Computer program for terminal device, terminal device, and method for controlling terminal device

Abstract

To provide a technology capable of appropriately displaying a notification screen for promoting use of a certain image processing function.SOLUTION: A terminal device receives operation information of an image processing device from the image processing device including a first image processing function to be executed regardless of user authentication and a second image processing function to be executed on condition of success of the user authentication, and displays a notification screen for promoting use of the second image processing function on a display part of the terminal device in the case that the operation information satisfies a prescribed condition. If the operation information does not satisfy the prescribed condition, the notification screen is not displayed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This specification discloses a technique related to a terminal device that displays a notification screen. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an image reading system including multiple PCs, multiple scanners, and multiple MFCs. When the scanner receives an input instruction to execute a push scan, it identifies the target PC. When the target PC is identified, the scanner determines whether a PIN corresponding to the target PC is stored. If a PIN is stored, the scanner requests input of the PIN, and executes a scan function when the PIN is entered. If a PIN is not stored, the scanner executes the scan function without requesting input of the PIN. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-339904 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] According to the technology of Patent Document 1, security can be improved by using a PIN. However, Patent Document 1 does not disclose anything about prompting the user to use a PIN.

[0005] This specification provides a technique that can appropriately display a notification screen that prompts the user to use a certain image processing function. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This specification discloses a computer program for a terminal device. The computer program may cause a computer of the terminal device to function as: a receiving unit that receives operation information of an image processing device from the image processing device, the image processing device having a first image processing function that is executed regardless of user authentication and a second image processing function that is executed on the condition that the user authentication is successful; and a first display control unit that displays a notification screen on a display unit of the terminal device to encourage use of the second image processing function when the operation information satisfies a predetermined condition, and that does not display the notification screen when the operation information does not satisfy the predetermined condition.

[0007] According to the above configuration, when the terminal device receives operation information from the image processing device, the terminal device can switch whether to display a notification screen for encouraging the use of the second image processing function depending on whether the operation information satisfies a predetermined condition. Therefore, the terminal device can appropriately display the notification screen.

[0008] The present invention also provides a novel and useful computer-readable recording medium storing the computer program, a terminal device implemented by the computer program, and a method for controlling the terminal device. The present invention also provides a novel and useful communication system including the terminal device and the image processing device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 shows the configuration of a communication system. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of terminal processing. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a scan process. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a printing process. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating predetermined conditions. [Figure 6] 10 is an example of a screen displayed on the terminal device during the terminal process and the scan process. [Figure 7] This is a continuation of Figure 6. [Figure 8] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a terminal device during terminal processing and printing processing. [Figure 9] 10 is an example of a screen displayed on the terminal device in the terminal process and the scan process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a scan process according to a third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a printing process according to a third embodiment. [Figure 12] 13 is an example of a notification screen according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] (First Example) (Configuration of communication system 2; Figure 1) 1, the communication system 2 includes a terminal device 10 and an MFP 100. The terminal device 10 and the MFP 100 are connected to a local area network (LAN) 4. The terminal device 10 and the MFP 100 are capable of communicating with each other via the LAN 4.

[0011] (Configuration of terminal device 10) The terminal device 10 is a PC such as a desktop PC, a notebook PC, or a tablet PC. The terminal device 10 has a device name "pc1." The terminal device 10 includes an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, a communication interface 20, and a control unit 30. Hereinafter, the interface will be referred to as "I / F."

[0012] The operation unit 12 is a user interface that allows a user to input various information to the terminal device 10. The operation unit 12 includes, for example, a touch panel for displaying software keys (operation area), hardware keys, or both. The hardware keys include, for example, buttons or switches. The display unit 14 is a display or panel for displaying various information. The display is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The panel may or may not be a touch panel. The panel is, for example, a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel. The communication I / F 20 is connected to the LAN 4. The communication I / F 20 may be a wired I / F or a wireless I / F.

[0013] The control unit 30 includes a CPU 32 and a memory 34. The memory 34 includes a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. For example, the main storage device includes a RAM and a cache memory. For example, the auxiliary storage device may be a ROM, a flash memory, a solid state drive (SSD), a hard disk drive (HDD), or a combination thereof. The auxiliary storage device of the memory 34 stores an operating system (OS) program 40, an MFP application 42, a browser application 44, and a notification screen flag 46. Hereinafter, the OS program 40 will be referred to as "OS 40." The OS 40 controls the basic operations of the terminal device 10. The MFP application 42 is a program for causing the MFP to perform printing and scanning functions. The browser application 44 is a program for accessing a web server and browsing web pages. The CPU 32 performs various processes according to the programs loaded from the auxiliary storage device to the main storage device. In the following, various processes that are realized by the CPU 32 in accordance with a program may be described as being performed primarily by the OS 40, the MFP application 42, or the browser application 44. The MFP application 42 and the browser application 44 access various pieces of hardware, such as the display unit 14, the memory 34, and the communication I / F 20, via the OS 40 to perform various processes. In the following, the description will omit as appropriate the fact that the MFP application 42 and the browser application 44 perform processes via the OS 40. The notification screen flag 46 indicates either "OFF," which indicates that the display of a notification screen, which will be described later, is prohibited, or "ON," which indicates that the display of a notification screen is permitted.

