Image processing apparatus, method for controlling image processing apparatus, and program

Abstract

To provide an image processing apparatus, a method for controlling an image processing apparatus, and a program that, while a use environment in which the image processing apparatus is used is being estimated, allow a user to grasp that the use environment is being estimated with an easy and simple configuration.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 101 comprises: display means (operation unit 320) that has a display panel (liquid crystal display unit 321) displaying a screen and allowing a scroll operation; and control means (operation control unit 410) that performs control of displaying, on the display panel, an operation screen including an operation unit (estimation button 502) for performing an operation to instruct execution of estimation of a use environment in which the image forming apparatus 101 is used, and estimation execution information attached to the operation unit and indicating that estimation is executed according to an operation to the operation unit. While the estimation is being executed according to the operation to the operation unit, the control means performs control of changing the estimation execution information to estimation under-execution information indicating that the estimation is being executed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5B

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Some image processing devices (image forming devices) having functions such as printing and scanning are configured to allow the user to select settings for the usage environment (utilization environment) in which the image processing device will be used on a settings screen. When a desired usage environment setting is selected on the settings screen, the image processing device can be used under the selected settings. Some image processing devices are also capable of estimating usage environment settings and notifying the user of the estimated usage environment settings. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing device capable of issuing an instruction to estimate the usage environment. This information processing device displays a display item that is operated (pressed) to issue an instruction to estimate the usage environment. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-084818 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, estimating the usage environment takes some time. Therefore, it is preferable for the user to be aware that the usage environment is currently being estimated. For example, if the user is unable to recognize that the usage environment is currently being estimated, the user may instruct the device to estimate again even though estimation is currently in progress, or may select the usage environment by looking at the previous estimation result even though estimation is currently in progress and the current estimation result has not yet been released. Furthermore, depending on the size of the display panel displaying the setting screen, it may be difficult to add a new display item indicating that estimation is currently in progress.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an image processing device, a control method for an image processing device, and a program that, when an estimation of a usage environment in which the image processing device is used is being performed, can easily and simply recognize that the usage environment estimation is in progress. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the image processing device of the present invention is an image processing device capable of image processing, and comprises: a display means having a display panel that displays a screen and is capable of scrolling; an operation unit for performing an operation to instruct the execution of an estimation of the usage environment in which the image processing device is used; and a control means attached to the operation unit that controls the display of an operation screen on the display panel, the operation screen including estimation execution information indicating that the estimation will be executed by an operation on the operation unit, and is characterized in that the control means controls the change of the estimation execution information to estimation in progress information indicating that the estimation is being executed while the estimation is being executed by an operation on the operation unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, when an estimation of a usage environment in which an image processing device is used is being performed, it is possible to easily and simply grasp that the usage environment estimation is in progress. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a usage environment in which an image processing apparatus according to a first embodiment is used. [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for classifying the usage environment of the image processing device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a software configuration of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 5A]FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a liquid crystal display unit of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 5B] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a liquid crystal display unit of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a liquid crystal display unit of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a liquid crystal display unit of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a liquid crystal display unit of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by the image forming apparatus. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing a process executed by an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing a process executed by an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Each embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the configurations described in each of the following embodiments are merely examples, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in each embodiment. For example, each component constituting the present invention can be replaced with any configuration that can perform the same function. Also, any component may be added. Furthermore, any two or more configurations (features) of each embodiment can be combined.

[0010] First Embodiment A first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a usage environment in which an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment is used. As shown in FIG. 1, image forming apparatuses (image processing apparatuses) 101 to 104 are used in different usage environments (installation environments). Specifically, the image forming apparatus 101 is used in a company intranet environment 111. The image forming apparatus 102 is used in a direct internet connection environment 112. The image forming apparatus 103 is used in an internet-prohibited environment 113. The image forming apparatus 104 is used in a home environment 114. The company intranet environment 111 includes the image forming apparatus 101, a PC 121, and a firewall 141. The image forming apparatus 101 and the PC 121 are connected via, for example, a company's internal local area network (LAN) 131. The firewall 141 is installed between the LAN 131 and the internet 100. The firewall 141 monitors and protects communication between the image forming apparatus 101 and the PC 121. This significantly reduces the threat of a third party (attacker) accessing the image forming apparatus 101 or the PC 121 via the Internet 100 in the company intranet environment 111.

