Information processing system and information processing program

Abstract

To provide an information processing system and an information processing program which can improve user-friendliness as compared with highlighting a setting change menu at all times.SOLUTION: A state detection unit 52 detects a state in which a change of setting of an image forming apparatus is required, and a web UI access detection unit 54 detects a request for access to a web UI from a user, and the web UI is provided to the user being a request source. When the web UI is accessed after the state detection unit 52 detects a state in which a change of setting is required, a highlighting control unit 56 performs control for highlighting a setting change menu.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing system and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a user interface device having a user authentication unit, an operation history recording unit which records information about operations performed by the user as an operation history record, a current user operation frequency aggregation unit which outputs the number of operations performed by the logged-in user as a current user operation frequency aggregation result, a non-current user operation frequency aggregation unit which outputs the number of operations performed by users other than the logged-in user as a non-current user operation frequency aggregation result, and a guidance item display order determination unit which determines the presentation priority of guidance items so that the presentation priority of guidance items operated relatively frequently by non-current users is increased based on the non-current user operation frequency aggregation result, and modifies the presentation priority so that the presentation priority of guidance items related to operations operated relatively frequently by the current user is decreased based on the current user operation frequency aggregation result. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4873032 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Since it is convenient to input setting items with many characters using a keyboard, some devices are equipped with a function that guides users to change settings from a web user interface. When users move from the function to the web user interface, a setting change menu is highlighted for users who want to change settings. However, since the settings may be completed, it is not appropriate to always highlight the setting change menu.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing system and an information processing program that can improve user convenience compared to a case in which the setting change menu is always highlighted. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an information processing system according to a first aspect includes a processor that detects a state in which a setting change is required, and after detecting the state, when a web user interface is accessed, performs processing to highlight a setting change menu on the web user interface.

[0007] In an information processing system according to a second aspect, in the information processing system according to the first aspect, the processor performs processing to highlight the display when the web user interface is accessed within a predetermined time after detecting the state.

[0008] An information processing system according to a third aspect is the information processing system according to the first aspect, wherein the processor detects, as the state, the launch of a guidance application that guides the user to the web user interface.

[0009] An information processing system according to a fourth aspect is an information processing system according to the third aspect, wherein the processor detects an instruction to display a guidance screen that guides the user to the web user interface, or the display of the guidance screen, as the launch of the guidance application.

[0010] An information processing system according to a fifth aspect is the information processing system according to the first aspect, wherein the processor detects, as the state, the occurrence of a startup error caused by a function that requires pre-setting being started in an unconfigured state.

[0011] An information processing system according to a sixth aspect is the information processing system according to the fifth aspect, wherein the processor detects, as the startup error, a display of an error screen that prompts a user to change settings due to the occurrence of the startup error.

[0012] An information processing system according to a seventh aspect is the information processing system according to the fifth aspect, wherein the processor highlights a setting item for eliminating the startup error when the setting change menu is operated.

[0013] An information processing system according to an eighth aspect is the information processing system according to the first aspect, wherein the processor detects, as the state, the occurrence of an error that requires a setting change.

[0014] An information processing system according to a ninth aspect is the information processing system according to the eighth aspect, wherein the processor highlights a setting item for eliminating the error when the setting change menu is operated.

[0015] An information processing system according to a tenth aspect is the information processing system according to the first aspect, wherein the processor detects, as the state, a predetermined software update that adds a new function.

[0016] An information processing system according to an eleventh aspect is the information processing system according to the tenth aspect, wherein the processor displays new functions resulting from an update of the software when the setting change menu is operated.

[0017] An information processing program according to a twelfth aspect causes a computer to detect a state in which a setting change is required, and after detecting the state, when a web user interface is accessed, to execute a process of highlighting a setting change menu on the web user interface. Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to the first aspect, it is possible to provide an information processing system that can improve user convenience compared to a case in which the setting change menu is always highlighted.

[0019] According to the second aspect, it is possible to determine that the user has accessed the web user interface with the purpose of changing settings, and to highlight the setting change menu.

[0020] According to the third aspect, it is possible to determine the user's intention to change the settings.

[0021] According to the fourth aspect, it is possible to determine whether the user is about to change the settings.

[0022] According to the fifth aspect, it is possible to detect a state in which a setting change is required.

[0023] According to the sixth aspect, it is possible to detect the occurrence of a startup error from the display contents.

[0024] According to the seventh aspect, the setting items for resolving the startup error become easier to understand.

[0025] According to the eighth aspect, it is possible to detect a state in which a setting change is required.

[0026] According to the ninth aspect, the setting items for resolving the error become easier to understand.

[0027] According to the tenth aspect, it is possible to detect a state in which a setting change is required.

[0028] According to the eleventh aspect, new functions that require setting changes can be easily identified.

