Image forming apparatus and control method

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus that can display a notification according to display contents.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises: a display that displays a display screen according to a mode; an acquisition unit that acquires the details of a notification according to the mode; and a control unit that controls to display the acquired details of the notification on the display screen together with display contents of the mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Image forming apparatuses that output images by electrophotography, such as multifunction peripherals and printers, have been used for some time now, and techniques for displaying information related to the image forming apparatuses have also been proposed.

[0003] For example, an information processing device has been proposed that receives notification information transmitted from an external device, identifies the UI mode displayed on the screen of a specific display unit, and if a first UI mode is identified, displays the notification information on a display screen in the first UI mode, and if a second UI mode is identified, displays the notification information on a display screen in the second UI mode (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-41526 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When a notification is displayed on the operation screen of an image forming device, if a notification that is not related to the status of the image forming device occurs, an unnecessary notification is displayed to the user. This is considered to impair the convenience of the image forming device. Therefore, a control is required to display the content of the notification according to the display content of the operation screen. However, such a control is not taken into consideration in Patent Document 1.

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an image forming apparatus and the like capable of displaying a notification according to display content. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the image forming device of the present disclosure is characterized in that it includes a display unit that displays a display screen corresponding to a mode, an acquisition unit that acquires the content of a notification corresponding to the mode, and a control unit that controls the display of the acquired content of the notification on the display screen together with the display content of the mode.

[0008] In addition, the control method of the present disclosure is a control method for an image forming device equipped with a display unit that displays a display screen according to a mode, and is characterized in that it includes a step of acquiring the content of a notification corresponding to the mode, and a step of displaying the acquired content of the notification on the display screen together with the display content of the mode. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to display a notification according to the display content. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is an external perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of home screen information in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of a data structure of notification information in the first embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of main processing of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a home screen display process in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a selected operation mode screen display process in the first embodiment. [Figure 8]FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation example in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation example in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation example in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation example in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation example in the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of user information in the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of a data structure of notification information in the second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of main processing of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a login screen display process in the second embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an operation example in the second embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an operation example in the second embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an operation example in the third embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an operation example in the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment for carrying out the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiment is an example for explaining the present disclosure, and the technical scope of the invention described in the claims is not limited to the following description.

[0012] [1. First embodiment] [1.1 Functional configuration] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is an external perspective view of an image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment, and Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0013] The image forming apparatus 10 is a digital multifunction peripheral (MFP; Multi-Function Peripheral / Printer) having a copy function, a print function, a scanner function, an email transmission function, etc. As shown in Fig. 2, the image forming apparatus 10 is configured to include a control unit 100, an image input unit 120, an image forming unit 130, a display unit 140, an operation unit 150, a storage unit 160, a line communication unit 180, and a network communication unit 190.

[0014] The control unit 100 is a functional unit for controlling the entire image forming apparatus 10. The control unit 100 realizes various functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 160, and is configured, for example, by one or more arithmetic units (CPUs (Central Processing Units)) and the like.

[0015] The image input unit 120 inputs image data to the image forming apparatus 10. For example, the image input unit 120 is configured with a scanner device capable of reading an image and generating image data. The scanner device converts an image into an electric signal using an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CIS (Contact Image Sensor), and generates digital data by quantizing and encoding the electric signal. The image input unit 120 may be configured with an interface (terminal) for reading image data stored in a storage medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or an SD card. The image input unit 120 may also input image data from the other device via the network communication unit 190.

[0016] The image forming unit 130 forms (prints) an image on a recording medium such as recording paper. The image forming unit 130 is configured, for example, with a printing device such as a laser printer using an electrophotographic method. The image forming unit 130 feeds recording paper from, for example, a paper feed tray 132 in FIG. 1, forms an image on the surface of the recording paper, and discharges the recording paper from a paper discharge tray 134.

[0017] The display unit 140 displays various types of information. The display unit 140 is configured with a display device such as an LCD (Liquid crystal display), an organic EL (electro-luminescence) panel, or a micro LED (Light Emitting Diode) display.

[0018] The operation unit 150 accepts operation instructions from a user who uses the image forming apparatus 10. The operation unit 150 is configured with input devices such as various key switches and a touch sensor that detects input by contact (touch). The touch sensor may detect the input using a general detection method such as a resistive film method, an infrared method, an electromagnetic induction method, or a capacitance method. The image forming apparatus 10 may be equipped with a touch panel in which the display unit 140 and the operation unit 150 are integrally formed.

[0019] The storage unit 160 stores various programs and various data necessary for the operation of the image forming apparatus 10. The storage unit 160 is configured with a storage device such as a solid state drive (SSD) that is a semiconductor memory or a hard disk drive (HDD), for example.

[0020] The storage unit 160 stores home screen information 162. The storage unit 160 also secures a screen information storage area 164 and a notification information storage area 166 as storage areas.

