transmits advice information regarding the specific function to a destination corresponding to the ambiguous person through the communication device 4. The ambiguous person is a user whose ambiguity exceeds the reference level.

[0155] First, a first example of the process of step S209 will be described. In the first example, the UI analysis unit 5d extracts, as the advice information, information corresponding to the specific function from the explanation information included in the multiple guidance screens.

[0156] In the first example, the UI analysis unit 5d transmits the advice information extracted from the explanation information included in the plurality of guidance screens to a destination corresponding to the ambiguous person.

[0157] Next, a second example of the process of step S209 will be described. In the second example, the UI analysis unit 5d identifies an experienced user who is a user whose proficiency with respect to the specific function exceeds a predetermined level, based on the individual proficiency data D2.

[0158] Furthermore, the UI analysis unit 5d extracts the series of operation data for the specific function corresponding to the expert user from the operation history data D1.

[0159] In the second example, the UI analysis unit 5d generates, as the advice information, information on an operation procedure represented by the extracted series of operation data. In this case, the advice information is information on an operation example for the specific function.

[0160] In the second example, the UI analysis unit 5d transmits the advice information generated based on the series of operation data to a destination corresponding to the ambiguous person.

[0161] Furthermore, the UI analysis unit 5d may transmit the advice information of both the first example and the second example to a destination corresponding to the ambiguous person.

[0162] On the other hand, after executing the process of step S209, the UI analysis unit 5d ends the mastery determination process.

[0163] On the other hand, when the UI control unit 5c causes the display unit 3b to display the guidance selection screen G2, it includes one or more individual mastery marks g23 and overall mastery marks g24 in the guidance selection screen G2 (see FIG. 5).

[0164] The UI control unit 5c identifies an individual skill level D21 and an overall skill level D31 corresponding to the user authenticated by the user authentication process, based on a user code D11 included in the individual skill level data D2 and the overall skill level data D3.

[0165] Each individual skill mark g23 is a mark that represents an individual skill D21 in the individual skill data D2. In the example shown in Fig. 5, a numerical value included in each individual skill mark g23 represents a level of the individual skill D21.

[0166] The individual mastery mark g23 is an example of mastery information for each of the multiple functions corresponding to the user authenticated by the user authentication process.

[0167] Each of the individual mastery marks g23 is arranged at a position corresponding to one of the guidance selection icons g21 on the guidance selection screen G2. The guidance selection icons g21 correspond to the functions of the image processing device 10.

[0168] Each of the individual mastery marks g23 indicates that the corresponding function has been operated at least once. Therefore, the UI control unit 5c does not display the individual mastery marks g23 corresponding to the functions that have not been operated at least once among the plurality of functions on the display unit 3b.

[0169] The UI control unit 5c determines the correspondence between the individual mastery mark g23 and the multiple guidance selection icons g21 based on the function code D14 in the individual mastery data D2.

[0170] The UI control unit 5c may include an individual mastery mark g23 corresponding to a specific screen other than the guidance selection screen G2 among the plurality of guidance screens.

[0171] That is, in step S101, the UI control unit 5c includes the mastery information for each of the plurality of functions corresponding to the user authenticated by the user authentication process in at least one of the plurality of guidance screens (see FIG. 5).

[0172] On the other hand, the overall mastery mark g24 is a mark that represents the overall mastery D31 in the overall mastery data D3. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the number of filled star marks included in the overall mastery mark g24 represents the level of the overall mastery D31.

[0173] The overall proficiency mark g24 is an example of the overall proficiency information corresponding to the user authenticated by the user authentication process.

[0174] That is, in step S101, the UI control unit 5c includes information on the overall skill level corresponding to the user authenticated by the user authentication process in at least one of the multiple guidance screens (see FIG. 5).

[0175] By executing the screen output process and the mastery determination process, information on the mastery of operations relating to each of the functions of the image processing device 10 is presented to each user via the display unit 3b.

[0176] By adopting the image processing device 10, each user can easily grasp his / her own level of proficiency in operating each of the multiple functions, and thus each user can efficiently learn how to operate the image processing device 10 by utilizing the guidance function.

[0177] [Notes on the invention] The following will provide an overview of the invention extracted from the above-described embodiment. Note that the configurations and processing functions described in the following supplementary notes can be selected and combined as desired.

