Image formation device and image formation system

Abstract

To provide an image formation device and an image formation system that are capable of providing information that is advantageous to a user.SOLUTION: An image formation device includes a printer, a display device, and a controller. The printer executes printing an image on a medium. The display device displays a guide for a user. The controller displays an individual guide configured with information collected on the basis of personal information of a user which is successfully authenticated on the display device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an image forming apparatus and an image forming system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, some image forming apparatuses such as digital multi-function peripherals include a display unit that displays an operation screen, operation guidance, or an operation state. Many conventional image forming apparatuses display information indicating an operation state such as the remaining number of prints on the display unit from the start to the end of printing. However, since the image forming apparatus automatically stops operating when a malfunction occurs during operation, the user does not need to monitor information such as the remaining number of sheets displayed on the display unit during printing execution. For this reason, there is a problem that the time for the user to wait for the printing to be completed in front of the image forming apparatus may be wasted time.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming system that can provide information useful to a user in order to solve the above-described problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to an embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes a printer, a display device, and a controller. The printer executes printing of an image on a medium. The display device displays guidance to the user. The controller displays on the display device an individual guidance composed of information collected based on the personal information of a user who has successfully passed personal authentication.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

[0007] Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the configuration of the digital multi-functional peripheral (MFP) 2 as an image forming apparatus according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the external configuration of the digital multi-functional peripheral 2 as an image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0008] As shown in FIG. 1, the digital multi-functional peripheral 2 includes a scanner 12, a printer 13, and an operation panel 14. The scanner 12 is installed on the upper part of the main body of the digital multi-functional peripheral 2. The scanner 12 is an image reading device (image input device) that optically reads the image of a document. The scanner 12 has a document table 22 formed of a colorless transparent member such as glass on which the document is placed. The scanner 12 reads the image of the document set on the document table 22 through the glass of the document table 22 by the image reading unit 21. Further, the scanner 12 may be configured to read the image of the document conveyed by an ADF (auto document feeder) by the image reading unit.

[0009] The printer 13 forms an image on a sheet of paper. The printer 13 has an image forming unit 31 that forms an image on the sheet of paper taken out from the paper feed cassette. The image forming unit 31 may be any image forming method. For example, when the image forming unit 31 is an electrophotographic method, a developer image is formed on an image carrier such as a photoreceptor drum, and the developer image is transferred to the sheet of paper. Further, when the image forming unit 31 is an inkjet method, an image is formed on the sheet of paper by the ink ejected from the inkjet head.

[0010] The operation panel 14 is a user interface. The operation panel 14 includes a display unit 41, a touch panel 42 as an operation unit, and a plurality of operation buttons 43. The display unit 41 displays operation guidance and the like. The touch panel 42 is provided on the display screen of the display unit 41. The touch panel 42 detects the part touched by the user on the display screen of the display unit 41.

[0011] Further, the operation panel 14 shall further include an authentication information reader 45. The authentication information reader 45 is a device that reads personal authentication information from a medium or an electronic device presented by the user. For example, in the case of an operation mode where the user possesses an IC card for personal authentication, the authentication information reader 45 is composed of a card reader that reads information from the IC card for personal authentication.

[0012] Next, the configuration of the control system in the digital multi-functional machine 2 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration example of the control system in the digital multi-functional machine 2 according to the embodiment. The digital multi-functional machine 2 includes a scanner 12, a printer 13, an operation panel 14, and a system control unit (controller) 15. In the digital multi-functional machine 2, the system control unit 15 is connected to the scanner 12, the printer 13, and the operation panel 14.

[0013] In the configuration example shown in FIG. 2, the system control unit 15 includes a processor 50, a memory 51, an image memory 52, an image processing unit 53, a storage device 54, a communication interface (I / F) 55, an external interface (I / F) 56, interfaces (I / F) 57, 58, 59, etc.

[0014] The processor (first processor) 50 executes control and information processing of each part. The processor 50 is, for example, a CPU. The processor 50 executes a program stored in the memory 51 or the storage device 54. By executing the program, the processor 50 outputs operation instructions to each part and processes various information from each part. The processor 50 is connected to the scanner 12, the printer 13, and the operation panel 14 via the interfaces 57, 58, 59.

[0015] Memory 51 includes memories such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), and NVM. The RAM functions as a working memory or a buffer memory. The ROM is a non-volatile memory that cannot be rewritten. The ROM functions as a program memory. The NVM is a rewritable non-volatile memory. The NVM stores data such as programs, control data, and setting information.

[0016] Image memory 52 stores image data. For example, the image memory 52 functions as a page memory for expanding the image data to be processed. Storage device 54 stores data such as programs, control data, and setting information. The storage device 54 is composed of a rewritable non-volatile memory. For example, the storage device 54 is composed of a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0017] The communication interface (first interface) 55 is an interface for performing data communication with an external device. For example, the communication I / F 55 is a network interface that communicates with an external device such as an information management server (information management device) 7 via the network 8.