[0021] The home screen information 162 is information indicating the display contents of the home screen. The home screen is a screen for allowing the user to select a function provided in the image forming apparatus 10. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the home screen information 162 is a table in which functions provided in the image forming apparatus 10 (e.g., "simple copy") and a display flag (e.g., "Yes") indicating whether or not a button for using the function is displayed are stored. In this case, the contents of the display flag stored in the table may be modified (customized) by an administrator of the image forming apparatus 10 or the like. In addition, the home screen information 162 may store the layout, color scheme, and display elements of the home screen. The display elements are elements such as buttons, text, fields, and icons displayed on the screen.

[0022] The screen information storage area 164 is an area in which information (screen information) indicating the display contents of a screen other than the home screen is stored. The screen information is, for example, information in which an operation mode is associated with information on a screen displayed in the operation mode (for example, layout, color scheme, display elements, etc.). Note that an operation mode is a state held inside the image forming apparatus 10 in order to operate a specific function among the functions provided in the image forming apparatus 10.

[0023] The screen information is stored in advance in the image forming apparatus 10. Furthermore, the screen information may be modifiable (customizable) by an administrator of the image forming apparatus 10 or the like.

[0024] The notification information storage area 166 is an area in which information related to notifications (notification information) is stored. In the present embodiment, a notification refers to information indicating the state of the image forming apparatus 10 or information necessary for management, which is notified to a user who uses the image forming apparatus 10.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 4, the notification information stores notification contents (eg, "Retention data is available") and a corresponding operation mode (eg, "Simple copy") that indicates an operation mode related to the notification contents.

[0026] The notification information may store notification contents that are not associated with a specific operation mode. The notification contents that are not associated with a specific operation mode are represented by notification information in which information on a specific operation mode is not stored in the corresponding operation mode, for example, as shown in D100 of FIG.

[0027] The line communication unit 180 communicates with an external device via a public line (for example, a regular telephone line). The line communication unit 180 is configured, for example, with a terminal into which a cable connectable to a public line can be inserted.

[0028] The network communication unit 190 communicates with external devices via a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN). The network communication unit 190 is configured with a communication device or a communication module such as a network interface card (NIC) used in a wired / wireless LAN.

[0029] Moreover, the control unit 100 executes a program stored in the storage unit 160 to function as an image processing unit 102 and a notification information management unit 104 .

[0030] The image processing unit 102 performs various image-related processes. For example, the image processing unit 102 performs sharpening and tone conversion processes on the image read by the image input unit 120.

[0031] The notification information management unit 104 manages the notification information by storing the notification information in the notification information storage area 166 and deleting the notification information stored in the notification information storage area 166 .

[0032] For example, the notification information management unit 104 monitors whether the image forming apparatus 10 is in a normal state. When the image forming apparatus 10 is not in a normal state, the notification information management unit 104 stores notification information indicating that the image forming apparatus 10 is not in a normal state in the notification information storage area 166, and when the image forming apparatus 10 returns to a normal state, the notification information management unit 104 deletes the corresponding notification information from the notification information storage area 166.

[0033] The image forming apparatus 10 is not in a normal state, for example, in the following cases. When the ADF (Auto Document Feeder) cover or the toner cartridge compartment cover is open When a paper jam occurs When the paper is out When the toner is out When there is a network failure

[0034] Furthermore, the notification information management unit 104 may store information based on the state of the image forming apparatus 10 as notification information in the notification information storage area 166. The information based on the state of the image forming apparatus 10 is, for example, the following information. When the toner is almost empty When the paper is almost out (paper near end) When a facsimile is received

[0035] Furthermore, the notification information management unit 104 may store information on the usage status of the image forming apparatus 10 as notification information in the notification information storage area 166. For example, the notification information management unit 104 may store information such as an operation method of the image forming apparatus 10 and an introduction to functions of the image forming apparatus 10 as notification information in the notification information storage area 166 until a predetermined period has elapsed since the image forming apparatus 10 began to be used. In addition, the notification information management unit 104 may store information such as the need to replace a part of the image forming apparatus 10 (e.g., a photoconductor drum) after a predetermined period has elapsed since the image forming apparatus 10 began to be used as notification information in the notification information storage area 166.

[0036] In addition, the notification information management unit 104 may receive information on the notification content and the operating mode corresponding to the notification content based on the operation of an administrator or the like of the image forming device 10, and store the notification information based on the received information in the notification information storage area 166.

[0037] [1.2 Processing flow] Main processes executed by the control unit 100 of the image forming apparatus 10 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5 to Fig. 7. The processes shown in Fig. 5 to Fig. 7 are executed by the control unit 100 reading out a program stored in the storage unit 160, for example.

[0038] In addition, in this embodiment, when the power is turned on or when returning from a sleep mode or a low power mode, the control unit 100 switches the operation mode to a home screen display mode, which is a mode in which the home screen is displayed.

[0039] [1.2.1 Main processing] First, a description will be given of the main processing shown in Fig. 5. The main processing is processing executed by the control unit 100 when the operation mode is switched.

[0040] First, the control unit 100 determines whether the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 10 is a home screen display mode (step S100). When the control unit 100 determines that the operation mode is the home screen display mode, the control unit 100 executes a home screen display process, which is a process of displaying a home screen on the display unit 140 (step S100; Yes→step S102). The home screen display process will be described later.

