Image processing device, control method of image processing device, and program

Abstract

To solve the problem in an image processing device in which if an icon for performing communication with a connected information processing device displayed on an image processing device when the information processing device is connected to the shared image processing device and used is not appropriately deleted, there is a possibility that the icon may be unintentionally used by another person.SOLUTION: An MFP 100 establishes a communication connection with a client terminal 110 in response to a request from a nearby client terminal 110 (S1301), and displays a simple print button and a simple scan button on an operation part 102 (S1302). When the simple print processing using the simple print button is executed (Yes in S1308 and S1309), the simple print button and the simple scan button are deleted (S1306). When the simple scan processing using the simple scan button is executed (Yes in S1311 and S1312), the simple print button is deleted, and the simple scan button is not deleted (S1313).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

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] Conventionally, the main use case for using an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) was to use a specific MFP located near one's desk in the company's office. In recent years, with the increase in distributed work, workplaces have diversified, from company offices to coworking spaces, shared offices, etc. Furthermore, even within the office, mobile devices such as laptops (Personal Computers) and tablets are being used more, and free address systems are becoming more common, changing the way people work from fixed desks.

[0003] Due to these circumstances, there are more opportunities to use MFPs that are new to users, rather than the traditional MFP located near one's desk. Some MFPs allow easy connection to a nearby client terminal, and allow icons for printing and scanning to be displayed on the MFP, enabling printing and scanning to be performed. These icons must be deleted when they are no longer needed.

[0004] Patent document 1 proposes a technology in which a grace period for deleting an icon displayed on the screen of an image forming device or the like is set based on information set by the user for the icon (such as the icon name), and icons that have not been used beyond the grace period are deleted from the screen. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-32250 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The technology of Patent Document 1 is a technology that changes the period until an icon is deleted from the screen based on information set for the icon by the user, and is intended for devices that are used daily by specific users, so that users can easily find the icon they are looking for on such devices. Therefore, even if the technology of Patent Document 1 is used on image processing devices that are shared and used by an unspecified number of users, such as MFPs installed in coworking spaces or shared offices, it is not necessarily possible to delete the icon at the appropriate time.

[0007] For example, there are cases where a user connects their mobile device to an MFP and displays an icon on the MFP for printing or scanning. In such cases, if an icon remains displayed after use has ended, there is a possibility that another user may operate the icon and use the mobile device connected to the MFP without permission. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to delete the icon displayed on the MFP when use has ended. However, because the timing of use varies depending on the function linked to the icon, deleting all icons uniformly would actually make the device less user-friendly.

[0008] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism that enables icons for printing and scanning displayed on an image processing device to be deleted at an appropriate time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention is an image processing device equipped with a scanner, comprising: a connection means for establishing a communication connection with an information processing device in response to a connection request from the information processing device located close to the image processing device; and a control means for displaying, on an operation unit of the image processing device, a first icon for performing a print process in which print data received from the information processing device is printed by the image processing device in accordance with the communication connection with the information processing device; and a second icon for performing a scan process in which scanned data obtained by reading an original document with the scanner is sent to the information processing device, wherein the control means deletes the first icon and the second icon when a print process using the first icon is performed. The present invention also provides an image processing device equipped with a scanner, comprising: a connection means for establishing a communication connection with an information processing device in response to a connection request from the information processing device located close to the image processing device; and a control means for displaying, on an operation unit of the image processing device, a first icon for performing a print process in which print data received from the information processing device is printed by the image processing device in accordance with the communication connection with the information processing device; and a second icon for performing a scan process in which scanned data obtained by reading an original document with the scanner is sent to the information processing device, wherein the control means controls to delete the first icon and not to delete the second icon when a scan process using the second icon is performed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, icons for printing and scanning displayed on the operation unit of an image processing device can be deleted at an appropriate time, thereby ensuring security and improving usability when using the image processing device. As a result, image processing devices installed in coworking spaces, shared offices, etc. can be used safely and easily. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of details of a controller unit of the MFP. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of details of a client terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the software configuration of an MFP. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a software configuration of a client terminal. [Figure 6A] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6B] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6C] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a client terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the MFP according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 4A to 4C are diagrams showing an example of a screen transition for simple printing in the MFP of the first embodiment. [Figure 10A] 4A to 4C are diagrams showing an example of a screen transition for simple scanning in the MFP of the first embodiment. [Figure 10B] 4A to 4C are diagrams showing an example of a screen transition for simple scanning in the MFP of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 10A to 10C are diagrams showing an example of a screen transition when a simple print is canceled in the MFP of the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an auto-clear time setting screen in the MFP of the first embodiment. [Figure 13] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the MFP in the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen displayed on the MFP according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the MFP in the second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence according to the third embodiment. [Figure 17]FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a client terminal according to the third embodiment. [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the MFP in the third embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on an MFP according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 20] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the MFP in the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, not all of the features described in the embodiment are necessarily essential to the solution of the present invention. In the embodiment of the present invention, an example in which an image forming apparatus and a client terminal cooperate with each other will be described.