[0014] (MFP100 configuration) The MFP 100 has a device name "DV1" and a model name "MN1." The device name is a name assigned by the MFP administrator. The model name indicates the MFP model. The MFP 100 has an image processing function that is executed regardless of user authentication using a username and password, and an image processing function that is executed on the condition that the user authentication is successful. Hereinafter, the image processing function that is executed regardless of user authentication and the image processing function that is executed on the condition that the user authentication is successful will be referred to as the "normal function" and the "user authority control function," respectively. The image processing function includes a function related to the print function that prints an image on paper and a function related to the scan function that generates scan data in response to the scanned image. The MFP 100 has a print mechanism capable of executing a print function and a scan mechanism capable of executing a scan function. The print mechanism has an inkjet, electrophotographic, or thermal print engine. The inkjet print engine has a print head that ejects ink droplets. An electrophotographic print engine includes a photoconductor and an exposure device that emits light to expose the photoconductor. A thermal print engine includes a print head that generates heat using a heater. A scanning mechanism includes a scanner engine that includes an image sensor. Examples of image sensors include a Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) image sensor and a Contact Image Sensor (CIS).

[0015] The MFP 100 further includes a web server function, which transmits web page data representing a web page to an external device in response to the external device accessing the web server in the MFP 100.

[0016] The MFP 100 includes a memory 134. The memory 134 stores an authentication flag 140, an authentication table 142, password information 144, and a current connection list 150. The authentication flag 140 indicates either “OFF,” which indicates that execution of normal functions is permitted and execution of the user authority control function is prohibited, or “ON,” which indicates that execution of the user authority control function is permitted and execution of normal functions is prohibited. The authentication table 142 is a table used by the user authority control function. The authentication table 142 stores, for each of one or more users who use the MFP 100, a user name, a password, and function information in association with each other. The function information is information for identifying functions that the user is permitted to use, such as print functions and scan functions, that the MFP 100 can execute. “OK” indicates that use of the function corresponding to the information is permitted, and “NG” indicates that use of the function corresponding to the information is not permitted. The password information 144 is information indicating a password for using the web server function of the MFP 100. When MFP 100 is shipped, authentication flag 140 is set to "OFF," authentication table 142 is empty, and an initial password is set in password information 144. The initial password is, for example, "0000." The information in authentication table 142 is set by an administrator of MFP 100. Current connection list 150 includes the device names of one or more external devices currently connected to MFP 100.

[0017] (Terminal processing; Figure 2) 2 and 6, a description will be given of terminal processing executed by the MFP application 42 of the terminal device 10. The MFP application 42 executes the processing of FIG. 2 in response to activation of the MFP application 42. The following description will be given taking as an example a situation in which the MFP 100 is registered in the MFP application 42 as a destination of instruction information such as a print instruction, a scan instruction, etc. In this case, the device name "DV1" and model name "MN1" of the MFP 100 are stored in the memory 34. Note that, in the following description, all communications between the terminal device 10 and the MFP 100 are executed via the communication I / F 20 of the terminal device 10. Therefore, the phrase "via the communication I / F 20" will be omitted. In the following description, it is assumed that the authentication flag 140 of the MFP 100 is set to "OFF."

[0018] In S10, the MFP application 42 transmits an operation information request including the device name "pc1" of the terminal apparatus 10 to the MFP 100. The operation information request is a signal for requesting the transmission of operation information of the MFP 100. When the MFP 100 receives the operation information request from the terminal apparatus 10, it adds the device name "pc1" in the request to the current connection list 150 in the memory 134. Next, the MFP 100 transmits operation information including the device names in the current connection list 150 to the terminal apparatus 10. In this case, the number of device names in the operation information indicates the current connection count, which is the number of external devices currently connected to the MFP 100. Note that if the current connection list 150 is empty, the MFP 100 transmits operation information to the terminal apparatus 10 including information indicating that no external devices are currently connected to the MFP 100.

[0019] In S12, the MFP application 42 receives the operation information from the MFP 100.

[0020] In S14, the MFP application 42 displays a home screen SC2 on the display unit 14. As shown in FIG. 6, the home screen SC2 includes a print button 300, a scan button 302, a settings button 304, a device object 306, and a search button 308. The print button 300 is an object for selecting execution of a print function. The MFP application 42 transmits a print instruction in response to receiving an operation on the print button 300. In detail, the MFP application 42 displays a print preview screen on the display unit 14 in response to receiving an operation on the print button 300, and transmits a print instruction when receiving an operation on the execute button on the print preview screen. The scan button 302 is an object for selecting execution of a scan function. The MFP application 42 transmits a scan instruction in response to receiving an operation on the scan button 302. The settings button 304 is a button for changing the settings of the MFP application 42. The device object 306 indicates information related to a device that is a destination of instruction information such as a print instruction or a scan instruction. The device object 306 displays the device name and model name of the device registered in the MFP application 42. The device object 306 in Fig. 6 includes the device name "DV1" and model name "MN1" of the MFP 100. The search button 308 is a button for searching for devices that can communicate with the terminal device 10.

[0021] 2, the MFP application 42 determines whether or not a scan button operation has been received for the scan button 302 on the home screen SC2. If the MFP application 42 receives the scan button operation (YES in S20), the MFP application 42 proceeds to S22. On the other hand, if the MFP application 42 does not receive the scan button operation (NO in S20), the MFP application 42 proceeds to S30.

