Image forming apparatus and method for operating image forming apparatus

Abstract

To perform display related to log-out in a display form according to an operation mode.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises a control unit and a display. When a screen according to a first operation mode is displayed on the display, the control unit displays display related to log-out in a first display form on the screen according to the first operation mode, and when a screen according to a second operation mode is displayed on the display, displays the display related to log-out in a second display form different from the first display form on a screen according to the second operation mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] Some image forming devices such as MFPs (Multi-Function Printers) can be set to display or not display a login screen. Generally, the login screen has input fields for inputting a user name and password, and a user who wishes to log in inputs his or her own user name and password on the login screen.

[0003] In this regard, Patent Document 1 describes that when login is successful, a logout button including the user name is displayed on the display screen. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2021-184583 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of displaying information related to logout in a display format according to an operation mode. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present disclosure provides a screen forming device including a control unit and a display unit, wherein when the control unit displays a screen corresponding to a first operation mode on the display unit, the control unit displays a display regarding logout on the screen corresponding to the first operation mode in a first display form, and when the control unit displays a screen corresponding to a second operation mode on the display unit, the control unit displays a display regarding logout on the screen corresponding to the second operation mode in a second display form different from the first display form.

[0007] The present disclosure also provides an operation method of an image forming device including a control unit and a display unit, in which, when a screen corresponding to a first operation mode is displayed on the display unit, the control unit displays a display regarding logout on the screen corresponding to the first operation mode in a first display form, and, when a screen corresponding to a second operation mode is displayed on the display unit, the control unit displays a display regarding logout on the screen corresponding to the second operation mode in a second display form different from the first display form. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of displaying information related to logout in a display form according to an operation mode. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a diagram for explaining the logout button displayed in the system area of ​​a typical image forming device, where FIG. 1(A) is an example of the system area of ​​the home screen before login, and FIG. 1(B) is an example of the system area of ​​the home screen after login. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] 1 is a functional block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart for explaining an operation of the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5]13 is an example of a login screen displayed on a display unit of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 is an example of a home screen displayed on a display unit of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 13 is an example of a copy screen displayed on a display unit of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 13 is another example of the copy screen displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 9A, 9B, and 9C are examples of the system area displayed on the display unit of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9(A), (B), and (C) are examples of the system area of ​​a home screen. FIG. 9(D) is an example of the system area of ​​a copy screen. FIG. 9(E) is an example of the system area of ​​a scan screen. FIG. 9(F) is an example of the system area of ​​a fax screen. FIG. 9(G) is an example of the system area of ​​a hold print screen. FIG. 9(H) is an example of the system area of ​​a direct print screen. [Figure 10] 13 is an example of a home screen displayed on a display unit of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] 13 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] 13 is a flowchart for explaining an operation of an image forming apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Generally, in an image forming apparatus, after user authentication is completed and login is performed, the user can log out at any time.

[0011] For example, Figures 1(A) and 1(B) are examples of screens displayed on a touch display of a general image forming apparatus compared to the image forming apparatus of the present disclosure. Figure 1(A) is an example of the system area of ​​the home screen before login. Figure 1(B) is an example of the system area of ​​the home screen after login. As shown in Figure 1(A), a system information button 123 and a job status button 125 are displayed on the right edge of the system area 121 before login. After logging in, a logout button 127 is displayed to the left of the system information button 123, as shown in Figure 1(B).

[0012] Logout button 127 is a button that logs out a logged-in user in response to being touched. Logout button 127 has an icon 127a, a user name display 127b, and a button name display 127c. User name display 127b displays "John Smith" as the user name of the currently logged-in user. Displaying logout button 127 has the effect of allowing a logged-in user to quickly log out simply by touching logout button 127. In addition, user name display 127b allows people other than the currently logged-in user to know who the currently logged-in user is.

[0013] However, such an image forming device displays a logout button including the user name after login until logout. Displaying the logout button is not a problem if the screen size of the display unit of the image forming device is large enough. However, the screen size of the display unit of an image forming device is generally limited. For this reason, if the logout button is constantly displayed large, it puts a strain on the display area of ​​the screen of the display unit, resulting in a problem that it becomes difficult to display other information on the screen of the display unit.

[0014] In view of such problems, in the following embodiment, an image forming apparatus and the like capable of providing a user with a suitable display mode will be described.