[0013] [First embodiment] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system in this embodiment includes an MFP 100 and a client terminal 110. The MFP 100 and the client terminal 110 are communicably connected via a network 120. In this embodiment, the network 120 is a wireless connection.

[0014] The MFP 100 is an image forming device such as a multifunction peripheral. The MFP 100 has functions for scanning images, printing images on a printer, and sending and receiving faxes. The MFP 100 has an operation unit 102 that handles input and output from the user. The MFP 100 has a printer unit 103 that outputs electronic data to paper media. The MFP 100 has a scanner unit 104 that reads paper media and converts it into electronic data. The operation unit 102, printer unit 103, and scanner unit 104 are connected to a controller unit 101, and function as a multifunction peripheral under the control of the controller unit 101.

[0015] The client terminal 110 is an information processing device configured to include application programs (hereinafter referred to as "apps") such as the simple app 113, an operating system (hereinafter referred to as "OS"), various drivers such as a printer driver, etc. The simple app 113 includes a simple scan app 111 and a simple print app 112. In the following, when the simple scan app 111 and the simple print app 112 are described together, they will be described as the simple app 113. The client terminal 110 may also include various apps other than the simple scan app 111 and the simple print app 112, such as document creation apps and spreadsheet apps (not shown).

[0016] The easy scan application 111 connects to the MFP 100, activates an internal file server, and receives electronic data scanned by the MFP 100 at the server. The easy print application 112 uses a printer driver (not shown) in an application (not shown), such as a document creation or spreadsheet application (not shown), installed on the client terminal 110 to send print data to the connected MFP 100 and print it.

[0017] Examples of client terminals include notebook PCs, tablet terminals, smartphones, etc. Note that Fig. 1 only describes the configuration for explaining this embodiment, so it goes without saying that other configurations may be included as long as they satisfy the implementation of the present invention, and the connection form between the respective components is not limited to this.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of details of the controller unit 101 of the MFP. The CPU 201 performs the main arithmetic processing within the controller. The CPU 201 is connected to the DRAM 202 via a bus. The DRAM 202 is used by the CPU 201 as a working memory for temporarily storing program data representing arithmetic instructions during the CPU 201's arithmetic operations and data to be processed.

[0019] The CPU 201 is also connected to an I / O controller 203 via a bus. The I / O controller 203 performs input and output to and from various devices in accordance with instructions from the CPU 201. A SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) I / F 205 is connected to the I / O controller 203, and a flash ROM 210 is connected to the SATA I / F 205. The CPU 201 uses the flash ROM 210 to permanently store programs for realizing the functions of the MFP and document files. Instead of the flash ROM, another storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) may be connected, or a configuration in which both are used in combination may be used.

[0020] A network I / F 204 is also connected to the I / O controller 203. Wired LAN devices and wireless LAN devices are connected to the network I / F 204. The CPU 201 controls the wired LAN devices and wireless LAN devices via the network I / F 204 to realize communication on the network 120. A panel I / F 206 is also connected to the I / O controller 203. The CPU 201 performs input and output to the operation unit 102 via the panel I / F 206 for the user.

[0021] A printer I / F 207 is also connected to the I / O controller 203. The CPU 201 performs output processing on paper media using the printer unit 103 via the printer I / F 207. A scanner I / F 208 is also connected to the I / O controller 203. The CPU 201 uses the scanner unit 104 via the scanner I / F 208 to implement a process of reading an image from a document.

[0022] The MFP 100 has various applications for utilizing the functions of the MFP. Examples of such applications include applications for copy, transmission, fax, box, etc. The CPU 201 loads program data corresponding to these functions from the Flash ROM 210 via the SATA I / F 205 into the DRAM 202 and executes the program data, thereby realizing these functions.