[0011] The direct Internet connection environment 112 includes an image forming apparatus 102 and a PC 122. The image forming apparatus 102 and the PC 122 are each directly connected to the Internet 100. Therefore, in the direct Internet connection environment 112, it is preferable that the image forming apparatus 102 and the PC 122 each have countermeasures against threats such as access by third parties via the Internet 100. For example, a personal firewall function built into each apparatus can be used as such a countermeasure. The Internet-prohibited environment 113 includes an image forming apparatus 103 and a PC 123. The image forming apparatus 103 and the PC 123 are connected to each other via a LAN 133. As a result, in the Internet-prohibited environment 113, the image forming apparatus 103 and the PC 123 are used in a closed network environment isolated from the Internet 100. This prevents access to the image forming apparatus 103 and the PC 123 from unspecified users on the Internet 100. The home environment 114 includes an image forming apparatus 104, a PC 124, and a home router 144. The image forming apparatus 104 and the PC 124 are connected to each other via a home LAN 134. The LAN 134 is connected to the Internet 100 via a private network configured with a home router 144. The home environment 114 does not have a security measure such as a firewall 141 as in the company intranet environment 111. Therefore, in the home environment 114, similar to the direct internet connection environment 112, it is preferable that the image forming apparatus 104 and the PC 124 each have measures against threats such as access by third parties via the Internet 100. For example, a personal firewall function built into each device can be used as such a measure. In this embodiment, the usage environments include the company intranet environment 111 to the home environment 114, as well as a public space environment 115 and a highly confidential information management environment 116 (see FIG. 2).

[0012] Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for classifying the usage environment of an image forming apparatus. As shown in Fig. 2, in step S201, it is determined whether the environment is one in which highly confidential information is handled by the image forming apparatus, i.e., whether the environment is one in which security measures need to be given top priority. If it is determined in step S201 that the environment is one in which highly confidential information is handled by the image forming apparatus, the process proceeds to step S216. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S201 that the environment is not one in which highly confidential information is handled by the image forming apparatus, the process proceeds to step S202.

[0013] In step S202, it is determined whether the room in which the image forming device is installed is an entry-controlled environment. This determination is made, for example, based on whether unspecified users can physically access the image forming device in the room, i.e., whether users who enter the room in which the image forming device is installed are restricted. Methods for restricting user entry into the room include, but are not limited to, the use of an entry / exit card. For example, only personnel belonging to the organization are employed during business hours, limiting the number of people who can actually enter the room, and locking the room outside of business hours. If the determination in step S202 determines that the room in which the image forming device is installed is an entry-controlled environment, the process proceeds to step S205. On the other hand, if the determination in step S202 determines that the room in which the image forming device is installed is not an entry-controlled environment, the process proceeds to step S203.

[0014] In step S203, it is determined whether the image forming apparatus is connected to an external network such as the Internet. If it is determined in step S203 that the image forming apparatus is connected to an external network such as the Internet, the process proceeds to step S204. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S203 that the image forming apparatus is not connected to an external network such as the Internet, the process proceeds to step S213.

[0015] In step S204, it is determined whether a firewall is installed. If it is determined that a firewall is installed as a result of the determination in step S204, the process proceeds to step S211. On the other hand, if it is determined that a firewall is not installed as a result of the determination in step S204, the process proceeds to step S212.

[0016] In step S205, it is determined whether unspecified users will share and use the network within the environment. If it is determined in step S205 that unspecified users will share and use the network within the environment, the process proceeds to step S215. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S205 that unspecified users will not share and use the network within the environment, the process proceeds to step S214.

[0017] In step S211, the usage environment of the image forming apparatus is classified as a company intranet environment 111. The company intranet environment 111 is a private network environment that can be monitored and protected by a firewall 141.

[0018] In step S212, the usage environment of the image forming apparatus is classified as the direct internet connection environment 112.

[0019] In step S213, the usage environment of the image forming apparatus is classified as an internet prohibited environment 113. The internet prohibited environment 113 is a private network environment where entry is controlled and a closed network can be used.

[0020] In step S214, the usage environment of the image forming apparatus is classified as a home environment 114. The home environment 114 is a private network environment in which the user can be identified.

[0021] In step S215, the usage environment of the image forming device is classified as a public space environment 115.

[0022] In step S216, the usage environment of the image forming apparatus is classified as a highly confidential information management environment 116.

[0023] Next, security measures to be taken in the company intranet environment 111 to the highly confidential information management environment 116 will be described with reference to Table 1 below. Each of the image forming apparatuses 101 to 104 has settings related to security functions and other settings, and executes various controls according to the setting values ​​corresponding to each setting item. Table 1 shows the setting items related to security functions required for each usage environment.

[0024] [Table 1]

[0025] The first setting item, "encryption of communication path," is a security measure that prevents information leakage by encrypting the contents of communication on the network. For example, TLS (Transport Layer Security) is a function that realizes encryption of communication paths. In an environment connected to the Internet, it is preferable to encrypt the communication path because there is a possibility that a third party may eavesdrop on the contents of communication. Therefore, it is preferable to set encryption of communication paths in a usage environment other than the Internet-prohibited environment 113.

[0026] The second setting item, "Disable legacy protocols," is a security measure to prevent, for example, spoofing and information leakage by disabling functions that use unsafe legacy communication protocols. An example of a legacy protocol is WINS (Windows Internet Name Service). As with encryption of communication paths, disabling legacy protocols is preferably set in a usage environment that is connected to an external network such as the Internet. Therefore, disabling legacy protocols is preferably set in a usage environment excluding the Internet-prohibited environment 113.