[0029] According to the twelfth aspect, it is possible to provide an information processing program that can improve user convenience compared to a case in which the setting change menu is always displayed in a highlighted manner. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of an electrical system of an image forming apparatus in the information processing system according to the embodiment; [Diagram 3] 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a main part of an electrical system of a client computer and a mobile terminal device in the information processing system according to the embodiment; [Figure 4] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a control unit. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the start-up of a navigation application. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a highlighted display of a setting change menu in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow starting from an operation of a user interface in the control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow starting from an operation of a web UI in the control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating examples of functions that require advance settings and essential setting items. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a case where email transmission is selected and started as an example of a function that requires presetting. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a highlighted display of a setting change menu in the second embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow starting from an operation of a user interface in a control unit of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow starting from an operation of a web UI in a control unit of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a highlighted display of a setting change menu in the third embodiment. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processes performed by a control unit of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 16] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow starting from an operation of a web UI in a control unit of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a highlighted display of a setting change menu in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 18] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by a control unit of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 19] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow starting from an operation of a web UI in a control unit of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] An example of the present embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, an information processing system in which an image forming apparatus, a client computer, a mobile terminal device, and the like are connected to each other via communication lines such as various networks will be described as an example. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing system 10 according to the present embodiment.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 10 according to the present embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 12, a client computer 14, a mobile terminal device 16, and the like. The image forming apparatus 12 and the client computer 14 are connected to each other via a communication line 18 such as a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), the Internet, an intranet, and the like. The image forming apparatus 12, the client computer 14, and the mobile terminal device 16 are each capable of transmitting and receiving various data to and from each other via the communication line 18. In this embodiment, the client computer 14 or the mobile terminal device 16 instructs the image forming apparatus 12 to print, and the image forming apparatus 12 forms an image according to the print instruction. Although FIG. 1 shows one image forming apparatus 12, one client computer 14, and one mobile terminal device 16, there may be more than one of each, or there may be more than one of any of them. In the information processing system 10 according to the present embodiment, the mobile terminal device 16 can issue a print instruction via short-range wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) in addition to the print instruction via the communication line 18. As shown by the dotted line in Fig. 1, a server 11 may be further provided so that an image formation request is issued from at least one of the client computer 14 and the mobile terminal device 16 to the image forming device 12 via the server 11.

[0033] The image forming apparatus 12 according to the present embodiment has multiple functions, such as an image forming function for receiving various data from the client computer 14 or the mobile terminal device 16 and performing image forming processing based on the received data, a reading function for reading an original to obtain image information representing the original, a copying function for copying an image recorded on the original onto paper, a facsimile function for transmitting and receiving various data via a telephone line (not shown), a transfer function for transferring original information such as image information read by the reading function, etc., and a storage function for storing original information such as read image information, etc. The multiple functions may include all of these functions, or may include two or more of these functions.

[0034] In the following description, the facsimile function may be referred to as "fax," the reading function as "scan," the image forming function as "print," and the copying function as "copy."

[0035] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a main part of an electrical system of the image forming apparatus 12 in the information processing system 10 according to this embodiment.

[0036] 2, the image forming apparatus 12 according to this embodiment includes a control unit 20 including a central processing unit (CPU) 20A, a read only memory (ROM) 20B, and a random access memory (RAM) 20C. The CPU 20A controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 12. The RAM 20C is used as a work area when the CPU 20A executes various programs. The ROM 20B stores various control programs such as application programs and various parameters in advance. In the image forming apparatus 12, each component of the control unit 20 is electrically connected to each other via a system bus 42.

[0037] On the other hand, the image forming apparatus 12 according to the present embodiment includes a HDD (hard disk drive) 26 that stores various data, application programs, and the like. The image forming apparatus 12 is also provided with a display control unit 28 that is connected to the user interface 22 and controls the display of various operation screens, etc., on the display of the user interface 22. The image forming apparatus 12 is also provided with an operation input detection unit 30 that is connected to the user interface 22 and detects operation instructions input through the user interface 22. In the image forming apparatus 12, the HDD 26, the display control unit 28, and the operation input detection unit 30 are electrically connected to a system bus 42. In the image forming apparatus 12 according to the present embodiment, the HDD 26 is used as the storage unit, but this is not limited thereto, and a non-volatile storage unit such as a flash memory may be used. In the present embodiment, the user interface 22 is a touch panel that can display and input operations, but this is not limited thereto, and a user interface having a display and an operation unit separate from each other may be used.

[0038] The image forming apparatus 12 according to the present embodiment includes a reading control unit 32 that controls the optical image reading operation by the document reading unit 44 and the document feeding operation by the document transport unit, and an image forming control unit 34 that controls the image forming process by the image forming unit 24 and the transport unit 25 to transport paper to the image forming unit 24. The image forming apparatus 12 also includes a communication line I / F (interface) unit 36 ​​that is connected to the communication line 18 and transmits and receives communication data to and from other external devices such as the client computer 14 connected to the communication line 18. The image forming apparatus 12 also includes a facsimile I / F (interface) unit 38 that is connected to a telephone line (not shown) and transmits and receives facsimile data to and from a facsimile device connected to the telephone line. The image forming apparatus 12 also includes a transmission / reception control unit 40 that controls the transmission and reception of facsimile data via the facsimile I / F unit 38. The image forming apparatus 12 also includes a human sensor 46 that detects people around the apparatus. In the image forming device 12, the transmission / reception control unit 40, the reading control unit 32, the image forming control unit 34, the communication line I / F unit 36, the facsimile I / F unit 38, the human presence sensor 46, and the notification unit 48 are electrically connected to the system bus 42.

