Image processing device

Abstract

To provide an image processing device, screen display method and program which can improve the convenience of a user operation when a plurality of selection keys are associated with one identification information.SOLUTION: When a card number of an IC card is read in a state where a home screen 41 is displayed on an operation panel, a shortcut display screen 44 including a shortcut key 61 corresponding to the whole registration data associated with the read card number is displayed on the operation panel. When the card number of the IC card is read in a state where a copy mode screen 42, a scan mode screen 43 or a fax mode screen about a specific function is displayed on the operation panel, a function-limited shortcut display screen 46 including the shortcut key 61 corresponding to the registration data including the setting about the specific function is displayed on the operation panel.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing device such as a multi-function peripheral (MFP), a screen display method executed in the image processing device, and a program installed in a computer of the image processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, some image processing devices, such as scanners, printers, and multifunction devices, have shortcut functions. In these image processing devices, settings for various functions, such as scanning, are registered in advance, and the registered settings are called up when a function is executed.

[0003] A configuration has been proposed in which a card storing identification information is used to call up this setting information (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this configuration, function settings are registered in association with the identification information, and when the identification information is read from the card by a card reader provided in the image processing device, the settings associated with the identification information are called up and the function is executed according to the settings. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-10059 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the case where the identification information of a card and the settings relating to the functions are in one-to-one correspondence, when the identification information is read from the card, one setting associated with that identification information is read out.

[0006] However, when multiple settings are associated with one identification information, the multiple settings are called up when the identification information is read from the card, so it becomes necessary to, for example, display shortcut keys corresponding to each setting on a display device and allow the user to select a setting to use for executing a function. In this case, the more settings are associated with one identification information, the more shortcut keys are displayed on the display device, so it takes time for the user to select a desired shortcut key from the many shortcut keys, which makes user operation inconvenient.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing device, a screen display method, and a program that can improve the convenience of user operations when multiple selection keys are associated with one piece of identification information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an image processing device according to one aspect of the present invention is an image processing device capable of executing multiple functions, and comprises a function execution unit that selectively executes the multiple functions, an information reading unit that reads identification information from an external medium, a display unit, a memory unit, and a control unit, wherein the memory unit stores first display information relating to a first screen including N (N: a positive integer greater than or equal to 2) selection keys corresponding to the identification information, and second display information relating to a second screen including M (M: a positive integer smaller than N) selection keys corresponding to the identification information, and when the information reading unit determines that the display unit is displaying a standby screen when reading the identification information from the medium, the control unit causes the display unit to display the first screen based on the first display information stored in the memory unit corresponding to the identification information, and when the information reading unit determines that the display unit is displaying a screen related to a specific function among the multiple functions when reading the identification information from the medium, the control unit causes the display unit to display the second screen based on the second display information stored in the memory unit corresponding to the identification information.

[0009] According to this configuration, when the identification information of the medium is read while the standby screen is displayed on the display unit, a first screen including N selection keys is displayed on the display unit based on the first display information associated with the read identification information. Further, when the identification information of the medium is read while a screen related to a specific function is displayed on the display unit, a second screen including M selection keys fewer than N is displayed on the display unit based on the second display information associated with the read identification information.

[0010] When the standby screen was being displayed on the display unit when the identification information of the medium was read, a first screen including N selection keys more than M is displayed on the display unit, so the degree of freedom of selection of the selection keys by the user is high. On the other hand, when a screen related to a specific function was being displayed on the display unit when the identification information of the medium was read, a second screen including M selection keys fewer than N is displayed on the display unit, so it is easy for the user to select one selection key.

[0011] Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience of user operations when a plurality of selection keys are associated with one identification information.

[0012] If all of the N selection keys are related to the same function (for example, the copy function), as a result, there may be a case where M = N. The present invention does not exclude a form in which such a case can occur. That is, the present invention includes at least a case where a plurality of shortcuts are registered and all of the N selection keys are not related to the same function, and is configured such that M < N.

[0013] The standby screen is a screen at a higher level than the first screen and the second screen.

[0014] Note that the present invention can be realized not only in the form of an image processing apparatus, but also, for example, in the form of a screen display method executed by an image processing apparatus and a program installed in a computer of the image processing apparatus.