[0027] The third setting item, "Enable Personal Firewall," enables a firewall installed and available on the image forming apparatus. Like a typical firewall, a personal firewall monitors communications between the image forming apparatus and external networks such as the Internet. Examples of personal firewalls include IP filters and port number filters. An IP filter is a security measure that reads destination and source information from communication packets and allows only predefined communication packets. This prevents unauthorized access and information leakage. A port number filter is a security measure that closes unused ports to prevent intrusions through those closed ports. This prevents DoS (Denial of Service), a cyber attack that creates vulnerabilities by imposing a large load. In environments connected to external networks but without a firewall, enabling a personal firewall is preferable due to the risk of information leakage and DoS. Therefore, enabling a personal firewall is preferably set in usage environments excluding the company intranet environment 111 and the Internet-prohibited environment 113.

[0028] The fourth setting item, "Enhanced Authentication Security," strengthens measures against spoofing, for example, by prohibiting password caching or specifying a minimum password length. Except for usage environments connected within an isolated network, where there is a possibility of spoofing, enhanced authentication security is preferable. Therefore, enhanced authentication security is preferably set in usage environments other than the Internet-prohibited environment 113.

[0029] The fifth setting item, "Physical Attack Countermeasures," is a security measure to physically prevent information from being leaked. Each of the image forming apparatuses 101 to 104 generates temporary data, such as print jobs, in its HDD 314. Each of the image forming apparatuses 101 to 104 has a complete erasure function that automatically and completely erases the temporary data upon job completion. This complete erasure function, for example, is an example of a physical attack countermeasure. The complete erasure function prevents the temporary data from being read even if the HDD 314 is physically removed. Physical attack countermeasures are preferably implemented in usage environments where entry management is not implemented and physical access to the image forming apparatus cannot be restricted, or in usage environments where reducing the risk of information leakage is a top priority. Therefore, physical attack countermeasures are preferably configured in the home environment 114, the public space environment 115, and the highly confidential information management environment 116.

[0030] The sixth setting item, "Disable File Sharing Function," disables the function for sharing files on the network within the environment. Examples of settings related to the file sharing function include SMB (Server Message Block) server settings. In environments where unspecified users share the network within the environment, it is preferable to disable the file sharing function to prevent information leakage. In other words, it is recommended to disable the file sharing function except for private network environments where specific users share the network within the environment. As mentioned above, the company intranet environment 111, the internet-prohibited environment 113, and the home environment 114 are private network environments. Therefore, it is preferable to disable the file sharing function in the direct internet connection environment 112, the public space environment 115, and the highly confidential information management environment 116, excluding these environments.

[0031] The seventh setting item, "Disable External Storage Devices," is a setting that prevents the use of, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Base) storage device as an external storage device in the image forming apparatus. This prevents information from being written to the external storage device, thereby preventing information leakage. It also prevents computer virus infection via the USB storage device and the resulting information leakage. The threat of information leakage from external storage devices is common to all usage environments. Therefore, it is preferable to disable external storage devices in all usage environments.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. Since image forming apparatuses 101 to 104 have the same hardware configuration, the hardware configuration of image forming apparatus 101 will be described as a representative example. Image forming apparatus 101 shown in FIG. 3 is an apparatus capable of image processing. There are no particular limitations on the image forming apparatus 101, and it is possible to use, for example, an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral), an SFP (Single Function Printer), or other devices such as a multi-function scanner. It is also possible to use, for example, a device such as a 3D printer or a 3D scanner as image forming apparatus 101.