[0039] With the above configuration, the image forming apparatus 12 according to this embodiment executes access to the RAM 20C, the ROM 20B, and the HDD 26 by the CPU 20A. The image forming apparatus 12 also executes control of display of information such as an operation screen and various messages on the display of the user interface 22 via the display control unit 28 by the CPU 20A. The image forming apparatus 12 also executes control of operation of the document reading unit 44 and the document transport unit via the reading control unit 32 by the CPU 20A. The image forming apparatus 12 also executes control of operation of the image forming unit 24 and the transport unit 25 via the image formation control unit 34, and control of transmission and reception of communication data via the communication line I / F unit 36 ​​by the CPU 20A. The image forming apparatus 12 also executes control of transmission and reception of facsimile data via the facsimile I / F unit 38 by the transmission and reception control unit 40 by the CPU 20A. Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 12, the CPU 20A grasps the operation content in the user interface 22 based on the operation information detected by the operation input detection unit 30, and executes various controls based on the operation content.

[0040] In this embodiment, examples of applications stored in the ROM 20B or the HDD 26 include applications that execute functions such as faxing, scanning, printing, and copying.

[0041] Next, a description will be given of the main configuration of the electrical system of the client computer 14 according to this embodiment. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the electrical system of the client computer 14 and the mobile terminal device 16 in the information processing system 10 according to this embodiment.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 3, the client computer 14 according to the present embodiment includes a CPU 14A, a ROM 14B, a RAM 14C, a storage 14D, an operation unit 14E, a display unit 14F, and a communication line I / F (interface) unit 14G. The CPU 14A controls the overall operation of the client computer 14. The ROM 14B stores various control programs and various parameters in advance. The RAM 14C is used as a work area when the CPU 14A executes various programs. The storage 14D stores various data and application programs. The operation unit 14E is used to input various information. The display unit 14F is used to display various information. The communication line I / F unit 14G is connected to the communication line 18 and transmits and receives various data to and from other devices connected to the communication line 18. The communication line I / F unit 14G may also be configured to be capable of directly communicating with each device using various well-known wireless communications. The above-mentioned units of the client computer 14 are electrically connected to each other via a system bus 14I. In the client computer 14 according to the present embodiment, the storage 14D is used as a storage unit, and as an example of the storage, a non-volatile storage unit such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a flash memory is used.

[0043] With the above configuration, the client computer 14 according to this embodiment executes, by the CPU 14A, access to the ROM 14B, the RAM 14C, and the storage 14D, acquisition of various data via the operation unit 14E, and display of various information on the display unit 14F. In addition, the client computer 14 executes, by the CPU 14A, control of transmission and reception of communication data via the communication line I / F unit 14G.

[0044] When a print instruction is given from the mobile terminal device 16, the mobile terminal device 16 basically includes a general computer configuration, including a CPU 16A, a ROM 16B, and a RAM 16C, similar to the client computer in Fig. 3, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted. The mobile terminal device 16 includes configurations not included in the client computer 14, such as a position detection unit 16H that detects the position of the mobile terminal device 16 by a GPS (Global Positioning System) or the like, and an imaging unit such as a camera (not shown).

[0045] Incidentally, the image forming apparatus 12 may be provided with a web UI (interface) that allows the image forming apparatus 12 to be accessed and set using a browser. For example, for setting items that require a large amount of character input, such as setting an email address, setting a user name and password when adding a user, it is more convenient to set the items using a web UI that allows input using a keyboard of the client computer 14 or the operation unit 16E of the mobile terminal device 16, rather than setting the items using the user interface 22 provided in the image forming apparatus 12.

[0046] Furthermore, in order to guide the user to change settings from a more convenient web UI, the image forming apparatus 12 has a navigation application. When the user opens the navigation application from the user interface of the image forming apparatus 12, information for accessing with a browser, such as the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the access destination or a two-dimensional code including the URL, is displayed, and a report containing the information can be printed.

[0047] The web UI not only allows changing settings, but also allows various operations such as uploading and printing files, retrieving scan and fax reception data stored in the image forming apparatus 12, and editing the address book. Therefore, for users who wish to change settings, links and icons for the setting change menu are highlighted to clearly guide them.

[0048] Generally, the setting changes of the image forming apparatus 12 are limited to users who have the authority to change the settings, such as the machine administrator, but the web UI is also accessed by users who do not have the authority to change the settings. In addition, in many cases, the setting changes themselves have already been completed. For this reason, it is not appropriate to always highlight the setting change menu on the web UI.

