Image processing device, control method therefor, and program

Abstract

To further improve the convenience of an image processing device in which a mode of a light-emitting unit changes according to the state of the image processing device.SOLUTION: An image processing device includes: display control means that can selectively display a plurality of home screens on a display unit; and light emission control means that controls a mode of a light-emitting unit that is provided in a housing of the image processing device separately from the display unit and can emit light. The light emission control means causes the light-emitting unit to emit light in a color corresponding to a background color of the predetermined home screen on the basis of the fact that the predetermined home screen in the plurality of home screens is displayed on the display unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, an image processing apparatus including a light emitting unit has been known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes that the color of the backlight of a display panel is changed according to the state of a printing apparatus.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] There is a demand for further improvement in convenience of an image processing apparatus in which the mode of a light emitting unit changes according to the state of the image processing apparatus.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to enable a user to easily recognize the state of an image processing apparatus.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] Therefore, the image processing apparatus of the present invention is an image processing apparatus, including display control means capable of selectively displaying a plurality of home screens on a display unit, and light emission control means for controlling a mode of a light emitting unit provided on a housing of the image processing apparatus and different from the display unit, wherein the light emission control means causes the light emitting unit to emit light in a color corresponding to a background color of the predetermined home screen based on that the predetermined home screen among the plurality of home screens is being displayed on the display unit.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, a user can easily recognize the state of an image processing apparatus.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the present disclosure according to the claims, and not all combinations of the features described in these embodiments are essential for the solution means of the present disclosure. Also, in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0010] (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of a printing apparatus 100 which is an example of an image processing apparatus. In the present embodiment, a Multi Function Printer (MFP) having a reading function (scanner) in addition to a printing function will be described as an example. However, this is not limiting, and the image processing apparatus may be, for example, a personal computer (PC). However, this is not limiting, and various information processing apparatuses such as smartphones and digital cameras may be applied as the image processing apparatus of the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, the document table 101 is a glass-like transparent table, which is used when placing a document and reading it with a scanner. The document cover 102 is a cover for preventing reading light from leaking to the outside when reading with a scanner. The paper feed unit 103 is an insertion port capable of setting papers of a plurality of types of paper sizes. The papers set in the paper feed unit 103 are conveyed one by one to the printing unit, printed, and discharged from the paper discharge tray 104. The memory card slot 110 is an insertion port for a memory card, and is used when reading image data from the inserted portable memory and executing printing. The operation unit 120 is a unit for a user to input set values and execute predetermined processes, and is provided on the outer surface of the apparatus of the printing apparatus 100. Note that the printing method of the printing apparatus 100 in FIG. 1 may be an electrophotographic method, an inkjet method, or other methods. Also, in the case of the inkjet method, the form in which an ink cartridge is mounted may be used, or the form in which ink is supplied (injected) to a storage unit provided in the printing apparatus 100 may be used.

[0011] FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view of an operation unit 120 of a printing apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the operation unit 120 includes a display unit 201 on which a graphical user interface (hereinafter referred to as GUI) is displayed, a touch panel unit 202 for operating the GUI (the display unit 210 and the touch panel unit are referred to as a display operation unit 204), a multi-color LED 203 indicating the state of the printing apparatus 100, and operation buttons 210 to 212 (hard key group 213). The printing apparatus 100 includes a housing, and the operation unit 120 is provided on the housing. The display unit 201 can display at least characters, and for example, displays the status of the printing apparatus 100, setting values related to printing, an image preview read from a memory card, and the like. The status of the printing apparatus 100 is, for example, information related to ink such as remaining ink amount information or information related to the paper loaded (fed). Note that these pieces of information may be displayed, for example, in the form of a figure or a QR code (registered trademark). The display unit 201 is, for example, a display panel using a liquid crystal panel, but is not limited thereto. The touch panel unit 202 is a unit capable of operating on the information displayed on the display unit 201, and the user can perform an input operation on information related to the printing apparatus. For example, the user can input setting values for printing settings. The multi-color LED 203 is a light-emitting unit capable of controlling the light emission of one or more light-emitting bodies, i.e., LEDs, based on the state of the printing apparatus 100. For example, based on the state of the printing apparatus 100, the multi-color LED 203 changes the emission color, emission brightness, and emission mode (mode) of the multi-color LED 203. That is, the multi-color LED 203 performs light emission control with a predetermined emission color, a predetermined emission brightness, and a predetermined emission mode corresponding to a predetermined state of the printing apparatus 100. Note that the multi-color LED 203 may be a light-emitting unit including a plurality of light-emitting bodies or a light-emitting unit including one light-emitting body. The multi-color LED 203 enables the user to recognize the state of the printing apparatus 100 even from a distance.

[0012] As operation buttons, it includes a power button 210, a stop button 211, and a start button 212. When the power button 210 is pressed, the power of the printing device 100 is turned on or off. When the start button 212 is pressed, the operation (copying or printing) of the printing device is started. When the stop button 211 is pressed, the operation of the printing device stops. Note that the image processing device in this embodiment does not necessarily need to include all of the units of the printing device 100 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, and may include other units or functions.

[0013] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a standard home screen displayed on the operation unit 201 of the printing device 100. The standard home screen is the main menu screen. In the area of the button 1101, information indicating the standard home screen is displayed. The button 201 is a home switching button for displaying a home switching screen corresponding to the screen 1301 in FIG. 13 described later. On the home switching screen, it is possible to switch between the standard home screen corresponding to the screen 1101 in FIG. 11 and the custom home screens corresponding to the screens 1201, 1207, and 1213 in FIG. 12. The custom home screen is a sub-menu screen, and a plurality of custom home screens are provided according to the usage scenario. The user can switch the home screen by selecting a scene on the home switching screen, and the custom home screen is selectively displayed on the display unit 201. The copy menu button 1102, the scan menu button 1103, the print menu button 1104, the LAN button 1105, the wireless connect button 1106, the setting button 1107, and the hint button 1108 are buttons corresponding to their respective menus. When the user presses each of these buttons, the user transitions to the respective menu corresponding to each button.