[0033] The image forming apparatus 101 includes a control unit 310, an operation unit 320, a printer 330, and a scanner 340. The control unit 310 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 311, a read-only memory (ROM) 312, and a random access memory (RAM) 313. The control unit 310 also includes a hard disk drive (HDD) 314, an operation unit interface (I / F) 315, a printer I / F 316, a scanner I / F 317, and a network I / F 318. The control unit 310 is a computer that controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 101. The ROM 312 stores a control program executed by the CPU 311. The CPU 311 reads the control program stored in the ROM 312 and performs various controls of the image forming apparatus 101, such as reading control and transmission control. The control program includes, for example, a program for causing a computer to execute each unit and each means (a control method of an image processing apparatus) of the image forming apparatus 101. The RAM 313 is used as the main memory of the CPU 311 and as a temporary storage area such as a work area. The HDD 314 stores, for example, image data, various programs, and various setting information. Note that the control unit 310 may have other storage devices in addition to the HDD 314, such as an SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0034] The control unit 310 is connected to the operation unit 320 via an operation unit I / F 315. The operation unit 320 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display (display panel) 321 with a touch panel function, a keyboard 322, and the like. This allows the operation unit 320 to function as a display unit that displays information to the user and as a reception unit that receives instructions from the user. The liquid crystal display 321 is configured to allow scrolling of the screen. In this case, the size of the liquid crystal display 321 is, for example, approximately 3 inches. For example, on the environment type list screen 500 shown in FIG. 5, the default display range is up to the fifth line (button 501c), and the user can scroll to display the remaining range. The control unit 310 is connected to the printer 330 via a printer I / F 316. Image data to be printed by the printer 330 is transmitted from the control unit 310 to the printer 330 via the printer I / F. The printer 330 receives the image data from the control unit 310 and prints the image data on a medium such as printing paper. The control unit 310 is connected to the scanner 340 via the scanner I / F 317. The scanner 340 reads a document placed on a document table (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 101 and generates image data of the document. This image data is transmitted to the control unit 310 via the scanner I / F 317. A network cable is connected to the network I / F 318. This allows the image forming apparatus 101 to communicate with external devices such as the PC 121 on the LAN 131. This communication is wired communication, but is not limited to this and may be wireless communication, for example. In the case of the image forming apparatus 102, the Internet 100 is connected to the network I / F 318 of the image forming apparatus 102. In the case of the image forming apparatus 103, the LAN 133 is connected to the network I / F 318 of the image forming apparatus 103. In the case of the image forming apparatus 104, the LAN 134 is connected to the network I / F 318 of the image forming apparatus 104.

[0035] Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the image forming apparatus. As shown in Fig. 4, the control unit 301 has, as software, an operation control unit 410, a data storage unit 420, a security setting control unit 430, a web UI (User Interface) control unit 440, and a usage environment estimation unit (usage environment estimation unit) 450. Each piece of software is realized by the CPU 311 executing a program corresponding to each piece of software stored in the ROM 312. The operation control unit 410 displays a screen on the operation unit 320. The operation control unit 410 also detects user operations on the operation unit 320, and switches screens or updates display content based on the detection result.

[0036] The data storage unit 420 stores data in the HDD 314 and reads data from the HDD 314. The data storage unit 420 stores setting information for determining the operation of the image forming apparatus 101 and information related to security function settings. The data storage unit 420 stores a recommended setting value database 421, pre-change setting data 422, and current operation setting data 423 as each piece of information. The recommended setting value database 421 is a database containing setting items (see Table 1) related to security functions for each of the above-mentioned usage environments. Setting items required for each usage environment are marked "on" in Table 1. For example, the in-house intranet environment 111 requires encryption of communication paths, disabling of legacy protocols, enhanced authentication security, and enhanced authentication security. In this embodiment, the recommended setting value database 421 is defined in advance by the vendor (manufacturer) of the image forming apparatus 101 and stored in the data storage unit 420. Furthermore, setting items marked with a diagonal line in Table 1 are items for which the setting may be omitted depending on the usage environment, and are carried over from the pre-change setting data 422. The current operation setting data 423 are setting items that have already been set in the current usage environment, i.e., items marked "on" in Table 1. The current operation setting data 423 may be generated, for example, by an application in an external information processing device.

[0037] The security setting control unit 430 performs collective setting of the security functions of the image forming apparatus 101 in accordance with the detection results of the operation control unit 410. Hereinafter, this collective setting function will be referred to as the "collective setting function." In this embodiment, the seven setting items in Table 1 are set using the collective setting function. Note that even when a user such as an administrator sets each setting item using the collective setting function, the user can change the setting state of a specific setting item depending on the actual usage status of the image forming apparatus. For example, in the company intranet environment 111, communication path encryption, disabling legacy protocols, enhanced authentication security, and enhanced authentication security are set to "on," and personal firewall enablement may also be set to "on."

[0038] The web UI control unit 440 controls the setting screen displayed on the PC 121 via the network I / F 318. The user can refer to or change the settings of the image forming apparatus 101 using the setting screen on the web browser provided by the web UI control unit 440. The web UI control unit 440 may also have a function for importing and exporting the recommended setting value database 421. This allows the user to create or edit a data file related to the recommended setting value database 421 on the PC 121. The edited recommended setting value database 421 can be sent to the image forming apparatus 101 and stored in the data storage unit 420. Note that the web UI control unit 440 may be omitted from the control unit 301. The usage environment estimation unit 450 estimates the usage environment in which the image forming apparatus will be used. This estimation is performed based on information such as network packets acquired by the image forming apparatus.

[0039] 5A to 8 are diagrams showing examples of screens displayed on the liquid crystal display unit of the image forming apparatus. The screens shown in FIGS. 5A to 8 are each displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 321 by the operation control unit 410 (control unit 310) (display step). In this embodiment, the operation control unit 410 functions as a control unit that controls the display of the screens on the liquid crystal display unit 321 (control step). Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 101 may use the web UI control unit 440 to obtain web pages similar to the respective screens from a web browser of an external information processing device. In this case, various setting operations can be performed via the web pages.