[0041] On the other hand, when the control unit 100 determines that the operation mode is not the home screen display mode, it determines whether or not the operation mode is a selection operation mode in which a predetermined function is operated (step S100; No→step S104).

[0042] The selected operation mode is an operation mode selected by the user via the home screen. The selected operation mode includes, for example, a copy mode for operating a copy function, a fax mode for transmitting an image via the line communication unit 180, a scanner mode for transmitting an image read via the image input unit 120 to another device, and the like.

[0043] When the control unit 100 determines that the operation mode is the selected operation mode, it executes a selected operation mode screen display process, which is a process of displaying a screen on which settings can be made to operate a function corresponding to the operation mode (step S104; Yes -> step S106). The selected operation mode screen display process will be described later.

[0044] When the control unit 100 determines that the operation mode is not the selected operation mode, the control unit 100 ends the main process (step S104; No).

[0045] [1.2.2 Home screen display process] The home screen display process will be described with reference to Fig. 6. First, the control unit 100 acquires the home screen information 162 from the storage unit 160 (step S140). Furthermore, the control unit 100 reads the notification information storage area 166 of the storage unit 160 to acquire all the notification information stored in the notification information storage area 166 (step S142).

[0046] Next, the control unit 100 secures an information area within the display area of ​​the display unit 140 (step S144). The information area is an area for displaying notification contents included in the notification information.

[0047] Here, since the operation mode is a home screen display mode that displays a home screen, the control unit 100 secures an information area according to the screen displayed on the home screen. For example, if the home screen includes an area that displays a button (operation mode button) selected by the user to switch the operation mode, the control unit 100 secures an area of ​​a predetermined size as an information area within the area that displays the operation mode button. In this case, the information area secured by the control unit 100 may be a size according to the number of notification information items acquired in step S142 or the number of characters (display amount) of the notification contents, or may be a fixed size.

[0048] Next, the control unit 100 displays the contents of the notification stored in the notification information acquired in step S142 in the information area secured in step S144 (step S146). The control unit 100 also displays a home screen on the display unit 140 based on the home screen information 162 acquired in step S140 (step S148). As a result, display elements such as operation mode buttons, text, and icons are displayed on the display unit 140. At this time, if the control unit 100 has secured an information area, it displays a home screen according to the secured information area. For example, if an information area is secured within an area that displays the operation mode buttons, the control unit 100 displays the operation mode buttons in an area that is not the information area among the areas that display the operation mode buttons. As a result, the operation mode buttons and the contents of the notification are displayed side by side on the home screen.

[0049] The control unit 100 can display on the display unit 140 the display contents of the home screen (for example, display elements such as operation mode buttons) and the contents of the notification by executing the processes from step S100 to step S148.

[0050] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the operation mode button has been selected by the user (step S150). For example, the control unit 100 determines that the operation mode button has been selected when an operation of touching the area where the operation mode button is displayed is input via the operation unit 150.

[0051] When it is determined that an operation mode button has been selected, the control unit 100 switches to an operation mode corresponding to the selected operation mode button (step S150; Yes→step S152).

[0052] [1.2.3 Selection operation mode screen display processing] The selected operation mode screen display process will be described with reference to Fig. 7. First, the control unit 100 acquires screen information corresponding to the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the screen information storage area 164 of the storage unit 160 (step S170).

[0053] Next, the control unit 100 acquires notification information based on the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 10 (step S172). For example, the control unit 100 acquires the following notification information from the notification information storage area 166 of the storage unit 160. (1) Notification information whose supported operating mode matches the current operating mode (2) Notification information not associated with a specific operation mode

[0054] Next, the control unit 100 secures an information area (step S174). Here, in step S174, the operation mode is an operation mode for operating a predetermined function provided in the image forming apparatus 10. Therefore, the control unit 100 displays a screen for receiving an instruction to change the setting of the function or an instruction to execute a process, unlike a screen that displays an operation mode button such as a home screen.

[0055] For example, when control unit 100 displays a screen based on the screen information acquired in step S170, it reserves an area in which elements such as buttons for setting are displayed (placed) instead of an area in which operation mode buttons are displayed. Therefore, when control unit 100 displays a screen based on the screen information acquired in step S170, it reserves an information area in a location different from the area in which elements such as buttons are displayed (placed). For example, control unit 100 reserves an information area at a position above the area in which elements such as buttons are displayed (placed).

[0056] Next, control unit 100 displays the content of the notification stored in the notification information acquired in step S172 in the information area secured in step S174 (step S176).

[0057] Furthermore, based on the screen information acquired in step S170, control unit 100 displays a screen of the operation mode on display unit 140 (step S178). For example, control unit 100 arranges display elements based on layout information, and decorates display elements based on color scheme information.

[0058] By executing the processes from step S170 to step S178, control unit 100 can display the display contents (for example, display elements such as buttons for setting) of the operation mode corresponding to the function selected by the user (selected operation mode) and the notification contents on display unit 140. Furthermore, in step S174, control unit 100 secures an information area according to the display screen corresponding to the selected operation mode, so that it is possible to display the notification at an appropriate position.

