Display system

Abstract

To save the labor of a user for finding out an image of a page corresponding to an operation screen from among all pages of an instruction manual and displaying it.SOLUTION: The control unit 10 of an image forming apparatus 2, when displaying a copy screen 90 on a display unit 15, generates a two-dimensional code 98 indicating the URL of an instruction manual and a page number corresponding to the copy screen 90, and displays the two-dimensional code 98 together with the copy screen 90 on the display unit 15. The control unit 30 of a portable terminal device 3 allows an imaging unit 35 to capture the two-dimensional code 98, to acquire the two-dimensional code 98, receives the instruction manual stored in the URL indicated by the two-dimensional code 98 from a Web server 4 through a communication unit 34, and displays an image 102 of a page corresponding to the page number indicated by the two-dimensional code 98 in the received instruction manual on a display unit 31.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a display system, and more particularly to a technique for acquiring and displaying instructions stored in a server device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art There is known a technique for displaying instructions on a display unit of a mobile terminal device or the like based on information indicated by a two-dimensional code attached to an electronic device.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a mobile phone that photographs a two-dimensional code attached to an electronic device, receives an instruction manual from the address indicated by the photographed two-dimensional code via a communications network, and displays the received instruction manual on a display unit.

[0004] Patent document 2 discloses an error resolution support device that photographs an error screen displayed on the display unit of an image forming device, reads the error code in the photographed image to identify the error occurring in the image forming device, and displays a page in the operating manual related to resolving the identified error on the display unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-193603 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2015-118519 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The mobile phone disclosed in Patent Document 1 displays an image of a page containing a table of contents in an instruction manual on a display unit. The error removal support device disclosed in Patent Document 2 displays an image of a page related to removing an error in an operation manual on a display unit.

[0007] In the general techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, when a user wants to know how to operate an operation screen displayed on the display unit of an electronic device, the user must operate the touch panel or the like of the mobile terminal device to search for an image of the page on which the operation method is described from among all pages of the instruction manual displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal device, which is time-consuming.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to save the user the trouble of having to search through all the pages of a manual for an image of a page that corresponds to an operation screen and display it. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention electronic equipment teeth, An electronic device that displays a code to be read by a mobile terminal device, the code comprising: a first display section; a storage section that stores a storage destination in a network of an instruction manual for operating the electronic device; and, when a first screen for operating the electronic device is displayed on the first display section, reads out from the storage section the storage destination of the instruction manual and page number information of the instruction manual corresponding to the first screen, and indicates the read storage destination and the page number information, the code being read and analyzed by the mobile terminal device and used to acquire an image of the instruction manual from the storage destination by the mobile terminal device using the storage destination and the page number information. and a first control unit that executes a first process to generate a code indicating the read storage destination, display the generated code on the first display unit, and when a predetermined second screen different from the first screen is displayed on the first display unit, does not read page number information of the instruction manual from the memory unit, reads the storage destination of the instruction manual corresponding to the second screen from the memory unit, generates a code indicating the read storage destination, which is read and analyzed by the mobile terminal device, and is used by the mobile terminal device to acquire an image of the instruction manual from the storage destination using the storage destination, and displays the generated code on the first display unit. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, when an operation screen is displayed on a first display unit of an electronic device, an image of a page in the instruction manual that corresponds to the operation screen is displayed on a second display unit of a mobile terminal device, which saves the user the trouble of searching for an image of a page that corresponds to the operation screen from among all pages of the instruction manual and displaying it on the second display unit. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a display system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of an image forming apparatus; [Diagram 3]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a portable terminal device. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of first page number information. [Diagram 5] 13 is a flowchart showing a first two-dimensional code display process. [Figure 6] 13 is a flowchart showing an instruction manual display process. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a home screen. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input screen. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a copy screen. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display of an instruction manual. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a transmission screen. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the display of the instruction manual. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of second page number information. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of history information. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart showing a second two-dimensional code display process. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the display of the instruction manual. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the display of the instruction manual. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of third page number information. [Figure 19] 13 is a flowchart showing a third two-dimensional code display process. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the display of the instruction manual. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the display of the instruction manual. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a selection screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] A display system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a display system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the display system 1 includes an image forming device 2 and a mobile terminal device 3. The image forming device 2 is a multifunction device having multiple functions such as a copy function, a transmission function, a printer function, and a facsimile function. The mobile terminal device 3 is connected to a Web server 4 that manages an image file of a manual (hereinafter simply referred to as "manual") regarding the operation of the image forming device 2 via a network. The image forming device 2 is an example of an electronic device in the scope of the claims. The Web server 4 is an example of a server device in the scope of the claims.

[0013] [Configuration of image forming device 2] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus. Referring to Fig. 2, the housing of the image forming apparatus 2 contains a plurality of devices for realizing various functions of the image forming apparatus 2. For example, the housing contains an image reading unit 11, an image forming unit 12, a fixing unit 13, a paper feed unit 14, and the like.

[0014] The image forming apparatus 2 includes a control unit 100. The control unit 100 includes a processor, a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), etc. The processor is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0015] The control unit 100 functions as the control unit 10 by executing a control program stored in a ROM or a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 17 by the processor. The control unit 10 is an example of a first control unit in the claims. The control unit 10 may be configured by a logic circuit, regardless of the operation based on the control program.

[0016] The control unit 10 is responsible for the overall control of the image forming apparatus 2. More specifically, the control unit 10 controls the operation of each unit of the image forming apparatus 2 and communication with a PC (Personal Computer) 23 and the like connected via a network. The control unit 10 also executes a first two-dimensional code display process for generating and displaying a two-dimensional code corresponding to an operation screen displayed on the display unit 15 by operating according to a first control program described later.

[0017] The control unit 100 is electrically connected to an image reading unit 11, an image forming unit 12, a fixing unit 13, a paper feeding unit 14, a display unit 15, an operation unit 16, a HDD 17, a conveying mechanism 18, an image processing unit 19, an image memory 20, a facsimile communication unit 21, and a communication unit 22, etc.

[0018] The image reading unit 11 is an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) that includes an original transport unit 6 that transports an original placed on an original table, and a scanner that optically reads an original transported by the original transport unit 6 or an original placed on a platen glass 7. The image reading unit 11 reads the original by illuminating the original with a light irradiation unit and receiving the reflected light with a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) sensor, thereby generating image data.