[0022] In S22, the MFP application 42 executes the scan process (FIG. 3). The scan process is a process for causing the MFP 100 to execute the scan function. When S22 ends, the MFP application 42 ends the process in FIG.

[0023] Also, in S30, the MFP application 42 determines whether or not a print button operation has been received for the print button 300 on the home screen SC2. If the print button operation has been received (YES in S30), the MFP application 42 proceeds to S32. On the other hand, if the print button operation has not been received (NO in S30), the MFP application 42 proceeds to S40.

[0024] In S32, the MFP application 42 executes a print process (FIG. 4). The print process is a process for causing the MFP 100 to execute a print function. When S32 ends, the MFP application 42 ends the process of FIG.

[0025] In S40, the MFP application 42 executes various processes corresponding to the button selected by the user. For example, when the user operates the setting button 304, the MFP application 42 displays a setting screen on the display unit 14. When the user operates the search button 308, the MFP application 42 executes search processing to search for devices that can communicate with the terminal apparatus 10. When S40 ends, the MFP application 42 ends the processing of FIG. 2.

[0026] (Scanning process; Figure 3) The scanning process executed in S22 of FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 5 to 7.

[0027] In S50, the MFP application 42 determines whether the notification screen flag 46 in the memory 34 is "ON." If the notification screen flag 46 is "ON" (YES in S50), the MFP application 42 proceeds to S52. On the other hand, if the notification screen flag 46 is not "ON" (NO in S50), the MFP application 42 proceeds to S90.

[0028] In S52, the MFP application 42 determines whether the operation information received in S12 of FIG. 2 satisfies a predetermined condition. As shown in FIG. 5, the MFP application 42 of this embodiment determines whether the number of current connections included in the operation information is equal to or greater than a first predetermined number. As an example, the first predetermined number is "5." The MFP application 42 identifies the number of device names included in the operation information as the number of current connections, and if the number of current connections is equal to or greater than the first predetermined number, it determines that the operation information satisfies the predetermined condition (YES in S52) and proceeds to S54. On the other hand, if the number of current connections is less than the first predetermined number, the MFP application 42 determines that the operation information does not satisfy the predetermined condition (NO in S52) and proceeds to S90.

[0029] In S54, the MFP application 42 transmits a scan instruction to the MFP 100. When the MFP 100 receives the scan instruction from the terminal device 10, the MFP 100 executes a scan function in accordance with the scan instruction and generates scan data. The MFP 100 then transmits the scan data to the terminal device 10. As a result, the MFP application 42 receives the scan data from the MFP 100.

[0030] In S56, the MFP application 42 uses the received scan data to display a scan result screen SC4 on the display unit 14. As shown in Fig. 6, the scan result screen SC4 includes a scan image 310 represented by the scan data, a save button 312, and a cancel button 314. The save button 312 is a button for saving the scan data in the memory 34.

[0031] In S58 of FIG. 3, the MFP application 42 displays a notification screen SC6 on the scan result screen SC4 displayed in S56. As shown in FIG. 6, the notification screen SC6 includes a first notification message 320, a confirmation button 322, a selection area 324, a setting button 326, and a close button 328. The first notification message 320 includes a message indicating that the user authority control function is available, a message indicating that the MFP 100 is connected to multiple external devices, and a message indicating that the connected external devices can be confirmed. The confirmation button 322 is a button for displaying a confirmation screen for confirming the connected external devices. The selection area 324 is an area for selecting whether or not to display the notification screen in the future. The setting button 326 is a button for setting the user authority control function. The MFP application 42 displays the notification screen SC6 immediately after displaying the scan result screen SC4. Therefore, the user cannot perform an operation on the scan result screen SC4 without terminating the display of the notification screen SC6. In this embodiment, the size of the notification screen SC6 is smaller than the size of the scan result screen SC4. However, the sizes of the notification screen SC6 and the scan result screen SC4 may be the same, or the size of the notification screen SC6 may be larger than the size of the scan result screen SC4. Note that, when a relatively large number of users use the MFP 100, it is desirable to improve security by utilizing the user authority control function. When the number of current connections is equal to or greater than the first predetermined number, it can be said that a relatively large number of users use the MFP 100. Therefore, the notification screen SC6 can be appropriately displayed. Furthermore, as described above, the MFP application 42 displays the notification screen SC6 on the display unit 14 after transmitting a scan instruction to the MFP 100. This configuration allows scan data to be acquired from the MFP 100 more quickly than a configuration in which a scan instruction is transmitted to the MFP 100 after the notification screen SC6 is displayed. This improves user convenience. Furthermore, since the notification screen SC6 is displayed on the scan result screen SC4, the likelihood that the user will check the contents of the notification screen SC6 is increased.

[0032] 3, the MFP application 42 monitors whether an operation on the confirmation button 322 on the notification screen SC6 has been accepted. If an operation on the confirmation button 322 has been accepted, the MFP application 42 determines YES in S60 and proceeds to S62.

[0033] In S62, the MFP application 42 uses the operation information received in S12 of FIG. 2 to display a confirmation screen SC8 on the scan result screen SC4 instead of the notification screen SC6. As shown in FIG. 6, the confirmation screen SC8 includes an external device list 330 and a close button 332. The external device list 330 includes the device names of the external devices currently connected to the MFP 100. With this configuration, the user can check the external devices currently connected to the MFP 100. Then, the user can determine whether or not to use the user authority control function based on the information in the confirmation screen SC8. This improves user convenience.