[0049] One way to switch web content display for individual users is to use cookies to identify the client, but because multiple users access the web UI of image forming device 12 from different browsers, switching in this manner is difficult.

[0050] One possible solution would be to provide multiple URLs for accessing the web UI, such as one with highlighting and one without, but this would require users to use different destinations and could easily lead to erroneous operation such as accessing an unintended destination, reducing convenience.

[0051] As described above, appropriate setting change menus must be highlighted on the web UI in accordance with the manner in which the image forming apparatus 12 is used.

[0052] Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 12 according to the present embodiment, a state in which a setting change is necessary is detected, and after the state is detected, when the web user interface is accessed, a process is performed in which a setting change menu is highlighted on the web UI. This improves user convenience compared to a case in which the setting change menu is always highlighted.

[0053] For example, as shown in Fig. 4, the control unit 20 has the functions of a state detection unit 52, a web UI access detection unit 54, and a highlighting control unit 56. Each function is realized by the CPU 20A of the control unit 20 expanding a program stored in the ROM 20B into the RAM 20C and executing it. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control unit 20.

[0054] The state detection unit 52 detects a state in which a setting change is required for the image forming apparatus 12. For example, as an example of a state in which a setting change is required, the state detection unit 52 detects the launch of a navigation application, since the navigation application guides a setting change from a web UI, and stores the launch history. In addition, as other examples of a state in which a setting change is required, the state detection unit 52 detects the occurrence of a launch error due to a function that requires pre-setting being launched in an unconfigured state, the occurrence of an error that requires a setting change, an update of predetermined software, etc. When the state detection unit 52 detects the occurrence of an error, it stores the error history in the HDD 26, etc., and when the state detection unit 52 detects a software update, it stores the processing result in the HDD 26, etc.

[0055] The web UI access detection unit 54 detects a user's request to access the web UI, and provides the web UI to the requesting user.

[0056] The highlighting control unit 56 determines whether to highlight the setting change menu and controls the highlighting of the setting change menu based on the detection results of the state detection unit 52 and the web UI access detection unit 54. For example, the highlighting control unit 56 controls the highlighting of the setting change menu when the web user interface is accessed after the state detection unit 52 detects a state in which a setting change is required.

[0057] The processes performed by each function of the control unit 20 will be described in detail below.

[0058] (First embodiment) In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the state detection unit 52 detects the start of a navigation application as an example of a state in which a setting change is required. Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining the start of a navigation application, and Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a highlighted display of a setting change menu in this embodiment.

[0059] For example, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 5, the image forming apparatus 12 displays a navigation application icon 60 representing a navigation application as a guidance application on the user interface 22.

[0060] Here, when the navigation application icon 60 is operated, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 5, a guide screen 62 to the web UI is displayed, which includes the URL of the web UI access destination, a two-dimensional code, a button for instructing printing of the accessed destination, and the like.

[0061] In the image forming apparatus 12, the state detection unit 52 detects that a navigation application has been launched on the user interface 22, and stores this as a launch history in the HDD 26, etc. Also, the launch history of the navigation application is deleted after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0062] Then, when the web UI is accessed within a specified time after the navigation application is launched, the image forming apparatus 12 determines that the user has been guided to the web UI by the navigation application, that is, that the user has accessed the web UI with the purpose of changing settings, and the highlighting control unit 56 highlights a setting change menu on the web UI to provide easy-to-understand guidance on the setting change, as shown in Fig. 6. In the example of Fig. 6, a caution icon 64 is highlighted, and a message "To change settings, please log in as the machine administrator from here" is displayed.

[0063] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the state detection unit 52 detects the start of a navigation application, but the start of a navigation application may be detected by detecting an instruction to display the guide screen 62 or the display of the guide screen 62. In addition, guidance to the web UI is not limited to the form of a navigation application, and may be provided as, for example, a function provided as one item in a setting change menu operated by a machine administrator on the user interface 22 of the image forming apparatus 12.

[0064] Next, a specific process performed by the control unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 12 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0065] First, a process initiated by an operation of the user interface 22 will be described. Fig. 7 is a flow chart showing an example of a process flow initiated by an operation of the user interface 22 in the control unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 12 according to this embodiment. The process in Fig. 7 starts, for example, when an instruction is given to display a menu screen of the image forming apparatus 12.

[0066] In step 100, the CPU 20A displays a list of applications representing the functions of the image forming apparatus 12, and the process proceeds to step 102. For example, the list of applications is displayed as shown in the upper part of FIG.

[0067] In step 102, the CPU 20A determines whether or not a navigation application has been started. For example, the determination is made as to whether or not the navigation application icon 60 shown in Fig. 5 has been operated. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 104, and if not, the process proceeds to step 110.

[0068] In step 104, the CPU 20A displays a guide screen to the web UI on the user interface 22, and proceeds to step 106. For example, as shown in FIG.

[0069] In step 106, the CPU 20A stores the navigation application startup and proceeds to step 108.

