Image forming apparatus, and screen display method and program in image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus that, for example, is convenient for a user when the user performs a returning operation on a content selection screen.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus (10) comprises an image forming unit (59) that performs printout according to content data, and makes a transition of screen display on a display (16) from a home screen (90) to a content selection screen (120) for selecting the content data. When a return button (142) is operated on the content selection screen, screen transition control units (54, 164) make a transition to a previous screen from the content selection screen. The screen transition control units make a transition to different previous screens depending on whether the transition to the content selection screen is made from the home screen according to a first procedure or the transition to the content selection screen is made according to a second procedure.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a screen display method and a program for the image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus, a screen display method and a program for the image forming apparatus, which transitions to a specific menu screen by reading a two-dimensional code, for example. [Background technology]

[0002] An example of the technology using two-dimensional codes that is the background of this invention is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The image forming system disclosed in Patent Document 1 accepts a document file specification stored in a server, displays a two-dimensional code indicating the URL of the specified document file on a mobile terminal, reads the two-dimensional code, obtains the corresponding document file from the server, and prints it. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-1534 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Conventionally, most screens operated by a user are provided with a button for returning to the previous screen, and pressing the back button allows the user to return to the previous screen and redo the operation.

[0005] For example, the same is true when print data is selected by scanning a two-dimensional code on the home screen; however, if the user wants to print data other than the selected data, pressing the back button returns the user to the previous screen, the home screen, which is inconvenient for the user.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to provide a novel image forming apparatus, a screen display method in an image forming apparatus, and a program.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, a screen display method and a program for an image forming apparatus, which are easy for a user to operate by controlling a screen to return to from a content selection screen when, for example, a back operation is performed on the content selection screen. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following configuration. Note that the reference symbols and supplementary explanations in parentheses indicate the corresponding relationships with the embodiments described to aid in understanding the present invention, and do not limit the present invention in any way.

[0009] A first invention is an image forming apparatus including a display, an operation unit, a two-dimensional code reader, and an image forming unit that performs print output according to content data, the image forming apparatus including a first transition unit that transitions a screen display of the display from a home screen to a content selection screen for selecting content data according to a first procedure including an operation of the operation unit, a second transition unit that transitions a screen display of the display from the home screen to a content selection screen according to a second procedure including an operation of reading a two-dimensional code with the two-dimensional code reader, a detection unit that detects that a back operation has been performed on the content selection screen, and a control unit that performs a control according to the first procedure in response to detection by the detection unit. The image forming apparatus is provided with a screen transition control unit that transitions the screen display on the display from the content selection screen to a different screen depending on whether the screen transitioned to the content selection screen was made in accordance with a first procedure or a second procedure.

[0010] In the first invention, an image forming apparatus (10: reference symbols illustrating corresponding parts in the embodiments; the same applies below) includes a display (16), an operation unit (44), a two-dimensional code reader (20), and an image forming unit (59) that performs print output according to content data. A first transition unit (54, 164) transitions the display screen from a home screen (90) to a content selection screen (120) for selecting content data according to a first procedure including an operation of the operation unit. A second transition unit (54, 164) transitions the display screen from the home screen to a content selection screen according to a second procedure including an operation of reading a two-dimensional code (132) with the two-dimensional code reader. When a back operation is performed on the content selection screen, a detection unit (54, S23) detects the back operation. When the detection unit detects a back operation, a screen transition control unit (54, 164, S27, S31, S33) transitions the screen display on the display from the content selection screen to a different screen before the content selection screen, depending on whether the transition to the content selection screen was made according to the first procedure or the second procedure.

[0011] According to the first invention, when a back operation is performed on a content selection screen, the screen transition is controlled to change the screen to be returned to depending on the procedure by which the content selection screen was transitioned from the home screen, thereby making it possible to obtain an image forming device that is easy for the user to operate.

[0012] A second invention is dependent on the first invention and is an image forming apparatus further comprising a back button provided on the content selection screen, wherein the detection unit detects that a back operation has been performed when the back button is operated.

[0013] In the second invention, the detection section detects that a back operation has been performed when a back button (142) provided on a content selection screen (120) is operated.

[0014] A third invention is dependent on the first or second invention, and is an image forming device further including a memory unit that stores screen transition history data indicating what screen transitions have been made in the process of transitioning from the home screen to the content selection screen, and the screen transition control unit transitions from the content selection screen to a different screen based on the screen transition history data.

