Information processing device and display method

Abstract

To provide an information processing device or the like that provides a high user experience by enabling users to easily review system settings they have configured themselves.SOLUTION: The device includes: a control unit configured to control sequential display of setting screens containing setting items; a display unit configured to sequentially display the setting screens; and a determination unit configured to determine whether the setting item included in the setting screen is an important setting item. Based on the determination unit's determination that the setting item included in the setting screen is the important setting item, the control unit causes the display unit to display a confirmation screen containing the important setting item after the sequential display of the setting screens has finished.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, an information processing device that executes device settings is known, as disclosed in Patent Document 1. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2015-156206 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing device or the like that allows a user to easily check system settings that the user has set themselves later, and that provides a high user experience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The information processing device of the present disclosure comprises a control unit that controls the sequential display of setting screens including setting items, a display unit that sequentially displays the setting screens, and a judgment unit that judges whether the setting items included in the setting screens are important setting items, and after the control unit has finished sequentially displaying the setting screens, based on the judgment unit's judgment that the setting items included in the setting screens are important setting items, the control unit causes the display unit to display a confirmation screen including the important setting items.

[0006] The display method of the present disclosure includes a control step of controlling the sequential display of setting screens including setting items, a determination step of determining whether the setting items included in the setting screens are important setting items, and a display step of displaying a confirmation screen including the important setting items on the display unit after the sequential display of the setting screens has been completed, based on the determination in the determination step that the setting items included in the setting screens are important setting items. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, for example, it is possible to provide an information processing device that allows a user to easily check system settings that the user has set themselves later, and that provides a high user experience. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an information processing device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of an information processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of system settings in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow in the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of system settings in the third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow in the third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation in the third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation in the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In general, an information processing apparatus executes various settings of the information processing apparatus in a control unit. The control unit stores information for executing the various settings in a storage unit as system settings. In an image forming apparatus equipped with an information processing apparatus, a user needs to configure many system settings when initially installing the image forming apparatus in a factory-shipped state. When performing such initial settings, the initial settings are often performed using a wizard format for user convenience.

[0010] In the initial setup using the wizard, the information processing device sequentially displays a plurality of display screens to the user. The display screens displayed to the user include, for example, a setting screen, a notification screen, and the like.

[0011] A setting screen is a display screen that includes one or more setting items, which are setting information for a user to perform various settings of an information processing device, and allows the user to input setting values, etc. for the setting items. A notification screen is a screen that conveys information to a user, such as a notification on how to proceed with a wizard, a notification that a wizard has started or finished, or other information that should be conveyed to the user.

[0012] The user proceeds with the setup by performing operations such as inputting information in accordance with instructions displayed on successively displayed display screens. For example, the user is presented with a notification screen informing the user that initial setup using a wizard has begun, and when the user performs a confirmation operation, the information processing device then displays a setup screen including certain setting items. The user performs an operation to input setting values ​​for the setting items included in the setup screen in accordance with the instructions displayed on the setup screen. After the input operation on the setup screen is completed, the information processing device then displays a new setup screen, and this process is repeated. Finally, when there are no more setting items to be set, the information processing device displays a notification screen informing the user that initial setup using the wizard has ended, and terminates the initial setup using the wizard.

[0013] In addition, during initial setup using the wizard, the user can operate the display screen to transition to the next display screen or to the previous display screen. When the user needs to check the setting values ​​of the setting items they have entered, they can repeatedly return to the previous display screen to display the setting screen containing the setting values ​​they want to check.

[0014] Here, it is assumed that the user inputs important setting items (important items) on the setting screen. Here, important setting items refer to, for example, items that are important in terms of security for the information processing device, specifically, an administrator password, a network password, or a secret question required in case the password is lost. Important setting items may also include setting items related to the operation of the image forming device, setting items related to the network, etc.

[0015] For example, if a user inputs such important setting items at the beginning of the initial setup using a wizard, when the user wants to check the setting values ​​of the important setting items that the user input at the end of the initial setup using the wizard, the user must go back and check the setting screens where the user has input the setting values ​​for the setting items up to that point.

[0016] The information processing device of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments are merely examples of the invention described in the claims, and the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the description of the following embodiments.

[0017] [1. First embodiment] A first embodiment will be described below. Note that the first embodiment will be described using the following as an example. In the following embodiment, a case will be described in which the information processing device of the present disclosure is applied to an image forming device, but it can also be applied to other devices.

[0018] This embodiment is an embodiment in which a user can perform initial settings using a wizard. In the wizard setting method, the image forming apparatus sequentially displays display screens containing setting items up to the planned number of sheets to be displayed, allowing the user to perform settings easily and conveniently.

[0019] The image forming apparatus can provide a wizard-based setting method at other times besides the initial setup time, but the following embodiment describes a case where the wizard-based setting method is provided at the initial setup time.