[0059] Next, control unit 100 displays a home button for switching to the home screen display mode on display unit 140 (step S180). If control unit 100 determines that the home button has been selected by the user, control unit 100 switches the operation mode of image forming apparatus 10 to the home screen display mode (step S182; Yes→step S184).

[0060] [1.3 Example of operation] Next, an example of operation in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8 to Fig. 10. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a home screen W100 displayed on display unit 140. Home screen W100 includes a status area E100 that displays the current operation mode and the state of image forming apparatus 10, and an area E102 that displays operation mode buttons.

[0061] Status area E100 may display temporary information based on the state of image forming apparatus 10. Information displayed in status area E100 is, for example, the number and type of jobs scheduled to be executed, and the contents of jobs that have been completed.

[0062] Furthermore, when all of the operation mode buttons cannot be displayed in area E102, the operation mode buttons displayed in area E102 may be switched. For example, a button B100 for switching the display of the operation mode buttons displayed on display unit 140 may be included in the home screen W100.

[0063] 9A is a diagram showing an example of a home screen W110 displayed on display unit 140 when the contents of a notification are displayed. In addition to an area E110 that displays operation mode buttons, an information area E112 is provided on home screen W110. The contents of all notifications stored in image forming apparatus 10 are displayed in information area E112.

[0064] In addition, if the contents of all notifications cannot be displayed on the home screen W110, the information area E112 may be a scrollable area, and the contents of the notifications may be displayed in response to a scroll operation by the user. Also, the contents of the notifications displayed in the information area E112 may be switched.

[0065] Furthermore, the number of operation mode buttons that can be displayed on the home screen W110 may decrease due to the provision of the information area E112. For example, on the home screen W100 shown in FIG. 8, eight operation mode buttons are displayed in area E102. On the other hand, on the home screen W110 shown in FIG. 9(a), four operation mode buttons are displayed in area E110. In this case, the operation mode buttons that are no longer displayed in area E110 may be displayed by a button B110 for switching the display of the operation mode buttons displayed in area E110. In other words, the operation mode buttons displayed on the home screen may be switched based on a user operation.

[0066] Here, the operation mode buttons that are not displayed due to the information area E112 being secured are automatically determined by the image forming apparatus 10 (controller 100) according to the display order of the operation mode buttons, for example. Note that the priority of each function may be stored in the home screen information 162, and the operation mode buttons corresponding to functions with high priority may be preferentially displayed even if the information area E112 is secured. In this case, a user operation is required to display the operation mode buttons corresponding to functions with low priority.

[0067] Fig. 9(b) is an example of a home screen W120 displayed on the display unit 140 when a button B110 for switching the display of the operation mode buttons in Fig. 9(a) is selected. In this manner, the page of the operation mode buttons displayed on the home screen is switched.

[0068] The information area E122 may remain secured even when the page is changed, or may be released when the page is changed. Also, the information area E122 does not have to be secured on the second page and thereafter, and may be an area smaller than the size of the first page.

[0069] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen W130 displayed on display unit 140 after the user selects an operation mode button. Screen W130 is a screen for an operation mode called a simple copy mode. The user can configure settings related to a function called a simple copy via screen W130.

[0070] 10, the information area E130 is provided above the portion where buttons and the like for making settings are displayed. In this manner, the information area E130 is provided so as not to impede the operation of setting the operation mode.

[0071] The information area E130 displays the contents of the notification corresponding to the simple copy mode. In this manner, compared to the home screen, the screen corresponding to a specific operation mode continues to display only the contents of the notification related to that operation mode.

[0072] The display mode of the notification contents displayed in the information area E130 may be changed as appropriate depending on the number of contents to be notified and the operation by the user. For example, when the notification contents corresponding to the operation mode cannot all be displayed in the information area E130, the display mode of the information area E130 and the notification contents displayed in the information area E130 may be switched by the user's operation. For example, the information area E130 may be temporarily enlarged and displayed (superimposed on a button for setting the operation mode, etc.) in response to the user's operation (for example, a touch operation or a pinch-out operation). In this case, the enlarged information area E130 may display a larger number of notification contents than the number of notification contents displayed before the enlargement. In addition, the notification contents may be divided into multiple pages, and a button for switching the pages may be displayed in the information area E130. In this case, the notification contents displayed in the information area E130 are switched in response to the user's operation on the button for switching the pages.

[0073] The contents of the notification displayed in the information area E130 may be automatically switched every time a certain period of time has elapsed. Also, the information area E130 may be a scrollable area.

[0074] Furthermore, the information area E130 does not have to be allocated in the upper part of the screen W130, and may be allocated in, for example, the right part, left part, or lower part of the screen W130.

[0075] In this way, when the home screen is switched to the screen of the operation mode selected by the user, the content of the notification may be displayed at the same position on the home screen and the screen of the operation mode, or may be displayed at a different position. When the content of the notification is displayed at a different position on the screen of the operation mode from the home screen, the notification is displayed at a position on the screen of the operation mode that does not make it impossible to accept user operations.