[0015] In the third invention, a storage unit (154) stores screen transition history data (176) indicating what screen transitions have been made in the process of transitioning from a home screen to a content selection screen. A screen transition control unit (54, 164, S27, S31, S33) can control the screen to be transitioned from the content selection screen based on the screen transition history data.

[0016] A fourth invention is dependent on the third invention, and is an image forming device, in which a screen transition control unit includes a determination unit that determines whether the content selection screen has transitioned according to a first procedure or a second procedure based on screen transition history data.

[0017] In the fourth invention, a screen transition control unit (54, 164, S27, S31, S33) controls a screen transition from the content selection screen to the previous screen based on a determination result of the determination unit (54, S25, S29).

[0018] The fifth invention is executable by a computer of an image forming apparatus including a display, an operation unit, a two-dimensional code reader, and an image forming unit that performs print output according to content data. a first transition unit that transitions the screen display of the display from the home screen to a content selection screen for selecting content data according to a first procedure including an operation of an operation unit, a second transition unit that transitions the screen display of the display from the home screen to the content selection screen according to a second procedure including an operation of reading a two-dimensional code with a two-dimensional code reader, a detection unit that detects that a back operation has been performed on the content selection screen, and a screen transition control unit that transitions the screen display of the display from the content selection screen to a different screen in response to detection by the detection unit, depending on whether the transition to the content selection screen has been made according to the first procedure or the second procedure.

[0019] A sixth invention is a screen display method for an image forming device having a display, an operation unit, a two-dimensional code reader, and an image forming unit that performs printing output in accordance with content data, a first transition unit that transitions the screen display of the display from a home screen to a content selection screen for selecting content data according to a first procedure including operation of the operation unit, a second transition unit that transitions the screen display of the display from the home screen to a content selection screen according to a second procedure including an operation of reading a two-dimensional code with the two-dimensional code reader, and a detection unit that detects that a back operation has been performed on the content selection screen, and in response to detection by the detection unit, the screen display of the display transitions from the content selection screen to a different screen depending on whether the transition to the content selection screen has been made according to the first procedure or the second procedure. Effect of the Invention

[0020] According to the present invention, when a back operation is performed on a specific menu screen, for example, a content selection screen, a screen transition from the content selection screen to the back screen is controlled, thereby providing an image forming apparatus that is easy for the user to operate. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the application box in the embodiment shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the main body of the multifunction peripheral in the embodiment shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an illustrative view showing one example of a home screen displayed on the display of the application box. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an illustrative view showing an example of a service selection screen transitioned from the home screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an illustrative view showing one example of a service number input screen to which a transition has been made from the service selection screen of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an illustrative view showing one example of a two-dimensional code input screen transitioned from the service selection screen of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an illustrative view showing one example of a newspaper print service selection screen transitioned from the service number input screen shown in FIG. 6 or the two-dimensional code input screen shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a memory map conceptually showing the internal configuration of the RAM of the main storage unit of the application box in this embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the operation executed by the computer of the control unit of the application box in the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart subsequent to FIG. 10, showing the operation executed by the computer of the control unit of the application box. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Referring to FIG. 1, a multifunction peripheral 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed in a public space such as a convenience store or a supermarket, on the premise that it will be used by an unspecified number of people.

[0023] The multifunction device 10 has multiple functions such as a copy function, a printer function, an image scanner function, a facsimile function, etc. The multifunction device 10 having these functions is an image forming device, and can provide various services such as a print service, a fax service, a scan service, and an administrative service.

[0024] In the copy service, an image of an original can be read and the read image can be formed (printed) on paper as an image recording medium. In other words, the image of the original can be copied onto paper. Examples of paper include plain paper, glossy paper, and photo paper. In addition, the copy service offers a variety of functions, such as copying the front and back of a card, such as a driver's license, side by side on a single sheet of paper.

[0025] The print services include PDF print service, photo print service, network print service and content print service.

[0026] In the PDF print service, an image based on a PDF file stored in an external storage medium can be printed on paper. The media referred to here includes semiconductor memory type media such as USB memory and SD memory cards, and disc type media such as CDs and DVDs.

[0027] In the photo print service, a photo image based on an image file of a predetermined format stored in the above-mentioned medium can be formed on paper, that is, the image file can be printed.

[0028] In the network print service, it is possible to print files that have been registered in advance on a dedicated website. The files that can be registered on the dedicated website include PDF files, image files in a specific format, and files created by specific application software such as specific word processing software or specific spreadsheet software.

