Information processor and information processing system

Abstract

To provide an information processor and information processing system for performing additional service according to a user's intention by making the additional service be recognized securely.SOLUTION: An information processor (10) comprises a display 14 and provides a user with a predetermined service and an additional service added to the predetermined service. The information processor (10) receives user operation via a GUI (graphical user interface) displayed on the display 14. On the display 14 are displayed a plurality of operation screens. Two or more operation screens of the plurality of operation screens include a print setting unit 166 which is an example of a notification unit for performing notification on the additional service.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device and an information processing system, and more particularly to an information processing device and an information processing system that provide a user with a predetermined service and an associated service associated with the predetermined service. [Background technology]

[0002] An example of this type of background art is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The image forming device of the background art is capable of providing a receipt issuing service, and receives an instruction as to whether or not to output a receipt before the user inputs setting conditions related to the service, i.e., before the image forming device provides the function. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-239465 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the image forming device of the background art, the user is only allowed to select once whether or not to print a receipt before the image forming device provides the function, so the user may make a wrong selection or forget to select, which may result in the user's intention not being met, i.e., the accompanying service may not be provided in accordance with the user's intention.

[0005] Therefore, a primary object of the present invention is to provide a novel information processing device and information processing system.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device and an information processing system that can reliably make a user recognize an associated service and perform the associated service in accordance with the user's intention. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The first embodiment is an information processing device that cooperates with an image forming device that has an image reading unit above the discharge space into which printed materials are discharged and an image forming unit below it, and is equipped with a display that has a touch panel and can display a receipt issuance button, a receipt discharge unit that issues receipts, and a control unit, where the receipt discharge unit is located below the display and within the vertical height range of the discharge space of the image forming device, and the control unit issues a receipt from the receipt discharge unit in response to operation of the receipt issuance button displayed on the display after the image forming device discharges printed materials into the discharge space, and when the receipt has been issued, displays a screen on the display to prevent the receipt from being forgotten.

[0008] The second embodiment is an information processing device subordinate to the first embodiment, and the receipt paper discharge unit is disposed in front of the information processing device and in the direction in which printed matter is discharged.

[0009] According to the present invention, the accompanying service can be reliably recognized, and the accompanying service can be performed in accordance with the user's intention.

[0010] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the external configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the information processing device shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an illustrative view showing an example of the home screen. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is an illustrative view showing an example of a color setting screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an illustrative view showing an example of the paper setting screen. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an illustrative view showing an example of the guide screen. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an illustrative view showing an example of the preview screen. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an illustrative view showing an example of the final setting screen. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an illustrative view showing an example of the execution notification screen. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an illustrative view showing an example of the completion notification screen. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an illustrative view showing an example of the receipt print notification screen. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an illustrative view showing an example of the left-behind item notification screen. [Figure 14] 14 is an illustrative view showing one example of a memory map of the RAM of the information processing device shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 15] 15 is an illustrative view showing an example of a memory map of the RAM of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of information processing by the CPU shown in FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is an illustrative view showing an example of a destination setting screen in the second embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is an illustrative view showing an example of a result table print setting screen in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] [First Example] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, information processing system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes an information processing device 10 and an image forming device .

[0013] The information processing device 10 is a multimedia kiosk (MMK) terminal installed in stores such as supermarkets, restaurants, or convenience stores, as well as in public facilities such as train stations, bus terminals, airports, government offices, or libraries. The information processing device 10 provides various information or predetermined services (functions) to users depending on the location where it is installed. As will be described in detail later, the information processing device 10 can also cooperate with an image forming device 70 to provide users with predetermined services (main services) such as copying, printing, scanning, and faxing.

[0014] In this specification, the front-to-rear direction (depth direction) of the information processing device 10 and its components is defined with the surface facing the user's standing position, i.e., the surface on which a display 14 (described later) is provided, as the front (front), and the left-to-right direction (horizontal direction) of the information processing device 10 and its components is defined with reference to the state when the user views the information processing device 10. The same applies to the image forming device 70.

[0015] The information processing device 10 comprises a device main body 28 including a display 14 with a touch panel 12, a storage medium connection unit 16, a ticket printer 18, a code reading unit 20, a short-range communication unit 22, a currency processing unit 24 and a photo printer 26.

[0016] The display 14 with the touch panel 12 is disposed at the top end of the information processing device 10 (device body 28). The touch panel 12 is a general-purpose touch panel, and any type of touch panel can be used, such as a capacitance type, an electromagnetic induction type, a resistive film type, or an infrared type. In this first embodiment, a capacitance type touch panel is used as the touch panel 12, and the touch panel 12 is provided on the display surface of the display 14. However, a touch panel display in which the touch panel 12 and the display 14 are integrally formed may also be used. Furthermore, the display 14 may be, for example, an LCD or an EL (Electro-Luminescence) display.

[0017] Software keys (operation keys) for accepting user operations are displayed on the display 14 with the touch panel 12. Note that the software keys refer to keys (icons) reproduced by software on the display surface of the display 14 with the touch panel 12, for example.

[0018] The storage medium connector 16 includes mounting sections (for example, a drive and a memory slot) for mounting various storage media. The various storage media include optical discs (for example, CD-R, DVD-R, and BD-R) and flash memories (for example, USB memories, SD memory cards, and memory sticks). Optical discs are mounted in the drive, and flash memories are mounted in the memory slot.

[0019] Ticket printer 18 (third image forming unit) is, for example, a thermal printer (thermal printer) or dot impact printer, and issues tickets on which images such as receipts, invoices, journals, coupons, etc. are printed. Specifically, ticket printer 18 prints various characters, images, code patterns (barcodes, etc.) on roll paper, and discharges the printed tickets from paper discharge unit 18a.