[0023] When performing the copy function, the CPU 201 detects a copy instruction from the user via the operation unit 102 via the panel I / F 206 in accordance with a program loaded into the DRAM 202. When the CPU 201 detects a copy instruction, it receives an original document as electronic data from the scanner unit 104 via the scanner I / F 208 and stores the data in the DRAM 202. The CPU 201 performs color conversion processing suitable for output on the image data stored in the DRAM 202. The CPU 201 transfers the image data stored in the DRAM 202 to the printer unit 103 via the printer I / F 207, and performs output processing onto paper media.

[0024] When the transmission function is performed, the CPU 201 detects a transmission instruction from the user in the same manner as in the copy function described above. The transmission instruction includes a transmission protocol, destination specification, image format, and the like from the user. The transmission protocol is, for example, Server Message Block (SMB) or File Transfer Protocol (FTP), and the destination specification is, for example, specified by Universal Naming Convention (UNC). The image format is, for example, Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) or Portable Document Format (PDF). When the CPU 201 detects a transmission instruction, it receives the original as electronic data from the scanner unit 104 via the scanner I / F 208 and stores the data in the DRAM 202. The CPU 201 performs image format conversion, etc., as specified by the user, on the image data stored in the DRAM 202. The CPU 201 transfers the image data stored in the DRAM 202 to the destination via the network I / F 204 using the protocol specified by the user.

[0025] When the fax function is performed, the CPU 201 detects a fax instruction from the user in the same process as in the copy function described above. When the CPU 201 detects a fax instruction, it receives the original as electronic data from the scanner unit 104 via the scanner I / F 208 and stores it in the DRAM 202. The CPU 201 performs image format conversion for fax on the image data stored in the DRAM 202. The CPU 201 transfers the image data stored in the DRAM 202 to a fax telephone number specified in the fax instruction via a telephone line network (not shown) to which the fax I / F 209 is connected. Faxing via a telephone line is one example, and the data may also be an Internet fax.

[0026] The box function stores scanned images in a storage area within the MFP 100 or in a memory medium connected to the MFP 100, and also makes the images stored in the MFP 100 available to an external PC (not shown) or another MFP by using the MFP 100 as a file server. When the box function is implemented, the CPU 201 detects a box save instruction from the user in the same manner as the copy function described above. The box save instruction includes the user's save destination and image format. The save destination is a path to the internal storage of the MFP 100 or to a memory medium connected to the MFP 100. The image format is JPEG, PDF, or the like. Upon detecting a box save instruction, the CPU 201 receives the document as electronic data from the scanner unit 104 via the scanner I / F 208 and stores it in the DRAM 202. The CPU 201 then performs image format conversion, etc., as specified by the user, on the image data stored in the DRAM 202. The CPU 201 transfers the image data stored in the DRAM 202 via the SATA I / F 205 to a storage destination designated by the user, such as a flash ROM 210 inside the MFP 100 or a memory medium (not shown).

[0027] In the fax function, received images may not be printed but may be converted into a format viewable on a PC or the like and saved in a box. Furthermore, as a box function, the MFP 100 functions as a file server such as an SMB server, and makes the contents of the Flash ROM 210 public. In the box function, the CPU 201 detects an external box access instruction via the network I / F 204. The box access instruction includes the image file path of the access destination. The CPU 201 transfers the image data stored in the Flash ROM 210 corresponding to the specified image file path to the source of the box access instruction via the network I / F 204. The above is an example of the functions of the MFP 100, and other functions may also be included.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the details of the client terminal 110. As shown in FIG. The CPU 301 is connected to the DRAM 302 via a bus. The DRAM 302 is used by the CPU 301 as a working memory for temporarily storing program data representing arithmetic instructions and data to be processed during the arithmetic process performed by the CPU 301.

[0029] The CPU 301 is connected to the I / O controller 303 via a bus. A network I / F 304 is connected to the I / O controller 303. A wired LAN device, a wireless LAN device, or a data communication device is connected to the network I / F 304. The CPU 301 controls the wired LAN device, the wireless LAN device, or the data communication device via the network I / F 304 to realize communication on the network 120.