[0015] [1. First embodiment] 2 is a functional block diagram of an image forming system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The image forming system 100 includes a multi-function printer (MFP) 1, a network 3, and a terminal 5. The multi-function printer 1 and the terminal 5 are connected via the network 3 and are capable of data communication.

[0016] The multifunction device 1 is a type of image forming device and has a copy function, a scan function, a fax function, a hold print function, and a direct print function.

[0017] Network 3 is a data communication network. There are no particular limitations on the configuration or type of the data communication network that constitutes network 3. Network 3 may be a wired network or a wireless network, or a mixture of both. For example, network 3 may be composed of part or all of a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), the Internet, a mobile communication network, a fixed telephone network, etc.

[0018] The terminal 5 is a terminal device capable of data communication, and may be, for example, a personal computer, a workstation, a tablet, a smartphone, or the like.

[0019] 3 is a functional block diagram of the multifunction device 1. The multifunction device 1 includes a display unit 11, an operation unit 13, an image input unit 15, an image forming unit 17, a communication unit 19, a connection unit 21, a storage unit 23, a control unit 25, and a human sensor 27.

[0020] The display unit 11 displays images and characters. For example, the display unit 11 is configured with a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) panel. The display unit 11 may be a standalone display device, or may further include an externally connected display device.

[0021] The operation unit 13 accepts operation input from a user. For example, the operation unit 13 is configured with hardware keys and software keys. The operation unit 13 also includes task keys for executing tasks such as fax transmission and image scanning, and a stop key for canceling an operation. The operation unit may also include physical operation keys such as task keys, a stop key, a power key, and a power-saving key. In this embodiment, the display unit 11 and the operation unit 13 are integrally configured as a touch display.

[0022] Image input unit 15 reads an image (original) and outputs it as image data. Image input unit 15 is configured with a general scanner (image input device). Image input unit 15 may input image data from an external storage medium such as a USB memory via connection unit 23, or may receive an image via a network via communication unit 19.

[0023] Image forming unit 17 forms (prints) an image on a medium such as copy paper based on image data. The printing method of image forming unit 17 is arbitrary, and may be, for example, any of an inkjet printer, a laser printer, a thermal transfer printer, etc. Image forming unit 17 may be a monochrome printer or a color printer. Image forming unit 17 may include a paper feed mechanism that supplies the medium, a transport mechanism that transports the medium, a sorter mechanism that sorts the medium after the image is formed, etc.

[0024] The communication unit 19 connects the multifunction device 1 to the network 3. For example, the communication unit 19 is configured with an interface that can be connected to a wired LAN (Local Area Network), a wireless LAN, or an LTE (Long Term Evolution) network. When the communication unit 19 is connected to a network, it is connected to other devices and an external network. In addition to the above, the communication unit 19 may be an interface that performs short-range wireless communication such as NFC (Near field communication) or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0025] The connection unit 21 connects the multifunction device 1 to other devices. For example, the connection unit 21 is a USB interface to which a USB memory or the like is connected. Furthermore, the connection unit 21 may be an interface such as HDMI (registered trademark) other than the USB interface.

[0026] The storage unit 23 stores various programs and various data necessary for the operation of the multifunction device 1. The storage unit 23 includes a recording device capable of temporary storage, such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and a non-temporary recording device, such as a solid state drive (SSD) made of semiconductor memory and a hard disk drive (HDD) made of a magnetic disk. Although the storage unit 23 is configured as one unit for convenience of explanation, it may be configured as separate devices for each purpose, such as an area used for executing programs (main storage area), an area for saving programs and data (auxiliary storage area), an area used for caching, etc.

[0027] The control unit 25 controls the entire multifunction device 1. The control unit 25 is composed of one or more control devices and control circuits, and is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a SoC (System on a Chip).

[0028] Moreover, the control unit 25 can realize each function by reading out the programs stored in the storage unit 23 and executing the processes.

[0029] The human presence sensor 27 is a sensor that detects people in the vicinity of the multifunction device 1, particularly in a position opposite the display unit 11 and the operation unit 13. There are no particular limitations on the type of human presence sensor 27. The human presence sensor 27 may be, for example, an infrared sensor that uses infrared rays to detect temperature changes, a sound sensor that detects sound, or an ultrasonic sensor that emits ultrasonic waves and detects their reflection.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the multifunction device 1. It is assumed that the screen displayed after login is preset as the default display screen in the multifunction device 1, and the storage unit 23 stores the setting information. Screens that can be set as the default display screen are the home screen, copy screen, scan screen, fax screen, hold print screen, and direct print screen. Each of these screens corresponds to one operation mode. An operation mode is a group of operations of the multifunction device 1 tailored to a specific purpose, and corresponds to, for example, a subroutine of a control program that operates the CPU as the control unit 25. The multifunction device 1 has a plurality of operation modes, and provides the user with different functions depending on the operation mode. Hereinafter, the operation modes corresponding to these screens are called the home operation mode, copy operation mode, scan operation mode, fax operation mode, hold print operation mode, and direct print operation mode. In particular, the home operation mode corresponds to the first operation mode, and operation modes other than the home operation mode correspond to the second operation mode.