[0020] The code reading unit 20 includes, for example, a laser scanner or a camera, and can read codes attached to products, cards, receipts, etc., or codes displayed on the screen of a user terminal (mobile terminal). Codes that can be read by the code reading unit 20 include barcodes (one-dimensional barcodes) and two-dimensional codes (for example, QR Code (registered trademark), Micro QR Code, DataMATRIX, MaxiCODE, and VeriCODE).

[0021] The short-range communication unit 22 performs wireless, contactless data communication with a communication target such as an IC card (such as an ID card, membership card, or employee ID card) or a user terminal in accordance with a communication standard such as ISO / IEC 18092 (so-called NFC (Near Field Communication)). The communication distance of the short-range communication unit 22 is approximately several centimeters to several meters. The short-range communication unit 22 transmits to the communication target a signal (read command) instructing the communication target to read data stored in the communication target. The communication target transmits desired data to the short-range communication unit 22 in response to the read command. The short-range communication unit 22 also transmits to the communication target a signal (write command) instructing the communication target to write the data (write data). The communication target writes (stores) the received write data in the memory unit of the communication target in accordance with the write command.

[0022] The currency processing unit 24 includes a currency insertion unit 24a and a coin return slot 24b. The currency insertion unit 24a includes a coin insertion slot, a bill insertion slot, a change return lever, etc., and is located below the near-field communication unit 22. Coins inserted through the coin insertion slot and bills inserted through the bill insertion slot are each sorted by type and stored in a predetermined currency storage unit (not shown). The currency storage unit includes a coin storage unit and a bill storage unit. When coins or bills are inserted, the amount inserted is calculated based on the type and number of coins stored in the coin storage unit and the type and number of bills stored in the bill storage unit. When a predetermined service or the like is performed in the information processing device 10, a fee corresponding to the content of the service is subtracted from the amount inserted, and the remaining amount inserted is calculated. Furthermore, when the change return lever is operated, coins or bills are returned based on the remaining amount inserted. However, coins are returned from a coin return slot 24b provided below the coin insertion slot 24a, and banknotes are returned from a banknote insertion slot.

[0023] Photo printer 26 (second image forming unit) is, for example, a dye-sublimation printer or inkjet printer, and prints an image on photo paper (photo paper). The photo printed by photo printer 26 is discharged to discharge unit 26a. However, image data for forming the image on the paper may be image data stored in a storage medium connected to storage medium connection unit 16, or image data transmitted from an external computer. The size of the photo printed by photo printer 26 may be L size or 2L size, for example.

[0024] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the information processing device 10 shown in Figure 1. Referring to Figure 2, the information processing device 10 includes a CPU 32. Connected to the CPU 32 via a bus 60 are RAM 34, ROM 36, touch panel control circuit 38, display control circuit 40, storage medium connection unit 16, ticket printer 18, code reading unit 20, near-field communication unit 22, currency processing unit 24, photo printer 26, and communication circuit 44. Also connected to the touch panel control circuit 38 is the touch panel 12, and connected to the display control circuit 40 is the display 14.

[0025] The CPU 32 is responsible for overall control of the information processing device 10. The RAM 34 is used as a work area and a buffer area for the CPU 32. The ROM 36 stores the startup program for the information processing device 10 and default values ​​for various information.

[0026] Touch panel control circuit 38 applies necessary voltages and the like to touch panel 12, detects touch operations (touch inputs) within the effective touch range of touch panel 12, and outputs touch coordinate data indicating the position of the touch input to CPU 32.

[0027] The display control circuit 40 includes a GPU, a VRAM, etc., and under the direction of the CPU 32, the GPU uses image generation data stored in the RAM 34 to generate display image data in the VRAM for displaying various screens on the display 14, and outputs the generated display image data to the display 14.

[0028] The communication circuit 44 is a communication circuit for connecting to a network such as the Internet. The communication circuit 44 is a wired communication circuit or a wireless communication circuit, and communicates with an external computer (external terminal) such as a server via the network in accordance with instructions from the CPU 32. However, the communication circuit 44 can also directly communicate with the image forming apparatus 70 and a user terminal via a wired or wireless connection (for example, an infrared system, a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) system, or a Bluetooth (registered trademark) system) without using a network.

[0029] The electrical configuration of the information processing device 10 shown in FIG. 2 is merely an example, and the invention is not limited to this.

[0030] Returning to FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 70 is a multifunction peripheral (MFP) having functions such as a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function.

[0031] The image forming device 70 includes a device main body 80 that includes an image reading unit 72, an image forming unit 74, a paper feeder 76, and a paper output tray 78. However, the image forming device 70 is installed near the information processing device 10. For example, the image forming device 70 is installed adjacent to the right side of the information processing device 10.

[0032] The image reading unit 72 includes a document table made of a transparent material, and is built into the device main body 80. Above the document table, a document pressing cover 72a is attached via a hinge or the like so as to be able to be opened and closed freely.

[0033] The image reading unit 72 also includes a light source, multiple mirrors, an imaging lens, and a line sensor. The image reading unit 72 exposes the surface of the document to light from the light source, and guides the light reflected from the document surface to the imaging lens using multiple mirrors. The imaging lens then focuses the reflected light onto the light-receiving elements of the line sensor. The line sensor detects the luminance or chromaticity of the reflected light that has focused on the light-receiving elements, and generates read image data based on the image of the document surface. A CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) is used as the line sensor.