[0034] 3, the MFP application 42 accepts an operation on the close button 332 on the confirmation screen SC8. In this case, the MFP application 42 ends the display of the confirmation screen SC8 and proceeds to S58.

[0035] In addition, in parallel with the monitoring in S60, the MFP application 42 monitors in S70 whether an operation on the setting button 326 on the notification screen SC6 has been accepted. If an operation on the setting button 326 has been accepted, the MFP application 42 determines YES in S70 and proceeds to S72.

[0036] In S72, the MFP application 42 displays an explanation screen SC10 on the scan result screen SC4 instead of the notification screen SC6. As shown in Fig. 7, the explanation screen SC10 includes an image showing a method for setting the user authority control function, a next button 340, and a close button 342.

[0037] 3, the MFP application 42 determines whether or not an operation on the Next button 340 on the instruction screen SC10 has been accepted. If the MFP application 42 has accepted an operation on the Next button 340 (YES in S74), the MFP application 42 proceeds to S76. On the other hand, if the MFP application 42 has accepted an operation on the Close button 342 (NO in S74), the MFP application 42 proceeds to S92.

[0038] In S76, the MFP application 42 supplies a setting instruction including the IP address of the MFP 100 to the browser application 44. When S76 ends, the MFP application 42 ends the processing of FIG.

[0039] When the browser application 44 receives the setting instruction from the MFP application 42, it identifies the IP address in the setting instruction. The browser application 44 then transmits an access request to the MFP 100, including the IP address as a destination address. The access request is information for accessing the web server function of the MFP 100. In response to transmitting the access request to the MFP 100, the browser application 44 receives first input screen data from the MFP 100 and displays a first input screen SC12 represented by the first input screen data on the display unit 14. As shown in FIG. 7 , the first input screen SC12 includes a password input object 350, an OK button 352, and a cancel button 354. Note that in FIG. 7 , the screen displayed primarily by the browser application 44 is indicated by a thick line. When the browser application 44 receives a password input into the password input object 350, it transmits the input password to the MFP 100. If the password received from the terminal device 10 matches the password indicated by the password information 144 in the memory 134, the MFP 100 transmits security setting screen data to the terminal device 10.

[0040] When the browser application 44 receives security setting screen data from the MFP 100, it displays a security setting screen SC14 represented by the security setting screen data on the display unit 14. The security setting screen SC14 includes a setting area 360, an OK button 362, and a cancel button 364. The setting area 360 associates a user name, a password, and setting information. The setting information is an area for setting functions that the user is permitted to use, such as a print function and a scan function. When a check box corresponding to each function is checked, the use of that function is permitted. The user (i.e., the administrator) of the terminal device 10 performs an operation on the terminal device 10 to set the user authority control function, and performs an operation on the OK button 362 on the terminal device 10. The operation for setting the user authority control function includes inputting a user name and a password, and checking a check box corresponding to a function to be permitted to use. As a result, the browser application 44 transmits to the MFP 100 an authentication flag setting instruction and the setting information (user name, password, and function information) set by the administrator. When the MFP 100 receives the authentication flag setting instruction and the setting information from the terminal device 10, it changes the authentication flag 140 in the memory 134 from "OFF" to "ON" and updates the authentication table 142 using the setting information. This makes the user authority control function available. Therefore, when the MFP 100 receives a scan instruction from an external device, it transmits second input screen data representing a second input screen for inputting a user name and password to the external device before generating scan data. Note that the terminal device 10 may be configured to execute the process executed by the browser application 44 using the web view function of the MFP application 42.

[0041] 3, the MFP application 42 also monitors in S80 whether an operation on the close button 328 on the notification screen SC6 has been accepted. If an operation on the close button 328 has been accepted, the MFP application 42 determines YES in S80 and proceeds to S92. Note that if the MFP application 42 determines YES in S80 while the checkbox in the selection area 324 is checked, it changes the notification screen flag 46 in the memory 34 from "ON" to "OFF."

[0042] S90 and S92 are the same as S54 and S56, respectively. When S92 ends, the MFP application 42 ends the processing of FIG.

[0043] (Printing process; Figure 4) The printing process executed in S32 of FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0044] S100 and S102 are the same as S50 and S52 in FIG. 3, respectively.

[0045] In S104, the MFP application 42 displays a print preview screen SC20 on the display unit 14. As shown in FIG. 8 , the print preview screen SC20 includes a preview image 370 represented by print data, a settings button 372, an execute button 374, and a cancel button 376. The settings button 372 is a button for displaying a settings screen for changing print settings. The execute button 374 is a button for sending a print instruction to the MFP 100.