Effects of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the convenience of user operations when a plurality of selection keys are associated with one identification information.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of an MFP according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] It is a diagram (Part 1) showing an example of registered data with a shortcut registered. [Figure 2B] It is a diagram (Part 2) showing an example of registered data with a shortcut registered. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing an example of setting registered data to be preferentially used. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing the transition of the display screen of the operation panel. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing the flow of the main loop process. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing the flow of the favorite process. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing the flow of the favorite call process. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing the flow of the favorite process according to a modification example. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing the flow of the favorite call process according to a modification example.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0018] <Electrical Configuration of MFP> The MFP1 (an example of an image processing device) shown in FIG. 1 has multiple functions. The multiple functions are broadly categorized into a print function, a scan function, a copy function, and a fax function. The print function is a function for forming an image related to image data on a sheet. The scan function is a function for reading an image and generating image data. The copy function is a function for reading an image and forming the image on a sheet. The fax function is a function for sending and receiving image data of an image formed on a sheet to and from an external device.

[0019] The scanning function includes, as its detailed functions, a standard scanning function that scans an image and generates image data and sends it to an external device such as a PC (personal computer) or a USB (universal serial bus) device, as well as a scan-to-mail function that attaches the image data to an email and sends it to an external device. The copying function includes, as its detailed functions, a color copying function that scans an image in color and forms a color image on a sheet, and a monochrome copying function that scans an image in monochrome and forms a monochrome image on a sheet. The copying function also includes an aggregate copying function that scans multiple images and aggregates the multiple images onto a sheet. The fax function includes, as its detailed functions, a standard fax function that sends and receives image data to and from an external device via a public telephone line, as well as an Internet fax function that attaches image data to an email and sends and receives it to and from an external device.

[0020] In order to perform these various functions, the MFP1 is equipped with an image forming unit 11 (an example of a function execution unit), an image reading unit 12 (an example of a function execution unit), a LAN (Local Area Network) interface 13, a FAX interface 14 (an example of a function execution unit), and a USB interface 15.

[0021] Image forming unit 11 is a mechanism that forms an image on a sheet transported along a transport path inside a housing that forms the outer shell of MFP 1. The method of image formation by image forming unit 11 may be an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method.

[0022] The image reading unit 12 is a mechanism that uses an image sensor to read an original document placed on a contact glass supported by the housing and generate image data of the original document. The image reading method by the image reading unit 12 may be a method of reading an original document passing over the contact glass, or a method of reading an original document stationary on the contact glass.

[0023] The LAN interface 13 includes a circuit for network communication via the LAN 3. The LAN 3 may be configured as a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, or both a wired LAN and a wireless LAN. The LAN 3 is connected to the Internet 4, and the MFP 1 can communicate with a server 5 located on the Internet 4 via the LAN 3 and the Internet 4.

[0024] The FAX interface 14 is an interface for connecting to a public telephone line that is normally used for the FAX function, and includes a modem with a built-in NCU (Network Control Unit).

[0025] The USB interface 15 is an interface for data communication with a USB device.

[0026] The MFP 1 also includes an operation panel 16 (an example of a display unit) and an NFC (Near Field Communication) interface 17 (an example of an information reading unit).

[0027] Operation panel 16 is a touch panel, and is disposed on the outside of the housing so that it can be operated and viewed by the user. Images of various information, buttons, and the like are displayed on operation panel 16. When the user presses a button displayed on operation panel 16, the pressing operation is accepted by operation panel 16, and a signal corresponding to the pressing operation is output from operation panel 16.

[0028] The NFC interface 17 is an interface for wireless communication using NFC. NFC is a wireless communication technology that complies with international standards such as ISO / IEC 14443 and ISO / IEC 18092, and uses a communication frequency band of 13.56 MHz. The NFC interface 17 has a touch unit that is disposed on the outside of the housing. When an IC card 6 (an example of a medium) having an NFC wireless communication function is touched (brought close to or into contact with) the touch unit, NFC communication is established between the IC card 6 and the NFC interface 17, enabling data communication.

[0029] The MFP 1 includes an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 21, a data-rewritable nonvolatile memory 22 (an example of a storage unit) such as a flash memory or an E2PROM, and a volatile memory 23 such as an SDRAM. The image forming unit 11, the image reading unit 12, the LAN interface 13, the FAX interface 14, the USB interface 15, the operation panel 16, the NFC interface 17, the ASIC 21, the nonvolatile memory 22, and the volatile memory 23 are connected via a bus 24 so as to be able to communicate data with each other.

[0030] The ASIC 21 incorporates a CPU 25 (an example of a control unit). The CPU 25 executes programs for various processes based on signals input to the ASIC 21, thereby controlling the image forming unit 11, the image reading unit 12, the LAN interface 13, the FAX interface 14, the USB interface 15, the operation panel 16, the NFC interface 17, and other units.