[0076] In addition, when a notification with the same content is displayed on the home screen and on the screen of the operation mode selected by the user, the notification content may be displayed in the same display manner by being displayed on a figure with the same background color or shape, or by displaying the same icon. In this way, by displaying the same notification content in the same manner on the home screen and the screen after the transition, the user can recognize that the same information is being displayed.

[0077] [1.4 Modifications of this embodiment] Next, as a modification of this embodiment, an example in which a priority is set for the contents of a notification, and the contents of the notification are displayed according to the priority will be described.

[0078] First, an example of setting a display level for each type of notification content will be described. In this example, a table (display level table) in which the type of notification content (e.g., "notification that there is no retention data") is associated with the display level (e.g., "display (highlighted)") is stored in the storage unit 160, as shown in FIG. 11(a).

[0079] The display level is, for example, one of “display (highlighted)”, “display”, and “not display.” The display level is set by an administrator of the image forming apparatus 10 or the like.

[0080] Furthermore, the control unit 100 displays the contents of the notification in step S146 of the home screen display process and in step S176 of the selected operation mode screen display process in accordance with the display level table.

[0081] For example, the control unit 100 performs control to display only the contents of notifications corresponding to the notification types whose display level is set to "display (highlight)" or "display." The control unit 100 may also display the contents of notifications corresponding to the notification types whose display level is set to "display (highlight)" more prominently than the contents of notifications corresponding to the notification types whose display level is set to "display." Furthermore, the control unit 100 may preferentially display the contents of notifications corresponding to the notification types whose display level is set to "display (highlight)."

[0082] 11B is a diagram showing an example of a home screen W140 when the content of a notification is displayed on the display unit 140 based on the display level table. An information area E140 is secured on the home screen W140, and the content of a notification corresponding to the type of notification whose display level is set to "display (highlighted)" or "display" is displayed.

[0083] Depending on the display level, the contents of the notification are displayed in an emphasized manner, or the contents of the notification are rearranged and displayed. As a result, the contents of the notification corresponding to the type of notification set to "display (emphasis)" are displayed in a manner that is easy for the user to view.

[0084] In this way, the administrator of the image forming device 10 can control the display level of the notification depending on the type of the notification. For example, the administrator of the image forming device 10 can prominently display notifications that the user particularly needs to see.

[0085] Next, as another example, an example of setting a priority for each notification content will be described. In this example, the notification information stores the type (e.g., "information") and priority (e.g., "20") in addition to the notification content and corresponding operation mode, as shown in Fig. 12(a).

[0086] The type is information indicating the type of the notification content, and for example, information such as "error," "information," and "guidance" is stored. Furthermore, a numerical value is stored as the priority. In the example of FIG. 12(a), a smaller numerical value indicates a higher priority. The priority may be set by an administrator of the image forming apparatus 10, or may be automatically set in accordance with the type, or may be automatically set in accordance with the notification content.

[0087] Furthermore, the control unit 100 displays the contents of the notification according to the type and priority in step S146 of the home screen display process and in step S176 of the selected operation mode screen display process.

[0088] 12B is a diagram showing an example of a home screen W150 in which the contents of a notification are displayed on the display unit 140 based on the display level table. An information area E150 is provided on the home screen W150, and the contents of the notification are displayed according to the type and priority.

[0089] For example, the notification contents may be displayed with a higher priority, or the notification contents may be displayed in a display mode according to the type. Furthermore, the notification contents may be sorted and displayed by type.

[0090] In the present embodiment, the information area is automatically secured, but the information area may be secured by another method. For example, a widget that displays the contents of a notification may be arranged on the home screen of the image forming apparatus 10 or a screen in a predetermined operation mode. In this case, the image forming apparatus 10 secures the area in which the widget that displays the contents of the notification is arranged as the information area. In this way, the user can freely set the position and size in which the contents of the notification are displayed.

[0091] Thus, according to this embodiment, it is possible to display the content of notifications related to the screen being displayed in an appropriate position on the home screen or on a screen that is displayed when a specified function is used.

[0092] In particular, all notification contents are displayed on the home screen, but on a screen corresponding to a specific function, only notifications related to that function are displayed, and other notifications are hidden. This allows the image forming device of this embodiment to focus the user's attention only on noteworthy information without providing unnecessary information to the user. As a result, the user can clearly understand the necessary responses and procedures, and operations that result in malfunctions can be reduced.

[0093] For example, in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, when the copy function is used and the network function is unavailable, the notification that the network function is unavailable is hidden, which prevents the user from misunderstanding that the network status needs to be taken into consideration in order to use the copy function, and reduces the possibility of work delays and erroneous operations.

[0094] In addition, since the content of the notification related to a specific function is displayed on the screen corresponding to that function, even if the user overlooks the content of the notification displayed on the home screen, the user can notice the notification when using the selected function.

[0095] On the other hand, the screen corresponding to a specific function does not display the contents of notifications that are not related to that function. Therefore, when using a specific function, the user does not need to determine whether the contents of the notification are related to the function to be used.

[0096] In this manner, the image forming apparatus of this embodiment can display the notification contents appropriately according to the screen displayed on the display unit.