[0014] Figures 12(a) to (c) are diagrams showing a custom home screen to be displayed on the operation panel. Custom menus 1204, 1205, 1206, 1210, 1211, 1212, 1216, 1217, 1218 are menus that can be customized by the user, and the functions to be displayed at each menu position can be specified. Scene icons 1202, 1208, 1214 are icons that can be customized by the user, and the icons to be displayed on each custom home screen can be specified. The first custom screen 1201, the second custom screen 1207, and the third custom screen 1213 can be categorized according to specific uses or according to the user. The first custom screen 1201 is classified for work use, the second custom screen 1207 is classified for learning use, and the third custom screen 1213 is classified for life use, and it is possible to arrange the menus frequently used for each use on the home screen. Note that the areas of buttons 1203, 1209, and 1215 are areas where information indicating the scene of the displayed home screen is displayed, and buttons 1203, 1209, and 1215 are buttons that display the home switching screen of FIG. 4 described later when pressed. Note that the background colors of the first custom screen 1201, the second custom screen 1207, and the third custom screen 1213 can be customized by the user, and the background color of each custom home screen can be specified. Note that the "Home" button (not shown) is a button for displaying the home screen corresponding to the home menu selected on the home switching screen of FIG. 13 described later. For example, it is a button for redisplaying a predetermined home screen when transitioning from a predetermined home screen to a screen different from the predetermined home screen, such as by selecting a menu on a predetermined home screen. When pressing of the home button is detected, the home screen corresponding to the home menu selected on the home switching screen of FIG. 4 described later is displayed. Note that the home button may be a software key displayed on the operation display unit 108 or a hardware key provided in the MFP 100.

[0015] Figure 12(a) shows a custom home screen with menus often used in a work scene arranged on the home screen. The first custom home screen 1201 is a custom home screen targeted at a work scene. For example, the custom menu 1204 is for standard copying, the custom menu 1205 is for double-sided copying, and the custom menu 1206 is for saving the original document to the computer. Menus often used in the work scene are arranged.

[0016] Figure 12(b) shows a custom home screen with menus often used in a learning scene arranged on the home screen. The second custom home screen 1207 is a custom home screen targeted at a learning scene. For example, the custom menu 1210 is for standard copying, the custom menu 1211 is for saving the original document to the computer, and the custom menu 1212 is for a fixed form. Menus often used in the learning scene are arranged.

[0017] Figure 12(c) shows a custom home screen with menus often used in a life scene arranged on the home screen. The third custom home screen 1213 is a custom home screen targeted at a life scene. For example, the custom menu 1216 is for photo printing, the custom menu 1217 is for patterned paper, and the custom menu 1218 is for printing from the cloud. Menus often used in the life scene are arranged.

[0018] Note that the function icons such as standard copying displayed in each scene may be determined in advance since factory shipment or the like, or may be configured to be changeable by the user.

[0019] Figure 13 is a home switching screen (scene selection screen) for setting the home screen to be displayed on the operation panel. When any one of the home menus 402, 403, 404, 405 is selected, the home screen corresponding to the selected home menu is displayed. That is, the user can switch the home screen corresponding to the scene to be used by selecting the home menus 1302, 1303, 1304, 1305. The predetermined icon corresponding to each home menu is composed of a custom icon corresponding to each home menu and a background icon indicating the background color of the custom icon. When the MFP 100 is supplied with power and the soft power-on operation is performed, the home screen set immediately before the soft power of the MFP 100 was turned off last time is displayed.

[0020] The screen 1401 shown in Figure 14 is a setting screen for the background color to be displayed on the custom home screen. On the setting screen shown in Figure 14, it is possible to set the background color for each of the above-described custom home screens. When any one of the background colors 1402, 1403, 1404, 1405, 1406, 1407, 1408, 1409 is selected by the user and the OK button 1411 is selected, the background color of the custom home screen is set. When the cancel button 1410 is selected, the screen returns to the screen that was displayed before the setting screen shown in Figure 14 was displayed. For example, it returns to the setting screen where a list of setting items including setting items other than the background color setting is displayed. In Figure 14, patterns are shown for each background color in order to show the distinction of the background colors, but the background colors do not have to have patterns as long as they are different colors. Note that the background to be displayed on the custom home screen may be a background image with not only colors but also patterns as shown in Figure 14.

[0021] Note that the background color setting screen to be displayed on the custom home screen shown in FIG. 14 is displayed based on the printer setting button 207 displayed on each custom home screen being pressed and a button for displaying each setting screen being pressed. That is, based on the setting screen in FIG. 14 being displayed from a predetermined custom home screen, the background color of the predetermined custom home screen can be set.

[0022] Also, control is performed so that the background color of the standard home screen and the background color of the custom home screen are set to different colors. That is, it is assumed that the color preset for the standard home screen is not displayed on the setting screen shown in FIG. 14.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the printing apparatus 100 in the present embodiment. The printing apparatus 100 includes a housing and includes mechanical parts such as a carriage inside the housing.