[0046] In S106 of FIG. 4, the MFP application 42 displays the notification screen SC6 on the print preview screen SC20 displayed in S104. As shown in FIG. 8, the MFP application 42 displays the notification screen SC6 immediately after displaying the print preview screen SC20. Therefore, the user cannot perform an operation on the print preview screen SC20 without terminating the display of the notification screen SC6. In this embodiment, the size of the notification screen SC6 is smaller than the size of the print preview screen SC20. In a modified example, the size of the notification screen SC6 may be the same as the size of the print preview screen SC20, or the size of the notification screen SC6 may be larger than the size of the print preview screen SC20. As described above, the MFP application 42 displays the notification screen SC6 on the display unit 14 before transmitting a print instruction to the MFP 100. This configuration increases the likelihood that the user will check the content of the notification screen SC6, compared to a configuration in which the notification screen SC6 is displayed on the display unit 14 after transmitting a print instruction to the MFP 100. Furthermore, since the notification screen SC6 is displayed on the print preview screen SC20, the probability that the user will check the contents of the notification screen SC6 can be further increased.

[0047] S110 to S114, S120 to S126, and S130 in Fig. 4 are respectively the same as S60 to S64, S70 to S76, and S80 in Fig. 3. Note that the MFP application 42 returns to S106 when S114 ends. Also, the MFP application 42 proceeds to S140 when the determination is NO in S124 or YES in S130.

[0048] S140 is similar to S104.

[0049] In S142, the MFP application 42 accepts an operation on the execute button 374 on the print preview screen SC20.

[0050] In S144, the MFP application 42 transmits a print instruction including the print data to the MFP 100. When S144 ends, the MFP application 42 ends the processing in FIG.

[0051] (Effects of this embodiment) As described above, when the terminal device 10 receives operation information from the MFP 100 (S10 in FIG. 2), the terminal device 10 can switch whether to display the notification screen SC6 for encouraging use of the user authority control function depending on whether the operation information satisfies a predetermined condition (S52 in FIG. 3, S102 in FIG. 4). Therefore, the terminal device 10 can appropriately display the notification screen SC6.

[0052] (Correspondence) The MFP 100 is an example of an "image processing device." The normal function and the user authority control function are examples of a "first image processing function" and a "second image processing function," respectively. The current number of connections and the current connection number information are examples of a "first connection number" and a "first connection number information," respectively. The first predetermined number in FIG. 5 is an example of a "first threshold." The device name of the external device is an example of "device identification information." The confirmation button 322 on the notification screen SC6 is an example of an "object for displaying one or more device identification information." An operation on the scan button 302 on the home screen SC2 in FIGS. 6 and 8 is an example of a "reading execution operation." A scan instruction is an example of a "reading instruction." Scan data is an example of "specific image data." The scan result screen SC4 in FIG. 6 is an example of a "reading result screen." An operation on the print button 300 on the home screen SC2 in FIGS. 6 and 8 is an example of a "first print execution operation." The print preview screen SC20 in FIG. 8 is an example of a "preview screen." An operation on the execute button 374 on the print preview screen SC20 in FIG. 8 is an example of a "second print execution operation."

[0053] S10 in Fig. 2 is an example of a process executed by a "receiving unit." S46 in Fig. 3 and S104 in Fig. 4 are examples of a process executed by a "display control unit."

[0054] (Second Example) A communication system 2 according to the second embodiment will be described below. Only the configurations that differ between the embodiments will be described below.

[0055] In this embodiment, memory 134 of MFP 100 stores a past connection list 152 instead of a current connection list 150. Past connection list 152 includes one or more pieces of connection information corresponding to one or more external devices connected to MFP 100 during a first predetermined period. As an example, the first predetermined period is one week. The connection information includes the device name of the external device and date information indicating the date on which the external device connected to MFP 100. When MFP 100 receives an operation information request from an external device, it determines that the external device has connected to MFP 100, and stores the connection information, including the device name of the external device and date information indicating the current date, in past connection list 152. When the date indicated by the date information in the connection information is one week or more before the current date, MFP 100 periodically executes processing to delete the connection information from past connection list 152.

[0056] In this embodiment, when MFP 100 receives an operation information request from terminal apparatus 10, it transmits operation information including connection information in past connection list 152 to terminal apparatus 10. In this case, the number of connection information items in the operation information indicates the number of past connections, which is the number of external devices connected to MFP 100 during a first predetermined period. Note that, when past connection list 152 is empty, MFP 100 transmits operation information including information indicating that no external device has connected to MFP 100 to terminal apparatus 10. That is, in S12 of FIG. 2 , MFP application 42 of terminal apparatus 10 receives connection information or operation information including information indicating that no external device has connected to MFP 100 from MFP 100.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the predetermined conditions in S52 in FIG. 3 and S102 in FIG. 4 are different from the predetermined conditions in the first embodiment. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the MFP application 42 identifies the number of connection information pieces included in the operation information as the number of past connections, and determines that the operation information satisfies the predetermined condition if the number of past connections is equal to or greater than a second predetermined number. As an example, the second predetermined number is "10." When a relatively large number of users use the MFP 100, it is desirable to improve security by using a user authority control function. When the number of past connections is equal to or greater than the second predetermined number, it can be said that a relatively large number of users use the MFP 100. Therefore, the notification screen SC6 can be displayed appropriately.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, notification screen SC30 displayed in S58 of Fig. 3 and S106 of Fig. 4 differs from notification screen SC6 (see Fig. 6) of the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 9, notification screen SC30 differs from notification screen SC6 (see Fig. 6) of the first embodiment in that it includes a second notification message 380. Second notification message 380 includes a message indicating that the user authority control function is available, a message indicating that an external device has connected to MFP 100, and a message indicating that the external device connected to MFP 100 can be confirmed.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, confirmation screen SC32 displayed in S62 of FIG. 3 and S112 of FIG. 4 differs from confirmation screen SC8 (see FIG. 6) of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, confirmation screen SC32 has an external device list 390 whose contents differ from the external device list 330 (see FIG. 6) in confirmation screen SC8 of the first embodiment. Specifically, external device list 390 includes the device names of external devices connected to MFP 100 and the dates on which the external devices connected to MFP 100. This configuration allows the user to confirm the device names of the external devices connected to MFP 100 and the dates on which the external devices connected to MFP 100. The user can then determine whether or not to use the second image processing function based on the information in confirmation screen SC32. This improves user convenience.