[0097] [2. Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the contents of the notification are displayed according to the operation mode and the user. In this embodiment, FIG. 2 of the first embodiment is replaced with FIG. 13, and FIG. 5 of the first embodiment is replaced with FIG. 16. Note that the same functional units and processes are given the same reference numerals, and the description will be omitted.

[0098] [2.1 Functional configuration] The functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 12 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 13. The image forming apparatus 12 differs from the image forming apparatus 10 in the first embodiment in that a user information storage area 168 is further secured in the storage unit 160.

[0099] The user information storage area 168 is an area for storing information (user information) of a user who uses the image forming apparatus 12. For example, as shown in Fig. 14, the user information stores a login name (e.g., "userA"), which is information for identifying a user, a password (e.g., "abc123"), a user name (e.g., "John Smith"), and a user type (e.g., "general user").

[0100] In this embodiment, the user type is described as being stored as either "general user" or "administrator". Note that information other than "general user" and "administrator" may be stored as the user type.

[0101] Next, the notification information in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 15. The notification information in this embodiment differs from the notification information in the first embodiment in that a target user (e.g., "administrator") is further stored in the notification information. In this embodiment, either a user type or a login name is stored for the target user.

[0102] [2.2 Processing flow] [2.2.1 Main processing] Main processes executed by the control unit 100 of the image forming apparatus 12 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 16 and Fig. 17. Note that, in this embodiment, when returning from a sleep mode or a low power mode, the control unit 100 switches the operation mode to a login screen display mode in which a login screen is displayed.

[0103] First, the main processing shown in Fig. 16 will be described. In this embodiment, the control unit 100 judges whether or not the operation mode is the login screen display mode (step S200). When the control unit 100 judges that the operation mode is the login screen display mode, it executes a login screen display process which is a process of displaying a login screen on the display unit 140 (step S200; Yes -> step S202). The login screen display process will be described later.

[0104] Furthermore, when a logout operation is performed by the user, the control unit 100 executes a process of logging out the user, and further switches the operation mode to the login screen display mode (step S204; Yes->step S206->step S208).

[0105] [2.2.2 Login screen display process] The login screen display process will be described with reference to Fig. 17. First, the control unit 100 reads the notification information storage area 166 of the storage unit 160 to acquire all the notification information stored in the notification information storage area 166 (step S220).

[0106] Next, the control unit 100 secures an information area in the display area of ​​the display unit 140 (step S222). In step S222, the operation mode is a login screen display mode in which a login screen is displayed. Therefore, the control unit 100 secures an area to display an input field for inputting information used for authentication (for example, a login name and a password) instead of an area to display an operation mode button or an area to display a button for receiving an instruction to change the setting of a function. Therefore, the control unit 100 secures an information area in a location different from an area to display an input field for inputting information used for authentication. For example, the control unit 100 secures an area to display an input field on the left side of the display area of ​​the display unit 140, and secures an information area on the right side of the display area of ​​the display unit 140. This allows the control unit 100 to display the input field and the contents of the notification side by side.

[0107] Next, control unit 100 displays the content of the notification stored in the notification information acquired in step S220 in the information area secured in step S222 (step S224).

[0108] Next, the control unit 100 displays, in the display area of ​​the display unit 140, an input field for inputting information used for authentication (e.g., a login name and a password) and an authentication button used to perform authentication (step S226).

[0109] Next, when the authentication button is selected by the user, the control unit 100 performs authentication based on the information entered in the input field, and determines whether the authentication is successful or not (step S228). For example, the control unit 100 determines whether the login name and password entered by the user match any of the user information stored in the user information storage area 168. If it is determined that the login name and password entered by the user match any of the user information stored in the user information storage area 168, the control unit 100 determines that the authentication is successful.

[0110] Next, the control unit 100 executes a process for allowing the authenticated user to log in (step S228; Yes->step S230). Furthermore, the control unit 100 switches the operation mode to a home screen display mode (step S232).

[0111] [2.2.3 Home screen display process and selected operation mode screen display process] In this embodiment, in step S142 of the home screen display process described in the first embodiment, a process is executed to obtain notification information related to the logged-in user from the notification information stored in the notification information storage area 166.

[0112] The notification information related to the logged-in user is the following notification information. (1) If the logged-in user's user type is an administrator: All notification information (2) If the user type of the logged-in user is a general user: notification information whose user type is "general user" and notification information in which the same login name as the logged-in user's login name is stored

[0113] In addition, in this embodiment, in step S172 of the selected operation mode display process described in the first embodiment, notification information related to the logged-in user and based on the operation mode is obtained from the notification information stored in the notification information storage area 166.

[0114] By executing the above-mentioned process, the contents of the notification related to the user are displayed on the home screen or the screen of the operation mode selected by the user.

[0115] [2.3 Example of operation] Next, an example of operation in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 18 and Fig. 19. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a login screen W200 displayed on display unit 140. Login screen W200 includes an area E200 in which an input field and an authentication button are displayed, and an information area E202. This allows the user to check the contents of the notification when performing an authentication operation.