[0029] In the content print service, various contents such as newspapers, magazines, photos, and sheet music provided by content providers accessible by the multifunction device 10 can be printed.

[0030] In the fax service, an image of an original can be digitized and sent to any facsimile device.

[0031] In the scanning service, the image of the document can be digitized and stored in a USB memory as a PDF file or an image file in a predetermined format.

[0032] In administrative services, it is possible to issue designated official certificates such as copies of resident records and seal registration certificates. To receive these administrative services, a card-type storage medium, such as a Basic Resident Register card or an Individual Number card, is required.

[0033] In order to provide such various services, the multifunction device 10 includes an application box 12 as a user interface device and a multifunction device main body 14 as a main device. A user who operates the multifunction device 10 generally stands in front of the multifunction device 10. The operation is performed as follows.

[0034] The application box 12 comprises a display 16 with a touch panel 18 , a two-dimensional code reader 20 , an external storage medium mounting section 22 , an infrared communication section 24 , a short-range communication section 26 , a currency processing section 28 and a photo printer 30 .

[0035] The display 16 with the touch panel 18 is disposed on the top of the application box 12. The display 16 is an example of a display means having a rectangular display surface, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD). The display 16 constitutes a display unit 42, which will be described later. A rectangular touch panel 18 is provided so as to overlap the screen display surface of the display 16. The touch panel 18 is an example of an operation receiving means that forms an operation receiving surface that receives user operations on the screen display surface of the display 16, and the touch panel 18 constitutes an operation unit 44, which will be described later.

[0036] The two-dimensional code reader 20 reads, for example, a QR code (product name) displayed on a user's mobile terminal when using a print service.

[0037] The external storage medium mounting unit 22 is an example of a storage medium mounting means in which the above-mentioned media is mounted, and includes, for example, a memory slot and a disk drive. The external storage medium mounting unit 22 performs data read and write processing between the mounted media.

[0038] The infrared communication unit 24 has an infrared communication circuit including an infrared light emitting element and an infrared light receiving element, and performs infrared communication processing with a mobile terminal or the like in accordance with an infrared communication standard such as IrDA.

[0039] The short-distance communication unit 26 is an example of a storage medium holding means that holds the above-mentioned resident registration card and personal number card, which are non-contact IC cards, and performs short-distance wireless communication with these IC cards.

[0040] The currency processing section 28 is an example of a payment acceptance means that accepts payment of the fees required to use the multifunction device 10 in cash, and has a currency insertion section 32 and a coin return slot 34.

[0041] The photo printer 30 is, for example, a dye-sublimation printer or an inkjet printer, and prints a photo image on photo paper. The photo paper printed by the photo printer 30, that is, the so-called photo, is discharged to a discharge section 36.

[0042] 2, the electrical configuration of the application box 12 will be described. The application box 12 includes a control unit 40. The control unit 40 is an example of a control means that is responsible for overall control of the application box 12. To this end, the control unit 40 is connected to the above-mentioned two-dimensional code reader 20, external storage medium mounting unit 22, infrared communication unit 24, short-range communication unit 26, currency processing unit 28, and photo printer 30 via a bus 38.

[0043] As described above, the display 16 constitutes the display unit 42, and the touch panel 18 constitutes the operation unit 44, and these display unit 42 and operation unit 44 are also connected to the control unit 40 via the bus 38. In addition to the display 16, the display unit 42 has appropriate light-emitting elements such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) (not shown). In addition to the touch panel 18, the operation unit 44 has appropriate hardware switches such as push button switches.

[0044] Furthermore, the control unit 40 is connected to an auxiliary storage unit 46, a communication unit 48, and a voice A processing unit 50 is also connected.

[0045] The control unit 40 has a computer (CPU) 54 as a control execution means. The control unit 40 also has a main memory unit 56 as a main memory means that can be directly accessed by the computer 54. This main memory unit 56 includes, for example, a ROM and a RAM. Of these, the ROM stores a control program (firmware) for controlling the operation of the computer 54. The RAM constitutes a working area and a buffer area when the computer 54 executes processing based on the control program.

[0046] The auxiliary storage unit 46 is an example of an auxiliary storage means including a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk, a flash memory, etc. Various data are stored in the auxiliary storage unit 46 under the control of the computer 54.

[0047] The communication unit 48 is an example of a communication means that handles two-way communication processing via a network. The network referred to here is, for example, the Internet. This network includes not only wired systems but also wireless systems. The communication unit 48 executes two-way communication processing with a mobile terminal via a wireless LAN, and further executes two-way communication processing with a communication unit 76 of the multifunction machine main body 14, which will be described later.