[0031] The nonvolatile memory 22 stores programs executed by the CPU 25, various data, and the like.

[0032] The volatile memory 23 is used as a work area when the CPU 25 executes a program.

[0033] <Shortcut registration> The MFP 1 has a shortcut function. This allows the user to register settings for various functions, such as the scan function, in advance in the nonvolatile memory 22 (hereinafter referred to as "shortcut registration") and then call up the shortcut-registered settings when executing a function. Shortcut registration can be performed, for example, on the website of a server (EWS: Embedded Web Server) built into the MFP 1 using a web browser on a user terminal such as a PC (Personal Computer) or tablet.

[0034] 2A and 2B, the registration data for the shortcut is stored in the nonvolatile memory 22 in association with the card number of the IC card 6 used by the user. The card number is a number unique to the IC card 6 and is identification information for the IC card 6.

[0035] 2A and 2B, as the registration data for registration number "1," settings related to the normal fax function of the fax function, a display name "To_ALEX" that is displayed together with shortcut key 61 (see FIG. 4) on operation panel 16, and a one-touch call setting of "off" are stored in non-volatile memory 22 in association with card number "1001." The one-touch call setting is a setting for whether or not a function registered as a shortcut is executed without pressing start key 71 (see FIG. 4); if set to "on," the function is executed without pressing start key 71, and if set to "off," pressing start key 71 is required to execute the function.

[0036] Additionally, as registration data for registration number "2," settings related to the Internet fax function of the fax function, the display name "To_BOB" displayed together with the shortcut key 61 on the operation panel 16, and a one-touch call setting of "off" are stored in the nonvolatile memory 22 in association with the card number "1001."

[0037] As the registration data for registration number "3", the settings relating to the color copy function of the copy function, the display name "COLOR" displayed together with the shortcut key 61 on the operation panel 16, and the one-touch call setting "ON" are stored in the nonvolatile memory 22 in association with the card number "1001".

[0038] As the registration data for registration number "4," in association with card number "1001," settings related to the monochrome copy function of the copy function, the display name "2SIDE" displayed together with the shortcut key 61 on the operation panel 16, and a one-touch call setting of "OFF" are stored in the nonvolatile memory 22. The settings related to the monochrome copy function include a setting for forming images on both sides of a sheet.

[0039] As the registration data for registration number "5", settings relating to the scan mail function of the scan function, the display name "To_ME" displayed together with the shortcut key 61 on the operation panel 16, and the one-touch call setting "off" are stored in the non-volatile memory 22 in association with the card number "1001".

[0040] As the registration data for registration number "6," in association with card number "1001," settings related to the combined copy function of the copy function, the display name "2IN1" displayed together with shortcut key 61 on operation panel 16, and a setting of one-touch call "off" are stored in nonvolatile memory 22. The settings related to the combined copy function include a setting for combining and forming images of two originals on one side of a sheet.

[0041] As the registration data for registration number "7", settings related to the scan-to-mail function of the scan function, the display name "EMAIL_To_ME" displayed together with the shortcut key 61 on the operation panel 16, and the one-touch call setting of "off" are stored in the non-volatile memory 22 in association with the card number "1002".

[0042] As the registration data for registration number "8", the settings for the scan mail function of the scan function, the display name "EMAIL_To_ALEX" displayed together with the shortcut key 61 on the operation panel 16, and the one-touch call setting "off" are stored in the non-volatile memory 22 in correspondence with the card number "1002".

[0043] As the registration data for registration number "9", the settings relating to the color copy function of the copy function, the display name "MY_COPY" displayed together with the shortcut key 61 on the operation panel 16, and the one-touch call setting "ON" are stored in the non-volatile memory 22 in association with the card number "1003".

[0044] <Priority registration> In the MFP 1, it is possible to set in advance which registered data is to be used preferentially when multiple registered data are registered as shortcuts in association with the card number of one IC card 6. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 3, no registered data is set as a preferred registered data for card number "1001" and card number "1003," and card number "1002" is set as a preferred registered data for registration number "7."

[0045] <Screen transition> 4, a plurality of screens are displayed in a switching manner on the operation panel 16. The screens displayed on the operation panel 16 include a home screen 41 (an example of a standby screen), a copy mode screen 42 (an example of a screen related to a specific function), a scan mode screen 43 (an example of a screen related to a specific function), a shortcut display screen 44 (an example of a first screen), a setting content display screen 45 (an example of an execution screen), and a function-limited shortcut display screen 46 (an example of a second screen).