[0030] Furthermore, the I / O controller 303 performs input and output to and from various devices in accordance with instructions from the CPU 301 . A SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) I / F 305 is connected to the I / O controller 303, and a HDD 306 is connected to the SATA I / F 305. Instead of an HDD, other storage devices such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) or an eMMC (embedded MultiMediaCard) may be connected, or both may be used. The CPU 301 uses the HDD 306 to permanently store setting values ​​for programs such as the simple scan application 111 and the simple print application 112.

[0031] An input / output I / F 307 is also connected to the I / O controller 303, and the CPU 301 performs input / output for the user with respect to an input / output device of the connected client terminal 110 via the input / output I / F 307. As an example of an input / output device, a touch panel that also functions as an input / output device may be connected to the input / output I / F 307, or an output device such as a display for displaying and an input device such as a keyboard for inputting may both be connected to the input / output I / F 307.

[0032] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the software configuration executed by controller unit 101 of MFP 100. The software executed by controller unit 101 is executed after CPU 201 reads a program stored in Flash ROM 210 into DRAM 202, and realizes, for example, functional units such as those shown as 401 to 411 in FIG.

[0033] The operation control unit 401 executes a process of displaying a screen image for the user on the operation unit 102, and also executes a process of detecting a user operation from the operation unit 102 and a process associated with a screen component such as a button displayed on the screen. The data storage unit 402 stores requests from other control units in the flash ROM 210 and reads them out.

[0034] A job control unit 403 controls the execution of jobs in accordance with instructions from other control units. An image processing unit 404 processes image data into a format suitable for each purpose in accordance with instructions from the job control unit 403 . A print processing unit 405 prints and outputs an image on a paper medium via a printer I / F 207 in accordance with an instruction from the job control unit 403 . The reading processing unit 406 reads the set document via the scanner I / F 208 in accordance with an instruction from the job control unit 403 .

[0035] In accordance with instructions from each control unit, the network control unit 407 inputs and outputs data from a LAN, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or a public line network via the network I / F 204. The network control unit 407 also enables the data storage unit 402 to access data stored in the flash ROM 210 from an external device via the network control unit 407. Examples of data stored in the flash ROM 210 include images such as PDF and JPEG.

[0036] The FAX control unit 408 receives and processes FAX data received from the network control unit 407 in accordance with instructions from the job control unit 403, instructs the print processing unit 405 to print, and converts the FAX data into an image such as PDF or JPEG and stores it in the data storage unit 402. The FAX control unit 408 also transmits FAX data via the network control unit 407 based on image data read by the reading processing unit 406.

[0037] The simple scan control unit 409 performs processing related to scanning with the client terminal 110. The simple scan control unit 409 is a control unit for realizing processing on the MFP 100 side for realizing the function of the simple scan application 111 described in FIG. 1. The simple scan control unit 409 performs communication processing with the client terminal 110 using the network control unit 407. The simple scan control unit 409 also displays a scan execution screen and an error screen using the operation control unit 401. The simple scan control unit 409 also issues a scan instruction to the job control unit 403, executes scanning using the reading processing unit 406, and transmits the scan data stored in the data storage unit 402 to the client terminal 110 using the network control unit 407.

[0038] The easy print control unit 410 performs processing related to printing with the client terminal 110. The easy print control unit 410 is a control unit for realizing processing on the MFP 100 side to realize the function of the easy print application 112 described in FIG. 1 . The easy print control unit 410 uses the network control unit 407 to perform communication processing with the client terminal 110. The easy print control unit 410 also uses the operation control unit 401 to display a print execution screen or an error screen, and issues a print instruction to the job control unit 403, and uses the print processing unit 405 to print print data transmitted from the client terminal 110 and stored in the data storage unit 402. Note that in the description of this embodiment, an example is shown in which the MFP 100 does not immediately print the print data received from the client terminal 110, but temporarily stores it in the data storage unit 402, and then executes printing when the user issues a print instruction on the print execution screen displayed on the operation unit 102 by the easy print control unit 410. This is to prevent paper printed on the MFP 100 from being left unattended.

[0039] The simple application management unit 411 performs processing when connecting or disconnecting from the simple application 113 of the client terminal 110. When connected from the simple application 113 of the client terminal 110 via the network control unit 407, the simple application management unit 411 requests the simple scan control unit 409 and the simple print control unit 410 to control scanning and printing. Furthermore, the simple application management unit 411 instructs the operation control unit 401 to perform processing to display or delete buttons for executing simple printing and simple scanning on the menu screen of the MFP 100, as will be described later. When a disconnection instruction is received from the simple application 113 of the client terminal 110 or when disconnecting from the MFP 100, the simple application management unit 411 performs processing to disconnect from the client terminal 110 using the network control unit 407.