[0020] Here, the display screens sequentially displayed by the wizard can be divided into two groups: "beginning" and "end." The "end" group of initial settings by the wizard refers to a group that requires the user to go back through the display screens at least two times from the last setting screen displayed in the initial settings by the wizard. The "beginning" group of initial settings refers to a group other than the "end" group of initial settings by the wizard.

[0021] The wizard may also be divided into a "first half" and a "second half" group. The "second half" group of wizard display screens refers to the group that comes after half of the planned number of display screens (for example, rounded down to the nearest whole number). Here, the "final stage" group initially set by the wizard may be included in the "second half" group initially set by the wizard.

[0022] [1.1 Image forming device as a whole] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an image forming apparatus 10. As shown in FIG.

[0023] The image forming apparatus 10 is, for example, a device called a multifunction peripheral or an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral / Printer / Product). For example, when the image forming apparatus 10 executes a job (print job), it can form an image on a recording medium, that is, paper. The image forming apparatus 10 can execute jobs for a plurality of processes, such as copy processing, fax processing, scan processing, and print processing.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a display unit 140, an operation unit 150, an image forming unit 160, and an image reading unit 165.

[0025] [1.2 Hardware Configuration] The hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 10 has a control unit 100, one or more storage devices (storage unit 110) including storage 112, ROM 114, and RAM 116, a display unit 140, an operation unit 150, an image forming unit 160, an image reading unit 165, and a communication unit 170.

[0027] The control unit 100 controls the entire image forming apparatus 10. The control unit 100 realizes various functions by reading and executing various programs stored in a storage device (for example, storage 112 or ROM 114). The control unit 100 may be realized by one or more control devices / arithmetic units (CPUs (Central Processing Units), SoCs (System on a Chip)). The control unit 100 may also be configured by one or more control circuits.

[0028] The storage 112 is a non-volatile storage device capable of storing programs and data. For example, the storage 112 may be configured as one or more storage devices such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The storage 112 may also be configured as an external device such as a USB memory that can be connected to the image forming apparatus 10. The storage 112 may also be a storage area on a cloud, for example.

[0029] The ROM 114 is a non-volatile memory that can retain programs and data even when the power is turned off.

[0030] The RAM 116 is a main memory that is mainly used when the control unit 100 executes processing. The RAM 116 is a rewritable memory that temporarily stores programs read from the storage 112 or the ROM 114, and data including execution results.

[0031] The display unit 140 is a display device capable of displaying various types of information and execution screens. The display unit 140 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic electroluminescence (EL) display, an electrophoretic display, or other display device. The display unit 140 also includes an interface to which a display device can be connected. For example, the display unit 140 may be configured as an external display device connected via an HDMI (registered trademark) High-Definition Multimedia Interface, a DVI (Digital Visual Interface), or a Display Port.

[0032] The operation unit 150 is an operation device that allows a user to input operations. For example, it may be an operation device such as a touch panel integrated with the display unit 140 or operation buttons. The operation unit 150 may also be an operation device such as a keyboard or a mouse. The operation unit 150 may also include an interface (for example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB)) to which an operation device can be connected. For example, the image forming apparatus 10 may be connected to a different operation device (an operation device having a touch panel).

[0033] The image forming unit 160 forms an image, for example, on recording paper. The image forming unit 160 includes, for example, an image carrier, and forms a toner image on the image carrier and transfers the image on the image carrier onto recording paper to form an image. The image forming unit 160 may be configured as an image forming device such as a printer. The image forming unit 160 may also form an image electronically as an image file.

[0034] Image reading unit 165 reads an original (image) and outputs it as image data. Image reading unit 165 is, for example, a scanner, and may be a reading device that uses a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CIS (Contact Image Sensor).

[0035] The communication unit 170 is a communication interface for communicating with other devices. For example, it may be a network interface that can provide a wired connection or a wireless connection. In this embodiment, communication with other devices is possible via a network NW.

[0036] [1.3 Software Configuration] The main software configuration of each device in the system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating the main software configuration of the image forming device 10. Note that the software configuration shown in Fig. 3 mainly describes the configuration required in this embodiment, and other configurations are omitted.

[0037] For example, the control unit 100 can function as a wizard control unit 1010 and a setting item determination unit 1020 by reading and executing a program stored in the storage unit 110. In addition, the storage 112 reserves an area for a system setting storage area 1110 that stores setting information for executing various settings of the image forming apparatus.

[0038] The wizard control unit 1010 controls the display of multiple display screens. Here, the wizard control unit 1010 sequentially displays multiple display screens in response to user operations. The display screens include, for example, a setting screen, a notification screen, and a confirmation screen. The confirmation screen is a display screen on which the user can confirm the setting values ​​of setting items set by the user. The wizard control unit 1010 may display the display screen using, for example, a markup language such as XML or HTML, or may display the display screen as an image. The wizard control unit 1010 may also create the display screen using any other known method.