[0031] The control unit 25 displays a login screen on the display unit 11 (step S1). Next, the control unit 25 accepts input of login information via the operation unit 13 (step S3).

[0032] In steps S1 and S3, the user who logs in may input login information via the operation unit 13 while looking at the login screen displayed on the display unit 11 in front of the multifunction device 1.

[0033] Alternatively, the user logging in may input login information by viewing a login screen displayed on a terminal 5 connected to the multifunction device 1 via the communication unit 19 and the network 3. In this case, in step S1, the control unit 25 transmits the login screen to the terminal 5 via the communication unit 19 and the network 3. In step S3, the control unit 25 receives login information from the terminal 5 via the communication unit 19 and the network 3.

[0034] Next, the control unit 25 determines the set default display screen based on the setting information stored in advance in the storage unit 23 (step S5).

[0035] An administrator or the like of the multifunction device 1 sets a default display screen of the multifunction device 1 in advance before starting normal operation of the multifunction device 1. The administrator or the like sets the default display screen via a setting screen (not shown). This setting is stored in the memory unit 23. In step S5, the control unit 25 selects the default display screen based on the setting stored in the memory unit 23, and displays it on the display unit 11.

[0036] When a screen other than the home screen is set as the default display screen (step S5, other than the home screen), the control unit 25 displays the logout button in detailed display on the screen set as the default display screen (step S7). The detailed display corresponds to the first display mode. Next, the control unit 25 waits until a certain time has elapsed (step S9, no), and after the certain time has elapsed, for example, about 1 to 5 minutes (step S9, yes), it switches the display mode of the logout button from detailed display to simple display (step S11). The simple display corresponds to the second display mode. Comparing the detailed display and the simple display, the detailed display has many display items (icons and user names), while the simple display has fewer display items (only icons).

[0037] The simplified display is a display form having a smaller display area than the detailed display. If the display area of ​​the simplified display is smaller than that of the detailed display, the screen of the display unit 11 can be used to display other information by that amount. As an example, it is conceivable that the detailed display displays an icon representing logout and text indicating the user name, while the simplified display displays only the same icon and omits the display of the text. In this case, the display area of ​​the simplified display is reduced by the amount of the text displayed. As another example, it is conceivable that the detailed display displays an icon representing logout, text indicating the user name, and the text "logout", while the simplified display displays only the icon representing logout and omits the user name and the text "logout". In this case, too, the display area of ​​the simplified display is reduced by the amount of the text displayed. As another example, it is conceivable that the detailed display displays in one of the detailed displays described above, while the simplified display displays the text by changing it to an abbreviated display. An abbreviated display is a display using text that has the same or a corresponding meaning as the original text but has fewer characters than the original text. For example, a username may be displayed using initials, or only the first few characters (e.g., two characters) of the username may be displayed.

[0038] Here, the icon is represented by an image, but may be represented by, for example, characters (including English letters, numbers, Japanese characters, symbols, etc.) or figures. Also, the icon may be an identifiable display that is simply displayed as a character, not an image.

[0039] When the home screen is set as the default display screen (step S5, home screen), the control unit 25 displays a logout button in detailed view on the home screen (step S15).

[0040] After step S11 or S15, the control unit 25 determines whether the screen is touched (step S13). The screen is a screen of a touch display in which the display unit 11 and the operation unit 13 are integrally configured. At this time, the screen operates in particular as the operation unit 13.

[0041] When operation unit 13 detects a touch on the screen of the touch display (step S13, Yes), control unit 25 determines where on the screen has been touched (step S17).

[0042] If the area of ​​the touch display screen where the logout button is displayed is touched (step S17, logout button), control unit 25 executes a process to log out the currently logged-in user (step S19) and proceeds to step S1.