[0024] The CPU 301 in the form of a microprocessor operates according to the contents of the program memory 303 in the form of a ROM and the data memory 304 in the form of a RAM connected via an internal bus 302. The data memory 304 is used for purposes such as a work memory 305 used by the CPU 301 when executing a control program, and an image memory 306 for storing image data formed on a recording sheet. The CPU 301 controls the interface control circuit 307 and communicates with a host computer 308 connected via an external interface. For example, it is possible to receive print job data from the host computer 308 which is an external device, or to notify the host computer 308 of the status of the recording apparatus. The host computer 308 is, for example, a personal computer (PC). However, it is not limited to this, and various information processing apparatuses such as a smartphone and a digital camera may be applied as the host computer 308 of the present embodiment. Further, the printing apparatus 100 may be connected to a printing server (not shown) that provides a cloud print service (hereinafter, CPS) or a cloud (external area) and communicate with the CPS. Note that the CPS is assumed to be a specific application program.

[0025] In the printing system using CPS, a printer driver for CPS (cloud printer driver) is installed in the host computer 308, and the host computer 308 generates a print job using the cloud printer driver and sends it to the CPS. Then, the CPS sends the print job to the printing device 100 to execute the printing. A configuration diagram of the printing system using CPS is shown in FIG. 17. The CPS 105 receives and stores the print job from the host computer 308. Also, when the CPS 105 receives a print job request from the printing device 100, the CPS 105 sends the print job to the printing device 100. The printing device 100 executes printing when it receives the print job from the CPS 105. The communication protocol A is a protocol for communicating between the host computer 308 and the printing device 100. The communication protocol B is a protocol for performing network communication between the host computer 308 and the CPS 105 and between the printing device 100 and the CPS 105. In this embodiment, these communication protocols refer to the protocols of the upper layer (application layer), and the lower layer may be the same type of protocol (for example, TCP / IP). Note that the communication method used for connection between each device may be, for example, a communication standard of the IEEE802.11 series (Wi-Fi), short-range wireless communication such as NFC (Near Field Communication), Bluetooth (Bluetooth Classic, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), etc.). Also, a QR code (registered trademark) may be used when the printing device 100 makes a print job request to the CPS 105. In the printing system of this embodiment, each device may be directly connected, or the communication between each device may be executed by Internet communication via a wireless LAN router. Also, each device may communicate by mobile communication (3G, 4G, 5G). In this embodiment, the system in which the process using CPS is executed is called a printing system, but the CPS may be capable of executing not only the printing process but also the scanning process or other processes, and the printing process is an example.

[0026] The CPU 301 can control various motors that drive the mechanisms of the recording apparatus 100 via the motor control circuit 309. The conveyance motor 310 drives the paper feed roller, conveyance roller, and paper discharge roller, and conveys the recording paper from the paper feed unit 103 to the paper discharge tray 104. The carriage motor 311 (described as the CR motor in this figure) drives the carriage back and forth. The recovery motor 312 drives the head recovery mechanism and performs a recovery operation to appropriately maintain the state of the print head 314 by controlling it in synchronization with the drive of the carriage. The CPU 301 can control the print head 314 via the head control circuit 313. Image formation is performed on the recording paper by controlling the print head 314 in synchronization with the reciprocating motion of the carriage. The cassette sensor 316 for the paper feed unit is composed of a photointerrupter and a mechanical switch. The user can detect that the paper has been set or removed from the paper feed unit to the printing apparatus 100, and the CPU 301 can acquire the detection via the sensor control circuit 315. The display device 320 controls the operation unit 120 provided on the outer surface of the recording apparatus 100 via the panel control circuit 317. It displays desired information on the display unit 201 and accepts operations from the user on the touch panel unit 202. It also accepts operations from the user on the hard key group 213. Furthermore, the display device 320 controls the light emission of the multi-color LED 203. Specifically, it functions as a light emission control unit that executes light emission control to cause the multi-color LED 203 to emit light in a light emission color, brightness, and light emission mode corresponding to the state of the printing apparatus 100. The scanner 325 (not shown in FIG. 1) can be controlled via the scanner control circuit 324, and the original image placed on the platen 101 of the scanner 325 can be read. The CPU 301 can read and write various files in the memory card 323 mounted in the memory card slot 110 provided on the outer surface of the recording apparatus 100 via the memory card control circuit 321. The image read by the scanner 325 can be stored in the image memory 306 in the data memory 304 and then transmitted to the host computer 308 or saved as an image file in the memory card 323.In addition, by directly controlling the printing mechanism to print the image read by the scanner 325, it is also possible to use it as a copying function.

[0027] Here, for example, when the printing device 100 is used by a plurality of people, each user may select and use a scene suitable for the use of the printing device 100. Therefore, it is required that the people around the printing device 100 can recognize which scene the current scene (custom home screen) of the printing device 100 is. For example, when a certain user uses the printing device 100 for work purposes, the user switches to the work scene (sets it to the state shown in Fig. 12(a)) and uses it. In this case, if the user can intuitively recognize (visually confirm) that it is the work scene, smooth work can be performed. In addition, if the user can confirm whether the printing device 100 is not being used for other scene purposes, the user can use the printing device 100 for work purposes with confidence. Note that this requirement is not limited to the use of the printing device 100 for work purposes, and in the case of using other scenes, it is also required that the user can recognize that the printing device 100 is being used in the selected desired scene.

[0028] Therefore, in the present embodiment, when a predetermined scene is selected in the printing device 100, the printing device 100 performs light emission control indicating the scene selected by the printing device 100. Specifically, when a predetermined scene is selected in the printing device 100, the light emission control means causes the color of the light emitting part to transition to a color corresponding to the background color of the custom home screen of the predetermined scene of the printing device 100. As a result, people around the printing device 100 can recognize which scene the printing device 100 is currently being used in, and it becomes possible to improve usability.