[0039] The setting item determination unit 1020 determines whether or not a predetermined setting item (for example, an important setting item) is included in the setting screen. As a method for determining whether or not an important setting item is included in the setting screen, the setting item determination unit 1020 may determine that an important setting item is included in the setting screen when an important condition is satisfied, for example.

[0040] Here, as an important condition, for example, a setting item included in the setting screen may be stored in advance in the system setting storage area 1110 of the storage 112 as an important setting item.

[0041] An example of system settings stored in the system setting storage area 1110 will now be described with reference to Fig. 4. The system settings store a setting item (e.g., "Administrator Password") of the system settings of the image forming apparatus 10, an arbitrarily input or selected setting value (e.g., "QaWseDrfT"), and a predetermined Imp. (Important / e.g., "True") indicating whether the setting item is important.

[0042] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the importance of a setting item is described in Imp., and the value is described as "True" or "Falls," but any description method can be used as long as it is possible to identify that a setting item is important. Note that if the setting item determination unit 1020 can identify that a setting item is important without providing an Imp., the Imp. element itself need not be provided. For example, an important setting item database may be provided separately from the system setting storage area 1110 to serve as a substitute for Imp., or an identifier (such as an ID tag) that can identify that a setting item is important may be written in the XML data on the setting screen.

[0043] Furthermore, as an important condition, for example, if each display screen has an attribute, it may be determined whether or not an important setting item is included from the attribute of the display screen.

[0044] [1.4 Processing flow] The processing flow in this embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 5. Note that although the following processing will be described as being executed by the control unit 100, each component described in Fig. 2 or 3 may execute the processing of each step.

[0045] First, the control unit 100 assigns n=1 to n (S102). Here, n indicates the initial setting stage in the wizard (in this embodiment, the number of display screens displayed from the beginning in the wizard).

[0046] Next, the control unit 100 displays the nth display screen on the display unit (S104). For example, when n=1, the first display screen is displayed on the display unit.

[0047] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether the display screen displayed on the display unit 140 is a display screen including setting items and whether the setting items include important setting items (S106). At this time, the control unit 100 determines whether an important condition is satisfied. If the setting screen includes important setting items, the control unit 100 stores the information of the nth page as a confirmation screen in the storage unit 110 (S106; Yes → S108).

[0048] On the other hand, if the setting screen does not include any important setting items, the control unit 100 does not store the confirmation screen in the storage unit 110 (S106; No→S110).

[0049] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether the initial setting by the wizard is completed (S110). As a method for determining whether the initial setting by the wizard is completed, for example, the control unit 100 may determine that the initial setting is completed when the value of n becomes n=the number of images to be displayed m.

[0050] In this embodiment, whether the initial setup by the wizard is complete is determined based on whether the number of displayed display screens reaches the planned number of pages, but other means may be used. For example, the control unit 100 may determine that the initial setup is complete when all the settings for the setting items are complete and a display screen (confirmation screen) that is displayed at the end of the wizard is displayed. Also, the control unit 100 may determine that the initial setup by the wizard is complete based on an attribute that is the final data included in the XML to be read.

[0051] Here, if the control unit 100 determines that the initial settings using the wizard have not been completed, the control unit 100 sets n=n+1 and displays the nth display screen again to display the next display screen (S110; No → S112).

[0052] On the other hand, when the control unit 100 determines that the initial setup using the wizard has ended, it displays a confirmation screen on the display unit 140 (S110; Yes → S114). Here, the control unit 100 displays, for example, the setting items included in the setting screen corresponding to the value of n stored in the storage unit 110 in S108 as the confirmation screen. For example, the control unit 100 may display the setting screen corresponding to the value of n as is on the display unit 140 as the confirmation screen. Alternatively, the control unit 100 may display on the display unit 140 a confirmation screen that displays only important setting items among the setting items included in the setting screen corresponding to the value of n.

[0053] In the wizard, the control unit 100 displays a display screen of the expected maximum number of sheets required for initial setup, and then displays a confirmation screen, etc., and ends the wizard once all settings have been made.

[0054] [1.5 Example of operation] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a message displayed to the user as a result of the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 in this embodiment.

[0055] 6(a) is a diagram showing an example of a display screen W10 displayed on the display unit 140. The display screen W10 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen including a message displayed to the user when initial setup using a wizard begins. A message M10 is displayed in an area R12 of the display screen W10, informing the user that setup will begin and requesting that the user not turn off the power until setup is complete. At this time, when the user selects the Next button B10 to instruct the display of the next display screen, the display transitions from the display screen W10 to the display screen W12 shown in FIG. 6(b).

[0056] 6(b) is a diagram showing an example of a display screen W12 displayed on the display unit 140. The display screen W12 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen including a message displayed to the user during initial setup using a wizard. A message M12 prompting the user to enter an administrator password is displayed in an area R14 of the display screen W12.