[0019] The image forming unit 12 includes a photoconductor drum, a charging device, an exposure device, a developing device, and a transfer device. The image forming unit 12 forms an image composed of a toner image on the recording paper P conveyed from the paper feed unit 14 based on the image data generated by the image reading unit 11, etc.

[0020] The fixing unit 13 heats and pressurizes the recording paper P on which the toner image has been formed by the image forming unit 12, thereby fixing the toner image to the recording paper P. The recording paper P on which the toner image has been fixed by the fixing unit 13 is discharged to the discharge tray 8.

[0021] The paper feed unit 14 includes a manual feed tray and a plurality of paper feed cassettes. The paper feed unit 14 pulls out recording paper P stored in the paper feed cassette or recording paper P placed on the manual feed tray one by one and feeds the recording paper P toward the image forming unit 12.

[0022] The display unit 15 is a display device configured with a liquid crystal display, an organic light-emitting diode (EL) display, or the like. The display unit 15 displays an operation screen for operating the image forming apparatus 2 according to the control of the control unit 10. The operation screen includes, for example, a home screen for selecting one of a plurality of functions executable by the image forming apparatus 2, and a setting screen for setting the setting items of each function. The setting screen includes, for example, a copy screen and a send screen. The display unit 15 is an example of a first display unit in the claims.

[0023] The operation unit 16 includes a plurality of hard keys such as a start key 16A for instructing the start of execution of various processes. The operation unit 16 also includes a touch panel 16B disposed on top of the display unit 15. A user inputs various information such as instructions for each function that can be executed by the image forming apparatus 2 via the operation unit 16. The operation unit 16 is an example of an input unit in the claims.

[0024] The HDD 17 is a large-capacity storage device for storing various data such as image data generated by the image reading unit 11. The HDD 17 stores various control programs for implementing general operations of the image forming apparatus 2. As one of the various control programs, the HDD 17 stores a first control program for executing a first two-dimensional code display process according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] The HDD 17 stores a general two-dimensional code generation program as one of various control programs. The control unit 10 operates according to the two-dimensional code generation program to generate a two-dimensional code indicating information designated by a user, for example. The two-dimensional code is not particularly limited as long as it is a commonly used code, and an example of the code is a QR (Quick Response) code (registered trademark).

[0026] The HDD 17 stores a uniform resource locator (URL) indicating a location on the network where an instruction manual for operating the image forming apparatus 2 is stored (hereinafter, referred to as the "instruction manual URL").

[0027] The HDD 17 stores image data representing operation screens, for example, image data representing a home screen, image data representing a copy screen, and image data representing a send screen.

[0028] The HDD 17 stores the page number of the instruction manual corresponding to the setting screen as the first page number information for each setting screen. Here, the HDD 17 stores the first page number of the part of the instruction manual where the explanation on the operation of the setting screen is described as the first page number information for each setting screen.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the first page number information. Referring to FIG. 4, in this case, HDD 17 stores, as first page number information 40, a value of "100", which is the first page number of the portion of the manual in which the description of the copy screen is described, in association with the copy screen. HDD 17 also stores, as first page number information 40, a value of "200", which is the first page number of the portion of the manual in which the description of the send screen is described, in association with the send screen. Note that in this case, HDD 17 does not store first page number information 40 for the home screen.

[0030] The transport mechanism 18 is composed of a transport roller pair 18A and a discharge roller pair 18B, etc. The transport mechanism 18 transports the recording paper P along a transport path T toward a discharge tray 8 that is set as a discharge destination.

[0031] The image processing unit 19 performs image processing as necessary on the image data generated by the image reading unit 11. The image memory 20 includes an area for temporarily storing the image data to be output that is generated by the image reading unit 11. The facsimile communication unit 21 connects to a public line and transmits and receives image data via the public line.

[0032] The communication unit 22 includes a communication module such as a LAN (Local Area Network) board, etc. The image forming apparatus 2 performs data communication via the communication unit 22 with a PC 23 or the like that is connected via a network.

[0033] Each part of the image forming apparatus 2 is connected to a power source, and each part of the image forming apparatus 2 operates when power is supplied from the power source.

[0034] [Configuration of mobile terminal device 3] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a mobile terminal device. Referring to Fig. 3, the mobile terminal device 3 is, for example, a smartphone. The mobile terminal device 3 includes a control unit 200, a display unit 31, a touch panel 32, a storage unit 33, a communication unit 34, an imaging unit 35, a telephone communication unit 36, an audio input unit 37, and an audio output unit 38.

[0035] The control unit 200 includes a processor, a RAM, and the like. The processor is, for example, a CPU, an MPU, or an ASIC. The control unit 200 functions as the control unit 30 by the processor executing a control program stored in the storage unit 33. The control unit 30 is an example of a second control unit in the claims. The control unit 30 may be configured to be operable by a logic circuit, regardless of the operation based on the control program.

[0036] The control unit 30 is responsible for the overall control of the mobile terminal device 3. More specifically, the control unit 30 controls the operation of each unit of the mobile terminal device 3 and communication with the Web server 4 and the like connected via a network. The control unit 30 also operates according to a display control program described later, thereby executing an instruction display process for displaying on the display unit 31 an image corresponding to the operation screen displayed on the display unit 15.

[0037] The control unit 200 is electrically connected to a display section 31, a touch panel 32, a storage section 33, a communication section 34, an imaging section 35, a telephone communication section 36, an audio input section 37, an audio output section 38, and the like.

[0038] The display unit 31 is a display device configured with a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the like. The display unit 31 displays various screens relating to various functions that can be executed by the mobile terminal device 3. The display unit 31 is an example of a second display unit in the claims.

[0039] The touch panel 32 is disposed on top of the display unit 31. The touch panel 32 detects a touch operation by a user's finger as well as the position of the touch operation. The user inputs various information, such as instructions for various functions that can be executed by the mobile terminal device 3, via the touch panel 32.

[0040] The storage unit 33 is a storage device such as a flash memory. The storage unit 33 stores various control programs for implementing general operations of the mobile terminal device 3. The storage unit 33 stores, as one of the various control programs, a display control program for executing an instruction manual display process according to this embodiment.

[0041] The storage unit 33 stores a general two-dimensional code reading program as one of various control programs. The control unit 30 operates according to the two-dimensional code reading program to analyze the image of the two-dimensional code and obtain information indicated by the two-dimensional code.