[0040] The environment type list screen 500 shown in FIG. 5A is an operation screen including a usage environment list button group 501 and an estimation button 502. The usage environment list button group 501 includes buttons 501a to 501f. The button 501a is provided with text information "1. Company intranet type." By operating this button 501a, the company intranet environment 111 can be selected and confirmed as the usage environment of the image forming apparatus. The button 501b is provided with text information "2. Direct Internet connection type." By operating this button 501b, the direct Internet connection environment 112 can be selected and confirmed as the usage environment of the image forming apparatus. The button 501c is provided with text information "3. Internet prohibited type." By operating this button 501c, the Internet prohibited environment 113 can be selected and confirmed as the usage environment of the image forming apparatus. The button 501d is provided with text information "4. Home type." By operating button 501d, home environment 114 can be selected and confirmed as the usage environment of the image forming apparatus. Button 501e is provided with text information "5. Public space type." By operating button 501e, public space environment 115 can be selected and confirmed as the usage environment of the image forming apparatus. Button 501f is provided with text information "6. Highly confidential information management type." By operating button 501f, highly confidential information management environment 116 can be selected and confirmed as the usage environment of the image forming apparatus. In this way, buttons 501a to 501f are options for selecting and confirming a usage environment. Then, security setting control unit 430 reads recommended setting value database 421 for the usage environment corresponding to the button selected from buttons 501a to 501f in data storage unit 420, and overwrites current operational setting data 423 with the recommended setting value. Furthermore, when button 501d is operated from among buttons 501a to 501f, it is possible to transition to estimation execution screen 600 shown in Fig. 6. Furthermore, if a previous estimation result exists, the usage environment that is the estimation result may be accompanied by text information "recommended" (see button 501d).

[0041] The estimation button 502 is an operation unit for performing an operation to instruct the execution of estimation of the usage environment of the image processing device. The estimation button 502 is provided with estimation execution information "Estimate recommended environment type" as text information (character string) indicating that estimation will be executed by operating the estimation button 502. By operating the estimation button 502, the usage environment estimation unit 450 estimates the usage environment of the image processing device. Then, while the usage environment estimation is being executed, the operation control unit 410 performs control to change, i.e., replace, "Estimate recommended environment type" with "Environment type being estimated" as text information (character string) indicating that estimation is being executed, as shown in FIG. 5B. The user can visually recognize the estimation information "Environment type being estimated." In this way, when estimation of the usage environment of the image processing device is being executed, the simple configuration of displaying the estimation information "Environment type being estimated" allows the user to easily understand that the estimation is being executed.

[0042] Since estimating the usage environment takes some time (for example, about one minute), it is preferable for the user to understand that the usage environment is being estimated. As described above, the user can easily understand that the usage environment is being estimated. On the other hand, if the user does not understand that the usage environment is being estimated, for example, the user may operate the estimation button 502 again even though estimation is currently in progress. In this embodiment, such re-operation of the estimation button 502 during estimation can be suppressed. Also, as shown in FIG. 5B, the estimation button 502 at this time is preferably colored differently from the estimation button 502 in FIG. 5A. The color and the synergistic effect of the estimation information "environment type being estimated" emphasize that the usage environment is being estimated, thereby allowing the user to more easily understand that estimation is currently in progress. Furthermore, while the usage environment is being estimated, i.e., while the estimation information is being displayed, operation of the estimation button 502 (environment type list screen 500) may be restricted. This makes it impossible to operate the estimation button 502. Note that the method of restricting operation of the estimate button 502 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a method of displaying the estimate button 502 in a grayed-out state. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the estimate button 502 (including text information) is arranged at the top of the environment type list screen 500, and the usage environment list button group 501 (including text information) is arranged below the estimate button 502. By arranging the estimate button 502 at the top, the estimation information "estimating environment type" becomes the most easily visible position on the environment type list screen 500. This arrangement is preferable when the size of the liquid crystal display unit 321 is relatively small (between 6 inches and 12 inches) and scrolling is required to display the screen.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 6, the estimation execution screen 600 includes a previous estimation result 601, an estimation execution confirmation 602, and a back button 603. When the estimation execution result has been acquired, the previous estimation result 601 shows a previous estimation result 601a and an estimated date and time 601b as the execution result of the estimation. In FIG. 6, as an example, the previous estimation result 601a is "4. At-home type," and the estimated date and time 601b is "2023 / 6 / 30 14:25 PM." The estimation execution confirmation 602 is a button that accepts an instruction for estimation execution from the user. When the estimation execution confirmation 602 is operated, the screen transitions to an estimation processing screen (estimation screen) 700 shown in FIG. 7. When the back button 603 is operated, the screen transitions to the environment type list screen 500 shown in FIG. 5.