[0060] (Correspondence) The number of past connections is an example of a "second connection number." The connection information in the operation information is an example of "second connection number information." The second predetermined number is an example of a "second threshold."

[0061] (Third Example) A communication system 2 according to the third embodiment will be described.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 1, memory 134 of MFP 100 of this embodiment stores scan count information 154 and print count information 156 instead of current connection list 150. Scan count information 154 is information indicating the number of scans, which is the number of times a scan function corresponding to a normal function was executed during a second predetermined period. Scan count information 154 indicates the number of times the scan function was used by all users who can use MFP 100. Print count information 156 is information indicating the number of prints, which is the number of times a print function corresponding to a normal function was executed during a second predetermined period. Print count information 156 indicates the number of times the print function was used by all users who can use MFP 100.

[0063] In this embodiment, when the MFP 100 receives an operation information request from the terminal device 10, it transmits operation information including scan count information 154 and print count information 156 to the terminal device 10. That is, the MFP application 42 of the terminal device 10 receives operation information including scan count information 154 and print count information 156 from the MFP 100 in S12 of FIG.

[0064] In this embodiment, the MFP application 42 executes the processes in Figures 10 and 11 instead of the processes in Figures 3 and 4. The scanning process in Figure 10 is similar to the scanning process in Figure 3 except that it does not include S60 to S64 in Figure 3. The printing process in Figure 11 is similar to the printing process in Figure 4 except that it does not include S110 to S114 in Figure 4.

[0065] In the present embodiment, the predetermined conditions in S52 of FIG. 10 and S102 of FIG. 11 are different from those in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, in S52 of FIG. 10, the MFP application 42 determines that the operation information satisfies the predetermined condition if the number of scans indicated by scan count information 154 included in the operation information received in S10 exceeds a first predetermined number. As an example, the first predetermined number is 100. In addition, in S102 of FIG. 11, the MFP application 42 determines that the operation information satisfies the predetermined condition if the number of prints indicated by print count information 156 included in the operation information received in S10 exceeds a second predetermined number. As an example, the second predetermined number is 200. If the MFP 100 is used frequently, it is desirable to improve security by utilizing a user authority control function. If the number of scans exceeds the first predetermined number or the number of prints exceeds the second predetermined number, it can be said that the MFP 100 is used frequently. Therefore, the notification screen SC40, which will be described later, can be displayed appropriately.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the notification screen SC40 displayed in S58 of FIG. 10 differs from the notification screen SC6 (see FIG. 6) of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, the notification screen SC40 differs from the notification screen SC6 (see FIG. 6) of the first embodiment in that it includes a third notification message 400 and does not include a confirmation button. The third notification message 400 includes a message indicating that the user authority control function is available and a message indicating that the number of scans has exceeded a predetermined number. In addition, the MFP application 42 causes the display unit 14 to display a notification screen including a message indicating that the number of prints has exceeded a predetermined number in S104 of FIG. 11.

[0067] (Correspondence) The scan count information 154 and print count information 156 are examples of “count information.” The first predetermined number of times and the second predetermined number of times are examples of “third threshold value.”

[0068] Although specific examples of the present invention have been described above in detail, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and variations of the specific examples exemplified above. Modifications of the above-mentioned embodiments are listed below.

[0069] (First Modification) The "terminal device" is not limited to a PC, but may be a mobile phone (for example, a smartphone), a PDA, or the like.

[0070] (Second Modification) In S12 of Fig. 2 in the first embodiment, the MFP application 42 may receive operation information including current connection count information indicating the current number of connections from the MFP 100. Also, in S12 of Fig. 2 in the second embodiment, the MFP application 42 may receive operation information including past connection count information indicating the number of past connections from the MFP 100.

[0071] (Third Modification) In the first embodiment, the notification screen SC6 displayed in S58 of FIG. 3 does not have to include the confirmation button 322 (see FIG. 6).

[0072] (Fourth Modification) In the second embodiment, the notification screen SC6 displayed in S58 of FIG. 3 does not have to include the confirmation button 322 (see FIG. 8).

[0073] (Fifth Modification) The "image processing device" may be a printer with a printing function. In this modification, the scanning process (FIGS. 3 and 10) can be omitted. In this modification, the "reading instruction transmitting unit," "image data receiving unit," and "second display control unit" can be omitted.

[0074] (Sixth Modification) In FIGS. 3 and 10, the MFP application 42 may execute S58 before S54.

[0075] (Seventh Modification) The MFP application 42 may display the notification screen SC6 on the display unit 14 at a position different from the scan result screen SC4.