[0042] The communication unit 34 includes a communication module such as a LAN board, etc. The mobile terminal device 3 performs data communication via the communication unit 34 with the Web server 4 and the like connected via a network.

[0043] The imaging unit 35 is a digital camera that is configured with an image sensor, a lens, etc. The imaging unit 35 captures an image of a subject and generates image data that indicates the captured image.

[0044] The telephone communication unit 36 ​​connects to a public line and transmits and receives voice data via the public line. The voice input unit 37 includes a microphone, an analog / digital conversion circuit, etc. The voice output unit 38 includes a digital / analog conversion circuit, a speaker, an amplifier, etc.

[0045] Each part of the mobile terminal device 3 is connected to a power source, and each part of the mobile terminal device 3 operates when power is supplied from the power source.

[0046] [Operation] Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing a first two-dimensional code display process. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an instruction manual display process. Hereinafter, the operation of the display system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 5 and 6. In the following description, it is assumed that the mobile terminal device 3 is in a powered-on state.

[0047] (1) If the home screen is displayed 5, when image forming apparatus 2 is powered on, control unit 10 starts execution of a first two-dimensional code display process, and reads the URL of the instruction manual from HDD 17 (step S10).

[0048] After the process of step S10, the control unit 10 generates a two-dimensional code indicating the read URL (step S11) using a two-dimensional code generation program stored in the HDD 17. After the process of step S11, the control unit 10 causes the display unit 15 to display the generated two-dimensional code together with the home screen (step S12).

[0049] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a home screen displayed together with a two-dimensional code. Referring to Fig. 7, the control unit 10 causes the home screen 70 to display, as soft keys, a key 72 for inputting a selection instruction for selecting a copy function, a key 74 for inputting a selection instruction for selecting a send function, and the like. The control unit 10 also causes the display unit 15 to display, superimposed on the home screen 70, a two-dimensional code 76 generated in the processing of step S11.

[0050] After the process of step S12, the control unit 10 waits until the key 72, the key 74, etc. is pressed. At this time, the control unit 10 repeats the process of determining that a selection instruction for selecting any one of the multiple executable functions has not been received (NO in step S13).

[0051] It is assumed that the user checks the home screen 70 and inputs an execution instruction for executing the instruction display process via the touch panel 32 of the mobile terminal device 3. With reference to Fig. 6, when the execution instruction is accepted via the touch panel 32, the control unit 30 starts the execution of the instruction display process and waits until an imaging instruction for imaging the two-dimensional code is accepted via the touch panel 32. At this time, the control unit 30 repeats the process of determining that the imaging instruction has not been accepted (NO in step S20).

[0052] It is assumed that the user points the lens of the mobile terminal device 3 toward the two-dimensional code 76 and inputs an image capture instruction via the touch panel 32. When the control unit 30 determines that the image capture instruction has been accepted (YES in step S20), it causes the imaging unit 35 to capture the two-dimensional code 76 displayed on the display unit 15 and generate image data representing the two-dimensional code 76 (step S21).

[0053] After the process of step S21, the control unit 30 uses the two-dimensional code reading program stored in the storage unit 33 to analyze the image of the two-dimensional code 76 represented by the generated image data, and acquires the URL of the instruction manual (step S22). After the process of step S22, the control unit 30 determines whether or not a page number has been acquired from the two-dimensional code 76 (step S23).

[0054] In this case, since only the URL of the instructions has been obtained from the two-dimensional code 76, the control unit 30 determines that the page number has not been obtained (NO in step S23), and transmits the obtained URL and a request to send an input screen for entering instructions to obtain the instructions stored at the obtained URL to the Web server 4 via the communication unit 34 (step S24).

[0055] After the process of step S24, control unit 30 waits until an input screen is received via communication unit 34. At this time, control unit 30 repeats the process of determining that an input screen has not been received (NO in step S25).

[0056] When the Web server 4 receives a request to send an input screen, etc., it uses the received URL as a search key, reads out image data indicating a Web page for which a download link to the obtained URL has been created from among multiple image data stored in the memory unit of the Web server 4, and transmits the read image data to the mobile terminal device 3 as an input screen.

[0057] When the control unit 30 receives the image data transmitted from the Web server 4 via the communication unit 34, it determines that an input screen has been received (YES in step S25), and causes the display unit 31 to display the Web page indicated by the received image data as the input screen (step S26). After the process of step S26, the control unit 30 ends the instruction display process.

[0058] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen. Referring to Fig. 8, control unit 30 causes display unit 31 to display, as an input screen, a Web page 80 on which a download link 82 for downloading a manual from a URL of the manual has been created. It is assumed that the user has touched download link 82.

[0059] When the control unit 30 detects a touch operation on the download link 82 via the touch panel 32, it sends a request to the Web server 4 via the communication unit 34 to send the instructions stored in the URL linked to by the download link 82.

[0060] When the Web server 4 receives the request to send the instructions, it reads out the instructions stored in the URL linked to by the download link 82, and transmits the read out instructions to the mobile terminal device 3. When the control unit 30 receives the instructions transmitted from the Web server 4 via the communication unit 34, it stores the received instructions in the memory unit 33, and also causes the display unit 31 to display an image of the first page of the received instructions.

[0061] (2) If the copy screen is displayed It is assumed that the user touches key 72 on home screen 70. Referring to Fig. 5, when touch panel 16B detects a touch operation on key 72, control unit 10 determines that a selection instruction has been accepted (YES in step S13), reads the URL of the instruction manual from HDD 17, and reads the page number corresponding to the setting screen of the function indicated by the selection instruction from first page number information 40 stored in HDD 17 (step S14). In this case, control unit 10 reads the URL of the instruction manual and the page number "100" associated with the copy screen from HDD 17.

[0062] After the process of step S14, the control unit 10 uses a two-dimensional code generation program stored in the HDD 17 to generate a two-dimensional code indicating the URL and page number of the read instruction manual (step S15). After the process of step S15, the control unit 10 causes the display unit 15 to display the generated two-dimensional code together with a setting screen for the function indicated by the selection instruction (step S16). In this case, the control unit 10 causes the display unit 15 to display a copy screen and the generated two-dimensional code.