[0044] The estimation processing screen 700 shown in FIG. 7 is displayed separately from the environment type list screen 500 while the usage environment estimation unit 450 is executing the usage environment estimation processing. The estimation processing screen 700 includes a message 701 and a message 702. The message 701 displays text information, "Estimating environment type," indicating that the usage environment estimation processing is currently being executed. The message 702 displays the time required for the usage environment estimation processing, "Estimation will take approximately one minute." When the estimation processing is completed, the usage environment estimation unit 450 notifies the security setting control unit 430 of this fact. When the security setting control unit 430 receives this notification, it notifies the operation control unit 410 of the end of estimation. This causes a transition to an estimation result confirmation screen 800 shown in FIG. 8.

[0045] 8 includes a message 801 and a button 802. The message 801 displays, for example, "Recommended environment type: 4. Home type" as the result of estimation by the usage environment estimation unit 450. After checking the message 801, the user can operate the button 802. This operation allows security settings that reflect the recommended usage environment to be performed all at once.

[0046] 9 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the image forming apparatus. A program based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 is stored in ROM 312 or HDD 314. CPU 311 loads this program into RAM 313 and executes it. Execution of the program based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 begins when environment type list screen 500 is displayed. As shown in FIG. 9, in step S901, operation control unit 410 displays environment type list screen 500 on liquid crystal display unit 321. After step S901 is executed, processing proceeds to step S902.

[0047] In step S902, security setting control unit 430 determines whether or not there is a previous estimation result from usage environment estimation unit 450. If it is determined in step S902 that there is a previous estimation result, the process proceeds to step S903. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S902 that there is no previous estimation result, the process proceeds to step S904.

[0048] In step S903, the security setting control unit 430 reads out the previous estimation result from the usage environment estimation unit 450. The operation control unit 410 displays "recommended" on one of the buttons 501a to 501f in the usage environment list button group 501. For example, if the previous estimation result is "4. At home type," the operation control unit 410 displays "recommended" on the button 501d labeled "4. At home type." After executing step S903, the process proceeds to step S904.

[0049] In step S904, security setting control unit 430 determines whether estimation processing is in progress in usage environment estimation unit 450. If it is determined in step S904 that estimation processing is in progress, the process proceeds to step S905. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S904 that estimation processing is not in progress, the process proceeds to step S908.

[0050] In step S905, the security setting control unit 430 grays out the inference button 502, thereby disabling any operation on the inference button 502. After step S905 is executed, the process proceeds to step S906.

[0051] In step S906, security setting control unit 430 determines whether or not the estimation process has been completed in usage environment estimation unit 450. If it is determined in step S906 that the estimation process has been completed, the process proceeds to step S907. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S906 that the estimation process has not been completed, the process remains in standby at step S906.

[0052] In step S907, the security setting control unit 430 cancels the inoperable state of the inferred button 502 set in step S905, and enables the operation of the inferred button 502. After step S907 is executed, the process returns to step S904, and the subsequent steps are executed in order.

[0053] In step S908, the operation control unit 410 determines whether the estimation button 502 has been operated (pressed). If it is determined in step S908 that the estimation button 502 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S909. Furthermore, the operation control unit 410 changes the text information on the estimation button 502 to estimation-in-progress information "Environment type being estimated" (see FIG. 5B). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S908 that the estimation button 502 has not been operated, the process returns to step S904, and the subsequent steps are executed in order.

[0054] In step S909, the operation control unit 410 displays the estimation execution screen 600. After step S909 is executed, the process proceeds to step S910.

[0055] In step S910, security setting control unit 430 determines whether or not there is a previous estimation result from usage environment estimation unit 450. If it is determined in step S910 that there is a previous estimation result, the process proceeds to step S911. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S910 that there is no previous estimation result, the process proceeds to step S912.

[0056] In step S911, the operation control unit 410 displays the previous estimation result 601a and the estimated date and time 601b in the previous estimation result 601 on the estimation execution screen 600. After step S911 is executed, the process proceeds to step S912.

[0057] In step S912, the security setting control unit 430 determines whether the estimated execution confirmation 602 (execution: OK key) on the estimated execution screen 600 has been operated. If it is determined in step S912 that the estimated execution confirmation 602 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S914. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S912 that the estimated execution confirmation 602 has not been operated, the process proceeds to step S913.

[0058] In step S913, security setting control unit 430 determines whether or not back button 603 (cancel: back key) on estimated execution screen 600 has been operated. If it is determined in step S913 that back button 603 has been operated, the process returns to step S901, and subsequent steps are executed in sequence. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S913 that back button 603 has not been operated, the process returns to step S912, and subsequent steps are executed in sequence.

[0059] In step S914, security setting control unit 430 instructs usage environment estimation unit 450 to execute a usage environment estimation process. This causes the estimation process to be executed in usage environment estimation unit 450. After step S914 is executed, the process proceeds to step S915.

[0060] In step S915, the operation control unit 410 displays the estimation processing screen 700. After step S915 is executed, the process proceeds to step S916.

[0061] In step S916, security setting control unit 430 determines whether or not the estimation process has been completed by usage environment estimation unit 450. If it is determined in step S916 that the estimation process has been completed, the process proceeds to step S918. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S916 that the estimation process has not been completed, the process proceeds to step S917.