[0018] The external I / F 56 is an interface for connecting an external device. For example, the external I / F 56 is an interface for locally connecting an external input device. Also, the external I / F 56 may be connected to an external device by wire or wirelessly.

[0019] I / F57 is an interface for connecting to scanner 12. For example, processor 50 acquires the image data read by scanner 12 via I / F57. I / F57 is an interface for acquiring a scanned image as an input image including an image of a printed label. I / F57 may be any interface that can acquire an input image including a label image. For example, I / F57 may also acquire a captured image including a label image captured by a camera as an external device as the input image.

[0020] I / F58 is an interface for connecting to printer 13. I / F59 is an interface for connecting to operation panel 14. For example, processor 50 supplies data to be displayed on display unit 41 to operation panel 14 via I / F59. Also, processor 50 acquires input data input by touch panel 42 or operation button 43 on operation panel 14 via I / F59.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, scanner 12 includes a control unit (scanner control unit) 20 and an image reading unit (image reading mechanism) 21, etc. Control unit 20 is composed of a processor such as a CPU, various memories, and interfaces. Control unit 20 controls the operation of scanner 12 by executing a program stored in the memory by the processor. Control unit 20 is connected to processor 50 via I / F57 in system control unit 15. For example, control unit 20 controls the operation of scanner 12 in response to an instruction from system control unit 15. Also, control unit 20 supplies the image data read by image reading unit 21 to system control unit 15.

[0022] The image reading unit 21 reads an image on the platen 22. The image reading unit 21 includes, for example, illumination, an optical system, and a photoelectric conversion unit. The illumination irradiates light onto the platen 22. The optical system guides the reflected light from the document surface placed on the platen 22 to the photoelectric conversion unit. The photoelectric conversion unit converts the light from the document surface into an electrical signal. For example, the image reading unit 21 reads an image of a label set on the platen 22 and obtains a scanned image including the read image of the label.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, the printer 13 includes a control unit (printer control unit) 30, an image forming unit 31, and the like. The control unit 30 is composed of a processor such as a CPU, various memories, and interfaces. The control unit 30 controls the operation of the printer 13 by executing a program stored in the memory by the processor. The control unit 30 is connected to the processor 50 via the I / F 58 in the system control unit 15. For example, the control unit 30 executes print processing by the image forming unit 31 in response to an operation instruction from the system control unit 15.

[0024] The image forming unit 31 forms an image on a medium such as paper. The image forming unit 31 is not limited to a specific image forming method. For example, the image forming unit 31 may be an electrophotographic image forming mechanism. The electrophotographic image forming unit 31 is composed of a conveyance system, an exposure device, a photosensitive drum, a developing device, an intermediate transfer body, a transfer unit, a fixing unit, and the like. Note that the image forming unit 31 may function as a barcode printer that prints an image of a label based on label data on a medium used as a label.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, the operation panel 14 includes a control unit (panel control unit) 40, a display unit (display) 41, a touch panel 42, operation buttons 43, an authentication information reader 45, and the like. The control unit 40 is composed of a processor such as a CPU, various memories, and interfaces. The control unit 40 controls the operation of the operation panel 14 by executing a program stored in the memory by the processor. The control unit 40 is connected to the processor 50 via the I / F 59 in the system control unit 15. For example, the control unit 40 displays an image on the display unit 41 in response to an instruction from the system control unit 15. Further, the control unit 40 notifies the system control unit 15 of input data input by the user to the touch panel 42 or the operation button 43.

[0026] The display unit 41 has its display content controlled in response to an operation instruction from the control unit 40. The touch panel 42 is provided on the display screen of the display unit 41 and detects the touched position on the display screen. For example, the control unit 40 displays icons selectable by the touch panel 42 together with operation guidance on the display screen of the display unit 41. The control unit 40 discriminates information input by the user according to the touch position detected by the touch panel 42. The operation button 43 is composed of hard keys such as a start key and a reset key.

[0027] The authentication information reader 45 is a device that reads information including personal authentication information from a medium or an electronic device presented by the user. For example, the authentication information reader 45 is composed of an IC card reader that reads information including authentication information for personal authentication from an IC card for personal authentication possessed by the user. Further, the authentication information reader 45 may be configured to read not only the authentication information for personal authentication but also personal information such as the date of birth from the medium presented by the user.

[0028] Next, an image forming system 1 including a digital multifunction peripheral 2 as an image forming apparatus according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration example of an image forming system 1 including a digital multifunction peripheral 2 as an image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, in the image forming system 1, a digital multifunction peripheral 2 as an image forming apparatus and an information management server 7 as an information management apparatus are communicatively connected. Further, the information management server 7 is also connected to a network 8. Various devices such as a web server that discloses various types of information are connected to the network 8.

[0029] The information management server 7 is a computer having a configuration to communicate with the digital multifunction peripheral 2. The information management server 7 manages user information including authentication information for personal authentication of a user of the digital multifunction peripheral 2. The information management server 7 performs personal authentication for a user who operates the digital multifunction peripheral 2. A user who has successfully passed the personal authentication by the information management server 7 can use the digital multifunction peripheral 2.