[0063] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a copy screen displayed together with a two-dimensional code. Referring to Fig. 9, the control unit 10 causes the copy screen 90 to display, as soft keys, a setting item key 92 for adjusting print density, a setting item key 94 for combining multiple pages of documents into one, and an end key 96 for inputting an end instruction for ending the display of the copy screen 90.

[0064] Control unit 10 also causes display unit 15 to display two-dimensional code 98 generated in the processing of step S15, superimposed on copy screen 90. After processing of step S16, control unit 10 waits until end key 96 is touched. At this time, control unit 10 repeats the process of determining that an end instruction has not been accepted (NO in step S17).

[0065] It is assumed that the user checks the copy screen 90 and the two-dimensional code 98 and inputs an execution instruction via the touch panel 32 of the mobile terminal device 3. Referring to Fig. 6, when the control unit 30 receives the execution instruction via the touch panel 32, it executes the process of step S20 in the same manner as described above.

[0066] It is assumed that the user points the lens of the mobile terminal device 3 at the two-dimensional code 98 and inputs an image capture instruction via the touch panel 32. When the control unit 30 determines that the image capture instruction has been accepted (YES in step S20), it causes the imaging unit 35 to capture the two-dimensional code 98 displayed on the display unit 15 and generate image data representing the two-dimensional code 98 (step S21).

[0067] After the process of step S21, the control unit 30 analyzes the image of the two-dimensional code 98 represented by the generated image data to obtain the URL and page number of the instruction manual (step S22). After the process of step S22, the control unit 30 determines whether the page number has been obtained from the two-dimensional code 98 (step S23).

[0068] In this case, since the page number "100" has been acquired from the two-dimensional code 98, the control unit 30 determines that the page number has been acquired (YES in step S23) and transmits the acquired URL and a request to send the instruction manual to the Web server 4 via the communication unit 34 (step S27). After the process of step S27, the control unit 30 waits until the instruction manual is received via the communication unit 34. At this time, the control unit 30 repeats the process of determining that the instruction manual has not been received (NO in step S28).

[0069] When the Web server 4 receives a request to transmit the instruction manual, it reads out the instruction manual stored in the received URL and transmits the read instruction manual to the mobile terminal device 3. When the control unit 30 receives the instruction manual transmitted from the Web server 4 via the communication unit 34 (YES in step S28), it causes the display unit 31 to display an image of the page in the received instruction manual that corresponds to the page number acquired in the processing of step S22 (step S29). After processing of step S29, the control unit 30 ends the instruction manual display processing.

[0070] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display of the instruction manual. Referring to Fig. 10, control unit 30 causes display unit 31 to display image 102 of the "100th" page of the received instruction manual. The user checks image 102 and the like displayed on display unit 31, and inputs settings for each setting item of the copy function via operation unit 16 of image forming apparatus 2.

[0071] After inputting the settings, the user places an original on the platen glass 7 and presses the start key 16A. When the control unit 10 detects that the start key 16A has been pressed, the control unit 10 causes the image reading unit 11 to read the original placed on the platen glass 7 and generate image data, and causes the image forming unit 12 and the like to form an image on the recording paper P based on the generated image data.

[0072] After the image formation, it is assumed that the user touches the end key 96 on the copy screen 90. When the control unit 10 detects the touch operation on the end key 96 via the touch panel 16B, it determines that the end instruction has been accepted (YES in step S17), and returns to the processing of step S10.

[0073] (3) If the Send screen is displayed It is assumed that the user touches key 74 on home screen 70. Referring to Fig. 5, when touch panel 16B detects a touch operation on key 74, control unit 10 determines that a selection instruction has been accepted (YES in step S13), and executes the process of step S14 in the same manner as described above. In this case, in step S14, control unit 10 reads from HDD 17 the URL of the instruction manual and the page number "200" associated with the transmission screen.

[0074] After the process of step S14, the control unit 10 executes the process of step S15 and the process of step S16 in the same manner as described above. In this case, in step S16, the control unit 10 causes the display unit 15 to display a transmission screen and the generated two-dimensional code.

[0075] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a transmission screen displayed together with a two-dimensional code. Referring to Fig. 11, the control unit 10 causes the transmission screen 110 to display, as soft keys, a setting item key 112 for setting the reading size of a document, a setting item key 114 for selecting the size of an image to be transmitted, and an end key 116 for inputting an end instruction for terminating the display of the transmission screen 110.

[0076] The control unit 10 also causes the display unit 15 to display the two-dimensional code 118 generated in the processing of step S15, superimposed on the transmission screen 110. After the processing of step S16, the control unit 10 executes the processing of step S17 in the same manner as described above.

[0077] It is assumed that the user checks the transmission screen 110 and inputs an execution instruction via the touch panel 32 of the mobile terminal device 3. Referring to Fig. 6, when the control unit 30 receives the execution instruction via the touch panel 32, the control unit 30 executes the process of step S20 in the same manner as described above.

[0078] It is assumed that the user points the lens of the mobile terminal device 3 at the two-dimensional code 118 and inputs an image capture instruction via the touch panel 32. When the control unit 30 determines that the image capture instruction has been accepted (YES in step S20), it executes the process of step S21 and the process of step S22 in the same manner as described above. In this case, in step S22, the control unit 30 obtains the URL of the instruction manual and the page number "200" from the two-dimensional code 118.

[0079] After the process of step S22, the control unit 30 determines that the page number has been acquired (YES in step S23), and executes the processes from step S27 to step S29 in the same manner as described above. After the process of step S29, the control unit 30 ends the instruction manual display process.

[0080] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing another example of the display of the instruction manual. Referring to Fig. 12, control unit 30 causes display unit 31 to display image 120 of the 200th page of the received instruction manual. The user checks image 120 and the like displayed on display unit 31, and inputs settings for each setting item of the transmission function via operation unit 16 of image forming apparatus 2.

[0081] After inputting the settings, the user places an original on the platen glass 7 and presses the start key 16A. When the control unit 10 detects that the start key 16A has been pressed, it causes the image reading unit 11 to read the original placed on the platen glass 7 and generate image data, and transmits the generated image data via the communication unit 21 to the set destination.

[0082] After transmitting the image data, the user touches end key 116. When control unit 10 detects a touch operation on end key 116 via touch panel 16B, it determines that an end instruction has been accepted (YES in step S17), and returns to the process of step S10.