[0062] In step S917, security setting control unit 430 determines whether, for example, a predetermined key (hard key) on a keyboard has been operated while inference processing screen 700 was displayed in step S915. This predetermined operation is an operation for transitioning from inference processing screen 700 to another screen. The other screen is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a home screen including instruction buttons (icons) for instructing various processes that can be executed by the image forming apparatus, such as printing, copying, faxing, and scanning. If it is determined in step S917 that the predetermined operation has been performed, the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S917 that the predetermined operation has not been performed, the process returns to step S916, and the subsequent steps are executed sequentially.

[0063] In step S918, the operation control unit 410 displays the estimation result confirmation screen 800, and the process ends. Note that the image forming apparatus transitions in the following order: environment type list screen 500, estimation execution screen 600, estimation processing in progress screen 700, and estimation result confirmation screen 800; however, the display format is not particularly limited. For example, the screens may be controlled in the following order: display environment type list screen 500, hide environment type list screen 500, display estimation execution screen 600, hide estimation execution screen 600, display estimation processing in progress screen 700, hide estimation processing in progress screen 700, and display estimation result confirmation screen 800. Alternatively, the screens may be controlled in the following order: display environment type list screen 500, display estimation execution screen 600, display estimation processing in progress screen 700, and display estimation result confirmation screen 800, with these screens being arranged next to each other. Furthermore, the environment type list screen 500, the estimation execution screen 600, the estimation processing screen 700, and the estimation result confirmation screen 800 may be displayed in this order, and these screens may be arranged so as to overlap one another.

[0064] Second Embodiment The second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 10. The differences from the previous embodiment will be mainly described, and similar points will not be described again. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing executed by an image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. Execution of a program based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 10 begins when an estimation processing in progress screen 700 is displayed. As shown in FIG. 10, in step S1001, operation control unit 410 displays estimation processing in progress screen 700 on liquid crystal display unit 321. After step S1001 is executed, the process proceeds to step S1002.

[0065] In step S1002, security setting control unit 430 determines whether or not the estimation process has been completed in usage environment estimation unit 450. If it is determined in step S1002 that the estimation process has been completed, the process proceeds to step S1003. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1002 that the estimation process has not been completed, the process proceeds to step S1004.

[0066] In step S1003, the operation control unit 410 displays the estimation result confirmation screen 800, and the process ends.

[0067] In step S1004, security setting control unit 430 determines whether, for example, a predetermined key (hard key) on a keyboard has been operated while estimation processing in progress screen 700 was displayed in step S1001. If it is determined in step S1004 that the predetermined key has been operated, the process proceeds to step S1005. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1004 that the predetermined key has not been operated, the process returns to step S1002, and the subsequent steps are executed in order.

[0068] In step S1005, security setting control unit 430 determines whether the usage environment (environment type) has already been set. This determination is made, for example, based on current operation setting value data 423. If it is determined in step S1005 that the usage environment has already been set, the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1005 that the usage environment has not already been set, the process returns to step S1002, and the subsequent steps are executed in sequence.

[0069] In this embodiment, if the usage environment has already been set, it can be assumed that provisional security is ensured by the security setting control unit 430, and therefore a screen transition can be made from the estimation processing screen 700. On the other hand, if the usage environment has not been set, it can be assumed that security is not ensured, and therefore it is preferable to confirm the estimation result on the estimation result confirmation screen 800. This allows the user to select a recommended usage environment.

[0070] <Third embodiment> The third embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 11. However, differences from the above-described embodiment will be mainly described, and similar matters will not be described again. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing processing executed by an image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. Execution of a program based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 begins when an estimation processing in progress screen 700 is displayed. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 11, steps S1101 to S1105 are executed sequentially. Steps S1101 to S1105 are the same as steps S1001 to S1005 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 10. As shown in FIG. 11, if it is determined in step S1105 that the usage environment has already been set, the processing ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1105 that the usage environment has not already been set, the processing proceeds to step S1106.

[0071] In step S1106, the operation control unit 410 transitions from the estimation processing screen 700 displayed in step S1101. In addition, the security setting control unit 430 restricts security-related functions and some user operations. These restrictions are not particularly limited, and include, for example, restricting printing, sending scanned data, etc., as a measure to prevent data leakage to the outside. After step S1106 is executed, the process proceeds to step S1107.

[0072] In step S1107, security setting control unit 430 determines whether the usage environment (environment type) has already been set, as in step S1105. If it is determined in step S1107 that the usage environment has already been set, the process proceeds to step S1108. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1107 that the usage environment has not already been set, the process returns to step S1106, and the subsequent steps are executed in order.

[0073] In step S1108, security setting control unit 430 removes the restriction imposed by security setting control unit 430 in step S1106, and the process ends.