[0029] Here, furthermore, the printing process in a printing system using a cloud such as the CPS described above may be used for executing the printing process of a print job that requires high security, such as when used for work purposes (executing a secure printing process). In this case, it is required that the user and the people around the printing device 100 can recognize that a secure printing process is being executed by the printing device 100. Specifically, when the printing process is executed by the printing device 100 and a printed product is output, there is a possibility that a third party different from the user may take away the printed product. In this case, if the user and the people around the printing device 100 can recognize that a secure printing process is being executed by the printing device 100, it is possible to reduce the printed product being taken away by a third party.

[0030] Therefore, in the present embodiment, furthermore, when a secure printing process is being executed by the printing device 100, the printing device 100 performs light emission control indicating that it is in a predetermined mode for executing the secure printing process. Specifically, when a secure printing process is being executed by the printing device 100, the light emission control means changes the mode of the light emitting unit to a mode corresponding to the mode in which the printing device 100 executes the secure printing process. Also, when a secure printing process is not being executed by the printing device 100, the light emission control means changes the mode of the light emitting unit to a mode corresponding to a mode that is not the mode in which the printing device 100 executes the secure printing process. The mode that is not the mode for executing the secure printing process is a mode different from the mode corresponding to the mode in which the printing device 100 executes the secure printing process. Thereby, the user and the people around the printing device 100 can recognize that a secure printing process is being executed by the printing device 100, and it is possible to reduce the printed product being taken away by a third party.

[0031] Note that the case where the printing device 100 executes a printing process that requires a high level of security is not limited to the printing process in a printing system using the cloud. For example, it may be a predetermined mode in which the printing device 100 executes a printing process that requires a high level of security. Hereinafter, the mode of the printing device 100 that executes a printing process in a printing system using a specific application is referred to as a work mode. On the other hand, the execution of a printing process by an application different from the specific application, rather than executing a printing process in a printing system using a specific application, is referred to as a normal mode. Also, a mode in which a job is executed (for example, copy processing or scan processing is executed) based on a set value set in the display operation unit 204 of the printing device 100 is referred to as a normal mode. In the present embodiment, a form in which the emission color of the multi-color LED 203 of the printing device 100 changes depending on whether the printing device 100 is operating in the work mode or the normal mode will be specifically described.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the emission control of the multi-color LED 203. This flowchart is executed every time the state of the printing device 100 changes, and the state of the printing device 100 can be indicated by the multi-color LED 203. Specifically, the state of the printing device 100 is a state in which an error has occurred in the printing device 100 and a state in which no error has occurred (normal state). Further, a state in which the printing device 100 is in the normal state and in the work mode, and a state in which the printing device 100 is in the normal state and in a state other than the work mode.

[0033] First, in S401, the printing apparatus 100 determines the color of the multi-color LED 203. For example, by setting the multi-color LED 203 to emit different colors depending on whether the state of the printing apparatus 100 is an error state or not, it can indicate whether an error has occurred in the printing apparatus 100. Also, by setting the multi-color LED 203 to emit different colors depending on whether the state of the printing apparatus 100 is the work mode or a state other than the work mode (normal mode), it can indicate whether the printing apparatus 100 is in the work mode or a state other than the work mode. The color determination process of the multi-color LED 203 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 5.

[0034] Next, in S402, the printing apparatus 100 determines the brightness of the multi-color LED 203. For example, by setting the multi-color LED 203 to emit different brightnesses depending on whether the state of the printing apparatus 100 is a power-saving state or not, it can indicate whether the printing apparatus 100 is in a power-saving state or not. Specifically, when the printing apparatus 100 is in a power-saving state, it emits light with a lower brightness than when it is not in a power-saving state. Note that instead of changing the brightness, the change in the brightness of the light-emitting part may be expressed by changing the RGB values of the color of the light-emitting part. The brightness determination process of the multi-color LED 203 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 8. Note that the brightness of the multi-color LED 203 can be set by the user, and it can be set to a desired brightness within the range that the apparatus can set according to the user's usage environment. The user setting of the brightness of the multi-color LED 203 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 13.

[0035] Next, in S403, the printing apparatus 100 determines the light emission mode of the multi-color LED 203. For example, by setting the light emission mode of the multi-color LED 203 to be different when a job is being executed and when a job is not being executed, it is possible to indicate whether the printing apparatus 100 is executing a job. Specifically, when the state of the printing apparatus 100 is not executing a job, the multi-color LED 203 is turned on. And when the printing apparatus 100 is executing a job, by emitting light in a light emission mode different from turning on the multi-color LED 203, it is possible to clearly indicate that the printing apparatus 100 is executing a job. When an error occurs in the printing apparatus 100, by emitting light in a light emission mode different from both turning on the multi-color LED 203 and the light emission mode indicating during job execution, it is possible to more clearly indicate that an error has occurred in the printing apparatus 100.

[0036] Although an example has been given in which the light emission mode of the multi-color LED 203 is made different depending on whether the state of the printing apparatus 100 is an error state, a job is being executed, or a job is not being executed, the state of the printing apparatus 100 is not limited to the above. For example, as the state of the printing apparatus 100, there are cases where power is supplied (when the power is turned on) and when power is cut off (when the power is turned off). Also, when the remaining ink amount drops below a predetermined threshold, when the cover (not shown) of the printing apparatus 100 is opened for an operation to increase the remaining ink amount above the predetermined threshold, and when the ink cartridge is removed. And the multi-color LED 203 may be controlled to emit light in a light emission mode corresponding to these states of the printing apparatus 100. Also, the light emission mode is, for example, on, blinking, or flickering. Also, by combining at least two of on, blinking, flickering, and turning off and changing each at a corresponding predetermined time, light emission control may be performed in a predetermined light emission mode corresponding to the state of the printing apparatus 100.