[0046] On the home screen 41, function keys 51 corresponding to each of the broadly categorized functions, such as scan, copy, and fax functions, and setting keys 52 that are pressed to configure settings related to the MFP 1, are displayed in the form of icons. The home screen 41 can also display shortcut keys 61 arbitrarily selected by the user. A plurality of basic keys 53 and a plurality of custom keys 54 are displayed horizontally at the bottom of the home screen 41. When the basic key 53 is pressed, the function keys 51 and setting keys 52 that were set when the MFP 1 was shipped from the factory are displayed on the home screen 41. When the custom key 54 is pressed, a list of shortcut keys 61 corresponding to all registered data for which shortcuts have been registered is displayed. When the shortcut keys 61 corresponding to all registered data are displayed across multiple screens, the screens can be switched by selectively pressing the custom keys 54.

[0047] The copy mode screen 42 is a screen that is displayed in response to pressing the function key 51 corresponding to the copy function on the home screen 41. The copy mode screen 42 displays items that can be set in the copy function, and the user can set each item.

[0048] The scan mode screen 43 is a screen that is displayed in response to pressing the function key 51 corresponding to the scan function on the home screen 41. The scan mode screen 43 displays items that can be set for the scan function, and the user can set each item.

[0049] Although not shown, when the function key 51 corresponding to the fax function is pressed on the home screen 41, the display screen of the operation panel 16 switches from the home screen 41 to a fax mode screen on which the items that can be set for the fax function are displayed.

[0050] The shortcut display screen 44 is a screen that is displayed in response to the IC card 6 being touched to the touch section of the NFC interface 17 when multiple pieces of registered shortcut data are stored in the nonvolatile memory 22 in association with the card number of one IC card 6 and no preferentially used registered data has been set. The shortcut display screen 44 displays shortcut keys 61 (an example of a key that is selectively operated to input information related to a specific function) corresponding to each piece of registered shortcut data, arranged in a matrix. Note that "input related to a specific function" refers to at least one of selection, selection item, and detailed selection related to the specific function.

[0051] The setting content display screen 45 is displayed when the settings for each item are completed on the copy mode screen 42, the scan mode screen 43, or the like, or when the IC card 6 is touched to the touch section of the NFC interface 17 in a case where only one piece of registered data is stored in the nonvolatile memory 22 in association with the card number of the IC card 6, or when preferentially used registered data is set in association with the card number of the IC card 6. The setting content display screen 45 displays a list of settings related to the function to be executed when the scan, copy, or fax function is executed. The setting content display screen 45 also displays a start key 71 (an example of an execution key) in the lower right corner of the setting content display screen 45, which commands the execution of the scan, copy, or fax function. When the start key 71 is pressed, the function is executed according to the content displayed on the setting content display screen 45, and the display screen of the operation panel 16 switches from the setting content display screen 45 to a function execution screen (not shown). If the IC card 6 is touched to the touch section of the NFC interface 17 while the setting content display screen 45 is being displayed or before that, a shortcut registration key 72 is displayed in the upper right corner of the setting content display screen 45. When the shortcut registration key 72 is pressed, the content displayed on the setting content display screen 45 is associated with the card number of the IC card 6 as registration data and registered as a shortcut.

[0052] The function-limited shortcut display screen 46 is displayed when a function key 51 corresponding to the scan function, copy function, or fax function is pressed on the home screen 41 to display the copy mode screen 42, scan mode screen 43, or fax mode screen, and then the IC card 6 is touched to the touch portion of the NFC interface 17 while the copy mode screen 42, scan mode screen 43, or fax mode screen is displayed. The function-limited shortcut display screen 46 extracts registration data (an example of second display information) containing settings for the function corresponding to the function key 51 pressed on the home screen 41 from registration data stored in the nonvolatile memory 22 in association with the card number of the IC card 6, and displays shortcut keys 61 (an example of selection keys) corresponding to the extracted registration data in a matrix. For example, if the IC card 6 is touched to the touch portion of the NFC interface 17 while the copy mode screen 42 is displayed, registration data for the copy function is extracted from registration data stored in the nonvolatile memory 22 in association with the card number of the IC card 6, and displays shortcut keys 61 corresponding to the extracted registration data in a matrix. The function-limited shortcut display screen 46 also displays an all-display key 81. When the all display key 81 is pressed, the display screen of the operation panel 16 is switched from a function limited shortcut display screen 46 to a shortcut display screen 44, and shortcut keys 61 corresponding to each registered data stored in the nonvolatile memory 22 in association with the card number of the IC card 6 are displayed in a matrix.