[0178] <Appendix 1> 1. A user interface processing method for executing processing related to a user interface in an image processing device including an operation device that accepts operations and a display device that displays information, comprising: a processor executes a setting screen control for displaying on the display device a screen selected from a plurality of setting screens including information regarding an operation for setting a process to be executed by the image processing device for each of a plurality of functions of the image processing device, for a user authenticated by a user authentication process, in response to an operation on the operation device; The processor records operation history information representing a history of operations on the operation device corresponding to the plurality of setting screens for each of the plurality of functions for each of the users in a non-volatile storage device; The processor determines a level of proficiency for each of the plurality of functions for each of the users based on the operation history information; and executing guidance screen control by the processor to cause the display device to display a screen selected from a plurality of guidance screens presenting explanatory information about each of the plurality of functions in response to an operation on the operation device for the user authenticated by the user authentication process, A user interface processing method in which the processor includes, in at least one of the plurality of guidance screens, information on the level of proficiency for each of the plurality of functions corresponding to the user authenticated by the user authentication process.

[0179] <Appendix 2> The processor derives a number of operations for each of the plurality of functions based on the operation history information; The user interface processing method of claim 1, further comprising: the processor determining the level of proficiency for each of the plurality of functions according to the number of operations for each of the plurality of functions.

[0180] <Appendix 3> The processor includes information on an operation date and time indicating a date and time when an operation was performed on the operation device in the operation history information; The processor derives, for each of the plurality of functions, an operation interval that is an interval between a plurality of operation dates and times that correspond to a series of a plurality of operations that set one process to be executed by the image processing device, based on the operation history information; The user interface processing method of claim 2, further comprising: the processor correcting the proficiency level for each of the plurality of functions according to the operation interval for each of the plurality of functions.

[0181] <Appendix 4> The processor determines an ambiguity for each of the plurality of functions for each of the users according to the operation interval for each of the plurality of functions; The user interface processing method of claim 3, further comprising: when the plurality of functions includes a specific function for which the number of users for which the ambiguity exceeds a reference level exceeds a reference number, the processor sending advice information regarding the specific function via a communication device to a destination corresponding to each of the users for which the ambiguity exceeds a reference level.

[0182] <Appendix 5> The processor includes information on an operation date and time indicating a date and time when an operation was performed on the operation device in the operation history information; The processor derives a non-operation time for each of the plurality of functions for each user based on the operation date and time information; The user interface processing method of claim 2, further comprising: the processor correcting the level of proficiency for each of the plurality of functions in accordance with the non-operation time for each of the plurality of functions.

[0183] <Appendix 6> When the operation corresponding to the plurality of setting screens includes a hesitation operation for instructing the image processing device to cancel or go back on the setting of the process to be executed, the processor derives, for each of the plurality of functions, a hesitation operation count, which is the number of times the hesitation operation was performed when a series of setting operations for setting one process to be executed by the image processing device was performed, based on the operation history information; A user interface processing method described in any one of Supplementary Note 2 to Supplementary Note 5, wherein the processor corrects the level of proficiency for each of the plurality of functions depending on the number of hesitant operations for each of the plurality of functions.

[0184] <Appendix 7> The processor determines an ambiguity for each of the plurality of functions for each of the users according to the number of hesitation operations for each of the plurality of functions for each of the users; The user interface processing method described in Supplementary Note 6, further comprising: when the number of users for whom the ambiguity exceeds a reference level for a specific function among the plurality of functions exceeds a reference number, the processor sends advice information regarding the specific function via a communication device to a destination corresponding to each of the users for whom the ambiguity exceeds a reference level.

[0185] <Appendix 8> The processor determines, for each of the users, an overall proficiency level that is an integration of the proficiency levels for each of the plurality of functions; The user interface processing method of any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 7, further comprising: the processor including, in at least one of the plurality of guidance screens, information on the overall proficiency level corresponding to the user authenticated by the user authentication process.