[0037] In this embodiment, the blinking or flashing is a mode in which a predetermined color and a color different from the predetermined color emit light alternately, but it may also be a mode in which the predetermined color and turning off the light are performed alternately. Note that the expression of brightness may be performed by changing the RGB values of the color of the light-emitting unit instead of changing the value indicating the brightness.

[0038] The process of determining the light emission mode of the multi-color LED 203 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 9.

[0039] Next, in S404, the printing apparatus 100 performs light emission control of the multi-color LED 203 based on the color, brightness, and light emission mode determined in S401 to S403 in the light-emitting unit, and ends the process of this flowchart.

[0040] In S404, when the printing apparatus 100 is in the work mode, the printing apparatus 100 may perform display control indicating that the printing apparatus 100 is in the work mode on the display unit 201. For example, at least a part of the display unit 201, such as a character indicating the work mode and frame information surrounding the character information and the information displayed on the display unit 201, is displayed in a color indicating the work mode. For example, by displaying in the same color as the color of the multi-color LED 203 that emits light when the printing apparatus 100 is in the work mode, the user can easily recognize that the state of the printing apparatus 100 is the work mode. For example, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 6, the display unit 201 is displayed in blue indicating the work mode.

[0041] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the color determination process of the multi-color LED 203 in S401 of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a table showing the colors emitted by the multi-color LED 203 corresponding to the state of the printing apparatus 100. The table in FIG. 6 will be described. First, when the state (printer state) of the printing apparatus 100 is the job execution waiting state and the scene selection state, the emission color of the multi-color LED 203 is the color corresponding to the background colors of the custom home screens 1201, 1207, and 1213 of the multi-color LED 203 shown in FIG. 12.

[0042] Note that the scene selection state is a state in which any one of the custom home screens shown in FIGS. 12(a) to (c) is being displayed. Also, when the state of the printing apparatus 100 (printer state) is a job execution waiting state and a non-scene selection state, the emission color of the multi-color LED 203 indicates a predetermined color (white). Note that the non-scene selection state is a state in which the standard home screen shown in FIG. 11 is being displayed. Also, when the state of the printing apparatus 100 is during job execution and in the job mode, the emission color of the multi-color LED 203 indicates blue. Further, when the state of the printing apparatus 100 is during job execution and is other than the job mode and in the scene selection state, the emission color of the multi-color LED 203 indicates a color corresponding to the background colors of the custom home screens 1201, 1207, and 1213 of the multi-color LED 203 shown in FIG. 12. Also, when the state of the printing apparatus 100 is during job execution and is other than the job mode and in the non-scene selection state, it indicates a predetermined color (white). Furthermore, when the printing apparatus 100 is in an error state, the emission color of the multi-color LED 203 indicates orange. Note that the colors corresponding to the respective states of the printing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 6 are predetermined colors, but are an example and are not limiting. Also, note that the emission color of the multi-color LED 203 has priority when the state of the printing apparatus 100 is in an error state. That is, when an error occurs while the printing apparatus 100 is in a job execution waiting state, a job execution state, a job mode state, or a power saving state, the multi-color LED 203 emits light in an emission color, brightness, and emission mode indicating the error state.

[0043] The processing of the flowchart in FIG. 5 will be described.

[0044] In S501, the printing apparatus 100 determines whether the printing apparatus 100 is in an error state. If it is determined in S501 that the state is an error state, the process proceeds to S504. If it is determined in S501 that the state is not an error state, the process proceeds to S502.

[0045] In S504, the printing apparatus 100 determines the emission color of the multi-color LED 203 to be a color corresponding to an error. The color corresponding to the error is determined (set) to be the orange color corresponding to the printer state being in an error state in FIG. 6.

[0046] In S502, the printing apparatus 100 determines whether the printing apparatus 100 is executing a job. For example, it determines whether a printing job or a scanning job is being executed. If it is determined in S502 that a job is being executed, the process proceeds to S503. If it is determined in S502 that a job is not being executed, the process proceeds to S506. For example, the case where it is determined as NO in S1002 may be a state where it is waiting for a job to be executed but is not in the state of executing a job and is not in an error state.

[0047] In S503, the printing apparatus 100 acquires the mode of the printing apparatus 100 held by the printing apparatus 100 and determines whether the printing apparatus 100 is in a work mode. If it is determined in S503 that the printing apparatus 100 is in a work mode, the process proceeds to S505. If it is determined that the printing apparatus 100 is not in a work mode, the process proceeds to S506.

[0048] In S505, the printing apparatus 100 determines the multi-color LED 203 of the printing apparatus 100 to be a color corresponding to the work mode. Specifically, it is determined to be the blue color corresponding to the printer state being in the work mode in FIG. 6.

[0049] In S506, the printing apparatus 100 determines whether a scene is selected in the printing apparatus 100. If it is determined in S506 that a scene is selected in the printing apparatus 100, the process proceeds to S507. If it is determined that a scene is not selected in the printing apparatus 100, the process proceeds to S509.

[0050] In S507, the printing apparatus 100 acquires information (a set value) indicating the background color of the custom home screen of the selected scene from the memory of the printing apparatus 100. Note that the background color of the custom home screen of the selected scene is set by accepting an operation from the user on a setting screen for setting the background color of the scene shown in FIG. 14.