[0074] In this embodiment, if the usage environment is not set and there is a risk that security is not guaranteed, security-related functions and some user operations can be restricted (see step S1106). This makes it possible to guarantee provisional security.

[0075] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0076] The disclosure of each embodiment includes the following configurations, methods, and programs. (Configuration 1) An image processing device capable of image processing, a display means having a display panel that displays a screen and is capable of being scrolled; an operation unit for performing an operation to instruct execution of estimation of a usage environment in which the image processing device is used; and control means for controlling display of an operation screen on the display panel, the operation screen including estimation execution information attached to the operation unit and indicating that the estimation will be executed by an operation on the operation unit; The image processing device is characterized in that the control means performs control to change the estimation execution information to estimation in progress information indicating that the estimation is being performed while the estimation is being performed by operation on the operation unit. (Configuration 2) The image processing device according to configuration 1, wherein the operation unit and the estimation execution information are arranged in the upper part of the operation screen. (Configuration 3) The image processing device according to Configuration 2, characterized in that the operation screen includes a plurality of options for selecting and determining the usage environment, which are arranged below the operation unit and the estimated execution information on the operation screen. (Configuration 4) The image processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the estimation-in-progress information includes a character string indicating that the estimation is in progress. (Configuration 5) The image processing device described in any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the control means controls the display of the inference execution result on the display panel when the inference execution result has been acquired. (Configuration 6) The image processing device described in any one of configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that the control means is capable of controlling the display panel to display an estimation screen indicating that the estimation is being performed, separate from the operation screen. (Configuration 7) The image processing device according to configuration 6, wherein the estimation screen includes a character string indicating that the estimation is being performed and a time required for the estimation. (Configuration 8) The image processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein the control means restricts operations on the operation screen while the estimation-in-progress information is displayed. (Configuration 9) The image processing device described in any one of configurations 1 to 8, characterized in that the control means controls the display panel to display a screen different from the operation screen when a predetermined operation is performed while the estimation information is displayed. (Method 1) A method for controlling an image processing device capable of image processing, comprising: a display step having a display panel that displays a screen and allows scrolling; a control step of controlling the display of an operation screen on the display panel, the operation screen including an operation unit for performing an operation to instruct the execution of an estimation of a usage environment in which the image processing device is used, and estimation execution information attached to the operation unit, the operation screen indicating that the estimation will be executed by an operation on the operation unit; A control method for an image processing device, characterized in that the control step performs control to change the estimation execution information to estimation in progress information indicating that the estimation is being performed while the estimation is being performed by operation on the operation unit. (Program 1) A program for causing a computer to execute each means of the image processing device according to any one of the configurations 1 to 1. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 101 to 104 Image forming device 310 Control Unit 320 Control unit 321 LCD display section 410 Operation control section 430 Security setting control section 450 Usage environment estimation section (Usage environment estimation section)

Claims

1. An image processing device capable of image processing, a display means having a display panel that displays a screen and is capable of being scrolled; an operation unit for performing an operation to instruct execution of estimation of a usage environment in which the image processing device is used; and control means for controlling display of an operation screen on the display panel, the operation screen including estimation execution information attached to the operation unit and indicating that the estimation will be executed by an operation on the operation unit; The image processing device is characterized in that the control means performs control to change the estimation execution information to estimation in progress information indicating that the estimation is being performed while the estimation is being performed by operation on the operation unit.

2. The image processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the operation unit and the estimation execution information are arranged on an upper side of the operation screen.

3. 3. The image processing device according to claim 2, wherein the operation screen includes a plurality of options for selecting and determining the usage environment, the options being arranged below the operation unit and the estimated execution information on the operation screen.

4. The image processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the estimation-in-progress information includes a character string indicating that the estimation is in progress.

5. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means controls the display panel to display the execution result of the estimation when the execution result of the estimation has been acquired.

6. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means is capable of controlling the display panel to display an estimation screen indicating that the estimation is being performed, separately from the operation screen.

7. The image processing device according to claim 6 , wherein the estimation screen includes a character string indicating that the estimation is being performed and a time required for the estimation.

8. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means restricts operations on the operation screen while the estimation-in-progress information is displayed.

9. 2. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control means controls the display panel to display a screen different from the operation screen when a predetermined operation is performed while the estimation information is displayed.

10. 1. A method for controlling an image processing device capable of image processing, comprising: a display step having a display panel that displays a screen and allows scrolling; a control step of controlling the display of an operation screen on the display panel, the operation screen including an operation unit for performing an operation to instruct the execution of an estimation of a usage environment in which the image processing device is used, and estimation execution information attached to the operation unit, the operation screen indicating that the estimation will be executed by an operation on the operation unit; A control method for an image processing device, characterized in that the control step performs control to change the estimation execution information to estimation in progress information indicating that the estimation is being performed while the estimation is being performed by operation on the operation unit.

11. 2. A program for causing a computer to execute each means of the image processing apparatus according to claim 1.

Images