[0053] <Main loop processing> In order to transition the screen displayed on the operation panel 16, the CPU 25 of the ASIC 21 executes the main loop process shown in FIG.

[0054] In the main loop process, the CPU 25 determines whether or not the IC card 6 has been touched to the touch section of the NFC interface 17 (S1).

[0055] When the IC card 6 is touched to the touch section of the NFC interface 17, the card number is read from the IC card 6 to the NFC interface 17 through NFC communication between the IC card 6 and the NFC interface 17. When the CPU 25 determines that the IC card 6 has been touched (S1: YES), it stores the card number read from the IC card 6 by the NFC interface 17 in the volatile memory 23 (S2).

[0056] Thereafter, the CPU 25 executes a favorites process (S3), which will be described later.

[0057] On the other hand, if the CPU 25 determines that the IC card 6 is not touching the touch section of the NFC interface 17 (S1: NO), it determines whether any of the keys displayed on the operation panel 16 has been pressed (S4).If the CPU 25 determines that no key has been pressed (S4: NO), it again determines whether the IC card 6 has touched the touch section of the NFC interface 17 (S1).

[0058] When the CPU 25 determines that any of the keys displayed on the operation panel 16 has been pressed (S4: YES), it determines whether the pressed key is a custom key 54 on the home screen 41 (S5). When the CPU 25 determines that the pressed key is a custom key 54 (S5: YES), it causes the operation panel 16 to display a list of all registered data for which shortcuts are registered (S6).

[0059] If the CPU 25 determines that the pressed key is not a custom key 54 (S5: NO), that is, if a key other than the custom key 54 is pressed, it determines whether or not the pressed key is the all display key 81 of the function-limited shortcut display screen 46 (S7). If the CPU 25 determines that the pressed key is the all display key 81 (S7: YES), it causes the operation panel 16 to display the shortcut display screen 44 in which shortcut keys 61 corresponding to each piece of registration data (an example of first display information) linked to the card number of the IC card 6 and stored in the nonvolatile memory 22 are arranged in a matrix (S8).

[0060] If the CPU 25 determines that the pressed key is not the all display key 81 (S7: NO), that is, if a key other than the custom key 54 and the all display key 81 is pressed, it determines whether or not the pressed key is the start key 71 on the setting content display screen 45 (S9). If the CPU 25 determines that the pressed key is the start key 71 (S9: YES), it controls the image forming unit 11 or the image reading unit 12, etc., so that the function displayed on the setting content display screen 45 is executed (S10).

[0061] If the CPU 25 determines that the pressed key is not the start key 71 (S9: NO), that is, if a key other than the custom key 54, the start key 71, and the all display key 81 is pressed, the CPU 25 updates the display screen of the operation panel 16 to a screen corresponding to the pressed key (S11).

[0062] <Favorites processing> The flow of the favorites process executed in step S3 of FIG. 5 is shown in FIG.

[0063] In the favorites process, the CPU 25 determines whether the copy mode screen 42 is being displayed on the operation panel 16 (S301).

[0064] When the IC card 6 is touched to the touch section of the NFC interface 17 while the copy mode screen 42 is displayed on the operation panel 16, the CPU 25 determines that the screen displayed on the operation panel 16 is the copy mode screen 42 (S301: YES). In this case, the CPU 25 marks, from among the registered data registered as shortcuts in the nonvolatile memory 22, the registered data that includes settings related to the copy function as favorite call data (S302). For example, in the example shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the registered data with registration numbers "3," "4," "6," and "9" are marked as favorite call data.

[0065] When CPU 25 determines that copy mode screen 42 is not currently being displayed on operation panel 16 (S301: NO), CPU 25 determines whether scan mode screen 43 is currently being displayed (S303).

[0066] When the IC card 6 is touched to the touch section of the NFC interface 17 while the scan mode screen 43 is displayed on the operation panel 16, the CPU 25 determines that the screen displayed on the operation panel 16 is the scan mode screen 43 (S303: YES). In this case, the CPU 25 marks, from among the registered data registered as shortcuts in the nonvolatile memory 22, the registered data that includes settings related to the scan function as favorite call data (S304). For example, in the example shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the registered data with registration numbers "5," "7," and "8" are marked as favorite call data.

[0067] When the CPU 25 determines that the scan mode screen 43 is not currently being displayed on the operation panel 16 (S303: NO), it determines whether or not the fax mode screen is currently being displayed (S305).