[0083] According to the above embodiment, when the control unit 10 of the image forming device 2 displays the copy screen 90 or the send screen 110 on the display unit 15, it generates a two-dimensional code 98 or two-dimensional code 118 indicating the URL of the instructions and the page number corresponding to the copy screen 90 or the send screen 110, and displays the generated two-dimensional code 98 or two-dimensional code 118 on the display unit 15 together with the copy screen 90 or the send screen 110.

[0084] The control unit 30 of the mobile terminal device 3 causes the imaging unit 35 to capture the two-dimensional code 98 or 2D code 118 to acquire the two-dimensional code 98 or 2D code 118, receives the instructions stored in the URL indicated by the acquired two-dimensional code 98 or 2D code 118 from the Web server 4 via the communication unit 34, and causes the display unit 31 to display image 102 or image 120 of the page in the received instructions that corresponds to the page number indicated by the acquired two-dimensional code 98 or 2D code 118.

[0085] In this way, when the copy screen 90 or the send screen 110 is displayed on the display unit 15 of the image forming apparatus 2, the image 102 or the image 120 of the page in the manual that corresponds to the copy screen 90 or the send screen 110 is displayed on the display unit 31 of the mobile terminal device 3. This saves the user the trouble of searching for the image of the page that corresponds to the copy screen 90 or the send screen 110 from among all the pages of the manual and displaying it on the display unit 31.

[0086] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, when the control unit 10 causes the display unit 15 to display the home screen 70, the control unit 10 generates a two-dimensional code 76 indicating only the URL of the instruction manual, and causes the display unit 15 to display the generated two-dimensional code 76 together with the home screen 70. The control unit 30 acquires an image of the two-dimensional code 76 captured by the imaging unit 35, receives from the Web server 4 via the communication unit 34 a Web page 80 in which a download link 82 to a URL indicated by the two-dimensional code 76 shown in the acquired image has been created, and causes the display unit 31 to display the received Web page 80.

[0087] This allows the user to obtain instructions from the web page 80 as necessary when the home screen 70 is displayed on the display unit 15, i.e., when the user has not selected a function to be used. This improves user convenience.

[0088] (First Modification) A display system 1 according to a first modified example of the present invention will be described below. The configuration of the display system 1 according to the first modified example is the same as that of the display system 1 according to the above embodiment, except that a second control program, second page number information, and history information, which will be described later, are further stored in the HDD 17 of the image forming device 2. The points that differ from the above embodiment will be described below.

[0089] [Configuration of image forming device 2] As one of the various control programs, HDD 17 stores a second control program for executing a second two-dimensional code display process related to a first variant of the present invention, instead of a first control program for executing the first two-dimensional code display process described above.

[0090] HDD 17 stores, as second page number information for each setting item, a page number of the instruction manual corresponding to the setting item for each function executable by image forming apparatus 2, together with first page number information 40. Here, it is assumed that HDD 17 stores, as second page number information for each setting item, the first page number of a portion of the instruction manual in which an explanation is given regarding an operation for setting the setting item.

[0091] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the second page number information. Referring to Fig. 13, in this case, the HDD 17 stores, as the second page number information 130, a value of "113", which is the first page number of a portion in the manual where a setting item "aggregation" for the copy function is described, in association with the setting item "aggregation". The HDD 17 also stores, as the second page number information 130, a value of "212", which is the first page number of a portion in the manual where a setting item "transmission size" for the transmission function is described, in association with the setting item "transmission size".

[0092] The HDD 17 stores the number of operations for each setting item for each function as history information. Here, the control unit 10 counts the number of touch operations for each setting item key detected via the touch panel 16B as the number of operations for each setting item key, and stores the counting results in the HDD 17 as history information.

[0093] Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of history information. Referring to Fig. 14, in this case, HDD 17 stores, as history information 140, a value of "300" indicating the number of touch operations on setting item key 94 on copy screen 90, in association with a setting item called "aggregation". HDD 17 also stores, as history information 140, a value of "230" indicating the number of touch operations on setting item key 114 on send screen 110, in association with a setting item called "send size".

[0094] [Operation] Fig. 15 is a flow chart showing the second two-dimensional code display process. Hereinafter, the operation of the display system 1 according to the first modified example will be described with reference to Figs. 15, 6, etc. In the second two-dimensional code display process, the processes from step S30 to step S33 and the process of step S39 are the same as the processes from step S10 to step S13 and the process of step S17 in the above-mentioned first two-dimensional code display process. Hereinafter, in the operation of the display system 1 according to the first modified example, the same operations as those in the above-mentioned embodiment will not be described repeatedly.

[0095] (1) If the copy screen is displayed It is assumed that the user touches key 72 on home screen 70. Referring to Fig. 15, when touch panel 16B detects a touch operation on key 72, control unit 10 determines that a selection instruction has been accepted (YES in step S33), and determines whether history information 140 is stored in HDD 17 (step S34).

[0096] In this case, the control unit 10 determines that the history information 140 is stored in the HDD 17 (YES in step S34), and reads out the setting item indicated in the history information 140 as the setting item with the most operations for the function indicated by the selection instruction (step S35). In this case, the control unit 10 reads out from the history information 140 the setting item "aggregation" which is stored in association with the value "300" which is the most number of operations for the copy function.

[0097] After the process of step S35, the control unit 10 reads the URL of the instruction manual from the HDD 17, and also reads the page number corresponding to the setting item read in step S35 from the second page number information 130 stored in the HDD 17 (step S36). In this case, the control unit 10 reads the URL of the instruction manual and the page number "113" associated with the setting item "aggregation" from the HDD 17.

[0098] After the process of step S36, the control unit 10 uses a two-dimensional code generation program stored in the HDD 17 to generate a two-dimensional code indicating the URL and page number of the read instruction manual (step S37). After the process of step S37, the control unit 10 causes the display unit 15 to display the generated two-dimensional code together with a setting screen for the function indicated by the selection instruction (step S38). In this case, the control unit 10 causes the display unit 15 to display a copy screen 90 and the generated two-dimensional code.

[0099] It is assumed that the user checks the copy screen 90 and the two-dimensional code, and inputs an execution instruction via the touch panel 32 of the mobile terminal device 3. Referring to Fig. 6, when the control unit 30 receives the execution instruction via the touch panel 32, the control unit 30 executes the process of step S20 in the same manner as in the above embodiment.