[0040] 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the client terminal 110. Software including the simple applications 113 (simple scan application 111, simple print application 112) executed on the client terminal 110 is executed after the CPU 301 loads a program stored in the HDD 306 into the DRAM 302, and realizes, for example, functional units such as those shown as 501 to 507 in FIG.

[0041] The client operation control unit 501 executes processing for displaying a screen image for the user, detecting user operations, and processing associated with screen components such as buttons displayed on the screen. The client data storage unit 502 stores and reads electronic data such as image files in the HDD 306 .

[0042] The client network control unit 503 performs network communication with external devices. The client FTP server control unit 504 executes the FTP server function within the client terminal 110 and exchanges data with the MFP 100 using the client network control unit 503 .

[0043] The client simple scan control unit 505 uses the above-mentioned control units 501 to 504 to provide the user of the client terminal 110 with a simple scan function (the function of the simple scan application 111).

[0044] The client print data control unit 506 generates print data that can be printed by the MFP 100 using a printer driver or the like from an application (not shown) that is available on the client terminal 110. Once the print data is generated, the client print data control unit 506 transmits the print data to the MFP 100 using the client network control unit 503. Note that the generation of print data by the printer driver and the transmission of print data to the MFP 100 are well-known techniques, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0045] The client simple print control unit 507 uses the above-mentioned control units 501 to 503 and 506 to provide the user of the client terminal 110 with the simple print function (the function of the simple print application 112). The client terminal 110 operates on an OS, and applications such as the simple application 113 run on the OS. However, since this is not the essence of this embodiment, the operation of the OS will not be described here.

[0046] The operation of the system according to this embodiment will be outlined below with reference to Figures 6 to 12. Figures 6A to 6C will be collectively referred to as "Figure 6," and Figures 10A and 10B will be collectively referred to as "Figure 10."

[0047] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence in the client terminal 110 and the MFP 100 when the client terminal 110 executes a simple application in the first embodiment. Note that the processing of the client terminal 110 in Fig. 6 is executed by a function realized by the CPU 301 loading a program stored in the HDD 306 into the DRAM 302 and executing the program. Also, the processing of the MFP 100 is executed by a function realized by the CPU 201 loading a program stored in the Flash ROM 210 into the DRAM 202 and executing the program.

[0048] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the output device of the client terminal 110. As shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit 102 of the MFP 100. As shown in FIG. Note that, in the following, examples of screens displayed on the MFP 100 are described that are necessary for explaining this embodiment, but it goes without saying that other functions, settings, etc. related to the MFP 100 may also be displayed.

[0049] FIG. 6A shows an example of a sequence when the client terminal 110 connects to the MFP 100. In FIG. When the user issues an instruction to launch a simple application to the client terminal 110 (6001), the client terminal 110 accepts the instruction to launch a simple application from the user. When the client terminal 110 receives the instruction to start the simple application, it starts the simple application 113 in 6002. When the simple application 113 starts, a connection screen such as that shown in FIG. 7(a) is displayed on the output device connected to the input / output I / F 307 of the client terminal 110.

[0050] 7(a), the connection screen displays a connection button 701 for connecting to an MFP 100 close to the client terminal 110 and a cancel button 702. The cancel button 702 is a button for ending the simple app without connecting to the MFP 100.

[0051] When the user presses the connect button 701 to connect to a nearby MFP 100 (6003), the client terminal 110 detects the pressing of the connect button 701 and accepts an instruction to connect to the nearby MFP. Note that if there are multiple nearby MFPs, the user may select the MFP to connect to from a list of nearby MFPs. When receiving an instruction from the user to connect to a nearby MFP, the client terminal 110 makes a connection request (connection request) to the nearby MFP, MFP 100 (6004).

[0052] When the MFP 100 receives a connection request from the client terminal 110, it performs connection processing (6005). As a result, a network connection (communication connection) is established between the MFP 100 and the client terminal 110 (6006). Note that the network connection between the MFP 100 and the client terminal 110 in the above steps 6004 to 6006 is established, for example, by the well-known Wi-Fi Direct. This connection directly connects the client terminal 110 and the MFP 100 by wireless communication, and may be realized not only by Wi-Fi Direct but also by other wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). This connection may also be established using a wired LAN.