[0068] When the IC card 6 is touched to the touch section of the NFC interface 17 while the fax mode screen is displayed on the operation panel 16, the CPU 25 determines that the screen displayed on the operation panel 16 is the fax mode screen (S305: YES). In this case, the CPU 25 marks, from among the registered data registered as shortcuts in the nonvolatile memory 22, the registered data that includes settings related to the fax function as favorite call data (S306). For example, in the example shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the registered data with registration numbers "1" and "2" are marked as favorite call data.

[0069] When the CPU 25 determines that the fax screen is not currently being displayed on the operation panel 16 (S305: NO), the CPU 25 determines whether the home screen 41 is currently being displayed (S307).

[0070] When the IC card 6 is touched to the touch section of the NFC interface 17 while the home screen 41 is displayed on the operation panel 16, the CPU 25 determines that the screen displayed on the operation panel 16 is the home screen 41 (S307: YES). In this case, the CPU 25 determines whether or not registration data to be used preferentially is set for the card number stored in the volatile memory 23 (S308).

[0071] When the CPU 25 determines that no registered data is set to be used preferentially for the card number stored in the volatile memory 23 (S308: YES), it marks all registered data as favorite call data (S309). For example, in the example shown in Figures 2A and 2B, all registered data with registration numbers "1" to "9" are marked as favorite call data.

[0072] When the CPU 25 determines that the registration data to be used preferentially is set for the card number stored in the volatile memory 23 (S308: NO), the CPU 25 marks the registration data to be used preferentially as favorite call data (S310).

[0073] After marking the favorite call data in this way, the CPU 25 executes the favorite call process (S311) and ends the favorite process. After that, the process executed by the CPU 25 returns to the main loop process.

[0074] <Favorites call processing> The flow of the favorites calling process executed in step S311 of FIG. 6 is shown in FIG.

[0075] In the favorites call processing, the CPU 25 sets the card number stored in the volatile memory 23 as the target card number, and sets the favorites call data marked in the favorites processing as target favorites call data. Then, the CPU 25 searches for registered data associated with the target card number (hereinafter referred to as "target data") in the target favorites call data (step S3111).

[0076] As a result of the search, the CPU 25 determines whether or not the target data exists (S3112). If the CPU 25 determines that the target data exists (S3112: YES), it determines whether or not the number of target data is 1 (S3113).

[0077] If the CPU 25 determines that the number of target data items is one (S3113: YES), it determines whether the target data includes a one-touch call setting of "on" (S3114). If the CPU 25 determines that the one-touch call setting of "on" is included (S3114: YES), it controls the image forming unit 11 or the image reading unit 12, etc., to execute the function of the target data (S3115), and terminates the favorites call process. In this case, the display on the operation panel 16 switches from the screen displayed when the IC card 6 touched the touch section of the NFC interface 17 to a function execution screen (not shown) without displaying the setting content display screen 45. On the other hand, if the CPU 25 determines that the target data does not include a one-touch call setting of "on" (S3114: NO), it displays the setting content display screen 45 of the function of the target data on the operation panel 16 (S3116), and terminates the favorites call process.

[0078] If the CPU 25 determines that the number of target data is not 1 (S3113: NO), it displays on the operation panel 16 the shortcut display screen 44 or the function-limited shortcut display screen 46, on which shortcut keys 61 corresponding to multiple target data are arranged (S3117), and terminates the favorite call process.

[0079] Furthermore, if the CPU 25 determines that there is no target data (S3112: NO), it notifies the user that there is no target data by, for example, displaying a message on the operation panel 16 to that effect (step S3118), and terminates the favorite call process.

[0080] After the favorites calling process is completed, the process executed by the CPU 25 returns to the favorites process (effectively returning to the main loop process).

[0081] <Action and effect> As described above, when the card number of the IC card 6 is read while the home screen 41 is displayed on the operation panel 16, a shortcut display screen 44 including shortcut keys 61 corresponding to all registered data associated with the read card number is displayed on the operation panel 16. Also, when the card number of the IC card 6 is read while the copy mode screen 42, scan mode screen 43, or fax mode screen for setting specific functions is displayed on the operation panel 16, a function-limited shortcut display screen 46 including shortcut keys 61 corresponding to the registered data including settings for specific functions is displayed on the operation panel 16, based on the registered data associated with the read card number that includes settings for specific functions.