[0057] Additionally, an input form F12 for entering an administrator password and an input form F14 for entering a confirmation administrator password are displayed in an area R14 of the display screen W12. If a unique password is set for the image forming apparatus 10, an input form for entering the current password may be displayed in the area R14 of the display screen W12. When the user selects the button B10, the display transitions from the display screen W12 to the display screen W14 of FIG. 6(c). When the user selects the Back button B12 to instruct the display of the previous display screen, the display transitions from the display screen W12 back to the display screen W10 of FIG. 6(a).

[0058] In this embodiment, the password entered into each input form is displayed on each display screen, but for example, the entered password may be hidden so that it cannot be seen from the display screen, specifically, it may be displayed by replacing it with another character such as "*". Also, a switch button that allows the user to switch between displaying and hiding the password may be displayed on the display screen.

[0059] 6(c) is a diagram showing an example of a display screen W14 displayed on the display unit 140. The display screen W14 is a diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen including a message displayed to the user when input of all setting items to be set in the wizard is completed. A region R16 of the display screen W14 displays a message M14 informing the user to confirm an important setting item, in this case, the administrator password.

[0060] Additionally, a message M16 is displayed in an area R16 of the display screen W14 to redisplay the set administrator password to the user. When the user selects the button B10, the display screen W14 transitions to, for example, a notification screen (confirmation screen) including a message that the wizard is ending.

[0061] [1.6 Effects, etc.] In this way, according to this embodiment, a confirmation screen can be displayed for the user to confirm the setting values ​​of important setting items during initial setup using a wizard at the time of first installation. The user can check the setting values ​​of important setting items that he or she has set using the confirmation screen without having to go back through the various display screens that are displayed during initial setup using the wizard.

[0062] That is, before the user sets the setting values ​​for all setting items, the control unit 100 determines in advance whether the setting items are important. Just before the initial setup using the wizard is completed, the setting values ​​of the setting items determined to be important by the control unit 100 can be redisplayed. The user can confirm that the setting values ​​of the important setting items that he or she input and set during the initial setup were entered as intended. The user can complete the initial setup with confidence in the setting values ​​that he or she inputted. The user does not need to perform unnecessary operations, such as going back through various display screens displayed during the initial setup, which improves the user experience.

[0063] [2. Second Embodiment] The second embodiment will be described below. In the second embodiment, the confirmation screen is not displayed when important setting items included in the setting screen are displayed at the end of the wizard or when there are only a few display screens displayed during initial setup by the wizard.

[0064] In the second embodiment, explanations of the same hardware and software configurations as those in the first embodiment will be omitted, and the explanation will focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0065] [2.1 Software Configuration] The wizard control unit 1010 performs control not to display the confirmation screen when a first non-display condition is met. Here, the first non-display condition refers to the following conditions. The number of images displayed on the display screen is below a certain number. The number of setting items is below a certain number The number of pages displayed on the display screen is less than or equal to the number of pages that the user or administrator has set as the number of pages to be hidden.

[0066] Furthermore, when a second non-display condition is met, the wizard control unit 1010 performs control to not display important setting items included in the display screen belonging to the "second half" group of the initial settings. Here, the second non-display condition means that the following condition is met when the initial settings by the wizard are completed: - The number of setting screens displayed from the time important setting items are displayed until the end of the wizard is less than a certain number. Important settings can be displayed from the confirmation screen or final settings screen with a certain number of user operations or less. The number of pages displayed on the display screen is an arbitrary number of operations or an arbitrary number of displays set by the user or administrator. In this way, after the setting screen has been displayed, confirmation screens will not be displayed for important setting items included in the setting screens going back the number of pages specified as the second non-display condition.

[0067] [2.2 Processing flow] Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating the processing flow in this embodiment. Fig. 7 replaces Fig. 5 in the first embodiment. S202 is executed between S106 and S108 in Fig. 5, and S204 and S206 are executed between S108 and S114.

[0068] When the control unit 100 determines that an important setting item is included in the setting screen, which is the nth display screen, it makes a determination based on the second non-display condition (S106; Yes → S202). For example, the second non-display condition is determined by determining whether the value of n is equal to or greater than the confirmation threshold value t1. When the value of n is equal to or greater than the confirmation threshold value t1, the control unit 100 does not store the information of the nth display screen in the storage unit 110 as a confirmation screen (S202; Yes → S204).

[0069] Here, the confirmation threshold t1 is a value for determining whether the second non-display condition is satisfied. For example, when an important setting item is included in a setting screen that is retrieved a predetermined number of minutes after the setting screen has finished being displayed, the confirmation threshold t1 is a threshold for the control unit 100 to determine that the displayed setting screen is the final group of initial settings by the wizard.

[0070] Specifically, if the planned number of images to be displayed, m, is stored in the storage unit 110, and two operations are defined as the final group, the confirmation threshold value t1 may be set as t1=m-2. Alternatively, the final group of the initial settings by the wizard may be set as t1=m / 2 (in this embodiment, decimals are rounded down) as the same group as the latter group. This allows the user to freely set the number of operations that makes it troublesome for them to go back through the setting screen, within the range defined as the latter group.