[0100] It is assumed that the user points the lens of the mobile terminal device 3 toward the two-dimensional code displayed together with the copy screen 90 and inputs an image capture instruction via the touch panel 32. Referring to Fig. 6, when the control unit 30 determines that the image capture instruction has been accepted (YES in step S20), it executes the processes from step S21 to step S23 and the processes from step S27 to step S29 in the same manner as in the above embodiment.

[0101] Fig. 16 is a diagram showing another example of the display of the instruction manual. Referring to Fig. 16, control unit 30 causes display unit 31 to display image 160 of page "113" of the received instruction manual. The user checks image 160 and the like displayed on display unit 31, and inputs a setting for the setting item "aggregation" via operation unit 16 of image forming apparatus 2.

[0102] If the control unit 10 determines that the history information 140 is not stored in the HDD 17 (NO at step S34), it executes the processes of steps S40, S37, and S38 in the same manner as the processes of steps S14 to S16 in the first two-dimensional code display process described above.

[0103] (2) If the Send screen is displayed It is assumed that the user touches key 74 on home screen 70. Referring to Fig. 15, when touch panel 16B detects a touch operation on key 74, control unit 10 determines that a selection instruction has been accepted (YES in step S33) in the same manner as described above, and determines that history information 140 is stored in HDD 17 (YES in step S34), and executes the process of step S35 and the process of step S36.

[0104] In this case, in step S35, control unit 10 reads out from history information 140 the setting item "sending size" which is associated with and stored as the most frequently operated value of "230" among the multiple setting items for the sending function. In step S36, control unit 10 reads out from HDD 17 the URL of the instruction manual and the page number "212" associated with the setting item "sending size".

[0105] After the process of step S36, the control unit 10 executes the process of step S37 and the process of step S38 in the same manner as described above. In this case, in step S38, the control unit 10 causes the display unit 15 to display the transmission screen 110 and the two-dimensional code generated in step S37.

[0106] It is assumed that the user checks the transmission screen 110 and the two-dimensional code, and inputs an execution instruction via the touch panel 32 of the mobile terminal device 3. Referring to Fig. 6, when the control unit 30 receives the execution instruction via the touch panel 32, the control unit 30 executes the process of step S20 in the same manner as in the above embodiment.

[0107] It is assumed that the user points the lens of the mobile terminal device 3 toward the two-dimensional code displayed together with the transmission screen 110 and inputs an image capture instruction via the touch panel 32. Referring to Fig. 6, when the control unit 30 determines that the image capture instruction has been accepted (YES in step S20), it executes the processes from step S21 to step S23 and the processes from step S27 to step S29 in the same manner as in the above embodiment.

[0108] Fig. 17 is a diagram showing another example of the display of the instruction manual. Referring to Fig. 17, control unit 30 causes display unit 31 to display image 170 of page "212" of the received instruction manual. The user checks image 170 and the like displayed on display unit 31, and inputs a setting for a setting item called "transmission size" via operation unit 16 of image forming apparatus 2.

[0109] According to the above-mentioned first modified example, when the control unit 10 causes the display unit 15 to display the copy screen 90 or the send screen 110 and history information 140 is stored in the HDD 17, the control unit 10 generates a two-dimensional code indicating the URL of the instruction manual and the page number corresponding to the setting item that is shown in the history information 140 to be the setting item that has been operated the most times for the copy function or the send function, and causes the generated two-dimensional code to be displayed on the display unit 15 together with the copy screen 90 or the send screen 110.

[0110] In addition, when copy screen 90 or send screen 110 is displayed on display unit 15 and history information 140 is not stored in HDD 17, a two-dimensional code 98 or two-dimensional code 118 indicating the URL of the instructions and the page number corresponding to copy screen 90 or send screen 110 is generated, and the generated two-dimensional code 98 or two-dimensional code 118 is displayed on display unit 15 together with copy screen 90 or send screen 110.

[0111] As a result, when the copy screen 90 or the send screen 110 is displayed on the display unit 15 of the image forming device 2 and the history information 140 is stored in the HDD 19, an image of a page in the instruction manual relating to a setting item that is most likely to be used by the user for the function corresponding to the copy screen 90 or the send screen 110 is displayed on the display unit 31 of the mobile terminal device. This saves the user the trouble of having to search through all the pages of the instruction manual for an image of a page that corresponds to a frequently used setting item and display it on the display unit 31. This further improves user convenience.

[0112] (Second Modification) A display system 1 according to a second modified example of the present invention will be described below. The configuration of the display system 1 according to the second modified example is the same as that of the display system 1 according to the above embodiment, except that a third control program, third page number information, and error information, which will be described later, are further stored in the HDD 17 of the image forming device 2. The points that differ from the above embodiment will be described below.

[0113] [Configuration of image forming device 2] As one of the various control programs, HDD 17 stores a third control program for executing a third two-dimensional code display process relating to the second variant of the present invention, instead of the first control program for executing the first two-dimensional code display process described above.

[0114] HDD 17 stores, as third page number information for each error, a page number of the instruction manual corresponding to an error that may occur in image forming apparatus 2, together with the above-mentioned first page number information 40. Here, HDD 17 stores, as the third page number information for each error, the first page number of a portion of the instruction manual that describes an operation for clearing the error.

[0115] Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the third page number information. Referring to Fig. 18, in this case, HDD 17 stores, as third page number information 180, a value of "312", which is the first page number of a portion in the manual where an explanation is given for clearing the error "out of paper", in association with the error "out of paper". HDD 17 also stores, as third page number information 180, a value of "320", which is the first page number of a portion in the manual where an explanation is given for clearing the error "paper jam", in association with the error "paper jam".

[0116] HDD 17 stores error information indicating an error occurring in image forming apparatus 2. For example, when the paper stored in the paper feed cassette of paper feed unit 14 runs out, control unit 10 stores an error "no paper remaining" as error information in HDD 17. When an error indicated by the error information is cleared, control unit 10 erases from HD 17 the error information corresponding to the cleared error.

[0117] [Operation] Fig. 19 is a flow chart showing the third two-dimensional code display process. Hereinafter, the operation of the display system 1 according to the second modified example will be described with reference to Fig. 19, Fig. 6, etc. In the third two-dimensional code display process, the process of step S55 and the process of step S60 are the same as the process of step S13 and the process of step S17 in the above-mentioned first two-dimensional code display process. Hereinafter, in the operation of the display system 1 according to the second modified example, the same operations as those in the above-mentioned embodiment will not be described repeatedly.