[0051] In S508, the printing apparatus 100 sets the emission color of the multi-color LED 203 to a color corresponding to the background color of the custom home screen acquired in S507. Note that the color corresponding to the background color of the custom home screen is determined according to the table shown in FIG. 15. FIG. 15 is a table showing the colors emitted by the multi-color LED 203 corresponding to the background color of the custom home of the printing apparatus 100. The table in FIG. 15 shows the respective colors that the multi-color LED 203 can emit corresponding to each of the colors (1402, 1402, 1403, 1404, 1405, 1406, 1407, 1408, 1409) that can be set as the background color of the custom home screen of the printing apparatus 100.

[0052] In S509, when the printing apparatus 100 is in a state where no scene is selected, the printing apparatus 100 sets the color of the multi-color LED to a color corresponding to the state where no scene is selected, and ends the processing of this flowchart. The color corresponding to the state where no scene is selected is, for example, "white".

[0053] FIG. 7 shows a flowchart for setting the operation mode of the printing apparatus 100. This flowchart is started based on the printing apparatus 100 receiving a job execution instruction (command) for instructing the execution of a job such as a print execution instruction (or a scan execution instruction).

[0054] In S701, the printing apparatus 100 analyzes and identifies from which application the transmission of the job execution instruction was executed. For example, the printing apparatus 100 identifies the application that executed the transmission of the job execution instruction based on a parameter indicating the type of application included in the information indicating the job execution instruction (or transmitted together with the information indicating the job execution instruction).

[0055] In S702, the printing apparatus 100 determines whether the application that executed the transmission of the job execution instruction is a specific application. That is, it determines whether it is the application corresponding to the printing apparatus 100 operating in the job mode. For example, it determines whether the specific application is the CPS described above. If it is determined in S702 that it is a specific application, the process proceeds to S703, and if it is determined that it is not an application different from the specific application, the process proceeds to S704.

[0056] In S703, the printing apparatus 100 sets the printing apparatus 100 to the job mode and shifts to the job mode. When the execution of the job based on the job execution instruction is completed, the printing apparatus 100 shifts from the job mode to the normal mode. The setting to the job mode is, for example, turning on a flag indicating the job mode.

[0057] In S704, the printing apparatus 100 sets the printing apparatus 100 to the normal mode and shifts to the normal mode. The setting to the normal mode is, for example, turning on a flag indicating the normal mode.

[0058] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a specific application in the host computer 308. Based on the activation of a specific application, the processing of this flowchart is started.

[0059] In S801, a specific application determines whether it has received an operation from the user to start the execution of a job. For example, the operation to start the execution of a job is a print execution operation or a scan execution operation. In S801, if the specific application determines that it has received an operation to start the execution of a job, it proceeds to S802; if it determines that it has not received an operation to start the execution of a job, the processing of this flowchart ends.

[0060] In S802, the specific application sends a job execution instruction (command) to the printing apparatus 100. For example, it sends a print instruction or a scan execution instruction to the printing apparatus 100. Then, the specific application ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0061] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the brightness determination process of the multi-color LED 203 in S402 of FIG. 4.

[0062] In S901, the printing apparatus 100 determines whether the state of the printing apparatus 100 is an error state. If it is determined to be in an error state, it proceeds to S904; if it is determined not to be in an error state, it proceeds to S902.

[0063] In S904, the printing apparatus 100 sets the brightness of the emission of the multi-color LED 203 to the brightness corresponding to the error state, and ends the processing of this flowchart. For example, it sets the brightness to be brighter than the brightness corresponding to the state where there is no error state. Thereby, it becomes easier for the user to recognize that it is in an error state, and it becomes possible to quickly resolve the error state.

[0064] In S902, the printing apparatus 100 determines whether the state of the printing apparatus 100 is a power-saving state. If it is determined to be YES in S902, it proceeds to S906; if it is determined to be NO in S902, it proceeds to S903.

[0065] In S906, the printing apparatus 100 sets the brightness of the multi-color LED 203 to a brightness corresponding to the power-saving state, and ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0066] In S903, the printing apparatus 100 acquires information (set value) indicating the brightness of the emission of the multi-color LED 203 from the memory of the printing apparatus 100.

[0067] Note that the brightness of the emission of the multi-color LED 203 is set by receiving an operation from the user on a setting screen for setting the brightness of the emission of the multi-color LED 203 shown in FIG. 16. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a setting screen for setting the brightness of the emission of the multi-color LED 203. Screen 1601 is displayed on the display unit 201. Screen 1601 is composed of a list 1602 of brightness settings that can be selected by the user and an icon 1603 indicating the currently set value. When the user selects a predetermined brightness in the brightness setting list 1602, it is possible to set the brightness at which the multi-color LED 203 emits light when the printing apparatus 100 is not in an error state and not in a power-saving state. Note that when a predetermined brightness is selected on screen 1601, it is assumed that the setting of the brightness at which the multi-color LED 203 emits light is determined and screen 1601 is closed, but it is not limited to this. For example, a confirmation button for confirming the setting so that the multi-color LED 203 emits light at the selected predetermined brightness may be further displayed on screen 1601, or a close button for closing the screen of screen 1601 may be further displayed. Note that the brightnesses displayed in the brightness setting list 1602 are not limited to the above, and information indicating other brightnesses may be displayed.

[0068] By accepting the settings on the setting screen of FIG. 16, it becomes possible to emit light from the multi-color LED 203 with a brightness of light emission according to the user's usage environment. In the setting screen shown in FIG. 16, when no setting operation is received from the user, a predetermined value (initial value) indicating a predetermined brightness corresponds to the brightness of light emission of the multi-color LED 203 when the printing apparatus 100 is not in an error state and not in a power saving state. For example, the initial value is "White 1".