[0030] Also, the information management server 7 manages information such as date of birth, hobbies, items of interest, anniversaries, etc. as user information. The information management server 7 collects information to be presented to the user based on the user information of the user who has successfully passed the personal authentication from various servers connected to the network 8. The information management server 7 supplies the information collected based on the user information to the digital multifunction peripheral 2 as information (individual guidance information) that can be displayed on the display unit 41 of the digital multifunction peripheral 2.

[0031] In the present embodiment, an image forming system having the digital multifunction peripheral 2 and the information management server 7 will be described by way of assumption. However, the digital multifunction peripheral 2 may be not only an image forming apparatus but also have the configuration and operation of the information management apparatus 7 described later. That is, the configuration and operation as the image forming system described later may be implemented only by the digital multifunction peripheral 2 as the image forming apparatus.

[0032] Next, the configuration of the information management server 7 in the image forming system 1 including the digital multifunction peripheral 2 as the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration example of a control system of the information management server 7 in the image forming system 1 according to the embodiment. The information management server 7 includes a processor 71, a system memory 72, a communication interface (I / F) 73, a storage unit 74, and the like.

[0033] The processor (second processor) 71 executes control and information processing of each part. The processor 71 is, for example, a CPU. The processor 71 executes a program stored in the system memory 72 or the storage unit 73. By executing the program, the processor 71 outputs operation instructions to each part and processes various information from each part.

[0034] The system memory 72 includes memories such as a RAM (random access memory), a ROM (read only memory), and an NVM. The RAM functions as a working memory or a buffer memory. The ROM is a non-rewritable non-volatile memory. The ROM functions as a program memory. The NVM is a rewritable non-volatile memory. The NVM stores data such as programs, control data, and setting information.

[0035] The communication interface (second interface) 73 is a communication interface for communicating with an external device. The communication I / F 73 includes a network interface for communicating with an external device via the network 8. The communication I / F 73 may include an interface for communicating with an external device by wire or an interface for communicating with an external device wirelessly.

[0036] The storage unit 74 is composed of a rewritable non-volatile memory. For example, the storage unit 74 is composed of a storage device such as an HDD (hard disk drive) or an SSD (solid state drive). The storage unit 74 stores, for example, image data. Further, the storage unit 73 may store data such as programs, control data, and setting information.

[0037] In the information management server 7 according to this embodiment, the storage unit 74 stores personal information of registered users, including authentication information for personal authentication. The storage unit 74 stores information such as date of birth, hobbies, matters of interest, anniversaries, and questionnaire results as personal information regarding the unique information of the user and the user's preferences. Further, the storage unit 74 of the information management server 7 may store information collected from each device on the network 8 based on the personal information of the user.

[0038] Note that the following description of the embodiment will be given assuming an image forming system having a digital multi-functional peripheral 2 and an information management server 7. However, the digital multi-functional peripheral 2 may have not only an image forming device but also the configuration and operation of the information management device 7 described later. In this case, the configuration and operation as the image forming system described later can be implemented only by the digital multi-functional peripheral 2 as an image forming device.

[0039] Next, the process in which the digital multi-functional peripheral 2 as an image forming device according to the embodiment displays personalized guidance will be described. The digital multi-functional peripheral 2 identifies the user by personal authentication and displays information (personalized guidance information) to be presented to the identified user on the display unit 41. For example, the digital multi-functional peripheral 2 requests personal authentication from the information management server 7 based on the information input by the user as authentication information. The information management server 7 performs personal authentication by comparing the information input by the user to the digital multi-functional peripheral 2 with the authentication information of the registered users.

[0040] The information management server 7 collects information that can be individual guidance information for individually guiding a user based on the personal information of the user identified by personal authentication. For example, the information management server 7 sets a search key for collecting information for individual guidance by analyzing the personal information of the user identified by personal authentication. The information management server 7 collects information from each device on the network 8 using the search key set based on the user's personal information. The information management server 7 stores information such as date of birth, anniversary, interests, and questionnaire results that can be search keys as personal information of each user. In addition, the information management server 7 stores not only information used as a search key for collecting individual guidance information but also personal setting information specifying whether individual guidance can be executed as personal information.

[0041] The digital multifunction device 2 acquires individual guidance information to be displayed as individual guidance for the user identified by personal authentication from the information management server 7. The digital multifunction device 2 displays the individual guidance for the user based on the acquired individual guidance information on the display unit 41 at a predetermined timing. If the user is identified, the digital multifunction device 2 may display individual guidance at an arbitrary timing during a period other than the period when an operation screen or a warning is displayed.

[0042] For example, the digital multifunction device 2 displays individual guidance for the user on the display unit 41 during the period from the start of printing by the printer 13 to the end of printing (the period waiting for printing completion). In addition, the digital multifunction device 2 may display individual guidance for the user on the display unit 41 during the period waiting for an operation instruction from the user after successful personal authentication (the period when the digital multifunction device 2 is not being used).