[0118] (1) If the home screen is displayed 19, when the image forming apparatus 2 is powered on, the control unit 10 starts executing the third two-dimensional code display process and determines whether or not error information is stored in the HDD 17 (step S50). At this time, the image forming apparatus 2 is in a state where a paper jam of the recording paper P has occurred in the transport path T. The control unit 10 has stored error information indicating an error of "paper jam" in the HDD 17.

[0119] In this case, control unit 10 determines that error information is stored in HDD 17 (YES in step S50), reads the URL of the instruction manual from HDD 17, and reads the page number corresponding to the error indicated by the error information from third page number information 180 stored in HDD 17 (step S51). In this case, control unit 10 reads from HDD 17 the URL of the instruction manual and the page number "320" associated with the error "paper jam".

[0120] After the process of step S51, the control unit 10 generates a two-dimensional code indicating the URL and page number of the read manual using a two-dimensional code generation program stored in the HDD 17 (step S52). After the process of step S52, the control unit 10 causes the display unit 15 to display the generated two-dimensional code together with the home screen 70 (step S53).

[0121] It is assumed that the user checks the home screen 70 and the two-dimensional code, and inputs an execution instruction via the touch panel 32 of the mobile terminal device 3. Referring to Fig. 6, when the control unit 30 receives the execution instruction via the touch panel 32, the control unit 30 executes the process of step S20 in the same manner as in the above embodiment.

[0122] Assume that the user points the lens of the mobile terminal device 3 toward the two-dimensional code displayed together with the home screen 70 and inputs an image capture instruction via the touch panel 32. Referring to FIG. 6, when the control unit 30 determines that the image capture instruction has been accepted (YES in step S20), the control unit 30 performs the processes from step S21 to step S23, as in the above embodiment, and Then, the process goes from step S27 to step S29.

[0123] Fig. 20 is a diagram showing another example of the display of the instruction manual. Referring to Fig. 20, control unit 30 causes display unit 31 to display image 202 of page "320" of the received instruction manual. The user checks image 202 displayed on display unit 31 and performs an operation to clear the "paper jam" error.

[0124] If the control unit 10 determines that no error information is stored in the HDD 17 (NO at step S50), it executes the processes of steps S54, S52, and S53 in the same manner as the processes of steps S10 to S12 in the first two-dimensional code display process described above.

[0125] (1) If the copy screen is displayed It is assumed that the user touches key 72 on home screen 70. Referring to Fig. 19, when touch panel 16B detects a touch operation on key 72, control unit 10 determines that a selection instruction has been accepted (YES in step S55), and determines whether error information is stored in HDD 17 (step S56).

[0126] At this time, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus 2 is in a state where the paper stored in the paper feed cassette of the paper feed unit 14 has run out. The control unit 10 stores error information indicating an error of "no paper remaining" in the HDD 17. In this case, the control unit 10 determines that the error information is stored in the HDD 17 (YES in step S56), reads the URL of the instruction manual from the HDD 17, and reads the page number corresponding to the error indicated by the error information from the third page number information 180 stored in the HDD 17 (step S57). In this case, the control unit 10 reads the URL of the instruction manual and the page number "312" associated with the setting item of "no paper remaining" from the HDD 17.

[0127] After the process of step S57, the control unit 10 uses a two-dimensional code generation program stored in the HDD 17 to generate a two-dimensional code indicating the URL and page number of the read instruction manual (step S58). After the process of step S58, the control unit 10 causes the display unit 15 to display the generated two-dimensional code together with a setting screen for the function indicated by the selection instruction (step S59). In this case, the control unit 10 causes the display unit 15 to display a copy screen 90 and the generated two-dimensional code.

[0128] It is assumed that the user checks the copy screen 90 and the two-dimensional code, and inputs an execution instruction via the touch panel 32 of the mobile terminal device 3. Referring to Fig. 6, when the control unit 30 receives the execution instruction via the touch panel 32, the control unit 30 executes the process of step S20 in the same manner as in the above embodiment.

[0129] It is assumed that the user points the lens of the mobile terminal device 3 toward the two-dimensional code displayed together with the copy screen 90 and inputs an image capture instruction via the touch panel 32. Referring to Fig. 6, when the control unit 30 determines that the image capture instruction has been accepted (YES in step S20), it executes the processes from step S21 to step S23 and the processes from step S27 to step S29 in the same manner as in the above embodiment.

[0130] Fig. 21 is a diagram showing another example of the display of the instruction manual. Referring to Fig. 21, control unit 30 causes display unit 31 to display image 210 of page "312" of the received instruction manual. The user checks image 210 displayed on display unit 31 and performs an operation to cancel the error "No paper remaining."

[0131] If the control unit 10 determines that no error information is stored in the HDD 17 (NO at step S56), it executes the processes of steps S61, S58, and S59 in the same manner as the processes of steps S14 to S16 in the first two-dimensional code display process described above.

[0132] Furthermore, when the user touches key 74 on home screen 70, the processes from step S55 to step S59 are executed in the same manner as described above, and control unit 10 causes display unit 15 to display transmission screen 110 and the generated two-dimensional code.

[0133] According to the above-mentioned second variant, when the control unit 10 causes the display unit 15 to display the home screen 70 or the copy screen 90 and error information is stored in the HDD 17, the control unit 10 generates a two-dimensional code indicating the URL of the instructions and the page number corresponding to the error indicated by the error information, and causes the generated two-dimensional code to be displayed on the display unit 15 together with the home screen 70 or the copy screen 90.

[0134] In addition, when the control unit 10 causes the display unit 15 to display the copy screen 90 and no error information is stored in the HDD 17, it generates a two-dimensional code 98 indicating the URL of the instructions and the page number corresponding to the copy screen 90, and causes the display unit 15 to display the generated two-dimensional code 98 together with the copy screen 90.

[0135] As a result, when an error occurs in the image forming device 2, an image of the page in the manual that corresponds to the currently occurring error is displayed on the display unit 31 of the mobile terminal device. This saves the user the trouble of having to search through all the pages of the manual for the image of the page that corresponds to the error and display it on the display unit 31. This further improves user convenience.