[0034] Image forming unit 74 (first image forming unit) is built into apparatus main body 80 and is provided below image reading unit 72. This image forming unit 74 includes a photosensitive drum, a charging device, an exposure device, a developing device, a transfer device, a fixing device, etc. Image forming unit 74 forms an image on a recording medium (normal paper) conveyed from paper feeder 76 or the like by electrophotography, and discharges the paper on which the image has been formed to a paper discharge tray 78 provided between image reading unit 72 and image forming unit 74. However, image data (print image data) used to form an image on the paper may be read image data read by image reading unit 72, image data transmitted from information processing device 10, or image data transmitted from an external computer (server, etc.).

[0035] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of image forming apparatus 70 shown in Fig. 1. Referring to Fig. 3, image forming apparatus 70 includes a CPU 82. To CPU 82, RAM 84, HDD 86, image reading unit 72, image forming unit 74, and communication circuit 92 are connected via a bus 90.

[0036] The CPU 82 is responsible for overall control of the image forming apparatus 70. The RAM 84 is used as a work area and a buffer area for the CPU 82.

[0037] The HDD 86 is the main storage device of the image forming apparatus 70, and stores control programs for the CPU 82 to control the operation of each part of the image forming apparatus 70, display image data for various screens, etc. However, instead of or together with the HDD 86, other non-volatile memories such as SSDs, flash memories, and EEPROMs may be used.

[0038] The communication circuit 92 is a communication circuit for connecting to a network such as the Internet. This communication circuit 92 is a wired communication circuit or a wireless communication circuit, and communicates with an external computer such as a server via the network in accordance with instructions from the CPU 82. However, the communication circuit 92 can also communicate directly with the information processing device 10 via a wired or wireless connection without using a network.

[0039] The electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus 70 shown in FIG. 3 is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to this.

[0040] In the information processing system 100 configured as described above, the information processing device 10 accepts touch input (user operation) to the touch panel 12 via a GUI displayed on the display 14. Specifically, the information processing device 10 accepts user operation by displaying a plurality of operation screens for setting operating conditions of the information processing system 100 on the display 14 of the information processing device 10. In the information processing system 100 (information processing device 10 and image forming device 70), a main service is executed according to the contents set on each operation screen.

[0041] Additionally, the information processing system 100 can provide users with additional services that are associated with the main service, such as a receipt issuing service, a fax transmission result sheet printing service, and a lost item notification service.

[0042] In a conventional information processing system, for example, in a receipt issuance service, an instruction as to whether or not to print a receipt is accepted before the user inputs the setting conditions for the main service, i.e., before the image forming device is made to provide the function.

[0043] However, in conventional information processing systems, the user is only asked once whether or not to print a receipt, which can lead to the user making a wrong selection or forgetting to make a selection, resulting in the inability to provide the accompanying service as intended by the user.

[0044] Therefore, in this first embodiment, two or more of the operation screens displayed on the display 14 of the information processing device 10 include a notification section for notifying users about the associated services.

[0045] Specific examples of the operation of the information processing system 100 will be described below with reference to Figs. 4 to 13. When the main power supplies of the information processing device 10 and the image forming device 70 are turned on and the devices are in a standby state in which each function can be executed, a home screen 110 as shown in Fig. 4 is displayed on the display 14 of the information processing device 10. The home screen 110 is an operation screen for selecting a main service. This home screen 110 displays a plurality of keys 112 for selecting a main service provided by the information processing system 100.

[0046] Each of the plurality of keys 112 is an image surrounded by a substantially rectangular frame and functions as a software key. Each of the plurality of keys 112 has a symbol such as "Copy," "Print from smartphone," Main services such as "Print from recording media," "Fax," "Scan," "Photo / document print," "Network print," and "Administrative services" are assigned.

[0047] Copy services include services that copy (duplicate) images of documents or other originals onto regular paper (regular copy service) and services that copy photographic images onto photo paper (photo copy service). The "Print from Smartphone" service uses image data stored on a mobile device such as a smartphone. The "Print from Storage Media" service uses image data stored on a storage medium. The "Network Print" service uses image data transmitted from an external computer (a server for the network print service). The "Administrative Service" is a print service that prints administrative certificates. Each print service allows the user to select (designate) an image forming unit to print from among multiple image forming units (e.g., image forming unit 74 (first image forming unit) and photo printer 26 (second image forming unit)). For example, a selection screen including a selection key for selecting the image forming unit to print is displayed on display 14 of information processing device 10. In other words, the user is presented with options for selecting an image forming unit to print from among multiple image forming units, and printing can be performed from the selected image forming unit.

[0048] When key 112 is touched (operated) on home screen 110, i.e., when a main service is selected, a plurality of operation screens for setting the operating conditions of the selected main service are sequentially displayed on display 14. The following describes an example in which the copy service is selected.

[0049] When key 112 to which copy service is assigned on home screen 110 is operated (copy service is selected), a plurality of operation screens (copy setting screens) for setting the operating conditions (copy conditions) of the copy service are displayed in sequence on display 14. For example, color setting screen 120 as shown in Fig. 5 is displayed on display 14. This color setting screen 120 is one of a plurality of operation screens for setting the operating conditions of the copy service, and is, for example, the first screen to be displayed.

[0050] The color setting screen 120 is a screen for setting a color mode (color conditions) in the copy service, and includes an end key 120a, a transition key 120b, an operation guide section 122, and a setting section .

[0051] The end key 120a is an operation key for ending the provision of a service. When the end key 120a is operated, the contents set up until that point are reset, and the home screen 110 is displayed on the display 14. The same applies to the end keys 130a, 140a, 150a, 160a, 170a, 200a, 210a, and 220a described below.