[0043] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display example of the display screen 100 of the individual guidance to be displayed on the display unit 41 in the digital multifunction device 2. The individual guidance display screen 100 illustrated in FIG. 5 has, as the individual guidance display area, an image display area 101, a text information display area 102, and a link information display area 103. The image display area 101 displays images such as photos and diagrams related to the information to be guided individually. Also, the text information display area 102 displays text information as the information to be guided individually. The link information display area 103 displays link information indicating information related to the individual guidance or the address of the source of the individual guidance information, etc.

[0044] The individual guidance display screen 100 illustrated in FIG. 5 also displays buttons such as a print key 104, a digitization key 105, a questionnaire key 106, an end key 107, and an extension key 108. Inputs to each of the buttons such as the print key 104, the digitization key 105, the questionnaire key 106, the end key 107, and the extension key 108 are detected by a touch panel 42 as an operation unit. The system control unit 15 of the digital multifunction machine 2 detects a user instruction to each button by the touch panel 42 as the operation unit.

[0045] The print key 104 is a button for instructing to print the individual guidance displayed on the display screen 100 on paper. When the system control unit 15 of the digital multifunction machine 2 detects an instruction to the print key 104, it prints the individual guidance displayed in the display areas 101-103 on paper by the printer 13.

[0046] The digitization key 105 is a button for instructing to transfer the individual guidance displayed on the display screen 100 as data of a predetermined format to a storage location or a transmission destination set for each user. When the system control unit 15 of the digital multifunction machine 2 detects an instruction to the digitization key 105, it converts (digitizes) the individual guidance displayed in the display areas 101-103 into data of a predetermined format (or a format specified by the user). The system control unit 15 transfers the digitized individual guidance to the transfer destination set for each user.

[0047] The questionnaire key 106 is a button for instructing to display a questionnaire regarding the individual guidance displayed on the display screen 100. When the system control unit 15 of the digital multi-functional machine 2 detects an instruction to the questionnaire key 106, it ends the display of the individual guidance and displays the questionnaire on the display unit 41. Note that the display screen of the questionnaire will be described in detail later.

[0048] The end key 107 is a button for instructing the end of the individual guidance displayed on the display screen 100. When the system control unit 15 of the digital multi-functional machine 2 detects an instruction to the end key 107, it ends the display of the individual guidance.

[0049] The extension key 108 is a button for instructing the extension of the display time of the individual guidance displayed on the display screen 100. When the system control unit 15 of the digital multi-functional machine 2 detects an instruction to the extension key 108, it extends the display time of the currently displayed individual guidance. In the individual guidance display screen 100 illustrated in FIG. 5, the remaining display time is displayed in the display column 109. The remaining display time shown in the display column 109 indicates the remaining time for displaying the currently displayed individual guidance. When the system control unit 15 detects an instruction to the extension key 108, it adds the display time by a predetermined extension time and updates (extends) the remaining display time displayed in the display column 109.

[0050] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display example of the questionnaire display screen 110 displayed on the display unit 41 in the digital multi-functional machine 2. The questionnaire display screen 110 illustrated in FIG. 6 has a text information display area 111 and displays a yes key 112 and a no key 113. The text information display area 111 displays text information indicating the question content as a questionnaire.

[0051] The Yes key 112 and the No key 113 are detected for input by the touch panel 42 as an operation unit. The Yes key 112 and the No key 113 are examples of answer buttons for answering questions as a questionnaire. For example, when the system control unit 15 detects an instruction to the Yes key 112 or the No key 113, it transmits the instructed button to the information management server 7 as a questionnaire result. The information management server 7 accumulates (stores) the questionnaire result from the digital multifunction machine 2 in the storage unit 74 as the personal information of the user.

[0052] The Yes key 112 is a button for instructing to display information similar to the information displayed as individual guidance also as individual guidance next time. When the system control unit 15 detects an instruction to the Yes key 112, it stores information (questionnaire result) indicating that it is desired to display information similar to the displayed individual guidance as the personal information of the user. When the Yes key 112 is instructed on the digital multifunction machine 2, the information management server 7 stores, as the personal information of the user, that it is desired to display information similar to the displayed individual guidance. Thereby, the information management server 7 is made to collect information similar to the displayed individual guidance information also as the next individual guidance information.

[0053] The No key 113 is a button for instructing that it is not desired to display information similar to the information displayed as individual guidance in the next individual guidance. When the system control unit 15 detects an instruction to the No key 113, it stores information (questionnaire result) indicating that it is not desired to display information similar to the displayed individual guidance information as the personal information of the user. When the No key 113 is instructed on the digital multifunction machine 2, the information management server 7 stores, as the personal information of the user, that it is not desired to display information similar to the displayed individual guidance. Thereby, the information management server 7 is made not to collect information similar to the displayed individual guidance as the next individual guidance information.