[0082] If the home screen 41 is displayed on the operation panel 16 when the card number of the IC card 6 is read, a shortcut display screen 44 including a relatively large number of shortcut keys 61 is displayed on the operation panel 16, allowing the user greater freedom in selecting shortcut keys 61. On the other hand, if the setting screen is displayed on the operation panel 16 when the card number of the IC card 6 is read, a function-limited shortcut display screen 46 including a relatively small number of shortcut keys 61 is displayed on the operation panel 16, allowing the user to easily select shortcut keys 61.

[0083] Therefore, when a plurality of shortcut keys 61 are associated with the card number of one IC card 6, the convenience of user operations can be improved.

[0084] If the number of target data items associated with the card number of the IC card 6 is one and the registered data does not include the one-touch call setting of "ON," the setting content display screen 45 including the start key 71, which is operated to execute the function related to the registered data, is displayed on the operation panel 16, instead of the shortcut display screen 44. Therefore, the user can instruct the execution of the function related to the registered data without pressing the shortcut key 61, thereby further improving the convenience of user operations.

[0085] Furthermore, if the number of target data items associated with the card number is one and the registered data includes a one-touch call setting of "ON," the display on the operation panel 16 switches from the screen displayed when the card number of the IC card 6 was read to a function execution screen (not shown) without displaying the setting content display screen 45, and the function related to the registered data is executed. Therefore, there is no need to press the start key 71 to instruct the execution of the function, which further improves the convenience of user operation.

[0086] Furthermore, if there is no target data associated with the card number, the user is notified that there is no target data. This notification allows the user to recognize that there is no shortcut key 61 to display or that the function cannot be executed, thereby further improving convenience for the user.

[0087] <Modification> Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention can be embodied in other forms.

[0088] For example, the favorites processing shown in FIG. 8 may be executed instead of the favorites processing shown in FIG. 6, and the favorites calling processing shown in FIG. 9 may be executed instead of the favorites calling processing shown in FIG.

[0089] In the favorites processing shown in FIG. 8, before determining whether the copy mode screen 42 is being displayed on the operation panel 16, the CPU 25 selects the registered data associated with the card number stored in the volatile memory 23 from the registered data registered as shortcuts in the nonvolatile memory 22 (S312).

[0090] Then, when the CPU 25 determines that the screen displayed on the operation panel 16 is the copy mode screen 42 (S301: YES), it extracts the registration data including the settings related to the copy function from the previously selected registration data, i.e., the registration data associated with the card number, and sets the extracted registration data as favorite call data (S302). For example, in the example shown in Figures 2A and 2B, if the card number stored in the volatile memory 23 is "1001," the registration data of registration numbers "3," "4," and "6" are set as favorite call data.

[0091] Furthermore, when the CPU 25 determines that the screen displayed on the operation panel 16 is the scan mode screen 43 (S303: YES), it extracts registration data including settings related to the scan function from the previously selected registration data, and sets the extracted registration data as favorite call data (S304). For example, in the example shown in Figures 2A and 2B, if the card number stored in the volatile memory 23 is "1001," the registration data with registration number "5" is set as favorite call data.

[0092] When the CPU 25 determines that the screen displayed on the operation panel 16 is the fax mode screen (S305: YES), it extracts the registration data including the settings related to the fax function from the previously selected registration data, and sets the extracted registration data as the favorite call data (S306). For example, in the example shown in Figures 2A and 2B, if the card number stored in the volatile memory 23 is "1001," the registration data of registration numbers "1" and "2" are set as the favorite call data.

[0093] Furthermore, when the CPU 25 determines that the screen displayed on the operation panel 16 is the home screen 41 (S307: YES), the CPU 25 determines whether or not registration data to be used preferentially is set for the card number stored in the volatile memory 23 (S308).

[0094] When the CPU 25 determines that no registered data is set to be used preferentially for the card number stored in the volatile memory 23 (S308: YES), the CPU 25 sets the previously selected registered data, that is, all registered data associated with the card number, as favorite call data (S309). For example, in the example shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the registered data with registration numbers "1" to "6" are set as favorite call data.

[0095] When the CPU 25 determines that the registration data to be used preferentially is set to the card number stored in the volatile memory 23 (S308: NO), the registration data to be used preferentially is set as favorite call data (S310).