[0069] In S905, the printing apparatus 100 determines the brightness of light emission of the multi-color LED 203 to be the brightness corresponding to the acquired setting value, and ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0070] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the light emission mode determination process of the multi-color LED 203 in S403 of FIG. 4.

[0071] In S1001, the printing apparatus 100 determines what state the state of the printing apparatus 100 is in. If it is determined that the state is an error state, the process proceeds to S1002. If it is determined that the state is a state during job execution, the process proceeds to S1003. If it is determined that the state is a state waiting for job execution, the process proceeds to S1004.

[0072] In S1004, the printing apparatus 100 sets the light emission mode of the multi-color LED 203 to the first light emission mode, and ends the processing of this flowchart. For example, the first light emission mode is lighting. Note that the first light emission mode is not limited to lighting, and may be, for example, turning off.

[0073] In S1002, the printing apparatus 100 sets the light emission mode of the multi-color LED 203 to a second light emission mode different from the first light emission mode, and ends the processing of this flowchart. For example, the second light emission mode is blinking. Blinking is expressed by alternately lighting the first color of the multi-color LED 203 and a second color different from the first color. Or, it is expressed by repeating lighting and extinguishing of the first color of the multi-color LED 203. Note that the first color is the color determined in S401 of FIG. 4.

[0074] In S1003, the printing apparatus 100 sets the light emission mode of the multi-color LED 203 to a third light emission mode different from both the first light emission mode and the second light emission mode, and ends the processing of this flowchart. For example, the third light emission mode is a mode in which the brightness changes step by step based on the first brightness. Note that the first brightness may be the brightest, or may be the brightness at the median of the steps, or may be the darkest. The third mode is expressed by repeating lighting of the first brightness, lighting of a second brightness darker than the first brightness, and lighting of the Nth brightness. Note that the first brightness is the brightness determined in S402 of FIG. 4.

[0075] Note that the first light emission mode to the third light emission mode are not limited to the above. For example, user settings may be possible, and the multi-color LED 203 may emit light in the set mode.

[0076] In S404 of FIG. 4, the printing apparatus 100 performs emission control of the multi-color LED 203 based on the color, brightness, and emission mode determined in S401 to S403 in the light-emitting unit. For example, when the printing apparatus 100 is in an error state, the multi-color LED 203 emits light in a mode where orange and white alternately light up (flash) with a brightness brighter than when it is not in an error state. Also, for example, when the printing apparatus 100 is executing a job and is in a job mode, the multi-color LED 203 emits light in a mode where the brightness gradually changes based on the brightness set by the user in blue corresponding to the job mode. Also, for example, when the printing apparatus 100 is executing a job and is in a state where a scene is selected in a mode other than the job mode, the multi-color LED 203 emits light in a mode where the brightness gradually changes based on the brightness set by the user in the background color of the custom home screen of the selected scene.

[0077] That is, when the state of the printing apparatus 100 is the first state, the multi-color LED 203 is turned on. Then, when the state of the printing apparatus 100 transitions from the first state to the second state, the multi-color LED 203 emits light in a mode where a color different from a predetermined color and a predetermined color alternately emit light, or in a mode where a predetermined color and turning off are alternately performed. Also, when the state of the printing apparatus 100 is the first state, the multi-color LED 203 is turned off. Then, when the state of the printing apparatus 100 transitions from the first state to the second state, the multi-color LED 203 emits light in a mode where a color different from a predetermined color and a predetermined color alternately emit light, or in a mode where a predetermined color and turning off are alternately performed.

[0078] In the above-described embodiment, when a predetermined scene is selected in the printing apparatus 100, the printing apparatus 100 performs light emission control indicating the scene selected by the printing apparatus 100. Specifically, when a predetermined scene is selected in the printing apparatus 100, the light emission control means changes the color of the light emitting unit to a color corresponding to the background color of the custom home screen of the predetermined scene of the printing apparatus 100. Thereby, a person around the printing apparatus 100 can recognize which scene is currently being used by the printing apparatus 100, and it becomes possible to improve usability.

[0079] (Other Embodiments) The above-described embodiment can also be realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or various storage media, and a computer (such as a CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus reads and executes the program. Also, the program may be executed by one computer or may be executed in cooperation by a plurality of computers. Also, it is not necessary to realize all of the above-described processing by software, and a part or all of the processing may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC. Also, the CPU is not limited to one that performs all processing, and a plurality of CPUs may perform processing while appropriately cooperating.

[0080] In addition, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized. Based on the instructions of the program code, the OS or the like running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing, and the case where the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing is also included.

[0081] The disclosure of the present embodiment includes the following configurations, methods, and programs.

[0082] (Configuration 1) An image processing apparatus, Display control means capable of selectively displaying a plurality of home screens on a display unit, Light emission control means for controlling the mode of a light-emitting unit provided on the housing of the image processing apparatus, which is different from the display unit and capable of emitting light, Based on the fact that a predetermined home screen among the plurality of home screens is being displayed on the display unit, the light emission control means causes the light-emitting unit to emit light in a color corresponding to the background color of the predetermined home screen, An image processing apparatus characterized by the above.

[0083] (Configuration 2) Further comprising setting means for setting a background color for each home screen included in the plurality of home screens, Based on the fact that a predetermined home screen among the plurality of home screens is being displayed on the display unit, the light emission control means causes the light-emitting unit to emit light in a color corresponding to the background color of the predetermined home screen set by the setting means, The image processing apparatus according to Configuration 1, characterized by the above.