[0186] <Appendix 9> An operation device that accepts operations; A display device for displaying information; A processor implementing the user interface processing method of any one of claims 1 to 8; an image processing unit that executes image processing set by an operation on the operation device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0187] 3: User interface device 3a: Operating device 3b:Display device 4: Communication equipment 5: Control device 6: Secondary storage device (non-volatile storage device) 10: Image processing device 51: CPU (processor) G1: Main menu screen G2: Guidance selection screen g11: Setting operation icon g12 :Logout icon g20 :Help icon g21: Guidance selection icon g22 : Guidance end icon g23: Individual Proficiency Mark g24: General Proficiency Mark

Claims

1. 1. A user interface processing method for executing processing related to a user interface in an image processing device including an operation device that accepts operations and a display device that displays information, comprising: a processor executes a setting screen control for displaying on the display device a screen selected from a plurality of setting screens including information regarding an operation for setting a process to be executed by the image processing device for each of a plurality of functions of the image processing device, for a user authenticated by a user authentication process, in response to an operation on the operation device; The processor records operation history information representing a history of operations on the operation device corresponding to the plurality of setting screens for each of the plurality of functions for each of the users in a non-volatile storage device; The processor determines a level of proficiency for each of the plurality of functions for each of the users based on the operation history information; and executing guidance screen control by the processor to cause the display device to display a screen selected from a plurality of guidance screens presenting explanatory information about each of the plurality of functions in response to an operation on the operation device for the user authenticated by the user authentication process, A user interface processing method in which the processor includes, in at least one of the corresponding guidance screens, information on the level of proficiency for each of the plurality of functions corresponding to the user authenticated by the user authentication process.

2. The processor derives a number of operations for each of the plurality of functions based on the operation history information; The user interface processing method according to claim 1 , further comprising: determining, by the processor, the level of proficiency for each of the plurality of functions according to the number of operations for each of the plurality of functions.

3. The processor includes information on an operation date and time indicating a date and time when an operation was performed on the operation device in the operation history information; The processor derives, for each of the plurality of functions, an operation interval that is an interval between a plurality of operation dates and times that correspond to a series of a plurality of operations that set one process to be executed by the image processing device, based on the operation history information; The user interface processing method according to claim 2 , further comprising: correcting the degree of proficiency for each of the plurality of functions in accordance with the operation interval for each of the plurality of functions.

4. The processor determines an ambiguity for each of the plurality of functions for each of the users according to the operation interval for each of the plurality of functions; The user interface processing method of claim 3, further comprising: when the plurality of functions includes a specific function for which the number of users for which the ambiguity exceeds a reference level exceeds a reference number, the processor transmitting advice information regarding the specific function via a communication device to a destination corresponding to each of the users for which the ambiguity exceeds a reference level.

5. The processor includes information on an operation date and time indicating a date and time when an operation was performed on the operation device in the operation history information; The processor derives a non-operation time for each of the plurality of functions for each user based on the operation date and time information; The user interface processing method according to claim 2 , further comprising: correcting the level of proficiency for each of the plurality of functions in response to the non-operation time for each of the plurality of functions.

6. When the operation corresponding to the plurality of setting screens includes a hesitation operation for instructing the image processing device to cancel or go back on the setting of the process to be executed, the processor derives, for each of the plurality of functions, a hesitation operation count, which is the number of times the hesitation operation was performed when a series of setting operations for setting one process to be executed by the image processing device is performed, based on the operation history information; 6. The user interface processing method according to claim 2, wherein the processor corrects the degree of proficiency for each of the plurality of functions in accordance with the number of hesitant operations for each of the plurality of functions.

7. The processor determines an ambiguity for each of the plurality of functions for each of the users according to the number of hesitation operations for each of the plurality of functions for each of the users; The user interface processing method of claim 6, further comprising: when the number of users for whom the ambiguity exceeds a reference level for a particular function among the plurality of functions exceeds a reference number, the processor transmits advice information regarding the particular function via a communication device to a destination corresponding to each of the users for whom the ambiguity exceeds a reference level.

8. The processor determines, for each of the users, an overall proficiency level that is an integration of the proficiency levels for each of the plurality of functions; The user interface processing method according to claim 1 , further comprising: the processor including, in at least one of the plurality of guidance screens, information on the overall proficiency level corresponding to the user authenticated by the user authentication process.

9. An operation device that accepts operations; A display device for displaying information; A processor implementing the user interface processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 5; an image processing unit that executes image processing set by an operation on the operation device.

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