[0043] If an area of ​​the touch display screen on which a button other than the logout button is displayed is touched (step S17, other button), control unit 25 executes the function assigned to the touched button (step S21) and proceeds to step S5.

[0044] When an area on the screen of the touch display other than an area to which a specific function is assigned, such as a button including a logout button, is touched (step S17, other than buttons), control unit 25 proceeds directly to step S5.

[0045] 5 is an example of a login screen displayed on the display unit 11 of the multifunction device 1. The login screen is displayed in steps S1 and S3. The login screen 41 is divided into two parts, top and bottom, and has a system area 43 and a main area 45. The system area 43 is a rectangular area located at the top of the screen. The main area 45 is a rectangular area located below the system area 43.

[0046] The system area 43 has a mode name display 47, a system information button 49, a job status button 51, and an area 53. The mode name display 47 indicates the name of the operation mode to which the login screen 41 belongs, and the login screen 41 indicates that it is the login mode. The system information button 49 is a button that causes the control unit 25 to display system information of the multifunction device 1 on the display unit 11 in response to a touch. The job status button 51 is a button that causes the control unit 25 to display the status of a job being executed by the multifunction device 1 on the display unit 11 in response to a touch. It should be noted that nothing is displayed in the area 53 on the login screen 41.

[0047] The main area 45 is an area for inputting the user name, password, etc. of the user attempting to log in in step S3. The user name may be input directly into the input field, or may be selected and input from a list of user names (not shown) that is displayed in response to touching the "select from list" button.

[0048] 6 is an example of a home screen displayed on the display unit 11 of the multifunction device 1. The home screen 61 is displayed on the display unit 11 in step S15. The mode name display 47 displays "HOME" indicating that it is a home screen (home operation mode). Like the login screen 41, the home screen 61 has a system area 43 and a main area 45. Also, like the login screen 41, the system area 43 of the home screen 61 displays a system information button 49 and a job status button 51. However, in the home screen 61, a logout button 63 is displayed in the area 53 that was blank on the login screen 41.

[0049] The logout button 63 is a button that, when touched, causes the control unit 25 to execute a logout process for the user who is currently logged in to the multifunction device 1. The logout button 63 has an icon 63a and a user name display 63b. The icon 63a is an icon illustrating the logout process. The user name display 63b displays the user name of the user who is currently logged in to the multifunction device 1. The home screen 61 is displayed after a user with the user name "Administrator" logs in in step S3.

[0050] The logout button 63 is displayed in detail on the home screen 61. Therefore, the logout button 63 displays a user name display 63b in addition to an icon 63a.

[0051] 7 is an example of a copy screen displayed on the display unit 11 of the multifunction device 1. The copy screen 71 is displayed on the display unit 11 in step S7. The copy screen 71 is a screen that is displayed on the display unit 11 when the multifunction device 1 is in a copy operation mode. The copy screen 71 is an example of a copy screen, and is also an example for explaining the display of the logout button 63 when a screen other than the home screen is selected as the default display screen in step S5.

[0052] Compared to the system area 43 of the home screen 61, the system area 43 of the copy screen 71 is the same except that the mode name display 47 is "Copy." In step S7, the logout button 63 is displayed in detailed view, and a user name display 63b is displayed together with an icon 63a.

[0053] FIG. 8 is an example of a copy screen displayed on the display unit 11 of the multifunction device 1. The copy screen 81 is displayed on the display unit 11 in step S11. The copy screen 81 is a screen displayed on the display unit 11 when the multifunction device 1 is in the copy operation mode and after a certain time has elapsed since the copy screen 71 was displayed (step S9). In the system area 43 of the copy screen 71, the logout button 63 is displayed in detailed display, that is, both the icon 63a and the user name display 63b are displayed, but in the system area 43 of the copy screen 81, the logout button 83 is displayed in simplified display. Compared with the logout button 63 in detailed display, the logout button 83 in simplified display is different in that it has only the icon 83a and does not have a user name display. Note that the images of the icon 63a and the icon 83a are the same. Since the logout button 83 is displayed in simplified display, the system area 43 of the copy screen 81 has a large margin compared to the system area 43 of the copy screen 71. The margin is a display state of a screen in which only the background is displayed. Therefore, the system area 43 of the copy screen 81 can additionally display other information.

[0054] Examples of system areas are listed in Fig. 9. The system areas in Fig. 9(A) to Fig. 9(H) will be explained below.

[0055] A system area 91 in FIG. 9(A) is the system area of ​​the home screen when no user is logged in.