[0052] The transition key 120b is an operation key for proceeding to the next operation screen (transitioning between screens). When the transition key 120b is operated, the operation screen following the operation screen that was displayed up until then is displayed on the display 14. This also applies to the transition keys 130b, 140b, 150b, 160b, 180b, and 210b described below. However, depending on the type of operation screen, it may be impossible to proceed to the next operation screen unless the operating conditions of the service are set (selected). In this case, the transition key 120b is disabled until the operating conditions of the service are set. Therefore, the transition key 120b cannot be operated unless the operating conditions of the service are set.

[0053] The operation guide unit 122 includes a message (notification text) and an index image. The message is provided to provide operation guidance to the user. The index image is an image to draw the user's attention to the operation guide unit 122, and is displayed adjacent to the message. Furthermore, at least a part of the index image is colored in a predetermined color different from the color of the portions other than the operation guide unit 122 and the setting unit 124. The same applies to the operation guide units 132, 142, 152, 162, 172, 192, 212, and 222 described below.

[0054] On this color setting screen 120, a message such as "Please select the color type and press 'Next'" is displayed on the operation guide section 122 to prompt the user to select a color mode for the copy service.

[0055] The setting unit 124 is provided for setting color conditions (color / black and white) for the copy service, and includes multiple setting keys to which different color conditions (color / black and white) are assigned. By operating any of these setting keys, the color conditions for the copy service are set.

[0056] When the color conditions for the copy service are set on the color setting screen 120, the transition key 120b is enabled. When the enabled transition key 120b is operated, the paper setting screen 130, which is the next operation screen after the color setting screen 120, is displayed on the display 14, as shown in FIG.

[0057] Paper setting screen 130 is a screen for setting the size of copy paper (paper size), and includes end key 130a, transition key 130b, operation guide section 132, and setting section 134. On paper setting screen 130, a message prompting the user to set the paper size is displayed in operation guide section 132, such as "Please select a paper size and press 'Next'."

[0058] The setting unit 134 is provided for setting the paper size, and includes a plurality of setting keys to which different paper sizes such as B5, A4, B4, A3, etc. The paper size is set by operating any of these setting keys.

[0059] When the paper size is set on the paper setting screen 130, the transition key 130b is enabled. When the enabled transition key 130b is operated, a guide screen 140, which is the next operation screen after the paper setting screen 130, is displayed on the display 14, as shown in FIG.

[0060] The guide screen 140 is a screen for guiding the document setting (placing) method, and includes an end key 140 a , a transition key 140 b , an operation guide section 142 , and a guide section 144 .

[0061] On the guide screen 140, a message such as "Please place the document horizontally and press 'Document reading'" is displayed in the operation guide section 142 to encourage the user to set the document properly and start reading the document. Also, the guide section 144 displays a guide image (a still image or a moving image) to guide the user to place the document on the document table in the appropriate position and orientation.

[0062] As described above, the guide screen 140 is not a screen for setting the operating conditions of a service. For this reason, the transition key 140b is enabled from the beginning on the guide screen 140. However, the transition key 140b is assigned a function to start (execute) reading of a document in addition to a function to proceed to the next operation screen. In other words, the transition key 140b also serves as a read start key for accepting an operation to start reading of a document. Therefore, when the transition key 140b is operated, reading of a document is started, a read image read by the image reading unit 72 is generated, and the preview screen 150, which is the operation screen next to the guide screen 140, is displayed on the display 14 as shown in FIG. 8.

[0063] The preview screen 150 is a screen for checking the scanned image based on the image on the surface of the original document (or a printed image obtained by image processing the scanned image), and includes an end key 150a, a transition key 150b, an operation guide section 152, a preview image display section 154, and a reload key 156.

[0064] On preview screen 150, a message prompting confirmation of the read image data, such as "If the read image is OK, please press 'Next'," is displayed in operation guide section 152. Also, an image (preview image) corresponding to the read image or printed image is displayed in preview image display section 154. Reread key 156 is assigned the function of re-reading the original, and when reread key 156 is operated, reading of the original begins and new image data read by image reading section 72 is generated. At this time, the preview image displayed in preview image display section 154 is switched (updated) to an image corresponding to the most recent read image.

[0065] As described above, the preview screen 150 is not a screen for setting the operating conditions of a service. For this reason, the transition key 150b is enabled from the beginning on the preview screen 150. When the transition key 150b is operated, the final setting screen 160, which is the operation screen next to the preview screen 150, is displayed on the display 14, as shown in FIG.

[0066] The final setting screen 160 is a screen for finally determining the operating conditions of the main service and for confirming the operating conditions set on the previous operation screens, and includes an end key 160a, a transition key 160b, an operation guide section 162, a setting section 164, and a printing setting section (receipt printing setting section) 166.

[0067] On the final setting screen 160, a message prompting confirmation of the operating conditions is displayed in the operation guide section 162, such as "Please check the contents and if OK, press 'Start'." In addition, the setting section 164 displays setting keys for setting the number of copies to be printed and the payment method.

[0068] The print setting unit 166 is provided to allow the user to select a setting (receipt print setting) as to whether or not to print (output) a receipt in a receipt issuing service, which is an example of an ancillary service. In other words, the print setting unit 166 is an example of a selection unit that allows the user to select a print setting as to whether or not to print an ancillary printed matter, and the print setting unit 166 is also an example of a notification unit that notifies the user of an ancillary service.

[0069] The print setting section 166 includes a first setting key 166a to which a setting to not print a receipt is assigned, and a second setting key 166b to which a setting to print a receipt is assigned. The receipt print setting is determined (selected) by operating either the first setting key 166a or the second setting key 166b. However, the receipt print setting is initially set to not print a receipt (default). That is, the first setting key 166a to which the setting to not print a receipt is assigned is initially set to selected. Furthermore, when switching to the next operation screen, the receipt print setting remains selected in the previous operation screen. Therefore, if the second setting key 166b is selected in the previous operation screen, the second setting key 166b will be selected when switching to the next operation screen, and if the first setting key 166a is selected in the previous operation screen, the first setting key 166a will be selected when switching to the next operation screen. The same applies to print setting sections 176 and 186 described later, which relate to the print setting section 166.