[0048] The voice processing unit 50 is an example of a voice processing means for outputting from the speaker 52 voice guidance relating to the operating instructions for the multifunction device 10, voice messages for warnings (described later), and the like.

[0049] 1, the multifunction device main body 14 is placed near the application box 12. The multifunction device main body 14 includes an image reading section 58, an image forming section 59, a paper feeding section 60, and a paper discharge tray 61.

[0050] The image reading unit 58 is provided with a document table made of a transparent material such as glass, and is provided on the upper part of the multifunction device main body 14. In addition, a document pressing cover 62 is attached above the document table via a hinge or the like so as to be freely opened and closed. This image reading unit 58 is an example of an image reading means that performs image reading processing to read an image of a document set (placed) on the document table and output two-dimensional image data corresponding to the image.

[0051] For this reason, as is well known, image reading section 58 is provided with an image reading unit including a light source, multiple mirrors, an imaging lens, a line sensor, etc., and a drive mechanism for moving this image reading unit, etc. Image reading section 58 has an original sensor 64, which will be described later, for detecting whether an original is set on the original table.

[0052] The image forming unit 59 is provided below the image reading unit 58. The image forming unit 59 is an example of an image forming means that performs image forming processing to form an image on paper conveyed from the paper feed unit 60 by an electrophotographic method. For this reason, the image forming unit 59 includes a photoconductor, a charging device, an exposure device, a developing device, a transfer device, a fixing device, and the like, as is well known, and the paper on which the image is formed by the image forming unit 59 is discharged to a paper discharge tray 61. Note that the paper discharge tray 61 is provided between the image reading unit 58 and the image forming unit 59, for example, in the case of an internal type. Furthermore, the paper discharge tray 61 is provided with a printed matter sensor 66, which will be described later, for detecting the presence or absence of a printed matter on the paper discharge tray 61.

[0053] 3, the electrical configuration of the multifunction device main body 14 will be described. The multifunction device main body 14 also includes a control unit 70. The control unit 70 is a control means on the side of the multifunction device main body 14 that is responsible for the overall control of the multifunction device main body 14. To this end, the image reading unit 58, image forming unit 59, and paper feeding unit 60 described above are connected to the control unit 70 via a bus 68. As described above, the discharge tray 61 is provided with the printed matter sensor 66, which constitutes the printed matter detection unit 74. The printed matter detection unit 74 is also connected to the control unit 70 via the bus 68. Furthermore, the auxiliary storage unit 74 and the communication unit 76 are also connected to the control unit 70 via the bus 68.

[0054] The control unit 70 has a CPU 78 as a control execution means on the side of the multifunction device main body 14. In addition, the control unit 70 has a main memory unit 80 as a main memory means on the side of the multifunction device main body 14 that can be directly accessed by the CPU 78. This main memory unit 80 includes, for example, a ROM and a RAM. Of these, the ROM stores a control program for the multifunction device main body 14 for controlling the operation of the CPU 78. The RAM forms a working area and a buffer area when the CPU 78 executes processing based on the control program.

[0055] The auxiliary storage unit 74 is an example of an auxiliary storage means on the multifunction peripheral main body 14 side, including a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk or a flash memory. Various data are stored in this auxiliary storage unit 74 according to the control of the CPU 78.

[0056] The communication unit 76 is an example of a communication means on the side of the multifunction device main body 14, which is responsible for two-way communication processing with the communication unit 48 on the side of the application box 12. The communication processing performed between the communication unit 76 on the side of the multifunction device main body 14 and the communication unit 48 on the side of the application box 12 may be performed by a wired method or a wireless method.

[0057] The home screen 90 shown in FIG. 4 and displayed on the touch display 16 of the application box 12 displays a job selection button group 92 including a plurality of operation buttons for the user to select a desired job from among the jobs briefly described above.

[0058] A print button 94 for selecting a print service is provided to the right of the job selection button group 92, separate from the buttons in the button group 92. Here, the print service is a type of content service in which the convenience store, for example, where the multifunction machine 10 of this embodiment is installed, prints out content that is available from an external source, such as newspaper or magazine articles or pages, maps, character photos, and the like, and provides the content to the user.