[0076] (Eighth Modification) The "image processing device" may be a scanner with a scanning function. In this modification, the printing process (FIGS. 4 and 11) may be omitted. In this modification, the "third display control unit" and the "print instruction transmission unit" may be omitted.

[0077] 4 and 11, MFP application 42 may execute S106 before S104. In another modification, MFP application 42 may display a notification screen on display unit 14 when accepting an operation on execute button 374 on print preview screen SC20.

[0078] (Tenth Modification) The MFP application 42 may display the notification screen SC6 on the display unit 14 at a position different from the print preview screen SC20.

[0079] (Eleventh Modification) Scan count information 154 in the third embodiment may be information indicating the number of scans, which is the number of times a scan function corresponding to a normal function was executed after MFP 100 was installed. In another modification, scan count information 154 may be information indicating the number of scans, which is the number of times a scan function corresponding to a normal function was used by a specific user during a second predetermined period. In yet another modification, scan count information 154 may be information indicating the number of scans, which is the number of times a scan function corresponding to a normal function was used by a specific user after MFP 100 was installed. The same applies to print count information 156.

[0080] (Twelfth Modification) In each of the above embodiments, the processes of FIGS. 2 to 12 are realized by software (for example, programs 40, 42, 44), but at least one of these processes may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit.

[0081] Furthermore, the technical elements described in this specification or drawings exhibit technical utility either alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Furthermore, the technologies illustrated in this specification or drawings simultaneously achieve multiple objectives, and achieving one of those objectives is itself technically useful.

[0082] In the scope of the claims at the time of filing, even if each claim depends on only some of the claims, it is not limited to the fact that each claim can depend on only those some of the claims. To the extent that there is no technical contradiction, each claim can also depend on other claims that were not dependent at the time of filing. In other words, the technology of each claim can be combined in various ways as follows: (Item 1) A computer program for a terminal device, comprising: The computer of the terminal device, a receiving unit that receives operation information of an image processing device from the image processing device, the image processing device having a first image processing function that is executed regardless of user authentication and a second image processing function that is executed on the condition that the user authentication is successful; a first display control unit that displays a notification screen on a display unit of the terminal device to encourage use of the second image processing function when the operation information satisfies a predetermined condition, and that does not display the notification screen when the operation information does not satisfy the predetermined condition; and A computer program that functions as a (Item 2) the operation information includes first connection number information indicating a first connection number, which is the number of external devices currently connected to the image processing device; 2. The computer program according to item 1, wherein the predetermined condition is satisfied when the first number of connections is equal to or greater than a first threshold. (Item 3) the operation information includes, when one or more external devices are currently connected to the image processing device, one or more pieces of device identification information that identify each of the one or more external devices; Item 3. The computer program according to item 2, wherein the notification screen includes an object for displaying the one or more pieces of device identification information. (Item 4) the operation information includes second connection number information indicating a second connection number, which is the number of external devices connected to the image processing device during a first predetermined period; 4. The computer program according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the predetermined condition is satisfied when the second number of connections is equal to or greater than a second threshold. (Item 5) the operation information includes one or more pieces of device identification information for identifying each of one or more external devices connected to the image processing device during the first predetermined period; Item 5. The computer program according to item 4, wherein the notification screen includes an object for displaying the one or more pieces of device identification information. (Item 6) the operation information includes number information indicating the number of times the first image processing function was executed in a second predetermined period, 6. The computer program according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the predetermined condition is satisfied when the number of times is equal to or greater than a third threshold. (Item 7) 7. The computer program according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein each of the first image processing function and the second image processing function is a function associated with a reading function that generates image data in response to reading an image. (Item 8) The computer program further causes the computer to: When a reading execution operation is accepted, the image processing device functions as a reading instruction transmitting unit that transmits a reading instruction to the image processing device; Item 7. The computer program according to item 7, wherein the first display control unit displays the notification screen on the display unit after the operation information satisfies the specified condition and the reading instruction is sent to the image processing device. (Item 9) The computer program further causes the computer to: an image data receiving unit that receives specific image data generated in response to the reading instruction transmitted to the image processing device from the image processing device; a second display control unit that, when the specific image data is received from the image processing device, causes the display unit to display a reading result screen including the specific image; Item 9. The computer program according to item 8, wherein the first display control unit displays the notification screen on the reading result screen when the operation information satisfies the specified condition and the reading result screen is displayed on the display unit. (Item 10) 10. The computer program of claim 1, wherein each of the first image processing function and the second image processing function is a function related to a printing function. (Item 11) The computer program further causes the computer to: a third display control unit that, when accepting the first print execution operation, causes the display unit to display a preview screen including an image to be printed; a print instruction sending unit that sends a print instruction to the image processing device when a second print execution operation on the preview screen is accepted; Item 11. The computer program according to item 10, wherein the first display control unit displays the notification screen on the display unit when the operation information satisfies the specified condition and before the print instruction is sent to the image processing device. (Item 12) Item 12. The computer program according to item 11, wherein the first display control unit displays the notification screen on the preview screen when the operation information satisfies the specified condition and the preview screen is displayed on the display unit. (Item 13) A terminal device, A display unit; a receiving unit that receives operation information of an image processing device from the image processing device, the image processing device having a first image processing function that is executed regardless of user authentication and a second image processing function that is executed on the condition that the user authentication is successful; a display control unit that displays a notification screen on the display unit to prompt use of the second image processing function when the operation information satisfies a predetermined condition, and that does not display the notification screen when the operation information does not satisfy the predetermined condition; and A terminal device comprising: (Item 14) 1. A method for controlling a terminal device, comprising: a receiving step of receiving operation information of an image processing device from the image processing device, the image processing device having a first image processing function that is executed regardless of user authentication and a second image processing function that is executed on the condition that the user authentication is successful; a display control step of displaying a notification screen on a display unit of the terminal device to prompt use of the second image processing function when the operation information satisfies a predetermined condition, the notification screen not being displayed when the operation information does not satisfy the predetermined condition; and A method comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 2: Communication system, 4: LAN, 10: Terminal device, 12: Operation unit, 14: Display unit, 20: Communication I / F, 30: Control unit, 32: CPU, 34: Memory, 40: OS program, 42: MFP application, 44: Browser application, 46: Notification screen flag, 100: MFP, 134: Memory, 140: Authentication flag, 142: Authentication table, 144: Password information, 150: Connection list, 152: Connection list, 154: Scan count information, 156: Print count information