[0084] (Configuration 3) Based on the fact that the image processing apparatus has operated in a first mode based on receiving an instruction from a specific application, the light emission control means causes the light-emitting unit to emit light in a color corresponding to the first mode. The image processing apparatus is operating in a second mode different from the first mode, and based on the fact that a predetermined home screen among the plurality of home screens is being displayed on the display unit, the light emission control means causes the light-emitting unit to emit light in a color corresponding to the background color of the predetermined home screen, The image processing apparatus according to Configuration 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

[0085] (Configuration 4) The specific application is an application for causing the image processing apparatus to execute a job stored in an area external to the image processing apparatus, The image processing apparatus according to Configuration 3, characterized by the above.

[0086] (Configuration 5) The instruction received by the image processing apparatus from a specific application is a job execution instruction for causing the image processing apparatus to execute the job. The image processing apparatus according to Configuration 4, characterized in that...

[0087] (Configuration 6) The image processing apparatus according to Configuration 5, further comprising execution means for executing the job, and when receiving the job execution instruction, executing the job.

[0088] (Configuration 7) When the execution of the job is completed, the image processing apparatus ends the operation in the first mode. The image processing apparatus according to Configuration 5 or 6, characterized in that...

[0089] (Configuration 8) The instruction received by the image processing apparatus from a specific application is an instruction indicating the start of the operation in the first mode. The image processing apparatus according to any one of Configurations 3 to 7, characterized in that...

[0090] (Configuration 9) The image processing apparatus ends the operation in the first mode based on receiving an instruction indicating the end of the operation in the first mode from the specific application. The image processing apparatus according to any one of Configurations 3 to 7, characterized in that...

[0091] (Configuration 10) The display unit is capable of displaying at least characters. The image processing apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 9, characterized in that...

[0092] (Method 1) A control method for an image processing apparatus, comprising: A display control step of selectively displaying a plurality of home screens on a display unit; Unlike the display unit, a light emission control step for controlling the mode of a light emitting unit provided on the housing of the image processing apparatus, having, Based on the fact that a predetermined home screen among the plurality of home screens is being displayed on the display unit, the light emission control step causes the light emitting unit to emit light in a color corresponding to the background color of the predetermined home screen. A control method characterized by the above.

[0093] (Program 1) A program, Causing a computer of an image processing apparatus to, A display control step for selectively displaying a plurality of home screens on a display unit, Unlike the display unit, a light emission control step for controlling the mode of a light emitting unit provided on the housing of the image processing apparatus, Execute, Based on the fact that a predetermined home screen among the plurality of home screens is being displayed on the display unit, the light emission control step causes the light emitting unit to emit light in a color corresponding to the background color of the predetermined home screen. A program characterized by the above.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0094] 100 Printing apparatus 203 Multicolor LED 203

Claims

1. An image processing apparatus, display control means capable of selectively displaying a plurality of home screens on a display unit; light emission control means for controlling a mode of a light-emitting unit provided on a housing of the image processing apparatus and capable of emitting light, different from the display unit; comprising: based on a predetermined home screen among the plurality of home screens being displayed on the display unit, the light emission control means causes the light-emitting unit to emit light in a color corresponding to a background color of the predetermined home screen; An image processing apparatus characterized by the above.

2. further comprising setting means for setting a background color for each home screen included in the plurality of home screens, based on a predetermined home screen among the plurality of home screens being displayed on the display unit, the light emission control means causes the light-emitting unit to emit light in a color corresponding to the background color of the predetermined home screen set by the setting means; The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. based on the image processing apparatus operating in a first mode based on receiving an instruction from a specific application, the light emission control means causes the light-emitting unit to emit light in a color corresponding to the first mode, the image processing apparatus is operating in a second mode different from the first mode, and based on a predetermined home screen among the plurality of home screens being displayed on the display unit, the light emission control means causes the light-emitting unit to emit light in a color corresponding to the background color of the predetermined home screen; The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

4. The specific application is an application for causing the image processing apparatus to execute a job stored in an external area of the image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized by the above.

5. The instruction received by the image processing apparatus from a specific application is a job execution instruction for causing the image processing apparatus to execute the job. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, characterized by the above.

6. The image processing apparatus further comprises execution means for executing the job, and when receiving the job execution instruction, executes the job. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5.

7. When the execution of the job is completed, the image processing apparatus ends the operation in the first mode. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, characterized by the above.

8. The instruction received by the image processing apparatus from a specific application is an instruction indicating the start of operation in the first mode. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that.

9. The image processing apparatus ends the operation in the first mode based on receiving an instruction from the specific application indicating the end of the operation in the first mode. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that.

10. The display unit can display at least characters. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that.

11. A control method for an image processing apparatus, comprising: A display control step of selectively displaying a plurality of home screens on a display unit; A light emission control step of controlling the mode of a light emission unit provided on the housing of the image processing apparatus and different from the display unit and capable of emitting light; Having The light emission control step causes the light emission unit to emit light in a color corresponding to the background color of the predetermined home screen based on the fact that the predetermined home screen among the plurality of home screens is being displayed on the display unit. A control method characterized in that.

12. A program, comprising: Causing a computer of an image processing apparatus to Execute a display control step of selectively displaying a plurality of home screens on a display unit; Execute a light emission control step of controlling the mode of a light emission unit provided on the housing of the image processing apparatus and different from the display unit and capable of emitting light; And The light emission control step causes the light emission unit to emit light in a color corresponding to the background color of the predetermined home screen based on the fact that the predetermined home screen among the plurality of home screens is being displayed on the display unit. A program characterized in that.

Images