[0059] When this print button 94 is touched (operated), the screen display on the display 16 transitions to a content service selection screen 96 shown in Fig. 5. This content service selection screen 96 displays a message 98 that prompts the user to select the desired content, such as "Please select the service you want," and below that, a group of content selection buttons 100. The group of content selection buttons 100 includes, for example, a newspaper button 102a for selecting printing of newspaper articles or pages, a timetable button 102b for selecting printing of a timetable, a map button 102c for selecting printing of a map, and so on. In the following explanation, a case will be described where newspaper printing is selected, but it should be noted in advance that the same can be applied to other print services.

[0060] Since a service number is assigned in advance to each content selectable by each button of the content selection button group 100, a desired content can be selected by inputting the service number.

[0061] For this purpose, below the content selection button group 100 on the content service selection screen 96, a number input button 104 for instructing input of a service number is provided.

[0062] When the user touches (operates) this number input button 104, the screen on the display 16 transitions to a service number input screen 106 shown in FIG.

[0063] The service number input screen 106 displays a message 108 such as "Please enter the service number and press [Next]" to prompt the user to enter the service number, and below that is a number confirmation field 110, and below that are input keys 112 including numeric keys from "0" to "9" and alphabet keys from "A" to "Z." Naturally, these are also touch keys.

[0064] The service number input screen 106 is provided with a "Next" button 114 as suggested in the above message 108. Furthermore, the service number input screen 106 is provided with a back button 116 and an end button 118.

[0065] When the Next button 114 is touched (operated), the screen display on the display 16 transitions to a content selection screen 120 shown in FIG. 7, for selecting specific content included in the service indicated by the service number entered using the input keys 112, for example, “Newspaper Print.”

[0066] 5, on the content service selection screen 96, a QR code button 122 is provided to the right of the number input button 104 below the content selection button group 100, for enabling selection of content by reading a QR code (product name), which is one type of two-dimensional code. When this QR code button 122 is touched (operated), the screen display on the display 16 transitions to a QR code input screen 126 shown in FIG.

[0067] In addition, an exit button 124 is further provided in the upper right corner of the content service selection screen 96 in Fig. 5. Operating the exit button 124 returns the screen to the previous home screen 90 (Fig. 4).

[0068] A message 128 such as "Please hold the QR code over the screen" is displayed on the QR code input screen 126 (FIG. 8) to prompt the user to input a QR code, and an explanatory illustration 130 including the two-dimensional code reader 20 shown in FIG. 1 is displayed below the message. This explanatory illustration 130 shows an illustration indicating that the QR code 132 displayed on a smartphone or the like can be read by holding the QR code 132 over the two-dimensional code reader 20. The QR code to be read here has information such as the URL of a content service written in it, and when reading is complete, the screen display on the display 16 transitions to a content selection screen shown in FIG. 7.

[0069] The QR code input screen 126 further displays a back button 134 below the explanatory illustration 130, and has an end button 136 at the top right.

[0070] As described above, in this embodiment, a case will be described in which "newspaper print" is selected as the content service, and on the content selection screen 120 shown in Fig. 7, which is transitioned from the service number input screen 106 in Fig. 6 or the QR code input screen 126 in Fig. 8, a message 138 such as "Please select the newspaper you would like" is displayed, which prompts the user to select content, and below that, for example, six selection buttons 140a-140f are provided for content selection. In this embodiment, these selection buttons 140a-140f are all buttons for specifying or selecting newspaper articles or pages.

[0071] For example, when the selection button 140b is operated, the screen display on the display 16 transitions to a screen (not shown) for printing an article or page of the XX newspaper, and printing begins in the image forming unit 59 of the multifunction machine main body 14 shown in FIG.

[0072] Furthermore, on the upper right corner of the content selection screen 120, a back button 142 and an end button 144 are provided.

[0073] When the back button 116 is pressed on the service number input screen 106 shown in Fig. 6, the screen returns to the previous content service selection screen 96 (Fig. 5). However, when the back button 142 is operated on the content selection screen 120 (Fig. 7) transitioned from the service number input screen 106, the screen returns to the previous service number input screen 106 (Fig. 6).

[0074] In addition, pressing the back button 134 on the QR code input screen 126 in FIG. 8 returns to the previous content service selection screen 96 (FIG. 5), and operating the back button 142 on the content selection screen 120 (FIG. 7) to which the user transitions from the QR code input screen 126 returns to the previous QR code input screen 126 (FIG. 8).