Claims

1. A computer program for a terminal device, comprising: The computer of the terminal device, a receiving unit that receives operation information of an image processing device from the image processing device, the image processing device having a first image processing function that is executed regardless of user authentication and a second image processing function that is executed on the condition that the user authentication is successful; a first display control unit that, when the operation information satisfies a predetermined condition, causes a notification screen for encouraging use of the second image processing function to be displayed on a display unit of the terminal device, and that, when the operation information does not satisfy the predetermined condition, does not display the notification screen; and A computer program that functions as a

2. the operation information includes first connection number information indicating a first connection number, which is the number of external devices currently connected to the image processing device; The computer program product of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined condition is met when the first number of connections is greater than or equal to a first threshold.

3. the operation information includes, when one or more external devices are currently connected to the image processing device, one or more pieces of device identification information for identifying each of the one or more external devices; The computer program product according to claim 2 , wherein the notification screen includes an object for displaying the one or more pieces of device identification information.

4. the operation information includes second connection number information indicating a second connection number, which is the number of external devices connected to the image processing device during a first predetermined period; The computer program product of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined condition is met when the second number of connections is equal to or greater than a second threshold.

5. the operation information includes one or more pieces of device identification information for identifying each of one or more external devices connected to the image processing device during the first predetermined period; The computer program product according to claim 4 , wherein the notification screen includes an object for displaying the one or more pieces of device identification information.

6. the operation information includes number information indicating the number of times the first image processing function has been executed in a second predetermined period; The computer program product of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined condition is met if the number of times is greater than or equal to a third threshold.

7. The computer program product according to claim 1 , wherein each of the first image processing function and the second image processing function is a function related to a reading function that generates image data in response to reading of an image.

8. The computer program further causes the computer to: When a reading execution operation is accepted, the image processing device functions as a reading instruction transmitting unit that transmits a reading instruction to the image processing device; 8. The computer program product according to claim 7, wherein the first display control unit causes the display unit to display the notification screen after the operation information satisfies the predetermined condition and the reading instruction is transmitted to the image processing device.

9. The computer program further causes the computer to: an image data receiving unit that receives specific image data generated in response to the reading instruction transmitted to the image processing device from the image processing device; a second display control unit that, when the specific image data is received from the image processing device, causes the display unit to display a reading result screen including the specific image; 9. The computer program product according to claim 8, wherein the first display control unit displays the notification screen on the reading result screen when the operation information satisfies the predetermined condition and the reading result screen is displayed on the display unit.

10. The computer program product according to claim 1 , wherein each of the first image processing function and the second image processing function is a function related to a printing function.

11. The computer program further causes the computer to: a third display control unit that, when accepting a first print execution operation, causes the display unit to display a preview screen including an image to be printed; a print instruction sending unit that sends a print instruction to the image processing device when a second print execution operation on the preview screen is accepted; The computer program product according to claim 10 , wherein the first display control unit causes the display unit to display the notification screen when the operation information satisfies the predetermined condition and before the print instruction is sent to the image processing device.

12. The computer program product according to claim 11 , wherein the first display control unit displays the notification screen on the preview screen when the operation information satisfies the predetermined condition and the preview screen is displayed on the display unit.

13. A terminal device, A display unit; a receiving unit that receives operation information of an image processing device from the image processing device, the image processing device having a first image processing function that is executed regardless of user authentication and a second image processing function that is executed on the condition that the user authentication is successful; a display control unit that displays a notification screen on the display unit to prompt use of the second image processing function when the operation information satisfies a predetermined condition, and that does not display the notification screen when the operation information does not satisfy the predetermined condition; and A terminal device comprising:

14. 1. A method for controlling a terminal device, comprising: a receiving step of receiving operation information of an image processing device from the image processing device, the image processing device having a first image processing function that is executed regardless of user authentication and a second image processing function that is executed on the condition that the user authentication is successful; a display control step of displaying a notification screen on a display unit of the terminal device to prompt use of the second image processing function when the operation information satisfies a predetermined condition, the display control step being such that the notification screen is not displayed when the operation information does not satisfy the predetermined condition; A method comprising:

Images