[0070] In step 108, CPU 20A judges whether printing has been instructed. For example, the judgement is made by judging whether a button for instructing printing of the accessed destination shown in the lower part of FIG. 5 ("Print this page" in FIG. 5) has been operated. If the judgement is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 110, and if the judgement is negative, the process proceeds to step 112.

[0071] In step 110, the CPU 20A prints out guide information for the web UI and then proceeds to step 112.

[0072] In step 112, CPU 20A erases the navigation application startup history after a predetermined specified time has elapsed, and ends a series of processes.

[0073] Next, a process initiated by an operation of the web UI will be described. Fig. 8 is a flow chart showing an example of a process flow initiated by an operation of the web UI in the control unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 12 according to this embodiment. The process of Fig. 8 starts, for example, when a request is made to display the web UI.

[0074] In step 200, the CPU 20A accepts a request to display the web UI, and the process proceeds to step 202.

[0075] In step 202, CPU 20A determines whether or not there is a navigation application startup history. This is to determine whether or not the startup history stored in step 106 described above remains without being erased in step 112. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 204, and if the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step 206.

[0076] In step 204, CPU 20A performs normal display on the web UI and ends the series of processes, that is, displays the web UI without highlighting.

[0077] On the other hand, in step 206, the CPU 20A highlights the setting change menu on the web UI and ends the series of processes. For example, as shown in Fig. 6, the caution icon 64 is highlighted and a message is displayed saying "To change the settings, please log in as the system administrator from here."

[0078] In this manner, in this embodiment, if the web UI is accessed within a specified time after the start of the navigation application is detected, the setting change menu is highlighted. This allows the setting change menu to be highlighted on the web UI at the timing expected by the user, rather than always being highlighted, thereby improving user convenience.

[0079] Second embodiment In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the state detection unit 52 detects, as an example of a state in which a setting change is required, the occurrence of a start-up error caused by a function that requires pre-setting being started in an unconfigured state.

[0080] The image forming apparatus 12 has some functions that must be set in advance by a machine administrator in order to be used. Functions that must be set in advance include, for example, email transmission, remote assistance, and WSD (Web Service for Device) scan, as shown in FIG. 9. For email transmission, the setting of the machine's main body's email address, SMTP server, etc. are required setting items. For remote assistance, permission to use is required setting items, and for WSD scan, profile registration of the destination PC (personal computer) is required setting items. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing examples of functions that require advance setting and required setting items.

[0081] If these functions are started in an unconfigured state, a startup error occurs. However, in the image forming device 12, the status detection unit 52 detects the occurrence of a startup error, and when a startup error is detected, the startup error history is stored.

[0082] If the web UI is accessed within a predetermined time after a startup error occurs, the highlighting control unit 56 highlights the setting change menu for the function in question, and provides a direct link from the highlighted setting change menu to a setting menu required to activate the function.

[0083] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a case where email sending is selected and started as an example of a function that requires advance setting, and FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of highlighting of a setting change menu in this embodiment.

[0084] For example, as shown in the upper part of Figure 10, if you select email sending and start the application in an unconfigured state, a startup error will occur and an error screen will be displayed, as shown in the lower part of Figure 10. The example error screen in the lower part of Figure 10 shows a message that reads, "Settings are required to use the email sending function. Please log in as the system administrator from the web UI and set the settings."

[0085] If the web UI is accessed within a specified time after an error occurs, the caution icon 64 is highlighted and a message is displayed stating "To use the email sending function, please set up from here," as shown in the upper part of Fig. 11. Then, when an operation is performed on the caution icon 64, a setting menu required to enable the email sending function is displayed, as shown in the lower part of Fig. 11. In the example in the lower part of Fig. 11, the main email address and server settings are shown in a bold frame as required setting items.

[0086] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the state detection unit 52 detects the occurrence of a startup error. However, the state detection unit 52 may detect the display of an error screen as the occurrence of a startup error.

[0087] Next, a specific process performed by the control unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 12 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0088] First, a process initiated by an operation of the user interface 22 will be described. Fig. 12 is a flow chart showing an example of a process flow initiated by an operation of the user interface 22 in the control unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 12 according to this embodiment. The process in Fig. 12 starts, for example, when an instruction is given to display a menu screen of the image forming apparatus 12.

[0089] In step 300, the CPU 20A displays a list of applications indicating the functions of the image forming apparatus 12, and the process proceeds to step 302. For example, the list of applications is displayed as shown in the upper part of FIG.

[0090] In step 302, CPU 20A judges whether a function that requires presetting has been activated. For example, the judgement is made by judging whether any of the functions shown in Fig. 9 has been activated. If the judgement is negative, the process proceeds to step 304, and if the judgement is positive, the process proceeds to step 306.

[0091] In step 304, the CPU 20A starts an application, ends a series of processes, and performs the process of the started application.

[0092] On the other hand, in step 306, CPU 20A judges whether or not settings necessary for startup have not been set. For example, the judgement is made by judging whether or not the required setting items shown in Fig. 9 have been set. If the judgement is negative, the process proceeds to step 304 described above, and if the judgement is positive, the process proceeds to step 308.