[0075] In this embodiment, a QR code button 146 is provided on the home screen 90 shown in Fig. 4. In this case, when the QR code button 146 is touched (operated), the screen display on the display 16 transitions to the QR code input screen 126 in Fig. 8. As described above, for example, the QR code 132 displayed on the smartphone can be input to the two-dimensional code reader 20 (Fig. 1). The QR code to be read here has information such as the URL of the content service written in it, so the screen display on display 16 transitions to content selection screen 120 shown in Fig. 7 without passing through content service selection screen 96 in Fig. 5. Then, for example, when selection button 140b is operated on content selection screen 120, the screen display on display 16 transitions to a screen (not shown) for printing an article or page of XX newspaper, and printing begins in image forming unit 59 of multifunction machine main body 14 shown in Fig. 1.

[0076] When the screen transitions from the home screen 90 to the content selection screen 120 via the QR code input screen 126, operating the back button 142 on the content selection screen 120 returns the screen to the content service selection screen 96 shown in FIG. 5, rather than the previous home screen 90.

[0077] In this embodiment where a QR code button is provided on the home screen 90, when the back button 142 is operated on the content selection screen 120 where data to be printed is selected from the home screen 90 by reading a two-dimensional code or the like, operability is poor if the previous screen, i.e., the home screen 90, is displayed as in the case of other operations. Therefore, this embodiment aims to improve operability by transitioning to a screen similar to the screen for selecting content when the back button 142 is operated on the content selection screen 120.

[0078] FIG. 9 shows a memory map 150 conceptually showing the internal configuration of the RAM of the main memory unit 56 of the application box 12. As shown in FIG.

[0079] As shown in this memory map 150, the RAM has a program storage area 152 and a data storage area 154. The above-mentioned control programs are stored in the program storage area 152. Specifically, the control programs include a display control program 156, an operation detection program 158, a communication control program 160, a two-dimensional code reading program 162, a screen transition control program 164, and the like.

[0080] The display control program 156 is a program for generating display screen data required for displaying various screens including the above-mentioned home screen 90 on the screen display surface of the display 16. The operation detection program 158 is a program for detecting the state of an operation performed by a user on the touch panel 18. The communication control program 1160 is a program for controlling the infrared communication unit 24, the short-range communication unit 26, and the communication unit 48.

[0081] The program storage area 152 further includes a two-dimensional code reading program 162 and a screen transition control program 164 .

[0082] The two-dimensional code reading program 162 is a program for reading the QR code 132 of a QR code presentation medium, such as a smartphone, which the user holds over the two-dimensional code reader 20 on the QR code input screen 126 in FIG.

[0083] The screen transition control program 164 controls the transition of each screen, such as the content service selection screen 96 in FIG. 5, the service number input screen 106 in FIG. 6, and the QR code input screen 126 in FIG. 8, from the home screen 90 shown in FIG. 4 to the content selection screen 120 shown in FIG. 7, and also controls the screen transition, as described above, when the back button 142 is operated on, for example, the content selection screen 120 to which the transition is made after reading a QR code, so that the screen transition returns to a different screen depending on the screen that was passed through to reach the screen 120, that is, depending on the screen that was passed through.

[0084] Meanwhile, various types of data are stored in the data storage area 154. The various types of data include display image generation data 166, operation data 168, internal transmission / reception data 170, external transmission / reception data 172, multifunction device processing data 174, and the like.

[0085] The display image generation data 166 is data such as polygon data and texture data used to generate display screen data based on the above-mentioned display control program 156. The operation data 168 is data representing an operation state on the touch panel 18, and in detail includes time-series data representing a touch position (coordinates) of the user on the touch panel 18, data of a QR code read according to the two-dimensional code reading program 162, and the like.

[0086] The internal transmission / reception data 170 is data transmitted / received between the control unit 40 and each component other than the control unit 40 via the bus 38. The external transmission / reception data 172 is data transmitted / received between an external device (not shown) via the communication unit 48. For example, it includes data received from a corresponding URL to acquire content selected by the selection buttons 140a-140f on the content selection screen 120 shown in FIG.

[0087] The multifunction device processing data 174 is data transmitted to and received from the multifunction device main body 14, that is, data to be processed by the multifunction device main body 14 and data after being processed by the multifunction device main body 14. This multifunction device processing data 174 can be considered to be a part of the external transmission / reception data 172, but is handled here as data separate from the external transmission / reception data 172. For example, it includes data for causing the image forming unit 59 to print the data received from the above URL.

[0088] The data storage area 154 further stores screen transition history data 176. This screen transition history data 176 is data indicating the history through which the screen display on the display 16 has transitioned. At least data indicating the screen transitions that have occurred in the process of transitioning from the home screen 90 (FIG. 4) to the content selection screen 120 (FIG. 7) is stored.