[0070] On the final setting screen 160, once the operating conditions set in the setting section 164 have been set, i.e., once all of the operating conditions for the main service have been set, the transition key 160b is enabled. However, in addition to the function of proceeding to the next operation screen, the transition key 160b is also assigned the function of starting (executing) a job related to the main service (a copy job in the case of a copy service) under the set operating conditions. In other words, the transition key 160b also serves as a start key for accepting an operation to start a copy job. Therefore, when the transition key 160b is operated, the copy job is started, and an execution notification screen 170, which is the next operation screen after the final setting screen 160, is displayed on the display 14, as shown in FIG. 10.

[0071] The execution notification screen 170 is a screen for notifying the user that a job is being executed, and includes an end key 170a, a guide section 172, a print setting section 176, and a forgotten item warning section 178. On the execution notification screen 170, a message indicating that a copy job is being executed, such as "Copying. Please wait a moment," is displayed in the guide section 172.

[0072] The forgotten item warning section 178 is provided to warn the user about leaving behind items (hereinafter referred to as "remote items"), including the user's belongings (e.g., documents) used in the main service and output items output in connection with the main service (hereinafter referred to as "remote items") (prompting the user to collect the noteworthy items). For example, when the execution notification screen 170 is displayed, i.e., when a copy job is already being executed, the use of the documents has ended. For this reason, the forgotten item warning section 178 displays a warning image (still image or moving image) to warn the user about leaving behind the documents. The warning image also includes an external view of the information processing device 10 and the image forming device 70, and highlights the portion of the external view corresponding to the location of the noteworthy item. For example, if the item is a document, the portion corresponding to the document placement table is highlighted. The warning image also displays a message warning the user not to leave behind the noteworthy item, such as "Please be careful not to leave behind the document."

[0073] When a job is completed, the execution notification screen 170 automatically advances to the next operation screen. For example, when a copy job is completed, the display 14 displays a completion notification screen 180, which is the next operation screen after the execution notification screen 170, as shown in FIG.

[0074] The completion notification screen 180 is a screen for notifying the user that the job has been completed, and includes an end key 180 a , a guide section 182 , a continue key 184 , and a print setting section 186 .

[0075] On the completion notification screen 180, a message notifying that the copy job has been completed, such as "Copying has been completed," is displayed in the operation guide section 182. Also, on the completion notification screen 180, a message notifying that a receipt will be printed according to the receipt printing settings, such as "If you have set receipt printing to 'Yes,' it will be printed after the service is completed," is displayed in the operation guide section 182.

[0076] The continue key 184 is assigned the function of continuing the same service (executing another job with the same service). When the continue key 184 is operated, the screen returns to the color setting screen 120 shown in FIG. 5. Therefore, the same service can be continued. However, when the continue key 184 is operated, the job executed before that is treated as having ended. In other words, when the continue key 184 is operated and the next job is executed, it is treated as a different job from the job executed before that. Therefore, operating the continue key 184 may result in multiple jobs of the same service being executed.

[0077] Furthermore, on the completion notification screen 180, when the end key 180a or the continue key 184 is operated, the receipt printing setting for each job is confirmed (determined). Therefore, if the first setting key 166a, to which the setting of not printing a receipt is assigned, is selected when the end key 180a or the continue key 184 is operated (the setting is set to not print a receipt), it is confirmed that a receipt will not be printed for the job. On the other hand, if the second setting key 166b, to which the setting of printing a receipt is assigned, is selected when the end key 180a or the continue key 184 is operated (the setting is set to print a receipt), it is confirmed that a receipt will be printed for the job.

[0078] Then, when the end key 180a is operated, the main service ends. At this time, if there is a job that is set to print a receipt, the receipt is printed and a receipt print notification screen 190, which is one of the operation screens, is displayed on the display 14, as shown in FIG.

[0079] The receipt printing notification screen 190 is a screen for notifying the user that a receipt is being printed, and includes a guide section 192 and a forgotten item warning section 198. On the receipt printing notification screen 190, a message indicating that a receipt is being printed is displayed in the guide section 192, such as "Your receipt is being printed. Please wait a moment."

[0080] When the receipt printing notification screen 190 is displayed, i.e., when the main service has already been completed, there may be output items related to the main service. For example, in the case of a copy service, there may be printed copies of images of original documents. For this reason, the forgotten item warning section 198 of the receipt printing notification screen 190 displays a warning image (still image or moving image) to warn the user not to forget to pick up items that require attention, such as output items related to the main service.

[0081] On the receipt printing notification screen 190, once receipt printing is complete, the screen automatically advances to the next operation screen. For example, once receipt printing is complete, the display 14 displays the lost item notification screen 200, which is the next operation screen after the receipt printing notification screen 190, as shown in Fig. 13. Note that if there are no jobs set to print receipts when the main service is completed, the receipt printing notification screen 190 is not displayed, and the lost item notification screen 200 is displayed after the completion notification screen 180.

[0082] The left-behind item notification screen 200 is a screen for warning the user not to forget to pick up any items that require attention, and includes an end key 200 a and a left-behind item warning section 202 .

[0083] The lost item warning section 202 displays a message to warn the user not to forget to pick up a warning item, an external view 204 of the information processing device 10 and the image forming device 70, and a plurality of operation keys 206 corresponding to each warning item. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 13, six items are warning items: a manuscript, printed matter, a photograph, a receipt, cards, and change, and six operation keys 206a to 206f corresponding to each warning item are displayed. Furthermore, the lost item warning section 202 displays arrows extending from each of the plurality of operation keys 206 toward the external view 204. These arrows point to the portion of the external view 204 where the item, etc., corresponding to each operation key 206 is located.