[0093] In step 308, CPU 20A displays a startup error due to unconfigured settings, and proceeds to step 310. For example, as shown in the upper part of Fig. 10, when email sending is started in an unconfigured state, a message "Settings are required to use the email sending function. Please log in as the machine administrator from the web UI and set it up" is displayed, as shown in the lower part of Fig. 10.

[0094] In step 310, the CPU 20A stores the application startup error history and proceeds to step 312.

[0095] In step 312, CPU 20A erases the application start error history after a predetermined specified time has elapsed, and ends the series of processes.

[0096] Next, a process initiated by an operation of the web UI will be described. Fig. 13 is a flow chart showing an example of a process flow initiated by an operation of the web UI in the control unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 12 according to this embodiment. The process of Fig. 13 starts, for example, when a request is made to display the web UI.

[0097] In step 400, the CPU 20A accepts a request to display the web UI, and the process proceeds to step 402.

[0098] In step 402, CPU 20A judges whether or not there is an application startup error history. This judges whether or not the application startup error history stored in the above-mentioned step 310 remains without being erased in step 312. If the judgement is negative, the process proceeds to step 404, and if the judgement is positive, the process proceeds to step 406.

[0099] In step 404, CPU 20A performs normal display on the web UI and ends the series of processes, that is, displays the web UI without highlighting.

[0100] On the other hand, in step 406, CPU 20A highlights the setting change menu for application settings on the web UI and ends the series of processes. For example, as shown in the upper part of Fig. 11, caution icon 64 is highlighted and a message "Please set from here to use the e-mail sending function" is displayed. Then, when an operation is performed on caution icon 64, a setting menu required to activate the e-mail sending function is displayed as shown in the lower part of Fig. 11.

[0101] In this manner, in this embodiment, the setting change menu is highlighted when the web UI is accessed within a specified time period after a startup error occurs due to a function that requires pre-setting being started in an unconfigured state. This allows the setting change menu to be highlighted on the web UI at the timing expected by the user, rather than always being highlighted, thereby improving user convenience.

[0102] Third embodiment In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the state detection unit 52 detects the occurrence of an error that requires a setting change, as an example of a state in which a setting change is required.

[0103] Even if the settings of the image forming apparatus 12 are complete, an error may occur in the process performed by the image forming apparatus 12 due to a change in the network environment to which the image forming apparatus 12 is connected.

[0104] For example, a user authentication error may occur because the authentication server that performs user authentication has been changed to a stronger encryption method.

[0105] Or, when the destination is selected from the address book and the function of scanning and sending is implemented, a login error may occur because the login password of the user on the destination PC is changed during the regular update every three months.

[0106] Generally, an error code is assigned to an error that occurs in the image forming apparatus 12, and a method of dealing with each error code is determined. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 12 can extract the setting item to be changed from the error that occurred. For example, in the case of a user authentication error, the security setting is extracted as the setting item to be changed. Also, in the case of a scan-to-PC save in which the save destination is selected from an address book and an error occurs due to "invalid password," the password item of the address book is extracted.

[0107] Therefore, when the web UI is accessed while an error is currently occurring or an error has occurred within a specified time in the past, the image forming apparatus 12 highlights the setting item menu required to resolve the error. For example, in the case of a user authentication error, the setting item to be changed is highlighted as "security settings," and in the case of an error in the scan and send function, the setting item to be changed is highlighted as "password item for the address book."

[0108] Specifically, the highlighting is performed as shown in Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of highlighting of the setting change menu in this embodiment.

[0109] That is, when the state detection unit 52 detects an error that requires a setting change or detects the occurrence of an error within a specified time, for example, as shown in the upper part of Fig. 14, the highlighting control unit 56 highlights the caution icon 64 and displays "An error has occurred in scan to PC save. Change the settings here." Then, when an operation is performed on the caution icon 64, the items necessary to resolve the error are highlighted, as shown in the lower part of Fig. 14. The example in the lower part of Fig. 14 shows an example in which the password is highlighted by surrounding it with a thick frame as a necessary setting item.

[0110] Next, a specific process performed by the control unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 12 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0111] First, the process on the image forming apparatus 12 side will be described. Fig. 15 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of the process performed by the control unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 12 according to the present embodiment. The process in Fig. 15 starts, for example, when the user selects a function and instructs execution of the selected function.

[0112] In step 500 , the CPU 20 A executes the process selected by the user, and proceeds to step 502 .

[0113] In step 502, the CPU 20A stores the processing result in the processing history and ends the series of processes.

[0114] Next, a process initiated by an operation of the web UI will be described. Fig. 16 is a flow chart showing an example of a process flow initiated by an operation of the web UI in the control unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 12 according to this embodiment. The process of Fig. 16 starts, for example, when a request is made to display the web UI.

[0115] In step 600, the CPU 20A accepts a request to display the web UI, and the process proceeds to step 602.