[0089] Fig. 10 is a flow chart showing the operation executed by the computer of the control unit of the application box in the embodiment. The flow chart of Fig. 10 (and Fig. 11) is repeatedly executed, for example, at a frame cycle.

[0090] 10, when the application box 12 is operated by a user, the CPU or computer 54 of the control unit 40 starts a display control program in a first step S1. In accordance with 156, the home screen 90 shown in FIG.

[0091] In the next step S3, computer 54 refers to operation data 168 (FIG. 9) and determines whether any of the job selection buttons of job selection button group 92 on home screen 90 has been operated. If "NO" is determined in this step S3, computer 54 refers to operation data 168 (FIG. 9) in step S5 and determines whether QR code button 146 on home screen 90 has been operated and a QR code has been input from QR code input screen 126 in FIG. 8. If "NO" is determined in step S5, the process returns to the previous step S3.

[0092] If "YES" is determined in step S3, computer 54 determines in step S7 whether any of the service selection buttons in content service button group 100 on content service selection screen 96 shown in Fig. 5 has been operated. If "NO" is determined in step S7, computer 54 further determines in step S9 whether service number input button 104 has been operated on content service selection screen 96 in Fig. 5. If "NO" is determined in step S9, computer 54 further determines in step S11 whether QR code button 122 has been operated on content service selection screen 96 in Fig. 5. If "NO" is determined in step S11, the process returns to the previous step S7.

[0093] When "YES" is determined in step S7 or "YES" is determined in step S9 When the QR code is input in the manner described above in step S11, or when the QR code is read from the home screen 90 via the QR code input screen 126 (FIG. 8), the computer 54 displays the content selection screen 120 shown in FIG. 7 in accordance with the display control program 156 under the control of the screen transition control program 164.

[0094] Then, in step S15, the computer 54 determines whether the end button 144 on the content selection screen 120 has been operated, and if the answer is "YES" in this step S15, the computer 54 transitions the screen display on the display 16 to a service end screen (not shown).

[0095] If the result of step S15 is "NO", the computer 54 determines whether any of the content buttons 140a-140f has been operated, for example, whether a content for which a print service is desired has been selected. If the result of step S19 is "YES", the computer 54 transitions the screen display on the display 16 to the previously described screen (not shown) for printing the content.

[0096] If "NO" is determined in step S19, then in step S23, it is determined whether or not the back button 142 on the content selection screen 120 has been operated. If "NO" is determined in step S23, the process of the computer 54 returns to the previous step S15.

[0097] If "YES" is determined in step S23, the computer 54 determines in step S25 whether the content selection screen 120 (FIG. 7) has transitioned from the home screen 90 according to the screen transition history data 176 (FIG. 9).

[0098] Determining "YES" in this step S27 means that the QR code button 146 on the home screen 90 has been operated, resulting in a transition to the content selection screen 120, and that at that stage the back button 142 has been operated. In this case, the computer 54, in accordance with the screen transition control program 164, transitions to the content service selection screen 96 shown in FIG. 5 as described above.

[0099] When the determination in step S25 is "NO", the computer 54 176 to determine whether the content selection screen 120 at that time has transitioned as a result of inputting a service number on the service number input screen 106 shown in Fig. 6. Then, when "YES" is determined in this step S29, as described above, the computer 54 transitions to the service number input screen 106 shown in Fig. 6 in accordance with the screen transition control program 164.

[0100] When determining "NO" in step S29, in this case, the computer 54 looks at the screen transition history data 176 and determines that the content selection screen 120 at that time has transitioned as a result of inputting a QR code on the QR code input screen 126 of Fig. 8. Therefore, when determining "NO" in step S29, the computer 54 transitions to the QR code input screen 126 shown in Fig. 8.

[0101] Thus, in this embodiment, when operation of the back button 142 is detected in step S23, the screen returns (transitions) to a different previous screen depending on the path taken to reach the content selection screen 120, such as in steps S27, S31, or S33.

[0102] As described above, in the above embodiment, the first procedure or the second procedure may be followed to move from the home screen 90 in Fig. 4 to the content selection screen 120 in Fig. 7. The first procedure is a procedure for moving from the home screen 90 to the content selection screen 120 via, for example, the content service selection screen 96 in Fig. 5 and the service number input screen 106 in Fig. 6 by operating the touch panel 18 of the operation unit 44. In contrast, the second procedure is a procedure for moving from the home screen 90 to the content selection screen 120 by inputting a two-dimensional code (QR code 132 in this embodiment) using the two-dimensional code reader 20.