[0056] 9B corresponds to the system area 43 of the home screen 61, and has a logout button 93a in detailed display. Therefore, the logout button 93a has both an icon 93b and a user name display 93c.

[0057] The system area 95 in Fig. 9(C) has a detailed display of a logout button 95a, similar to the system area 93 in Fig. 9(B). However, the logout button 95a has a process name display 95d in addition to an icon 95b and a user name display 95c. The process name display 95d shows the name of the process, "Logout," that is executed when the logout button 95a is touched.

[0058] In this way, the logout button in the detailed display is not limited to having an icon 93b and a user name display 93c as in Fig. 9(B), but may have an icon 95b, a user name display 95c, and a process name display 95d as in Fig. 9(C). Furthermore, other information may be additionally displayed on the logout button in the detailed display as necessary.

[0059] The system area 101 in Fig. 9(D) corresponds to the system area 43 of the copy screen 81 in Fig. 8. The system area 101 has a logout button 101a and an icon 101b.

[0060] The system area 103 in FIG. 9(E) is an example of the system area in the scan operation mode. Instead of displaying "scan" or the like as a mode name display, the system area 103 has an e-mail address field 103e. When attaching an image generated by scanning an original via the image input unit 15 to an e-mail and sending it, the user can input a desired address in the e-mail address field 103e to specify the destination of the e-mail. In FIG. 9(E), only one e-mail address field 103e is displayed, but since the logout button 103a is displayed in the system area 103 in a simplified display of only the icon 103b, it is also possible to display multiple e-mail address fields 103e side by side in the system area 103 at the same time. Also, instead of adding an e-mail address field 103e that corresponds one-to-one with an address, multiple addresses may be displayed in one e-mail address field 103e. In this case, it is also possible to expand the display area of ​​the e-mail address field 103e according to the number of addresses entered. Also, assuming that multiple addresses will be input, it is possible to enlarge the display area of ​​E-mail address field 103e in advance to its maximum extent. Enlarging the display area of ​​E-mail address field 103e means, for example, extending E-mail address field 103e to the right in Fig. 9(E) so that the right side of E-mail address field 103e is located near the left end of logout button 103a.

[0061] The system area 105 in FIG. 9(F) is an example of a system area in a fax operation mode. Instead of displaying "fax" or the like as a mode name display, the system area 105 has a fax number field 105e. When transmitting an image generated by scanning an original via the image input unit 15 as a fax, the user can input a desired fax number in the fax number field 105e to specify the fax destination. Since the logout button 105a is also displayed in the system area 105 in a simplified display of only the icon 107b, it is possible to display multiple fax number fields 105e side by side in the system area 105 at the same time, as in the E-mail address field 103e in the system area 103. Also, instead of adding a fax number field 105e that corresponds one-to-one with a fax number, multiple fax numbers may be displayed in one fax number field 105e. In this case, it is also possible to expand the display area of ​​the fax number field 105e according to the number of fax numbers input. Also, assuming that multiple fax numbers will be input, it is possible to enlarge the display area of ​​fax number field 105e in advance to the maximum extent possible. Enlarging the display area of ​​fax number field 105e means, for example, stretching fax number field 105e to the right in Fig. 9(F) so that the right side of fax number field 105e is located near the left end of logout button 105a.

[0062] 9(G) is an example of a system area that is displayed when the multifunction device 1 is in the hold print operation mode. The hold print operation mode is an operation mode that allows printing of one or more documents that are held in the multifunction device 1. In the hold print operation mode, one or more pieces of data to be output, the number of sheets of paper required for printing, etc. can be confirmed on the multifunction device 1 before actually outputting the printed matter.

[0063] 9(H) is an example of a system area that is displayed when the multifunction device 1 is in the direct print operation mode. The direct print operation mode is an operation mode in which the multifunction device 1 executes printing based on data read from an external storage device that is directly connected via the interface of the connection unit 21, without going through the network 3 and the communication unit 19. In the system area 109, instead of the mode name display, "USB memory" is displayed as the read source display 109e that indicates the data read source.

[0064] According to the multifunction device 1 of the present embodiment, since there is relatively ample space to display in the system area 43 on the home screen 61, the logout button 63 is displayed in a detailed view that displays both the icon 63a and the user name display 63b. At this time, the user name of the currently logged-in user can be easily seen.