[0053] When a network connection with the MFP is established, the client terminal 110 acquires the IP address of the MFP 100 (6007). This acquires, for example, the IP address set when the connection is established via Wi-Fi Direct. Furthermore, when the network connection is established, the client terminal 110 starts an FTP server (6008). Note that in this embodiment, an example is shown in which FTP is used as the file transfer protocol for scanned electronic data between the MFP 100 and the client terminal 110. However, this is not limited to FTP as long as it is a protocol capable of transmitting files. For example, SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol or Secure File Transfer Protocol), SMB, WebDAV (Web-based Distributed Authoring and Versioning), HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol), etc. may also be used. That is, in 6007 and 6008, a function for receiving scan data from the MFP 100 is enabled in accordance with the communication connection with the MFP 100.

[0054] Furthermore, the client terminal 110 displays a simple application preparation completion screen such as that shown in FIG. 7(b) on the output device of the client terminal 110 (6009). As shown in Fig. 7(b), the simple application preparation completion screen has an end button 703, and by pressing the end button, the simple application can be ended and the connection from the client terminal 110 to the MFP 110 can be disconnected. Note that the sequence in response to a disconnection instruction from the client terminal 110 will be explained later with reference to Fig. 6(d).

[0055] After the network connection with the client terminal 110 is established in step 6005, the MFP 100 acquires the IP address of the connected client terminal 110 (6010). For example, the MFP 100 acquires the IP address that was set when the connection was established via Wi-Fi Direct.

[0056] Furthermore, the MFP 100 acquires a user name and password to be used in FTP for transmitting the scanned electronic data (6011). The user name and password may be fixed and predetermined by the MFP 100 and the client terminal 110. Alternatively, a unique value may be generated using an assigned IP address, date and time, or the like, and a hash function or the like common to the MFP 100 and the client terminal 110. Alternatively, the IP address of the client terminal 110, the above-mentioned user name, password, and the like may be transmitted from the client terminal 110 to the MFP 100, and the MFP 100 may receive them. Furthermore, the MFP 100 sets the IP address acquired in 6010 and the user name, password, etc. acquired in 6011 as the destination of the scanned electronic data (6012).

[0057] As the MFP 100 is now ready to perform scanning through the above-described processes 6010 to 6012, it displays an easy print button 801 and an easy scan button 802 as shown in Fig. 8(b) on the menu screen of the operation unit 102 (6013). The easy print button 801 is an icon for performing a print process in which print data received from the client terminal 110 in a communicating state is printed by the printer unit 103 of the MFP 100. The easy scan button 802 is an icon for performing a scan process in which scan data obtained by reading an original document with the scanner unit 104 of the MFP 100 is transmitted to the client terminal 110 in a communicating state.

[0058] Fig. 8(a) is an example of a menu screen displayed on the operation unit 102 of the MFP 100 when preparations for executing a simple app are not yet complete. The menu screen shown in Fig. 8(a) displays buttons for executing the copy function, send function, and fax function. When the MFP 100 is ready to execute a simple app, it displays an easy print button 801 and an easy scan button 802 shown in Fig. 8(b) on the menu screen.

[0059] <Screen transition when executing Easy Print> Here, the screen transition when simple printing is executed on the MFP 100 will be described. FIG. 9 shows an example of a screen transition when simple printing is executed by MFP 100. In FIG. Fig. 9(a) is the menu screen of the MFP 100 described in Fig. 8(b). When the user selects the easy print button 801, the MFP 100 displays the easy print execution screen shown in Fig. 9(b) on the operation unit 102.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 9(b), the easy print execution screen displays a list 902 of print data sent from the client terminal 110 that was connected for communication in 6006 in Fig. 6. In the example of Fig. 9(b), only one piece of print data is displayed, but if multiple pieces of print data are sent from the client terminal 110, the number of pieces of print data sent will be displayed in the print data list 902. The sequence for sending print data will be explained later with reference to Fig. 6(b).

[0061] The easy print execution screen also includes a print start button 903. When the user presses the print start button 903, the MFP 100 prints all of the print data displayed in the print data list 902 (execution of easy print).