[0116] In step 602, CPU 20A judges whether there is a failure history within a predetermined time. This judgement is made by checking the processing history for the presence or absence of a "failure" history within a predetermined time from the current time. If the judgement is negative, the process proceeds to step 604, and if the judgement is positive, the process proceeds to step 606.

[0117] In step 604, CPU 20A performs normal display on the web UI, and ends the series of processes. That is, the web UI is displayed without highlighting.

[0118] On the other hand, in step 606, CPU 20A highlights the setting change menu corresponding to the error code on the web UI and ends the series of processes. For example, as shown in the upper part of Fig. 14, caution icon 64 is highlighted and a message is displayed saying "An error has occurred in scan to PC save. Change the settings here." Then, when an operation is performed on caution icon 64, the items required to resolve the error are highlighted as shown in the lower part of Fig. 14.

[0119] In this manner, in this embodiment, when an error that requires a setting change occurs, or when the occurrence of an error is detected within a specified time, the setting change menu is highlighted. This allows the setting change menu to be highlighted appropriately according to the content of an event that is not initiated by the user, so that the user can access and deal with items that require setting changes more quickly and easily.

[0120] (Fourth embodiment) In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the state detection unit 52 detects an update of predetermined software as an example of a state in which a setting change is required. In the following, an example of detecting a firmware update will be described as an example of detecting the predetermined software, but the detection is not limited to firmware, and an update of software in which a new function has been added and a setting change is required may be detected.

[0121] New functions may be added to the image forming apparatus 12 by updating software such as firmware.

[0122] Assuming that the user will configure settings for the new functions, the image forming apparatus 12 highlights a setting menu for the new functions on the web UI for a predetermined period of time after the firmware update.

[0123] As an example, the highlighting is performed as shown in Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of highlighting of the setting change menu in this embodiment.

[0124] That is, when the state detection unit 52 detects a software update, for example, as shown in the upper part of Fig. 17, the highlighting control unit 56 highlights the caution icon 64 and displays "New functions have been added. You can change the settings from here." Then, when an operation is performed on the caution icon 64, the item of the new functions is displayed as shown in the lower part of Fig. 17.

[0125] Next, a specific process performed by the control unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 12 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0126] First, the process on the image forming apparatus 12 side will be described. Fig. 18 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of the process performed by the control unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 12 according to this embodiment. The process in Fig. 18 starts, for example, when a firmware update is instructed or when a firmware update is detected.

[0127] In step 700, the CPU 20A performs firmware update processing, and then proceeds to step 702.

[0128] In step 702, the CPU 20A detects whether or not new functions have been added, and ends the series of processes.

[0129] Next, a process initiated by an operation of the web UI will be described. Fig. 19 is a flow chart showing an example of a process flow initiated by an operation of the web UI in the control unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 12 according to this embodiment. The process of Fig. 19 starts, for example, when a request is made to display the web UI.

[0130] In step 800, the CPU 20A accepts a request to display the web UI, and the process proceeds to step 802.

[0131] In step 802, the CPU 20A determines whether the current time is within a specified time from the most recent firmware update. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 804, and if the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step 806.

[0132] In step 804, CPU 20A performs normal display on the web UI and ends the series of processes. That is, the web UI is displayed without highlighting.

[0133] On the other hand, in step 806, the CPU 20A determines whether a new function was added in the most recent firmware update. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 804 described above, and if the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step 808.

[0134] In step 808, CPU 20A highlights the setting change menu for the new function on the web UI and ends the series of processes. For example, as shown in the upper part of Fig. 17, attention icon 64 is highlighted and a message is displayed saying "A new function has been added. You can change the settings from here." Then, when an operation is performed on attention icon 64, the item for the new function is displayed as shown in the lower part of Fig. 17.

[0135] In this manner, in this embodiment, when a predetermined software update that adds a new function is detected, the setting change menu is highlighted. This allows the setting change menu to be highlighted appropriately according to the content of events that are not initiated by the user. This allows the user to access and deal with items that require setting changes more quickly and easily.

[0136] In the above embodiment, the processing is described as being performed by the image forming device 12, but the present invention is not limited to this and may be performed by an image processing device or an image reading device. Also, some of the processing may be performed by the server 11, the client computer 14, the mobile terminal device 16, etc. For example, the part providing the web UI may be performed by the server 11, the client computer 14, the mobile terminal device 16, etc.

[0137] In addition, in the above embodiments, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors (e.g., CPUs, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic devices, etc.).

[0138] In addition, the operations of the processor in the above embodiments may be performed not only by one processor, but also by multiple processors located at physically separate locations working together. The order of the operations of the processor is not limited to the order described in the above embodiments, and may be changed as appropriate.

[0139] In addition, although the "system" in this embodiment has been described as being composed of multiple devices as an example, it may also be composed of a single device having some of the functions of the multiple devices.

[0140] The processes performed by the image forming apparatus 12 according to the above embodiment may be processes performed by software, may be processes performed by hardware, or may be a combination of both. The processes performed by the image forming apparatus 12 may be stored as a program in a storage medium and distributed.