[0065] On the other hand, in copy screens other than the home screen, such as copy screen 71, the logout button 63 is initially displayed in a detailed display similar to home screen 61, and then after a while, the logout button 83 is displayed in a simplified display that includes an icon 83a but does not display a user name. In the simplified display, only a small space is required to display the logout button, so that sufficient space can be secured to display additional information in the system area, such as e-mail address field 103e in Fig. 9(E) and fax number field 105e in Fig. 9(F).

[0066] In this embodiment, the logout button in the detailed display mode displays an icon and a user name, whereas the logout button in the simple display mode displays only an icon, but the display contents of the detailed display mode and the simple display mode are not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 9(C), the logout button in the detailed display mode may display a process name in addition to an icon and a user name.

[0067] In addition, in the present embodiment, the icon displayed in the detailed display and the icon displayed in the simplified display are described as being the same image, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, a reduced image of the icon displayed in the detailed display may be displayed as the icon in the simplified display. Alternatively, a different icon with a simpler design than the icon displayed in the detailed display may be displayed as the icon in the simplified display.

[0068] Also, while the detailed display has been described as having many display items (icons and user names) and the simplified display has few display items (icons only), the display area of ​​the simplified display may be reduced by shrinking the detailed display horizontally without changing the number of display items. For example, it is conceivable to shorten the length of the user name display by displaying only the first few characters of the user name and omitting subsequent characters.

[0069] In the above embodiment, the logout button is arranged in the system area, but instead of the logout button, an account management button may be arranged. When the account management button is touched, the control unit 25 displays an account management screen (not shown) that displays the account information of the logged-in user. The logout button is arranged on the account management screen. In the above embodiment, the user name display on the logout button displays a character string indicating the user name, but the account management screen may display an avatar, doll, initials, or the like indicating the user. In this case, it is preferable to display the user name, avatar, doll, initials, or the like together with an arrow indicating logout (exit) to emphasize that this is not just an account management menu.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the display form of the logout button is basically selected according to the operation mode, but the display form of the logout button may be selected according to the size of the margin of the system area regardless of the operation mode. For example, when the margin area of ​​the system area is smaller than the threshold area, the control unit 25 displays the logout button in the system area in a simplified display, and when the margin area is equal to or larger than the threshold area, the control unit 25 displays the logout button in the system area in a detailed display. Also, the display form of the logout button may be selected according to a combination of the operation mode and a comparison result between the margin area of ​​the system area and the threshold area. For example, in the first operation mode (home screen), the display form of the logout button may be displayed in a detailed display regardless of the margin area of ​​the system area, while in the second operation mode (other than the home screen), the display form of the logout button may be displayed in a detailed display when the margin area of ​​the system area is equal to or larger than the threshold area, and in a simplified display when the margin area of ​​the system area is smaller than the threshold area.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the simplified logout button displays only an icon, but instead, a so-called hamburger menu may be displayed. The hamburger menu is a menu button with a rectangular shape, such as [≡], in which three parallel horizontal lines of equal length are enclosed.

[0072] [2. Second embodiment] A second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment is an embodiment in which the display mode of the home screen is changed. Note that only the parts of the configuration and processing that are different from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0073] Fig. 10 is an example of a copy screen displayed on the display unit 11 of the multifunction device 1. In the above-mentioned first embodiment, if it is determined in step S5 that the default display screen is other than the home screen, the copy screen 71 in Fig. 7 is displayed, but in the second embodiment, the copy screen 81 in Fig. 8 is displayed, and for a predetermined period (e.g., 5 to 10 seconds) immediately after the start of display, a toast display 111 is displayed so as to overlap the boundary between the system area 43 and the main area 45. As shown in Fig. 10, the toast display 111 is displayed so as to overlap various other screen elements (e.g., numeric keypad 45a) arranged in the system area 43 and the main area 45.

[0074] Toast display 111 displays the username of the logged-in user. Toast display 111 may display other information instead of or in addition to the username. For example, toast display 111 may display information associated with the user, such as an image associated with the username (e.g., an image of the user's face or an icon representing the user) or a character string indicating the department to which the user belongs.

[0075] The display position of the toast display 111 is not limited to on the boundary between the system area 43 and the main area 45. For example, the toast display 111 may be displayed so as to overlap the center portion of the main area 45.

[0076] Furthermore, there is no limit to the size of the toast display 111, and it may be, for example, large enough to cover the entire system area 43 and main area 45.

[0077] According to the second embodiment, even if the logout button is simply displayed immediately after a user logs in to the multifunction device 1, the toast display 111 is displayed superimposed on other screen elements, so that the login user name can be notified to the person operating the multifunction device 1.