[0071] On the other hand, if the value of n is smaller than the confirmation threshold value t1, the control unit 100 stores the value of n in the storage unit 110 (S202; No→S108).

[0072] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether the initial setup using the wizard has ended (S204). In this embodiment, for example, if the XML to be read contains an attribute that is the last data, the control unit 100 determines that the initial setup using the wizard has ended based on the attribute. At this time, there may be a difference between the expected maximum number m and the number of setting screens actually displayed (the value of n at the end of the initial setup). For example, if the user selects one setting and the other setting cannot be set because the user selects not to display some setting screens or skips setting items that can be set arbitrarily, the number of setting screens displayed for each setting may differ.

[0073] After determining that the initial setup by the wizard has ended, the control unit 100 makes a determination based on the first non-display condition (S204; Yes → S206). For example, the control unit 100 determines whether the value of n is smaller than the confirmation threshold t2 as the first non-display condition. If the value of n is smaller than the confirmation threshold t2, the control unit 100 does not display the setting items included in the nth setting screen stored in the storage unit 110 on the display unit 140 (S206; Yes → End of wizard). On the other hand, if the value of n is equal to or greater than the confirmation threshold t2, the control unit 100 displays the confirmation screen on the display unit 140 (S206; No → S114).

[0074] Here, the set value of the confirmation threshold t2 is a value that determines whether the first non-display condition is met. For example, it is a value that determines whether the number of setting screens displayed in the initial setting by the wizard is less than a predetermined number. Note that the confirmation threshold t2 may be freely selected from values ​​equal to or greater than 5.

[0075] On the other hand, if the control unit 100 determines that the initial setup using the wizard has not been completed, the control unit 100 sets n=n+1 and displays the nth display screen again to display the next display screen (S204; No → S112).

[0076] Note that the above-described operational flow is an example, and some of the processing may be different. For example, the order of S204, S206, and S114 may be reversed, and the confirmation screen may be displayed in the latter half of the initial setup using the wizard. Specifically, the control unit 100 may display the confirmation screen on the display unit 140 when the following conditions are met: n=3 / 2m-x (x=2, 3, 4, ..., m / 2) and m>5.

[0077] Furthermore, if each display screen has an attribute, the second non-display condition may also be that the setting screen that can be accessed by a single user operation from the last setting screen includes a predetermined attribute in the processing of S202.

[0078] [2.3 Example of operation] As an example showing the operation of the second embodiment, when the wizard is executed under the following conditions, after the wizard is completed, only the network password is displayed to the user as an important setting item, and the administrator password is not displayed. -Maximum number of settings screens displayed in the wizard: m=5 Number of settings screens actually displayed (value of n at the end of initial settings) n=5 ·Confirmation threshold t1 is m-2=3, confirmation threshold t2=5 -As an important setting item, the administrator password is displayed on the first display screen. -Network password displayed on the fourth screen

[0079] As an example of different behavior, if you run the wizard under the following conditions, important setting items will not be displayed to the user after the wizard is completed. Note that in this example, the user chooses to skip some setting items, resulting in a difference between the planned maximum number m and the number n of sheets actually displayed on the setting screen. Maximum number of settings screens displayed in the wizard (m=10) Number of settings screens actually displayed (value of n at the end of initial settings) n=4 ·Confirmation threshold t1 is m / 2=5, confirmation threshold t2=5, -As an important setting item, the administrator password is displayed on the first display screen. -Network password displayed on the fourth screen

[0080] [2.4 Effects, etc.] According to this embodiment, if an important setting item included in the setting screen is displayed towards the end of the initial setup by the wizard, a confirmation screen will not be displayed to the user. Also, if there is little content (display screen) displayed during the initial setup by the wizard, a confirmation screen will not be displayed to the user. The user will not feel bothered by the wizard display screen, and the user experience will be improved.

[0081] 3. Third Embodiment The third embodiment will be described below. The third embodiment is an embodiment for checking important setting item elements all at once.

[0082] In the third embodiment, the description of the same hardware and software configurations as those in the first embodiment will be omitted, and the description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0083] [3.1 Software Configuration] The wizard control unit 1010 controls the display of a setting screen including one or more setting items on the display unit 140. Here, the wizard control unit 1010 reads one or more setting items stored in the system setting storage area 1110 and creates a setting screen including the setting items. For example, the wizard control unit 1010 creates one or more setting items based on one or more display screen templates stored in advance in the storage unit 110.

[0084] Here, the display screen template is a template used by the wizard control unit 1010 to generate a display screen. For example, it is created by any known method using a markup language such as XML or HTML. Specifically, the wizard control unit 1010 creates the display screen by generating messages, input forms, etc. using tags based on data read in, such as the value of n and one or more setting items and setting values ​​of the setting items stored in the system setting storage area 1110.