[0084] When the end key 200a is operated on the left-behind notification screen 200, the home screen 110 as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the display 14.

[0085] As described above, in this embodiment, print setting sections 166, 176, and 186 that allow the user to select print settings for the receipt (accompanying printed material) are displayed on two or more operation screens (final setting screen 160, execution notification screen 170, and completion notification screen 180) (see FIGS. 9 to 11). Note that the display manner of the print setting section in the above embodiment is merely an example and is not limited to this. However, the print setting section is displayed on operation screens subsequent to the screen for determining the contents of the main service (final setting screen 160 in this embodiment). Furthermore, the print setting section is displayed on operation screens up to the screen for notifying that the job related to the main service has been completed (completion notification screen 180 in this embodiment). In other words, the print setting section is displayed on two or more operation screens from the screen for determining the contents of the main service to the screen for notifying that the job related to the main service has been completed. For example, the print setting section is displayed on all of the final setting screen 160, execution notification screen 170, and completion notification screen 180, but it is sufficient if the print setting section is displayed on any two operation screens. Furthermore, if there is an operation screen other than the execution notification screen 170 between the final setting screen 160 and the completion notification screen 180, the print setting section may be displayed on that operation screen.

[0086] Furthermore, each of the print setting sections 166, 176, and 186 is displayed in approximately the same position and approximately the same size on each operation screen. That is, when the operation screens are overlapped with each other, the area where the print setting sections overlap (overlap) is larger than the area where they do not overlap (do not overlap).

[0087] In addition, in this embodiment, as a forgotten item notification service for the user, forgotten item warning sections 178, 198, 202 for warning the user not to forget items that require attention are displayed on two or more operation screens (execution notification screen 170, receipt printing notification screen 190, and lost item alert screen 200) (FIGS. 10, 12, and 13). Note that the display manner of the forgotten item warning section in the above embodiment is merely an example and is not limited to this. For example, when warning the user not to forget items used in the main service, the forgotten item warning section is displayed on the operation screen displayed after the use of the target item is completed, and the forgotten item warning section for warning the user not to forget the output of the main service or the associated printed material of the associated service is displayed on the operation screen displayed after the target deliverable is output. In addition, the forgotten item warning section for comprehensively warning the user not to forget items that require attention is displayed immediately after the provision of the main service is completed.

[0088] The above-described operation of the information processing system 100 is realized by the CPU 32 of the information processing device 10 executing an information processing program for the information processing device 10 stored in the RAM 34, and the CPU 82 of the image forming device 70 executing an information processing program for the image forming device 70 stored in the RAM 84. Specific processing will be described later using a flow chart.

[0089] Fig. 14 is an illustrative view showing an example of a memory map 300 of the RAM 34 of the information processing device 10 shown in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 14, the RAM 34 includes a program storage area 302 and a data storage area 304. As described above, the program storage area 302 of the RAM 34 stores information processing programs for the information processing device 10. The information processing programs for the information processing device 10 include a communication program 302a, an operation detection program 302b, a display program 302c, and a print setting program 302d.

[0090] The communication program 302a is a program for communicating (transmitting and receiving) data with the image forming apparatus 70, an external computer such as a server, or other devices via a network.

[0091] The operation detection program 302b is a program for detecting touch input, and the CPU 32 acquires touch coordinate data output from the touch panel 12 in accordance with this operation detection program 302b, and stores the acquired touch coordinate data in the RAM 34 in chronological order.

[0092] The display program 302c is a program for generating display image data, that is, screen data such as the various operation screens described above, using image generation data 304b (described later), and outputting the data to the display 14.

[0093] The print setting program 302d is a program for setting print settings for an accompanying printed material in response to a user's operation on the print setting section.

[0094] Although not shown in the figure, the program storage area 302 stores a program for setting fees for services, etc. in the information processing system 100, a storage medium connection program for controlling the writing of data to various recording media attached to the storage medium connection unit 16 and the reading of data from various recording media, a ticket printing program for controlling the ticket printer 18 to print character strings, images, barcodes, etc. on roll paper, a code reading program for controlling the code reading unit 20 to extract a code image from an image captured by a laser scanner or camera and decode the extracted code image, a photo printer program, and a code reading program for controlling the code reading unit 20 to extract a code image from an image captured by a laser scanner or camera and decode the extracted code image. The program also stores a photo printing program that controls the printer 26 to print an image on photo paper, a short-range communication program that controls the short-range communication unit 22 to realize data communication with the communication target (for example, an ID card, a membership card, or an electronic money medium), a currency processing program 302i that controls the currency processing unit 24 to calculate the amount inserted, and a program for returning coins from the coin return slot 24b or returning banknotes from the banknote insertion slot based on the remaining amount after deducting fees for specified services, etc. from the inserted amount, and a program for selecting and executing various functions provided by the information processing device 10.

[0095] Furthermore, data storage area 304 of RAM 34 stores operation input data 304a, image generation data 304b, print setting data 304c, and the like.

[0096] The operation input data 304a is data in which touch coordinate data detected in accordance with the operation detection program 302b is stored in chronological order. The image generation data 304b is data such as polygon data or texture data for generating display image data corresponding to various screens to be displayed on the display 14.

[0097] The print setting data 304c is data of print settings for the accompanying printed material set in accordance with the print setting program 302d.

[0098] Although not shown in the figure, the data memory area 304 stores other data necessary for executing the information processing program for the information processing device 10, and is provided with timers (counters) and registers necessary for executing the information processing program for the information processing device 10.