[0141] Furthermore, the present disclosure is not limited to the above, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0142] The following supplementary notes are further disclosed regarding the above embodiment. (((1))) a processor, the processor comprising: Detects conditions that require configuration changes, When a web user interface is accessed after the state is detected, the information processing system performs processing for highlighting a setting change menu on the web user interface.

[0143] (((2))) The information processing system according to (((1))), wherein the processor performs the process of highlighting when the web user interface is accessed within a predetermined time after detecting the state.

[0144] (((3))) The information processing system according to ((1))) or ((2))), wherein the processor detects, as the state, the launch of a guidance application that guides the user to the web user interface.

[0145] (((4))) The information processing system according to ((3))), wherein the processor detects, as the activation of the guidance application, an instruction to display a guidance screen that guides the user to the web user interface, or the display of the guidance screen.

[0146] (((5))) The information processing system according to any one of ((1))) to ((4))), wherein the processor detects, as the state, a startup error that occurs due to a function that requires pre-setting being started in an unconfigured state.

[0147] (((6))) The information processing system according to ((5))), wherein the processor detects, as the startup error, the display of an error screen prompting a user to change settings due to the occurrence of the startup error.

[0148] (((7))) The information processing system according to ((5))) or ((6))), wherein the processor, when the setting change menu is operated, highlights a setting item for eliminating the startup error.

[0149] (((8))) The information processing system according to any one of ((1))) to (((7))), wherein the processor detects, as the state, the occurrence of an error that requires a setting change.

[0150] (((9))) The information processing system according to ((8))), wherein the processor highlights a setting item for eliminating the error when the setting change menu is operated.

[0151] (((10))) The information processing system according to any one of ((1))) to (((9))) excluding (((2))) in which the processor detects, as the state, an update of predetermined software that adds a new function.

[0152] (((11))) The information processing system according to (((10))), wherein the processor displays new functions resulting from an update of the software when the setting change menu is operated.

[0153] (((12))) On the computer, Detects conditions that require configuration changes, an information processing program for executing a process of highlighting a setting change menu on a web user interface when the web user interface is accessed after the state is detected;

[0154] According to (((1))), it is possible to provide an information processing system that can improve user convenience compared to a case in which the setting change menu is always highlighted.

[0155] According to (((2))), it is possible to determine that the user has accessed the web user interface with the purpose of changing settings, and to highlight the setting change menu.

[0156] According to (((3))), it is possible to determine whether the user wants to change the settings.

[0157] According to (((4))), it is possible to determine whether the user is attempting to change settings.

[0158] According to (((5))), it is possible to detect a state in which a setting change is required.

[0159] According to (((6))), it is possible to detect the occurrence of a startup error from the displayed contents.

[0160] According to (((7))), the setting items for resolving startup errors become easier to understand.

[0161] According to (((8))), it is possible to detect a state in which a setting change is required.

[0162] According to (((9))), the setting items for resolving errors become easier to understand.

[0163] According to (((10))), it is possible to detect a state in which a setting change is required.

[0164] According to (((11))), it becomes easier to understand new functions that require setting changes.

[0165] According to (((12))), it is possible to provide an information processing program that can improve user convenience compared to a case in which the setting change menu is always highlighted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0166] 10. Information Processing Systems 12 Image forming device 14 Client Computers 16 Portable terminal device 20 Control Unit 20A CPU 52 Status detection unit 54 Web UI access detection unit 56 Highlight control section 60 Navigate Application Icons 62 Guidance screen 64 Caution Icon

Claims

1. a processor, the processor comprising: Detects conditions that require configuration changes, When a web user interface is accessed after the state is detected, the information processing system performs processing for highlighting a setting change menu on the web user interface.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein the processor performs the process of highlighting when the web user interface is accessed within a predetermined time after the state is detected.

3. The information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein the processor detects, as the state, the launch of a navigation application that provides navigation to the web user interface.

4. The information processing system according to claim 3 , wherein the processor detects, as the activation of the guidance application, an instruction to display a guidance screen that guides the user to the web user interface, or a display of the guidance screen.

5. The information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein the processor detects, as the state, an occurrence of a startup error caused by starting a function that requires presetting in an unconfigured state.

6. The information processing system according to claim 5 , wherein the processor detects, as the startup error, the display of an error screen that prompts the user to change settings due to the occurrence of the startup error.

7. The information processing system according to claim 5 , wherein the processor highlights a setting item for solving the startup error when the setting change menu is operated.

8. The information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein the processor detects, as the state, the occurrence of an error that requires a setting change.

9. The information processing system according to claim 8 , wherein the processor highlights a setting item for solving the error when the setting change menu is operated.

10. The information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein the processor detects, as the state, a predetermined software update that adds a new function.

11. The information processing system according to claim 10 , wherein the processor displays a new function resulting from the software update when the setting change menu is operated.

12. On the computer, Detects conditions that require configuration changes, an information processing program for executing a process of highlighting a setting change menu on a web user interface when the web user interface is accessed after the state is detected;

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