[0136] (Other variations) The control unit 10 of the image forming apparatus 2 executes a first two-dimensional code display process in the above embodiment, executes a second two-dimensional code display process in the first modified example, and executes a third two-dimensional code display process in the second modified example, but the present invention is not limited to such embodiments.

[0137] For example, the control unit 10 may be configured to selectively execute the first two-dimensional code display process or the second two-dimensional code display process. In this case, the HDD 17 stores the first page number information 40, the second page number information 130, and the history information 140 together with the first control program and the second control program. When the control unit 10 receives a first instruction via the operation unit 16 to preferentially execute a process (second process) for displaying a page of the instruction manual corresponding to the operation history over a process (first process) for displaying a page of the instruction manual corresponding to the setting screen, the control unit 10 performs a setting for executing the second two-dimensional code display process. When the control unit 10 does not receive a first instruction via the operation unit 16, the control unit 10 performs a setting for executing the first two-dimensional code display process.

[0138] The control unit 10 may be configured to selectively execute the first two-dimensional code display process or the third two-dimensional code display process. In this case, the HDD 17 stores the first page number information 40, the third page number information 180, and error information together with the first control program and the third control program. When the control unit 10 receives a second instruction via the operation unit 16 to preferentially execute a process (third process) for displaying a page of the manual corresponding to the error, the control unit 10 sets the third two-dimensional code display process. When the control unit 10 does not receive a second instruction via the operation unit 16, the control unit 10 sets the first two-dimensional code display process.

[0139] The control unit 10 may be configured to selectively execute the first two-dimensional code display process, the second two-dimensional code display process, or the third two-dimensional code display process. In this case, the HDD 17 stores the first page number information 40, the second page number information 130, the third page number information 180, the history information 140, and the error information, along with the first control program, the second control program, and the third control program.

[0140] In this case, for example, when a user inputs an instruction to display a selection screen for selecting a process to be prioritized by input via operation unit 16, control unit 10 causes display unit 15 to display the selection screen. Fig. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the selection screen. Referring to Fig. 22, control unit 10 causes selection screen 220 to display box 221 for selecting a process (fourth process) for always displaying Web page 80, box 222 for selecting the first process, box 223 for selecting the second process, box 224 for selecting the third process, and soft key 225 for confirming the process to be prioritized.

[0141] When it is detected via touch panel 16B that only box 222 has been checked and key 225 has been touched by the user, control unit 10 determines that a third instruction for preferentially executing the first process has been received, and makes settings for executing the first two-dimensional code display process.

[0142] When it is detected via touch panel 16B that only boxes 222 and 223 have been checked by the user and that key 225 has been touched, control unit 10 determines that the first instruction has been accepted and performs settings for executing the second two-dimensional code display process.

[0143] When it is detected via touch panel 16B that only box 222 and box 224 have been checked by the user and key 225 has been touched, control unit 10 determines that a second instruction has been accepted and performs settings for executing a third two-dimensional code display process.

[0144] When the control unit 10 detects via the touch panel 16B that only the box 221 has been checked and the key 225 has been touched by the user, the control unit 10 performs settings to perform the above-mentioned fourth process for generating a two-dimensional code indicating only the URL of the instructions and displaying the generated two-dimensional code together with the operation screen, regardless of whether the operation screen to be displayed is the home screen 70, the copy screen 90, or the send screen 110.

[0145] This allows the user to select a desired two-dimensional code display process and have the image forming device 2 execute it, thereby further improving user convenience.

[0146] In the above embodiment, the first modified example, and the second modified example, the control unit 10 of the image forming apparatus 2 generates a two-dimensional code indicating only the URL of the instruction manual when the home screen 70 is displayed on the display unit 15, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the HDD 17 may be configured to store in advance the page number of the instruction manual corresponding to the home screen 70 as the first page number information, and the control unit 10 may generate a two-dimensional code indicating the URL of the instruction manual and the page number of the instruction manual corresponding to the home screen 70 when the home screen 70 is displayed on the display unit 15.

[0147] In the second modified example, only one piece of error information is stored in the HDD 17, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, a plurality of pieces of error information may be stored in the HDD 17. In this case, the HDD 17 stores a priority order for each piece of error information. When generating a two-dimensional code, the control unit 10 generates a two-dimensional code indicating the URL of the instruction manual and the page number of the instruction manual corresponding to the error indicated by the error information with the highest priority order among the plurality of pieces of error information stored in the HDD 17.

[0148] In the above embodiment, a two-dimensional code is shown as an example of a code, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. The code is not particularly limited as long as it can indicate the URL and page number information of the instruction manual, and may be, for example, a one-dimensional code such as a barcode.

[0149] The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible. For example, in the above embodiment, a color multifunction printer is used as the electronic device, but this is only one example, and other image forming devices such as a monochrome multifunction printer, a copy machine, or a facsimile machine may be used, or a PC may be used.

[0150] Moreover, the configuration and processing of the embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 22 are merely one embodiment of the present invention, and it is not intended that the present invention be limited to these configurations and processing. [Explanation of symbols]

[0151] 1 Display System 2. Image forming device 3. Mobile terminal devices 4. Web Server 10,30 Control section 15,31 Display section 16 Control section 17 HDD 34 Communications Department 35 Imaging section

Claims

1. An electronic device that displays a code to be read by a mobile terminal device, A first display unit; a storage unit that stores a storage location in a network of an instruction manual for operating the electronic device; When a first screen related to the operation of the electronic device is displayed on the first display unit, the storage destination of the instruction manual and page number information of the instruction manual corresponding to the first screen are read from the storage unit, a code indicating the read storage destination and the page number information is generated, the code being read and analyzed by the mobile terminal device and being used by the mobile terminal device to acquire an image of the instruction manual from the storage destination using the storage destination and the page number information, and the generated code is displayed on the first display unit, an electronic device comprising: a first control unit that, when a predetermined second screen different from the first screen is displayed on the first display unit, does not read page number information of the instruction manual from the memory unit, but reads the storage destination of the instruction manual corresponding to the second screen from the memory unit, generates a code indicating the read storage destination, which is read and analyzed by the mobile terminal device, and is used by the mobile terminal device to obtain an image of the instruction manual from the storage destination using the storage destination, and executes a first process to display the generated code on the first display unit.

2. The electronic device described in Claim 1, wherein the storage destination stored in the memory unit is a URL indicating the storage destination of the instruction manual on a network.

Images