[0062] The easy print execution screen also has a delete button 904. Each piece of print data displayed in the print data list 902 can be selected. When the user selects print data to be deleted from the print data list 902 and then presses the delete button 904, the MFP 100 deletes the selected print data from the MFP 100. The delete button 904 is provided to prevent print data sent from the client terminal 110 from being printed by mistake on the MFP 100.

[0063] The easy print execution screen also has a cancel button 905. The cancel button 905 is used to close the easy print execution screen without executing printing and return to the menu screen of Fig. 9(a).

[0064] Note that the menu screen of MFP 100 displayed on operation unit 102 after quick print is executed is the same as the screen shown in Fig. 8(a). In this embodiment, it is assumed that quick scan is not permitted after quick print is executed, since it is unlikely that print and scan will be executed at the same time from client terminal 110. That is, in response to quick print being executed by pressing quick print button 801, the quick print button 801 and the easy scan button 802 are deleted from the menu screen, and the screen transitions to the menu screen shown in Fig. 8(a).

[0065] Alternatively, the user may select print data to be printed from print data list 902 and press print start button 903, causing the selected print data to be printed by MFP 100. In this configuration, while unprinted print data remains in print data list 902, easy print button 801 may not be deleted from the menu screen (however, easy scan button 802 may be deleted). Then, when printing of all data displayed in print data list 902 is completed by easy print, easy print button 801 may be deleted from the menu screen, and the screen may transition to a menu screen such as that shown in FIG. 8(a). Alternatively, when easy print is executed and printing of the selected print data is completed by easy print, easy print button 801 and easy scan button 802 may be deleted from the menu screen, and the screen may transition to a menu screen such as that shown in FIG. 8(a).

[0066] It should be noted that the user may be allowed to set whether to select and print print data from the print data list 902 or to print all print data by user settings, and the printing of simple prints may be controlled by this setting. In addition, when the user selects print data in the print data list 902 and presses the print start button 903, the selected print data is printed, and when the user presses the print start button 903 without selecting any print data, all print data is printed.

[0067] (Easy print execution sequence) FIG. 6B shows an example of a sequence when printing is performed from an application on the client terminal 110 and executed by the MFP 100. When a user issues a print command from an application (not shown) such as a document creation or spreadsheet application on the client terminal 110 (6101), the client terminal 110 generates print data using a printer driver (not shown) or the like (6102). Furthermore, the client terminal 110 transmits the print data generated in 6102 to the MFP 100 connected for communication in 6006 in FIG. 6(a) (6103).

[0068] 6A from the client terminal 110, the MFP 100 stores the print data in the MFP 100 so that the print data can be printed by simple printing (6104). Note that by repeating the above steps 6101 to 6104, multiple pieces of print data are stored in the MFP 100.

[0069] The user presses the print start button 903 on the simple print execution screen of the MFP 100 as shown in Fig. 9(b) to instruct the start of printing (6105). In response, the MFP 100 accepts the instruction to start printing from the user. Upon accepting the instruction to start printing, the MFP 100 executes print processing of the print data stored in the MFP 100 (6106).

[0070] After executing the print process in 6105 above, the MFP 100 performs menu screen update processing, such as deleting the easy print button 801 and easy scan button 802, and displays the menu screen as shown in Fig. 8(a) (6107). Here, an example is shown in which all print data sent to the MFP 100 is printed when printing is executed by pressing the print start button 903, but as described above, the user may select the data they want to print in 902 and print only the selected print data. In this case, the easy print button 801 may be deleted when printing of all print data has been completed.

[0071] <Screen transition when performing a simple scan> Next, the screen transition when simple scanning is performed by the MFP 100 will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen transition when MFP 100 executes a simple scan. Fig. 10(a) is the menu screen of the MFP 100 described in Fig. 8(b). When the user selects the simple scan button 802, the MFP 100 displays a simple scan execution screen as shown in Fig. 10(b) on the operation unit 102.

[0072] As shown in Fig. 10(b), the simple scan execution screen displays the scan data destination 1002 set as shown in 6012 in Fig. 6. The scan data destination 1002 is set with the address of the client terminal 110, etc. Note that the destination folder, etc. is just an example and is not limited to this.

[0073] The easy scan execution screen also displays scan settings 1003. The scan settings 1003 are settings related to scanning, such as color mode, resolution, document size, and file type, and can be changed by the user as needed. The scan settings shown in the scan settings 1003 are merely examples, and other settings may also be used.