[0078] [3. Third embodiment] A third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, the display form of the logout button is changed from a simple display to a detailed display. Note that only the parts of the configuration and processing that are different from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0079] Fig. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the multifunction device 1 according to the third embodiment. This flowchart replaces a part of the flowchart in Fig. 4. In the third embodiment, it is assumed that a user logs in to the multifunction device 1 by inputting login information from the operation unit 13 of the multifunction device 1.

[0080] In step S19 of the flowchart in Fig. 4, when the logout button is touched, instead of proceeding to step S1, the process proceeds to step S31 in Fig. 11. In step S31, the control unit 25 determines whether the logout button is touched for a long time.

[0081] That is, when the control unit 25 detects the start of touching the logout button, it stores that time in the storage unit 23 as the touch start time. When the control unit 25 detects the end of touching the logout button, it stores that time in the storage unit 23 as the touch end time. The control unit 25 obtains the difference between the touch end time and the touch start time as the touch time, and compares the touch time with a threshold time previously stored in the storage unit 23. The threshold time is, for example, 3 to 5 seconds. If the touch time is shorter than the threshold time, the control unit 25 determines that a normal touch has been performed. If the touch time is the same as or longer than the threshold time, the control unit 25 determines that a long press has been performed.

[0082] If it is determined that the touch is a normal touch (step S31, No), the control unit 25 executes a logout process and proceeds to step S1. If it is determined that a long press has been performed (step S31, Yes), the control unit 25 displays a logout button in detailed view on the screen set as the default display screen (step S33).

[0083] If a certain time (e.g., about 1 to 5 minutes) has passed since the logout button was touched without the screen being touched (step S37, Yes), the control unit 25 proceeds to step S11 in Fig. 4. If the screen is touched before the certain time has passed (step S39, Yes), the control unit 25 proceeds to step S17. Steps after S17 are the same as in Fig. 4, so the description will be omitted.

[0084] According to the third embodiment, by pressing and holding the logout button in the simple display to change to a detailed display, the user name of the currently logged-in user can be confirmed before logging out, thereby preventing unintentional logout.

[0085] [4. Fourth embodiment] A fourth embodiment will be described. The fourth embodiment is an embodiment that handles a case where a user leaves the multifunction device 1 without performing a logout operation. The following mainly describes the configuration and processing that are different from the first embodiment.

[0086] Fig. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the operation when the multifunction device 1 does not accept an operation for a certain period of time. The flowchart in Fig. 12 differs from the flowchart in Fig. 4 mainly in that it includes steps S41 and S43. In the fourth embodiment, it is assumed that a user who logs in to the multifunction device 1 logs in to the multifunction device 1 by inputting login information from the operation unit 13.

[0087] The operations up to step S9 are the same as those in the first embodiment described above, and therefore will not be described. In step S11, the control unit 25 displays the logout button in a simplified display, determines the time after a predetermined waiting time (e.g., 3 minutes) has elapsed from that time as the end time, and compares the current time with the end time.

[0088] If the current time reaches the end time before the screen is touched (step S41, Yes), the control unit 25 changes the display form of the logout button to a detailed display (step S43). If the screen is not touched even after the waiting time has elapsed after the display form of the logout button has been changed to a simple display, it is possible that the currently logged-in user has left the multifunction device 1, and the next user who looks at the logout button is not the currently logged-in user. There is also a possibility that another user may log in to the multifunction device 1 while the currently logged-in user is away from the multifunction device 1. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, in order to inform the next user who looks at the logout button who is the currently logged-in user, the display form of the logout button is changed to a detailed display including a user name display in step S43.

[0089] [5. Fifth Embodiment] A fifth embodiment will be described. The fifth embodiment is an embodiment that deals with a case where a user leaves the multifunction device 1 without performing a logout operation. The following mainly describes the configuration and processing that are different from the first embodiment.

[0090] 13 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the multifunction device 1 according to the fifth embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, the control unit 25 uses the human sensor 27 to determine whether or not there is a person near the multifunction device 1, and if there is a person, stores the time in the storage unit 23.

[0091] After the results of steps S11, S15, and S13 are NO, the control unit 25 obtains the difference between the time stored in the memory unit 23 as the last time a person was detected by the human sensor 27 and the current time, and compares the difference with a predetermined threshold value to determine whether a certain waiting time has elapsed since the time a person was last detected near the multifunction device 1 (step S51). Here, the waiting time is, for example, about 1 to 5 minutes.