[0085] In the first embodiment, the wizard control unit 1010 switches the display screen by switching the display for each page. In this embodiment, it is possible to read a page for each step value and dynamically generate a page. Furthermore, when generating a page, the wizard control unit 1010 can include multiple setting items (important setting items) instead of just one.

[0086] An example of system settings stored in the system setting storage area 1110 will now be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 replaces Fig. 4 of the first embodiment. What differs from Fig. 4 of the first embodiment is that a predetermined step (e.g., "8") is stored as a value indicating the order in which setting items are displayed on the setting screen. Note that the step value may be the same for multiple setting items.

[0087] [3.2 Processing flow] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating the processing flow in this embodiment. Fig. 9 replaces Fig. 5 of the first embodiment. Instead of S104, S106, S108, S110, and S114 in Fig. 5, S302, S304, S306, S308, and S310 are executed, respectively.

[0088] Note that n indicates the stage of the initial setup in the initial setup by the wizard. In this embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, specifically, n indicates how many times the control unit 100 has read the value of step stored in the system setting storage area 1110.

[0089] The control unit 100 displays a display screen n on the display unit 140 (S302). The display screen n is, for example, a display screen that the control unit 100 reads and displays for the nth time one or more setting items stored in the system setting storage area 1110. Specifically, depending on the value of n, the control unit 100 creates one or more setting items corresponding to the value of step stored in the system setting storage area 1110 based on a display screen template, and displays it on the display unit 140 as a single setting screen.

[0090] For example, when n=8, the control unit 100 reads the setting item for which the step is set to "8" stored in the system setting storage area 1110 and generates a display screen. Specifically, a setting screen including the administrator password and the network password can be displayed on the display unit 140.

[0091] Furthermore, when n=12, the control unit 100 can display a setting screen including IP filtering on the display unit 140. In this way, by making the step values ​​of related setting items the same, related setting items can be displayed on the same setting screen.

[0092] Furthermore, the control unit 100 may further display a notification screen. The timing at which the control unit 100 displays the setting screen may be, for example, at the beginning and / or end of the wizard, or may be in the middle of the setting screen.

[0093] The control unit 100 determines whether or not the setting screen includes predetermined setting items (for example, important setting items) as an important condition (S304). If the setting screen includes important setting items, the important setting items are stored in the storage unit 110 (S304; Yes → S306).

[0094] On the other hand, if the setting screen does not include any important setting items, the control unit 100 does not store the important setting items in the storage unit 110 (S304; No→S308).

[0095] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether the initial setup using the wizard has ended (S308). As a method for determining whether the initial setup using the wizard has ended, for example, the control unit 100 may determine that the initial setup has ended when the value of n becomes equal to the maximum value m of the step value, where m is the maximum value of the step value stored in the system setting storage area 1110. When the control unit 100 determines that the initial setup using the wizard has ended, it displays a confirmation screen including all important setting items stored in the storage unit 110 on the display unit 140 (S308; Yes→S310).

[0096] [3.3 Example of operation] 10(a) is a diagram showing an example of a display screen W30 displayed on the display unit 140. The display screen W30 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen including a message displayed to the user after initial setup using a wizard has started. A message M32 is displayed in an area R32 of the display screen W30, prompting the user to enter an administrator password and a network password.

[0097] Additionally, an area R32 of the display screen W30 displays an input form F30 for entering an administrator password, an input form F32 for entering an administrator password for confirmation, an input form F34 for entering a network password, and an input form F36 for entering a network password for confirmation. When the user selects button B10, the display transitions from the display screen W30 to the display screen W32 shown in FIG. 10(b).

[0098] 10(b) is a diagram showing an example of a display screen W32 displayed on the display unit 140. The display screen W32 is a diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen including a message displayed to the user when input of all setting items to be set in the wizard is completed. In an area R34 of the display screen W32, a message M14 is displayed informing the user to confirm important setting items, in this case, the administrator password and network password.

[0099] Additionally, an area R34 on the display screen W32 displays a message M34 that reiterates to the user the administrator password and network password that have already been set. When the user selects button B10, the display screen W32 transitions to display a notification screen that includes, for example, a message indicating that the initial setup using the wizard is complete.

[0100] In this embodiment, the important setting items are the administrator password and the network password, but they may also be security-related text information that the user can set at will, such as a secret question (password) for resetting the administrator password, or multiple administrator passwords if there are multiple administrators.

[0101] [3.4 Effects, etc.] In this way, according to this embodiment, it is possible to check the elements (setting values) of important setting items all at once. The user can complete the initial setup with confidence that the setting values ​​of the setting items that he or she has inputted are correct. In other words, the user experience is improved.