[0054] Next, the operation of the display process of individual guidance by the digital multifunction machine 2 as an image forming apparatus in the image forming system 1 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 and FIG. 9 are flowcharts for explaining an operation example of the digital multifunction machine 2 as an image forming apparatus in the image forming system 1 according to the embodiment. Further, FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an operation example of the information management server 7 in the image forming system 1 according to the embodiment.

[0055] First, the user inputs information for personal authentication to the digital multifunction machine 2. For example, the user presents a personal authentication medium storing the information for personal authentication to the authentication information reader 45 provided in the digital multifunction machine 2. Further, the user may input the information for personal authentication using the touch panel 42 and the operation buttons 43 as operation units. When the information for personal authentication is input, the system control unit 15 of the digital multifunction machine 2 performs a personal authentication process based on the input information for personal authentication (ACT11).

[0056] For example, the system control unit 15 of the digital multifunction machine 2 transmits the information for personal authentication input by the user together with an authentication request to the information management server 7 via the communication interface 55. The information management server 7 receives the authentication request from the digital multifunction machine 2 via the communication interface 73. The processor 71 of the information management server 7 performs personal authentication by collating the information for personal authentication received together with the authentication request with the authentication information of the registrant (user who has previously registered authentication information etc.) stored in the storage unit 74. The processor 71 of the information management server 7 transmits the authentication result by personal authentication to the digital multifunction machine 2. Thereby, the system control unit 15 of the digital multifunction machine 2 acquires the personal authentication result from the information management server 7.

[0057] Note that the system control unit 15 of the digital multifunction machine 2 may execute a personal authentication process including collation of authentication information without going through the information management server 7. In this case, the system control unit 15 of the digital multifunction machine 2 stores the authentication information of the registrant in the storage device 54, and may collate the information input by the user with the authentication information of the registrant.

[0058] When the personal authentication fails, the system control unit 15 of the digital multi-function device 2 may prompt for a retry of the personal authentication and execute the personal authentication process again. When the personal authentication is successful, the system control unit 15 displays information indicating the user identified by the personal authentication and accepts various operation instructions from the user. For example, after the personal authentication is successful, the system control unit 15 accepts operation instructions such as printing including copying by the user identified by the personal authentication.

[0059] After the personal authentication of the digital multi-function device 2 is successful, the system control unit 15 determines whether it is the timing to display personalized guidance for the user (ACT12). For example, when the system control unit 15 displays personalized guidance during printing execution, it determines whether to display personalized guidance based on whether the printing process has started. In this case, when the printing process starts, the system control unit 15 determines that it is the timing to display personalized guidance.

[0060] Also, the system control unit 15 may determine whether to display personalized guidance based on whether the input waiting state for operation instructions has continued for a predetermined display start time. In this case, if the system control unit 15 determines that the no-operation state exceeds the predetermined display start time after the personal authentication, it may determine that it is the timing to display personalized guidance.

[0061] Note that the information management server 7 may set whether to execute the display of personalized guidance in the personal setting information included in the personal information for each user. In this case, if it is set in the personal setting information of the user identified by the personal authentication of the digital multi-function device 2 that the display of personalized guidance is not to be executed, the process ends.

[0062] When the system control unit 15 of the digital multi-function device 2 determines to display personalized guidance (ACT12, YES), it executes a process of acquiring personalized guidance information to be displayed as personalized guidance (personalized guidance information acquisition process) (ACT13). Here, it is assumed that the system control unit 15 of the digital multi-function device 2 acquires personalized guidance information for the user identified by personal authentication from the information management server 7.

[0063] FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the personalized guidance information acquisition process in which the information management server 7 acquires personalized guidance information for a specific user. Here, a process in which the information management server 7 supplies personalized guidance information collected based on the personal information of the user to the digital multi-function device 2 will be described. However, the digital multi-function device 2 may collect personalized guidance information based on the personal information of the user identified by personal authentication.

[0064] The processor 71 of the information management server 7 identifies the user for whom personalized guidance information is to be acquired (ACT31). For example, the processor 71 of the information management server 7 receives information indicating the user for whom personalized guidance information is to be acquired together with a request for personalized guidance information from the digital multi-function device 2. The processor 71 of the information management server 7 identifies the user for whom personalized guidance information is to be acquired from the information indicating the user included in the request for personalized guidance information.

[0065] When the processor 71 of the information management server 7 identifies the user for whom personalized guidance information is to be acquired, it acquires the personal information of the user from the storage unit 74 (ACT32). The processor 71 of the information management server 7 sets information that will serve as a search key for information to be collected as personalized guidance information based on the information included in the acquired personal information of the user (ACT33).

[0066] For example, in the personal information of the user, information that the user wishes to display as individual guidance in the personal settings may be set. In this case, the processor 71 sets information to be used as a search key from the personal information based on the personal settings information. When the personal settings information is set to display past events on a specific date (such as a birthday or anniversary), the processor 71 sets the specific date included in the personal information as the search key.