[0099] Fig. 15 is an illustrative view showing an example of a memory map 400 of the RAM 84 of the image forming apparatus 70 shown in Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 15, the RAM 84 includes a program storage area 402 and a data storage area 404. As described above, the program storage area 402 of the RAM 84 stores an information processing program for the image forming apparatus 70. The information processing program for the image forming apparatus 70 includes a communication program 402a, an image reading program 402b, and an image forming program 402c.

[0100] The communication program 402a is a program for communicating with the information processing device 10 or an external computer such as a server or other devices via a network.

[0101] The image reading program 402b is a program for controlling the image reading unit 72 to read (scan) an image of a document placed on the document placing platen, and output an image signal (scanned image data) corresponding to the read image.

[0102] The image forming program 402c is a program for controlling the image forming unit 74 to form a multicolor or monochrome image on a recording medium (paper) in accordance with image data 404a such as scanned image data or input image data.

[0103] Although not shown, the program storage area 402 also stores programs for selecting and executing various functions provided in the image forming apparatus 70.

[0104] Furthermore, image data 404a and the like are stored in the data storage area 404 of the RAM 84. The image data 404a is image data read by the image reading unit 72 or image data input from an external computer such as a server.

[0105] Although not shown in the figure, the data storage area 404 stores other data necessary for executing the information processing program for the image forming device 70, and is provided with timers (counters) and registers necessary for executing the information processing program for the image forming device 70.

[0106] Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of information processing executed by the CPU 32 of the information processing device 10 shown in Fig. 2. This information processing is started when a main service is selected.

[0107] 16, when the CPU 32 of the information processing device 10 starts information processing, in step S1, the CPU 32 displays the first operation screen of a plurality of operation screens for setting the selected main service on the display 14, and in step S3, it determines whether to proceed to the next operation screen. Here, it determines whether a transition key has been operated or whether a predetermined process has been completed.

[0108] If step S3 is "YES," that is, if it is determined to proceed to the next operation screen, the next operation screen is displayed on the display 14 in step S5, and the process proceeds to step S7. On the other hand, if step S3 is "NO," that is, if it is determined not to proceed to the next operation screen, the process proceeds to step S7 while remaining on the same operation screen.

[0109] In step S7, it is determined whether or not to end the job related to the main service. If "NO" in step S7, that is, if it is determined not to end the job related to the main service, the process returns to step S3. On the other hand, if "YES" in step S7, that is, if it is determined to end the job related to the main service, the print settings for the job are stored in step S9, and it is determined in step S11 whether or not to end the main service.

[0110] If step S11 is "NO," that is, if it is determined not to terminate the main service, the process returns to step S1. On the other hand, if step S11 is "YES," that is, if it is determined to terminate the main service, the print settings for each job included in the terminated main service are read in step S13, and it is determined in step S15 whether or not to print any accompanying printed materials.

[0111] If step S15 returns "YES," that is, if it is determined that the accompanying printed matter is to be printed, the accompanying printed matter is printed in step S17, and the information processing ends. On the other hand, if step S15 returns "NO," that is, if it is determined that the accompanying printed matter is not to be printed, the information processing ends without printing the accompanying printed matter.

[0112] In this first embodiment, a print setting section for allowing the user to select print settings for the accompanying printed materials of the accompanying service is displayed on two or more operation screens, and a forgotten item warning section for warning the user not to forget to pick up the item to be warned about is displayed on two or more operation screens, so that the accompanying service can be reliably recognized and the accompanying service can be performed according to the user's intention. [Second Example] The information processing device 10 of the second embodiment will be described taking as an example a case where a fax transmission service is selected, but only the differences from the first embodiment will be described and overlapping explanations will be omitted.

[0113] An example of the operation of information processing system 100 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 17 to Fig. 20. When key 112 to which the fax service is assigned on home screen 110 is operated (the fax service is selected), a plurality of operation screens (fax setting screens) for setting the operating conditions of the fax service are sequentially displayed on display 14. For example, a screen for selecting fax sending / receiving (send / receive selection screen) is displayed first. When fax sending is selected on the send / receive selection screen (the fax sending service is selected), a destination setting screen 210 as shown in Fig. 17 is displayed on display 14. This destination setting screen 210 is the first of a plurality of operation screens for setting the operating conditions of the fax service to be displayed.

[0114] The destination setting screen 210 is a screen for setting a fax destination (recipient), and includes an end key 210a, a transition key 210b, an operation guide section 212, and a setting section 214. On the destination setting screen 210, a message prompting the user to input the destination number of the fax recipient is displayed in the operation guide section 212, such as "Please enter the destination number and press 'Next'."

[0115] The setting unit 214 includes a numeric keypad (number keys), a delete key, and an input display field. The numeric keypad is used to directly input the destination number of the fax transmission destination into the input display field, and when the numeric keypad is operated, the operated number is displayed in the input display field above the numeric keypad. The delete key is a key for deleting the number displayed in the input display field.

[0116] On the destination setting screen 210, when a fax destination is set, that is, when the fax destination number is entered up to a predetermined number of digits, the transition key 210b is enabled. When the enabled transition key 210b is operated, the operation screens following the destination setting screen 210 are displayed on the display 14 in sequence.