[0092] If the standby time has elapsed without the human sensor 27 detecting another person (step S51, Yes), the control unit 25 executes a logout process for the user currently logged in to the multifunction device 1 (step S57) and proceeds to step S1. This allows a new user to execute their own login process without executing a logout process for other users.

[0093] If the human presence sensor 27 detects a person before the standby time has elapsed (step S53, Yes), the control unit 25 changes the display form of the logout button to detailed display (step S55) and proceeds to step S13. Before the standby time has elapsed, there is a possibility that a logged-in user who once left the multifunction device 1 may return to the multifunction device 1, so the logged-in state is maintained.

[0094] [6. Modifications] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible. In other words, embodiments obtained by combining technical means that are appropriately modified within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure are also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0095] The programs that run on each device in the embodiments are programs that control the CPU and the like (programs that make a computer function) so as to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments. Information handled by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (e.g., RAM) during processing, and is then stored in various storage devices such as ROMs (Read Only Memories) and HDDs, and is read, modified, and written by the CPU as necessary.

[0096] Here, the recording medium for storing the program may be any of semiconductor media (e.g., ROM, non-volatile memory cards, etc.), optical recording media / magneto-optical recording media (e.g., DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), MO (Magneto Optical Disc), MD (Mini Disc), CD (Compact Disc), BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc), etc.), magnetic recording media (e.g., magnetic tape, flexible disk, etc.), etc. Furthermore, not only are the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments realized by executing the loaded program, but the functions of the present disclosure may also be realized by processing in cooperation with an operating system or other application programs, etc., based on instructions from the program.

[0097] In addition, when distributing the program on the market, the program can be stored in a portable recording medium and distributed, or transferred to a server computer connected via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the storage device of the server computer is of course included in the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 1 Multifunction device (MFP) 3. Network 5. Terminal 11 Display section 13 Control section 15 Image input section 17 Image forming section 19 Communications Department 21 Connection 23 Memory section 25 Control Unit 27 Human Sensor 41 Login screen 43, 91, 93, 95, 101, 103, 105, 107, 109, 121 System Area 45 Main area 45a Numeric keypad 47 Mode name display 49, 123 System information button 51, 125 Job status button 53 areas 61 Home Screen 63, 83, 93a, 95a, 101a, 103a, 105a, 107a, 109a, 127 Logout button 63a, 83a, 93b, 95b, 101b, 103b, 105b, 107b, 109b, 127a Icon 63b, 93c, 95c, 127b User name display 71, 81 Copy screen 95d, 127c Processing name display 103e E-mail address field 105e Fax Number 111 Toast display

Claims

1. A control unit and a display unit are provided, The control unit is When a screen corresponding to a first operation mode is displayed on the display unit, a display related to logout is displayed on the screen corresponding to the first operation mode in a first display form; when a screen corresponding to a second operation mode is displayed on the display unit, the display regarding the logout is displayed on the screen corresponding to the second operation mode in a second display form different from the first display form. Image forming device.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the second display mode has a smaller display area than the first display mode.

3. In the first display form, the display regarding the logout is displayed using text and icons; In the second display mode, the display regarding the logout is displayed using an icon. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

4. when a screen corresponding to the second operation mode is displayed on the display unit, a display regarding the logout is displayed on the screen corresponding to the second operation mode in the second display form in accordance with a margin area of ​​the screen corresponding to the second operation mode. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

5. when a screen corresponding to the second operation mode is displayed on the display unit, a display regarding the logout is displayed on the screen corresponding to the second operation mode in the second display form according to a result of comparing a blank area of ​​the screen corresponding to the second operation mode with a predetermined threshold area. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 .

6. In the first operation mode, the control unit displays a plurality of operation modes on the display unit so as to be selectable; In the second operation mode, the control unit displays a screen corresponding to an operation mode selected from the plurality of operation modes in the first operation mode. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

7. A method for operating an image forming apparatus including a control unit and a display unit, comprising: The control unit is When a screen corresponding to a first operation mode is displayed on the display unit, a display related to logout is displayed on the screen corresponding to the first operation mode in a first display form; when a screen corresponding to a second operation mode is displayed on the display unit, a display regarding the logout is displayed on the screen corresponding to the second operation mode in a second display form different from the first display form. A method of operating an image forming apparatus.

Images