[0116] Fig. 19 is a diagram showing a home screen displayed on display unit 140. Fig. 19(a) is a display example of a home screen W210 that is displayed when a user whose user type is "administrator" logs in. An information area E210 is secured on the home screen W210. On the other hand, Fig. 19(b) is a display example of a home screen W220 that is displayed when a user whose user type is "general user" logs in. An information area E220 is secured on the home screen W220.

[0117] Here, the information area E210 displays the contents of all notifications stored in the image forming device 12. Therefore, the administrator of the image forming device 12 can grasp all the contents notified to the user. On the other hand, the information area E220 displays only the notification contents related to the authenticated user out of all the notification contents stored in the image forming device 12. Therefore, a general user who uses the image forming device 12 can grasp only the contents related to the user.

[0118] The image forming apparatus 12 may be able to switch between enabled and disabled user authentication function. When the user authentication function is enabled, the image forming apparatus 12 executes the process described in the second embodiment, and when the user authentication function is disabled, the image forming apparatus 12 executes the process described in the first embodiment.

[0119] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 12 is described as performing user authentication, but the user authentication may be performed by a device connected to the image forming apparatus 12 (for example, an authentication server).

[0120] According to the image forming apparatus of this embodiment, the contents of the notification are displayed on the login screen, so that the user can understand the status of the image forming apparatus before logging in. Furthermore, the user can take appropriate action based on the contents of the notification. For example, if the apparatus is out of paper, the user can refill the paper before logging in. Furthermore, if the network status is poor, the user can report the situation to the administrator of the image forming apparatus.

[0121] Furthermore, according to the image forming device of this embodiment, when the display is switched from the login screen to the home screen, only the notification contents corresponding to the logged-in user are displayed, and notification contents not related to the user are hidden. As a result, the image forming device of this embodiment can direct the user's attention only to noteworthy information without providing unnecessary information to the user. As a result, the image forming device of this embodiment can clarify the necessary responses and procedures for the user, and can reduce operations that result in malfunctions.

[0122] For example, when update information for applications or firmware is displayed on the login screen, if the logged-in user is not an administrator, the update information for the applications, etc. is not displayed. This prevents the image forming apparatus of this embodiment from misleading the user into thinking that the functions of the image forming apparatus cannot be used unless the applications, etc. are updated, and reduces the possibility of work delays and operational errors.

[0123] [3. Third embodiment] Next, a third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment is an embodiment in which an information area is secured in a place where user operations cannot be accepted (blocked). This embodiment can be applied to both the first and second embodiments.

[0124] In this embodiment, when a certain function is unavailable, an information area is provided above a display element selected to use the function, and the content of a notification including the reason why the function is unavailable and how to deal with the problem is displayed in the information area.

[0125] Specifically, in step S144 of the home screen display process, the control unit 100 determines whether the content of the notification stored in the notification information acquired in step S142 indicates that the predetermined function is unavailable. If the content of the notification indicates that the predetermined function is unavailable, the control unit 100 secures an information area so that it overlaps with the location where a display element selected to use the predetermined function is displayed. Furthermore, in step S146, the control unit 100 displays the content of the notification indicating that the predetermined function is unavailable in the information area secured in step S144.

[0126] The control unit 100 also executes the same processes as those described above in steps S174 to S176 of the selected operation mode screen display process.

[0127] Next, an example of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 20 and Fig. 21. Fig. 20(a) is a diagram showing an example of a home screen W300 displayed on the display unit 140 when an information area E300 (a widget that displays the contents of a notification) is secured in a position overlapping an operation mode button.

[0128] For example, when the simple copy function is unavailable (for example, when a software update is being performed or when the printer is out of paper), an information area is provided above the simple copy operation mode button. This prevents the user from selecting the simple copy operation mode button. As a result, the image forming device 10 or the image forming device 12 cannot switch to a mode that uses the simple copy function.

[0129] 20(a), two or more information areas may be provided. For example, in addition to information area E300 provided on the operation mode button, information area E302 may be provided in a position that does not overlap with the operation mode button. In this case, information area E302 displays the contents of a notification that does not require the user's operation to be unacceptable.

[0130] In addition, image forming device 12 may display the content of the notification on the home screen in a position that does not prevent user operations from being accepted, and may display the content of the notification on the screen of the operating mode selected by the user in a position that prevents user operations from being accepted.

[0131] For example, when the cyan toner is out, the button for using the copy function (e.g., the operation mode button for simple copy) is displayed as usual on the home screen, and a notification that the cyan toner is out is displayed in a position different from the button. Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 20(b), on the screen W310 corresponding to the operation mode for simple copy displayed on the display unit 140, an information area E310 is secured above the start button for color copy. This prevents the user from executing the color copy function. Also, the user can know that the cyan toner is out by checking the notification above the start button.

[0132] 21 is an example of a home screen W320 displayed on the display unit 140 when a fax is received in the image forming apparatus 10 or the image forming apparatus 12 that cannot send a new fax without performing a specific operation when a fax is received. As shown in FIG. 21(a), on the home screen W320, an information area E320 is provided above the operation mode button for sending a fax. This prevents a user of the image forming apparatus 10 or the image forming apparatus 12 from sending a new fax unless the user performs a specific operation such as an operation for receiving a fax.