[0067] Also, as the personal information of the user, the questionnaire results for the displayed individual guidance described later may be stored. When the past questionnaire results are stored as personal information, the processor 71 may set a search key for collecting individual guidance information taking into account the questionnaire results.

[0068] When the processor 71 of the information management server 7 sets a search key for collecting information, it collects information from each server (website) on the network 8 based on the search key (ACT34). For example, when the processor 71 of the information management server 7 sets a specific date as the search key, it collects information indicating events that occurred in the past on the specific date from each device on the network 8.

[0069] When the processor 71 of the information management server 7 collects information on the network 8, it edits the collected information as individual guidance information (ACT35). For example, when the processor 71 of the information management server 7 displays individual guidance on the display screen 100 shown in FIG. 5, it edits image, text information, and link information to be used as individual guidance information. The processor 71 of the information management server 7 transmits the individual guidance information created by editing the collected information to the digital multifunction machine 2 (ACT36).

[0070] Through the above processing, the digital multifunction machine 2 acquires personalized guidance information for the user identified by personal authentication as the acquisition processing of personalized guidance information. The system control unit 15 of the digital multifunction machine 2 holds the acquired personalized guidance information in the memory 51 or the storage device 54. Note that the digital multifunction machine 2 may acquire a plurality of pieces of personalized guidance information through the acquisition processing of personalized guidance information. In this case, the system control unit 15 may hold the acquired plurality of pieces of personalized guidance information in the memory 51 or the storage device 54.

[0071] When the system control unit 15 of the digital multifunction machine 2 acquires personalized guidance information, it displays personalized guidance based on the acquired personalized guidance information on the display unit 41 (ACT14). For example, the system control unit 15 displays a personalized guidance display screen as shown in FIG. 5 on the display unit 41. Even during the period when the digital multifunction machine 2 is displaying personalized guidance, the system control unit 15 monitors whether an abnormality has occurred in operations such as printing processing (ACT15).

[0072] If there is no operation abnormality (ACT15, NO), the system control unit 15 of the digital multifunction machine 2 accepts an extension of the display time for the personalized guidance displayed on the display unit 41 (ACT16). When an extension of the display time is instructed during the display of personalized guidance (ACT16, YES), the system control unit 15 extends the display time of the currently displayed personalized guidance (ACT17). The system control unit 15 sets the display time when representing personalized guidance. The display time may be a time of a predetermined length, or may be set according to the execution time such as printing (predicted time of printing completion), etc.

[0073] For example, the system control unit 15 displays the set display time together with the personalized guidance and accepts an extension of the display time by the user while the personalized guidance is being displayed. In the display screen illustrated in FIG. 5, the system control unit 15 displays the remaining display time obtained by subtracting the elapsed time from the set display time in the display column 109 and accepts an instruction to the extension key 108.

[0074] Also, the system control unit 15 of the digital multi-function peripheral 2 monitors whether to end the display of the individual guidance while the individual guidance is being displayed on the display unit 41 (ACT18). For example, when the display time has elapsed (when the remaining display time becomes 0), the system control unit 15 determines to end the display of the individual guidance being displayed. Also, when the individual guidance is being displayed during printing execution, the system control unit 15 may end the display of the individual guidance when the printing process is completed. Further, when the end key 107 shown in FIG. 5 is instructed, the system control unit 15 ends the display of the individual guidance. However, when the end key is instructed, the system control unit 15 may omit the processes of ACT19-21 described later and end the series of processes.

[0075] When the system control unit 15 of the digital multi-function peripheral 2 determines to end the display of the individual guidance (ACT18, YES), it displays a questionnaire regarding the displayed individual guidance on the display unit 41 (ACT19). For example, the system control unit 15 displays a questionnaire regarding the displayed individual guidance as shown in FIG. 6 on the display unit 41 and accepts the user's answer to the displayed questionnaire. The user inputs an answer to the questionnaire displayed on the display unit 41. The system control unit 15 acquires the answer (questionnaire result) to the questionnaire displayed on the display unit 41 by the touch panel 42.

[0076] When the system control unit 15 of the digital multi-function peripheral 2 acquires the questionnaire result, it stores the information indicating the questionnaire result as the personal information of the user (ACT20). For example, the system control unit 15 transmits the questionnaire result in association with the information indicating the user to the information management server 7. The information management server 7 stores the questionnaire result as the personal information of the user specified by the information indicating the user.

[0077] Note that the system control unit 15 of the digital multi-function peripheral 2 may be configured to accept cancellation of an answer to the questionnaire. When the answer to the questionnaire is canceled, the system control unit 15 may omit the storage process of the questionnaire result in ACT20.

[0078] When an answer to the questionnaire is input (or when the answer to the questionnaire is canceled), the system control unit 15 of the digital multi-function machine 2 determines whether to subsequently display the next personalized guidance (ACT21). For example, the system control unit 15 determines whether to display the next personalized guidance based on whether printing is in progress. Also, the system control unit 15 may determine whether to display the next personalized guidance according to an instruction from the user.