[0117] Although not shown in the figures, for example, a screen for guiding the user on how to set a document (corresponding to guide screen 140), a screen for checking scanned image data (corresponding to preview screen 150), etc. are displayed in sequence. Furthermore, when the operating conditions required for executing a job related to the fax transmission service (fax transmission job) are set on each operation screen, a screen for finally determining the operating conditions for the fax transmission service (corresponding to final setting screen 160) is displayed, and when the start key (transition key) is operated on that screen, the fax transmission job is started, and a screen for notifying the user that the fax transmission job is being executed (corresponding to execution notification screen 170), a screen for notifying the user of the transmission result of the fax transmission job (transmission result notification screen), a screen for notifying the user that the fax transmission job has been completed (corresponding to completion notification screen 180), and a screen for warning the user not to leave behind any items to be careful about (corresponding to lost item alert screen 200) are displayed in sequence.

[0118] If there is a job set to print a receipt, the receipt will be printed before the screen to warn the user not to forget to pick up any items that require attention is displayed, and a screen (corresponding to receipt printing notification screen 190) will be displayed to notify the user that the receipt is being printed.

[0119] However, the multiple operation screens for setting the operating conditions of the fax service include a result sheet print setting screen 220 as shown in FIG.

[0120] The result table print setting screen 220 is a screen for allowing the user to select a setting (transmission result table print setting) as to whether or not to output a fax transmission result table (hereinafter simply referred to as a "transmission result table") in a fax transmission result table printing service, which is an example of ancillary services, and includes an end key 220a, a guide section 222, and a print setting section (transmission result table print setting section) 224. On the result table print setting screen 220, a message prompting the user to select the print setting for the transmission result table, such as "Do you want to print the transmission result table? (Printing is free of charge)," is displayed in the guide section 222.

[0121] The print setting unit 224 is provided to allow the user to select print settings for the transmission result table. That is, the print setting unit 224 is an example of a selection unit that allows the user to select print settings regarding whether to print the transmission result table, which is an accompanying printed material, and is also an example of a notification unit that notifies the user about the transmission result table printing service, which is an accompanying service.

[0122] The print setting section 224 includes a first setting key 224a to which a setting for not printing the transmission result table is assigned, and a second setting key 224b to which a setting for printing the transmission result table is assigned. By operating either the first setting key 224a or the second setting key 224b, the print setting for the transmission result table is confirmed (selected). In addition, the first setting key 224a and the second setting key 224b are assigned a function for proceeding to the next operation screen, and when either the first setting key 224a or the second setting key 224b is operated, the screen switches to the next operation screen. However, the print setting for the transmission result table is initially set to not print the transmission result table. In addition, when switching to the next operation screen, the print setting for the transmission result table remains in the state selected on the previous operation screen.

[0123] In this embodiment, the result table print setting screen 220 is displayed at least twice between the time the fax service is selected and the time the fax transmission job is completed. That is, it is displayed at least twice between the time the initial fax setting screen is displayed and the time the screen for notifying the user that the fax transmission job has been completed is displayed. More specifically, the result table print setting screen 220 is displayed at least twice before the screen for notifying the user of the transmission results of the fax transmission job is displayed. For example, the result table print setting screen 220 is displayed at least once before the screen for finally determining the contents of the main service, and at least once after the screen for finally determining the contents of the main service.

[0124] Furthermore, instead of the result table print setting screen 220, a result table print setting section including the guide section 222 and the print setting section 224 may be displayed as part of another operation screen. In other words, the result table print setting section may be embedded in another operation screen. In this case, the result table print setting section is displayed on two or more operation screens.

[0125] According to this second embodiment, a screen for allowing the user to select the print settings for the transmission result table is displayed multiple times, so that the user is reliably made aware of the fax transmission result table printing service, and the fax transmission result table printing service can be performed in line with the user's intentions.

[0126] The transmission result table is basically printed by the image forming unit 74 (first image forming unit). However, the transmission result table may be printed by the ticket printer 18 (third image forming unit) instead of the image forming unit 74. The transmission result table basically prints (contains) the transmission result, transmission date and time, transmission destination, and transmission source, but may also include the title of the transmitted image or the transmitted image (if there are multiple transmitted images, a representative image).

[0127] The specific configurations and the like given in the above-mentioned embodiments are merely examples, and can be modified as appropriate depending on the actual product.

[0128] In the above-described embodiment, the information processing device 10 includes the display 14 with the touch panel 12, and the operation screen is displayed on the display 14. However, this is not limiting. For example, the image forming device 70 may include a display with a touch panel (corresponding to a first display). In this case, the display 14 with the touch panel 12 of the information processing device 10 may be omitted, or the information processing device 10 may still include the display 14 with the touch panel 12 (a configuration in which both the information processing device 10 and the image forming device 70 include displays with touch panels). However, if the display 14 with the touch panel 12 of the information processing device 10 is omitted, the operation screen is displayed on the display of the image forming device 70. Also, if both the information processing device 10 and the image forming device 70 include displays with touch panels, the operation screen may be displayed on each display, or on one of the displays. If the operation screen is displayed on the display of the image forming device 70, the user can perform job settings, etc. on the operation screen by touching the touch panel of the image forming device 70. [Explanation of symbols]

[0129] 10...Information processing equipment 12...Touch panel 14...Display 32...CPU 34...RAM 36...ROM 70...Image forming device

Claims

1. An information processing device that cooperates with an image forming device that has an image reading unit above a paper discharge space into which printed matter is discharged and an image forming unit below the paper discharge space, a display having a touch panel and capable of displaying a receipt issuing button; a receipt output unit that issues receipts; a control unit; the receipt discharge unit is provided below the display and within a range of height in the vertical direction of a paper discharge space of the image forming apparatus, The control unit issues a receipt from the receipt output unit in response to operation of the receipt issuance button displayed on the display after the image forming device has discharged the printed material into the output space, and when the receipt has been issued, displays a screen on the display to prevent the receipt from being forgotten.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the receipt ejection section is disposed in front of the information processing apparatus in a direction in which printed matter is ejected.

Images