[0103] The computer 54 of the control unit 40, which transitions the screen display of the display 16 from the home screen 90 to the content selection screen 120 in a first procedure, constitutes a first transition unit. The computer 54 of the control unit 40, which transitions the screen display of the display 16 from the home screen 90 to the content selection screen 120 in a second procedure, constitutes a second transition unit.

[0104] The computer 54 of the control unit 40, which executes the screen transition control program 164 (FIG. 9), functions as a screen transition control unit, which, for example, refers to the screen transition history data 176 (FIG. 9) and transitions from the content selection screen 120 to a different screen depending on whether the content selection screen 120 has been transitioned to by the first transition unit or the second transition unit.

[0105] In addition, the transition control unit executes a screen transition from the content selection screen 120 when the detection unit (corresponding to the computer 54 that executes step S23 in FIG. 10) detects a back operation, such as the operation of the back button 142 on the content selection screen 120.

[0106] In the above embodiment, when a QR code is input on the QR code input screen 126 from the home screen 90, the screen transitions to the content selection screen 120. However, since the QR code 132 contains information (the URL) of the desired content, the screen may transition directly to the next screen after the content is selected on the content selection screen 120, i.e., the print screen.

[0107] In addition, in the embodiment, the medium on which the QR code is presented is a smartphone, but it may also be a paper medium on which the QR code is printed, such as a newspaper or a magazine. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 10…Multifunction device 12 … Application Box 14... Multifunction device body 16…Display 20 ... 2D code reader 54 ...Computer 59 ... Image forming section 90 ...Home screen 96 ... Content service selection screen 106 ...Service number input screen 120 ... Content selection screen 126 ... QR code input screen 116, 134, 142...Back button

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus including a display, an operation unit, a two-dimensional code reader, and an image forming unit that performs print output in accordance with content data, a first transition unit that transitions a screen display of the display from a home screen to a content selection screen for selecting the content data in accordance with a first procedure including an operation of the operation unit; a second transition unit that transitions a screen display of the display from the home screen to the content selection screen according to a second procedure including a reading operation of the two-dimensional code by the two-dimensional code reader; a detection unit that detects that a back operation has been performed on the content selection screen; and an image forming apparatus comprising: a screen transition control unit that, in response to detection by the detection unit, transitions the screen display of the display from the content selection screen to a different screen depending on whether the transition to the content selection screen was made according to the first procedure or the second procedure.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a back button provided on the content selection screen, wherein the detection unit detects that the back operation has been performed when the back button is operated.

3. 3. The image forming apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a memory unit that stores screen transition history data indicating what screen transitions have been made in the process of transitioning from the home screen to the content selection screen, and the screen transition control unit transitions from the content selection screen to a different screen based on the screen transition history data.

4. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the screen transition control unit includes a determination unit that determines whether the content selection screen has transitioned according to the first procedure or the second procedure based on the screen transition history data.

5. A screen display program executable by a computer of an image forming apparatus having a display, an operation unit, a two-dimensional code reader, and an image forming unit that performs print output in accordance with content data, The screen display program causes the computer to a first transition unit that transitions a screen display of the display from a home screen to a content selection screen for selecting the content data in accordance with a first procedure including an operation of the operation unit; a second transition unit that transitions a screen display of the display from the home screen to the content selection screen according to a second procedure including a reading operation of the two-dimensional code by the two-dimensional code reader; a detection unit that detects that a back operation has been performed on the content selection screen; and a screen transition control unit that, in response to detection by the detection unit, transitions a screen display of the display from the content selection screen to a different screen depending on whether the transition to the content selection screen has been made according to the first procedure or the second procedure. A screen display program that acts as a

6. The apparatus includes a display, an operation unit, a two-dimensional code reader, and an image forming unit that performs print output in accordance with content data, a first transition unit that transitions the screen display of the display from a home screen to a content selection screen for selecting the content data in accordance with a first procedure including an operation of the operation unit, and a reading operation of the two-dimensional code with the two-dimensional code reader. A screen display method for an image forming apparatus including a second transition unit that transitions a screen display of the display from the home screen to the content selection screen according to a second procedure, and a detection unit that detects that a back operation has been performed on the content selection screen, A screen display method, in response to detection by a detection unit, transitioning the screen display of the display from the content selection screen to a different screen depending on whether the transition to the content selection screen was made according to the first procedure or the second procedure.

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