[0079] When displaying the next personalized guidance (ACT21, YES), the system control unit 15 acquires the next personalized guidance information to be displayed (ACT22) and returns to the above ACT13. For example, the system control unit 15 acquires the next personalized guidance information through a process similar to the acquisition process of the personalized guidance information shown in FIG. 8 described above.

[0080] Also, while the system control unit 15 of the digital multi-function machine 2 is displaying the personalized guidance on the display unit 41, it accepts an execution instruction for the questionnaire regarding the displayed personalized guidance (ACT23). For example, when the questionnaire key 106 on the display screen shown in FIG. 5 is instructed, the system control unit 15 determines that the execution of the questionnaire is instructed. When the execution of the questionnaire is instructed during the display of the personalized guidance (ACT23, YES), the system control unit 15 proceeds to the above ACT19 and displays the questionnaire regarding the displayed personalized guidance on the display unit 41.

[0081] Also, while the system control unit 15 of the digital multi-function machine 2 is displaying the personalized guidance on the display unit 41, it accepts an execution instruction for printing or digitizing the displayed personalized guidance (ACT24). When printing is instructed during the display of the individual guidance (ACT24, YES), the system control unit 15 executes a printing process to print the displayed individual guidance on paper by the printer 13 (ACT25). For example, when the print key 104 on the display screen shown in FIG. 5 is instructed, the system control unit 15 determines that the printing of the displayed individual guidance has been instructed. As a printing process, the system control unit 15 converts the displayed individual guidance into image data for printing and causes the printer 13 to print the individual guidance as the image data for printing on paper. However, when printing is in progress, the system control unit 15 may execute the printing of the individual guidance after the ongoing printing process has ended.

[0082] Also, when data conversion is instructed during the display of the individual guidance (ACT24, YES), the system control unit 15 performs a data conversion process to transfer the data of the displayed individual guidance to the user (ACT25). For example, when the data conversion key 105 on the display screen shown in FIG. 5 is instructed, the system control unit 15 determines that the data conversion of the displayed individual guidance has been instructed. As a data conversion process, the system control unit 15 converts the displayed individual guidance into data in a predetermined format and transfers the data of the individual guidance to the storage location or transmission destination set for each user. Note that the data of the individual guidance may be transferred from the digital multi-function machine 2 to the information management server 7 and then transferred from the information management server 7 to the storage location or transmission destination of the user.

[0083] Also, when an operation abnormality occurs during the display of the individual guidance by the system control unit 15 of the digital multi-function machine 2 (ACT15, YES), the display of the individual guidance is interrupted (ACT51). When the system control unit 15 interrupts the display of the individual guidance, it displays information indicating the content of the occurred abnormality on the display unit 41 (ACT52).

[0084] The system control unit 15 of the digital multifunction device 2 accepts an operation to clear the abnormality while displaying the details of the abnormality that has occurred (ACT53). For example, when the system control unit 15 detects that the printing paper has run out during a printing process, it displays "No paper" as the details of the abnormality on the display unit 41, and prompts the user to replenish the paper. In addition, when the system control unit 15 detects a paper jam during a printing process, it displays the jammed state as the details of the abnormality on the display unit 41, and prompts the user to remove the jammed paper.

[0085] When the system control unit 15 of the digital multifunction device 2 detects that the abnormality has been resolved (ACT53, YES), it resumes the operation that was being performed, such as a print process. When resuming the operation, the system control unit 15 displays a display selection screen that allows the user to select the display content on the display unit 41 (ACT54). For example, the system control unit 15 accepts the selection of whether to redisplay the individual guidance that was displayed when the abnormality occurred (returning to the previous display), to display individual guidance with new content (new), or to end the display of the individual guidance.

[0086] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display selection screen 120 displayed on the display unit 41 of the digital multifunction peripheral 2. As shown in FIG. 10 displays a continue key 121, a new key 122, and an end key 123. Input of the continue key 121, the new key 122, and the end key 123 is detected by the touch panel 42 serving as an operation unit.

[0087] The continuation key 121 is a button for instructing to display the individual guidance that was displayed when the abnormality occurred (returning to the previous display). In the display example shown in Fig. 10, the text "See more" is displayed on the continuation key 121. When the system control unit 15 detects an instruction to the continuation key 122, it causes the display unit 41 to display again the individual guidance that was displayed when the abnormality occurred.

[0088] The new key 122 is a button that instructs to display an individual guidance with new content. In the display example shown in FIG. 10, the text "View New Information" is displayed on the new key 122. When the system control unit 15 detects an instruction to the new key 122, it displays the new (next) individual guidance on the display unit 41. Also, the end key 123 is a button that instructs to end the display of the individual guidance on the display unit 41. When the system control unit 15 detects an instruction to the end key 123, it ends the display of the individual guidance.