[0102] [4. Fourth Embodiment] The fourth embodiment will be described below. The fourth embodiment is an embodiment in which a user is prompted to re-input important setting items that have been re-displayed, and when the setting values ​​for the re-input important setting items differ from the setting values ​​that were previously input, that is, when an important setting item that has been input incorrectly is input, a reset screen is displayed to allow the user to reset the setting values.

[0103] In the fourth embodiment, the description of the same hardware and software configurations as those of the first embodiment will be omitted, and the description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0104] [4.1 Processing flow] Fig. 11 is a diagram for explaining the processing flow in this embodiment. Fig. 11 replaces Fig. 5 of the first embodiment. After S110 in Fig. 5, S402, S404, and S406 are executed.

[0105] When the control unit 100 determines that the initial setup by the wizard has ended, it displays a re-input screen on the display unit 140 (S110; Yes → S402). Here, the re-input screen is, for example, a confirmation screen that prompts the user to re-input important setting items included in the nth screen stored in the storage unit 110.

[0106] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether the setting value of the important setting item input by the user is the same as the setting value of the important setting item previously input (S404).

[0107] Here, if the setting value of the important setting item input by the user differs from the setting value of the important setting item previously input, the control unit 100 displays a reset screen on the display unit 140 that allows the user to reset the setting value of the important setting item (S404; No → S406).

[0108] Here, the control unit 100 may display on the re-input screen a button or the like for transitioning the display screen to a reset screen where the user can reset the important setting items. Furthermore, when the setting value of an important setting item is incorrect one or more times, the control unit 100 may notify the user that the setting value is incorrect.

[0109] On the other hand, if the setting value of the important setting item input by the user is the same as the setting value of the important setting item previously input, the control unit 100 terminates the wizard, assuming that all settings have been made (S404; Yes → End Wizard).

[0110] [4.2 Example of operation] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an operation displayed to the user as a result of the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 in this embodiment.

[0111] 12(a) is a diagram showing an example of a display screen W40 displayed on the display unit 140. The display screen W40 is a diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen including a message displayed to the user when input of all setting items to be set in the wizard is completed. In an area R42 of the display screen W40, a message M14 is displayed informing the user that an important setting item, in this case the administrator password, should be confirmed.

[0112] Additionally, an input form F40 is displayed in an area R42 of the display screen W40, which redisplays the administrator password to the user and allows the user to re-enter it. When the user selects a Next button B40 to instruct the display of the next display screen, the control unit 100 executes a determination by comparing the setting values ​​of the important setting items input in the input form F40 with the setting values ​​of the important setting items previously input.

[0113] If the setting values ​​of the important setting items entered in input form F40 are the same as the setting values ​​of the important setting items previously entered, the control unit 100 transitions the display screen W40 to display, for example, a notification screen including a message indicating that the initial settings by the wizard are complete. If the setting values ​​of the important setting items entered in input form F40 differ from the setting values ​​of the important setting items previously entered, the display transitions from display screen W40 to display screen W42 of FIG. 12(b).

[0114] 12(b) is a diagram showing an example of a display screen W42 displayed on the display unit 140. The display screen W42 is a diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen including a message that is displayed to the user when the user inputs an administrator password in the input form F40, selects button B40, and the administrator password that the user inputs in the input form F40 and the administrator password that the user previously inputs is incorrect one or more times.

[0115] In area R44 of display screen W42, a message M42 is displayed informing the user that the setting value of an important setting item, in this case the setting value of the administrator password, is incorrect. When the user selects the Reset button B42 to instruct the display of a reset screen, the display transitions from display screen W42 to display screen W44 of FIG. 12(c).

[0116] 12(c) is a diagram showing an example of a display screen W44 displayed on the display unit 140. The display screen W44 is a diagram showing an example of a reset screen including a message displayed to the user when the user selects the button B42 to reset the administrator password.

[0117] Area R46 of display screen W44 displays message M44 notifying the user that the setting value of an important setting item, in this case the administrator password setting value, can be reset. Area R46 of display screen W44 displays input form F42 for entering a new password and input form F44 for entering the new password for confirmation. The user enters a new administrator password in input form F42 and input form F44. Next, when the user selects button B44, setting of the new administrator password is completed, and display screen W44 transitions to display a notification screen, for example, containing a message indicating that initial setup using the wizard is complete.

[0118] In this embodiment, the number of important setting items to be re-input is one, but there may be more than one. For example, the control unit 100 may display on the display unit 140 (display screen W42) a button for transitioning to a reset screen for each important setting item to be re-input. Alternatively, the control unit 100 may transition to a different display screen each time resetting of one important setting item is completed, and sequentially display reset screens on the display unit 140. Furthermore, the control unit 100 may display on the display unit 140 a reset screen that allows resetting of multiple important setting items at once.

[0119] [4.3 Effects, etc.] In this way, according to this embodiment, the user can check whether the setting values ​​of important setting items have been correctly memorized. If the user has not correctly memorized the setting values ​​of important setting items, the setting values ​​of important setting items can be reset without having to go back to the display screen, improving the user experience.