[0133] Furthermore, in image forming apparatus 10 or image forming apparatus 12 that cannot send a new fax without performing a specific operation when a fax is received, an information area may be provided over the entire home screen when a fax is received. In this case, home screen W330 as shown in FIG. 21(b) is displayed as the home screen displayed on display unit 140. This prevents the user of image forming apparatus 12 from using any functions other than sending faxes. In this way, image forming apparatus 10 or image forming apparatus 12 may execute a process to have the user confirm the contents of the notification by disabling the user from using any functions until a specific operation is performed.

[0134] The information area may be reserved based on the contents of the notification to a specific user. For example, in an image forming device 12 that cannot send a new fax without performing a specific operation when a fax is received, the home screen W320 in Fig. 21(a) or the home screen W330 in Fig. 21(b) may be displayed as a home screen for a user who has received a fax. On the other hand, a normal home screen, that is, a home screen in which no information area is reserved above the operation mode button for sending a fax, may be displayed as a home screen for a user who has not received a fax.

[0135] Furthermore, when the login screen is displayed, depending on the content of the notification, the content of the notification may be displayed in a position that intentionally makes it impossible to accept a login operation by the user.

[0136] According to this embodiment, it is possible to explicitly indicate the causal relationship between the state of the image forming apparatus or the external input state and the operation that the user is about to perform.

[0137] [4. Fourth embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. The fourth embodiment is an embodiment in which an operation mode and a user related to the contents of a notification are determined using a machine learning technique. This embodiment can be applied to any of the first to third embodiments.

[0138] In this embodiment, only the content of the notification is stored as the notification information. Instead, in this embodiment, the storage unit 160 further stores a trained model that has trained the relationship between the content of the notification and the corresponding operation mode.

[0139] In this embodiment, the control unit 100 acquires all the notification contents stored in the notification information storage area 166 in step S172 of the selected operation mode screen display process.

[0140] Furthermore, in step S176, the control unit 100 uses the learned model to determine the corresponding operation mode for each notification content, and displays in the information area the notification content in which the determined corresponding operation mode matches the current operation mode.

[0141] In this way, the control unit 100 can determine the operation mode (corresponding operation mode) corresponding to the content of the notification by using the trained model. In addition, the control unit 100 may determine the type of user corresponding to the content of the notification by using a similar method. In this case, the storage unit 160 stores a trained model that has learned the relationship between the content of the notification and the user type (for example, a trained model that has learned the content of the notification and whether the content of the notification is a notification for a general user). In addition, when displaying the content of the notification, the control unit 100 uses the trained model to determine whether the content of the notification is for a general user, and determines whether the content of the notification is related to the logged-in user.

[0142] In this way, by using a machine learning technique to determine the operation mode corresponding to the notification content, it becomes unnecessary to prepare a table in advance that associates the notification content with the corresponding operation mode. Also, even if an administrator adds his / her own notification content, it becomes unnecessary to specify the operation mode.

[0143] [5. Modifications] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible. In other words, the technical scope of the present invention also includes embodiments obtained by combining technical means that are appropriately modified within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0144] Although the above-described embodiments are described separately for convenience of explanation, they may be combined and executed within a technically feasible range.

[0145] In addition, 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-mentioned 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.

[0146] 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) Disk), 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 invention may also be realized by processing in cooperation with an operating system or other application programs, etc., based on instructions from the program.

[0147] 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 invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0148] 10, 12 Image forming device 100 Control section 102 Image processing section 104 Notification Information Management Department 120 Image input unit 130 Image forming section 140 Display section 150 Operation section 160 Storage section 162 Home Screen Information 164 Screen information storage area 166 Notification information storage area 168 User information storage area 180 Line Communication Section 190 Network Communication Department

Claims

1. a display unit that displays a home screen for allowing a user to select an operation mode; A control unit. The control unit is displaying a plurality of buttons for receiving an instruction to select the operation mode in a first area of ​​the home screen; An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit that displays a notification to the user in a second area that is a part of the first area.

2. The control unit is 2 . The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein when the notification content is displayed in the second area, some of the plurality of buttons are hidden in the first area.

3. The control unit is 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of buttons that have been hidden are displayed based on a display switching operation for the first area.

4. The control unit is 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second area is secured so as to cover a display position of a button for receiving an instruction to select the unavailable operation mode.

5. The control unit is 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second area is secured above a display position of a button for receiving an instruction to select the unavailable operation mode.

6. The control unit is 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the notification content including a reason why the operation mode cannot be used is displayed in the second area.

7. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the cause of the inability to use the operation mode includes a software update.

8. The control unit is 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a display unit that displays, in the second area, a notification to the authenticated user after authenticating the user.

9. The control unit is 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein when the authenticated user is a manager, a notification content for all the users is displayed in the second area.

10. A control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising: displaying a plurality of buttons for receiving an instruction to select an operation mode in a first area of ​​the home screen; A method for controlling an image forming apparatus, comprising the steps of: displaying a notification to a user in a second area that is a part of the first area.

Images