[0089] When the system control unit 15 of the digital multi-function machine 2 is instructed to return to the previous display (ACT55, YES), it displays the individual guidance that was being displayed at the time of the abnormality again on the display unit 41 (ACT56) and returns to ACT16. For example, when the system control unit 15 is instructed by the continue key 121 shown in FIG. 10, it sets the remaining display time at the time of the abnormality as the display time and displays the display screen of the individual guidance that was being displayed at the time of the abnormality on the display unit 41.

[0090] When the system control unit 15 of the digital multi-function machine 2 is instructed to display an individual guidance of new content (new information) (ACT57, YES), it acquires the next individual guidance information (new information) different from the individual guidance that was being displayed at the time of the abnormality (ACT58). When the system control unit 15 acquires the next individual guidance information, it displays the individual guidance based on the acquired individual guidance information on the display unit 41 (ACT59) and returns to ACT16. For example, when the new key 122 shown in FIG. 10 is instructed, the system control unit 15 displays the display screen of the individual guidance based on the next individual guidance information on the display unit 41. Also, when the system control unit 15 of the digital multi-function machine 2 is instructed to end the display of the individual guidance (ACT60, YES), it ends the display of the individual guidance for the user identified by the personal authentication.

[0091] As described above, the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment displays, on the display device, the individual guidance information collected based on the personal information of the user during printing execution or while waiting for an operation input. Thus, according to the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment, it is possible to provide useful information for the user during printing execution or the like.

[0092] Further, the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment stores, as the user's personal information, the answer to the questionnaire regarding the displayed individual guidance as the questionnaire result. Thus, according to the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment, it is possible to provide the user with individual guidance that reflects not only the pre-registered personal information but also the questionnaire result for the actually displayed individual guidance.

[0093] Further, the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment receives an instruction to extend the display time of the displayed individual guidance. When an extension of the display time is instructed, the image forming apparatus extends the display time of the individual guidance being displayed. Thus, according to the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment, it is possible to display the displayed individual guidance for a longer time according to the intention of the user.

[0094] Further, when an operation abnormality occurs while the individual guidance is being displayed, the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment interrupts the display of the individual guidance and displays information indicating the abnormal content. The image forming apparatus displays a display selection screen for selecting whether to display the individual guidance immediately before the interruption or a new individual guidance after the abnormality is cleared. When the individual guidance immediately before the interruption is selected, the image forming apparatus displays the individual guidance that was being displayed at the time of the abnormality occurrence, and when a new individual guidance is selected, the image forming apparatus displays the newly acquired individual guidance. Thus, according to the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment, it is possible to immediately display the abnormal content when an abnormality occurs, and to display the individual guidance according to the intention of the user after the abnormality is cleared.

[0095] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0096] 1…Image forming system, 2…Digital multi-function peripheral (image forming apparatus), 7…Information management server (information management apparatus), 8…Network, 12…Scanner, 13…Printer, 14…Operation panel, 15…System control unit (controller), 20…Control unit, 21…Image reading unit, 30…Control unit, 31…Image forming unit, 40…Control unit, 41…Display unit (display device), 42…Touch panel (operation device), 43…Operation button (operation device), 45…Authentication information reader, 50…Processor, 51…Memory, 53…Image processing unit, 54…Storage device, 55…Communication interface (first interface), 71…Processor, 72…System memory, 73…Communication interface (second interface), 74…Storage unit.

Claims

1. A printer that executes printing of an image on a medium, A display device that displays guidance to a user, A controller that causes the display device to display personalized guidance composed of information collected based on the personal information of a user for whom personal authentication has been successful, An image forming apparatus having the above.

2. Furthermore, it has an operation device for inputting an instruction by a user, The controller displays a questionnaire regarding the personalized guidance displayed on the display device, and saves the response to the questionnaire input to the operation device as questionnaire results in the personal information of the user. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

3. Furthermore, it has an operation device for inputting an instruction by a user, The controller sets a display time for displaying personalized guidance on the display device, and when an extension of the display time is instructed while the personalized guidance is being displayed on the display device, extends the display time of the personalized guidance being displayed on the display device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

4. Furthermore, it has an operation device for inputting an instruction by a user, When an abnormality occurs during printing by the printer, the controller displays information indicating the content of the abnormality on the display device, and after the abnormality is resolved, displays a display selection screen on the display device for selecting whether to display the previous personalized guidance or a new personalized guidance, and displays the personalized guidance corresponding to the selection instructed by the operation device on the display device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

5. In an image forming system having an image forming apparatus and an information management apparatus, The image forming apparatus includes: A printer that executes printing of an image on a medium, A display device that displays guidance to a user, A first communication interface that communicates with the information management apparatus, A controller that causes the display device to display personalized guidance composed of information collected by the information management apparatus based on the personal information of a user for whom personal authentication has been successful. The information management apparatus includes: A second communication interface that communicates with an external device, A processor that, when personal authentication of a user using the image forming apparatus is successful, collects information to be presented to the user as personalized guidance based on the personal information of the user, and supplies personalized guidance information composed of the collected information to the image forming apparatus. An image forming system.

Images