[0120] [5. Modifications] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible. In other words, embodiments obtained by combining technical means that are appropriately modified within the scope of the present disclosure are also included in the technical scope.

[0121] In the above-described embodiment, an image forming apparatus has been described as an example of an information processing apparatus. However, the information processing apparatus can be applied to other devices. For example, examples of the information processing apparatus may include information processing apparatuses such as smartphones and tablets. It may also be home appliances equipped with IoT functions (e.g., air conditioners, refrigerators, televisions, etc.). It is not limited to stationary devices, and may also be, for example, portable devices or in-vehicle devices. For example, the in-vehicle device may be a device such as a car navigation system.

[0122] Although the above-mentioned embodiments are described separately for convenience of explanation, they can be combined to the extent possible. Furthermore, the present invention intends to obtain rights to any of the technologies described in the specification through amendments or divisional applications, etc.

[0123] In addition, the programs that run on each device in each embodiment are programs that control the CPU, etc. (programs that make a computer function) so as to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments. Information handled by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (e.g., RAM) during processing, and then stored in various ROMs and HDDs, and is read, modified, and written by the CPU as needed.

[0124] Here, the recording medium for storing the program may be any of semiconductor media (e.g., ROM, non-volatile memory card, etc.), optical recording media / magneto-optical recording media (e.g., DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), CD (Compact Disc), BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc), etc.), magnetic recording media (e.g., magnetic tape, flexible disk, etc.), etc.

[0125] Furthermore, when distributing the program in the market, the program can be stored in a portable recording medium and distributed, or transferred to a server computer connected via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the storage device of the server device is also included in the present disclosure.

[0126] Furthermore, the above-mentioned data may not be stored within the device, but may be stored in an external device and called up as needed. For example, the data may be stored in a network attached storage (NAS) or on the cloud.

[0127] The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the configurations explicitly described in the specification, but also includes combinations of the technologies disclosed in the specification. The configurations of the present disclosure for which a patent is sought are set forth in the appended claims, but it is not intended to exclude them from the technical scope on the grounds that they are not set forth in the claims.

[0128] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned specification, the statements "in the case of" and "when" are given as examples and are not intended to limit the configuration to the described contents. The disclosure also includes configurations that are not in these cases or situations, even if they would be obvious to a person skilled in the art, and the applicant intends to obtain rights to them.

[0129] Furthermore, the processes and data flows described in the specification are not limited to the order in which they are described. For example, the patent also discloses configurations in which some processes are deleted or the order is changed, and the patent holder intends to obtain the rights to such configurations.

[0130] Furthermore, although the functions described in the embodiments are executed by each device, they may be realized by one device or may further utilize an external server.

[0131] Furthermore, each functional block or feature of the device used in the above-described embodiments may be implemented or performed by an electrical circuit, for example, an integrated circuit or multiple integrated circuits. The electrical circuit designed to perform the functions described herein may include a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or a combination thereof. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or a conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The electrical circuit may be composed of digital circuits or analog circuits. Furthermore, as advances in semiconductor technology emerge, one or more aspects of the present disclosure may utilize new integrated circuits based on that technology. [Explanation of symbols]

[0132] 10 Image forming device 100 control section 110 Storage section 112 Storage 114 ROM 116 RAM 140 Display section 150 Operation section 160 Image forming unit 165 Image reading unit 170 Communications Department

Claims

1. a control unit that controls sequential display of setting screens including setting items; a display unit that sequentially displays the setting screens; a determination unit that determines whether a setting item included in the setting screen is an important setting item, The control unit, based on the determination by the determination unit that the setting items included in the setting screen are important setting items, displays a confirmation screen including the important setting items on the display unit after finishing displaying the setting screens sequentially.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the determining unit determines that the setting items included in the setting screen are the important setting items based on a preset condition.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the condition is that the setting item includes text information relating to security as a setting value.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit does not display the confirmation screen when the number of the setting screens is less than a predetermined number.

5. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein, after the control unit has finished sequentially displaying the setting screens, the control unit does not display the confirmation screen for the important setting items included in the setting screen that is a predetermined number of minutes back.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein one or more of the important setting items are displayed on the confirmation screen.

7. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit, based on the determination by the determination unit that a setting item included in the setting screen is an important setting item, displays a display screen on the display unit that prompts the user to re-input the important setting item after the setting screen has been displayed sequentially.

8. 8. The information processing device according to claim 7, wherein the control unit, when the important setting item re-input by the user is different from the value of the important setting item previously input, displays a display screen on the display unit for resetting the important setting item.

9. a control step of performing control to sequentially display setting screens including setting items; a determination step of determining whether a setting item included in the setting screen is an important setting item; a display step of displaying a confirmation screen including the important setting items on a display unit after sequentially displaying the setting screens based on the determination that the setting items included in the setting screens are important setting items in the determination step; Display methods including.

Images