[0096] When the favorites process shown in Fig. 8 is executed, step S3111 shown in Fig. 7 is omitted in the favorites call process, and the registered data that was set as favorites call data in the favorites process is directly used as the target data, as shown in Fig. 9. In the favorites call process shown in Fig. 9, the subsequent processes are the same as the favorites call process shown in Fig. 7, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0097] In the above-described embodiment, an example of an external medium is an IC card 6, and an example of an information reading unit is an NFC interface 17 that reads a card number from the IC card 6 via NFC communication. However, an example of an external medium may be a magnetic card, and an example of an information reading unit may be a magnetic card reader. Also, an example of an external medium may be a medium having a one-dimensional barcode, and an example of an information reading unit may be a barcode reader. An example of an external medium may be a medium having a QR code (registered trademark), and an example of an information reading unit may be a QR code reader. Furthermore, an example of an external medium may be a communication terminal capable of wireless communication via Bluetooth (registered trademark), and an example of an information reading unit may be an interface capable of wireless communication via Bluetooth (registered trademark). An example of an external medium may be a communication terminal capable of wireless communication via Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and an example of an information reading unit may be an interface capable of wireless communication via Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0098] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the respective processes are executed by the CPU 25. However, the ASIC 21 may include a plurality of CPUs, and the plurality of CPUs may cooperate to execute the respective processes.

[0099] In addition, various design modifications can be made to the above-described configuration within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 1:MFP 6: IC card 11: Image forming unit 12: Image reading unit 14:FAX interface 16: Operation panel 17: NFC interface 22: Non-volatile memory 25:CPU 41: Home screen 42: Copy mode screen 43: Scan mode screen 44: Shortcut display screen 45: Settings display screen 46: Function-limited shortcut display screen 61: Shortcut keys 71: Start key

Claims

1. An image processing device capable of executing multiple functions, a function execution unit that selectively executes the plurality of functions; an information reading unit that reads identification information from an external medium; A display unit; A memory unit; a control unit, The storage unit first display information relating to a first screen including N selection keys (N: a positive integer of 2 or more) in association with the identification information; and second display information relating to a second screen including M (M: a positive integer smaller than N) selection keys in association with the identification information; The control unit when it is determined that the display unit is displaying a standby screen when the information reading unit reads the identification information from the medium, causing the display unit to display the first screen based on the first display information stored in the storage unit in association with the identification information; When the information reading unit reads the identification information from the medium and determines that the display unit is displaying a screen related to a specific function among the multiple functions, the image processing device displays the second screen on the display unit based on the second display information stored in the memory unit in correspondence with the identification information.

2. 2. The image processing device according to claim 1, The image processing device, wherein the M selection keys are included in the N selection keys.

3. 3. The image processing device according to claim 1, The image processing device, wherein the M selection keys include keys that are selectively operated for inputting information related to the specific function.

4. The image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The specific function is at least one of a scanning function for reading an image from a sheet and a printing function for forming an image on a sheet.

5. The image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The image processing device, wherein the standby screen is a screen at a higher level than the first screen and the second screen.

6. The image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The standby screen includes a selection key for selecting the plurality of functions.

7. The image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The information reading unit reads the identification information from the medium via wireless communication.

8. a function execution unit that selectively executes a plurality of functions; an information reading unit that reads identification information from an external medium; a storage unit that stores first display information relating to a first screen including N (N: a positive integer of 2 or more) selection keys in association with the identification information, and second display information relating to a second screen including M (M: a positive integer smaller than N) selection keys in association with the identification information; A screen display method executed by an image processing device including a display unit, When the display unit is displaying a standby screen when the information reading unit reads the identification information from the medium, the first screen is displayed on the display unit based on the first display information stored in the storage unit in association with the identification information; A screen display method, in which, if the display unit is displaying a screen related to a specific function among the plurality of functions when the information reading unit reads the identification information from the medium, the second screen is displayed on the display unit based on the second display information stored in the memory unit in correspondence with the identification information.

9. a function execution unit that selectively executes a plurality of functions; an information reading unit that reads identification information from an external medium; a storage unit that stores first display information relating to a first screen including N (N: a positive integer of 2 or more) selection keys in association with the identification information, and second display information relating to a second screen including M (M: a positive integer smaller than N) selection keys in association with the identification information; a display unit; and a program installed in a computer of an image forming apparatus, the program comprising: The computer, a first display process for displaying the first screen on the display unit based on the first display information stored in the storage unit in association with the identification information when the information reading unit determines that the display unit is displaying a standby screen when the identification information is read from the medium by the information reading unit; and a second display process that, when the information reading unit determines that the display unit is displaying a screen related to a specific function among the plurality of functions when the information reading unit reads the identification information from the medium, causes the display unit to display the second screen based on the second display information stored in the memory unit in correspondence with the identification information.

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