[0074] The simple scan execution screen also includes a start scan button 1004. When the user places a document on the MFP 100 and presses the start scan button 1004, the MFP 100 reads the document placed on the MFP 100 and starts scanning (executing a simple scan).

[0075] The simple scan execution screen also has a cancel button 1005. The cancel button 1005 is used to close the simple scan execution screen without executing a scan and return to the menu screen of Fig. 10(a).

[0076] The menu screen of the MFP 100 displayed on the operation unit 102 after the quick scan is executed is as shown in FIG. 10(c). FIG. 10(c) is an example of the menu screen of the MFP 100 displayed after the quick scan is executed. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the client terminal 110 is unlikely to simultaneously execute printing and scanning, and therefore the quick print is not permitted after the quick scan is executed. Unlike the quick print described above, the quick scan may involve multiple scans. Therefore, after the quick scan is executed, the quick print button 801 is deleted, but the quick scan button 802 remains displayed. The quick print button 801 may be deleted and become blank, as shown by 1010 in FIG. 10(c), or the quick print button may be grayed out and become inactive (disabled), as shown by 1011 in FIG. 10(d). Alternatively, the buttons may be displayed closely packed together, as shown in FIG. 10(e). That is, when the easy scan button 802 is pressed and an easy scan is performed, the easy print button 801 is deleted from the menu screen, and the screen transitions to a menu screen such as that shown in FIG. 10(c) (or FIG. 10(d) or FIG. 10(e)).

[0077] Furthermore, when the simple scan button 802 is pressed on the menu screen such as that shown in Fig. 10(c) (or Fig. 10(d) or Fig. 10(e)), the MFP 100 displays the simple scan execution screen such as that shown in Fig. 10(b) on the operation unit 102. This makes it possible to execute the simple scan again.

[0078] The MFP 100 has an auto-clear function that displays the default menu screen (FIG. 8(a)) if no operation is performed on the MFP 100 for a preset period of time. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an auto-clear time setting screen for the auto-clear function of MFP 100. This screen is displayed, for example, by performing a predetermined operation (not shown) on operation unit 102 of MFP 100. A setting button or the like may be provided on the menu screen, and the screen of Fig. 12 may be displayed by pressing this button.

[0079] The auto-clear time setting screen displays a list of auto-clear setting times for the MFP 100, such as 1201 to 1203. 1201 is the time until auto-clear is executed when the MFP 100 is not connected to the client terminal 110 via a simple application. 1202 is the time until auto-clear is executed when the MFP 100 is connected to the client terminal 110 via a simple application and simple scanning is not being performed. 1203 is the time until auto-clear is executed when the MFP 100 is connected to the client terminal 110 via a simple application and simple scanning is being performed. The user can set the time until auto-clear (auto-clear time) for each of 1201, 1202, and 1203 on the auto-clear time setting screen, such as that shown in FIG. 12, displayed on the MFP 100.

[0080] When a certain period of time (auto-clear time 1203) has elapsed without any operation being performed on the menu screen in the state shown in FIG. 10(c) (or FIG. 10(d) or FIG. 10(e)), the MFP 100 uses the auto-clear function to delete the easy scan button 802 from the menu screen and transitions the screen of the operation unit 102 to a menu screen equivalent to that shown in FIG. 8(a).

[0081] When MFP 100 is connected to client terminal 110 and is able to execute a simple application, the set time until auto-clear is executed (auto-clear time 1202 or 1203) may be set to a time shorter than auto-clear time 1201 when MFP 100 is not connected to client terminal 110. For example, when setting auto-clear time 1202 or 1203, MFP 100 may perform control so that only a time shorter than auto-clear time 1201 can be set.

[0082] When a simple application is executed, the user explicitly connects to MFP 100, so there is a high possibility that the application will be used immediately. If the MFP is not used despite this, it must be made unavailable as soon as possible to avoid inadvertent use because it is connected to client terminal 110. The case in FIG. 10(c) occurs after a simple scan is executed, so auto clear time 1203 in this case may be even shorter than auto clear time 1202 (shorter than auto clear time 1201) before a simple scan is executed. For example, when setting auto clear time 1203, MFP 100 may control the setting so that only a time shorter than auto clear time 1202 can be set.

[0083] (Easy scan execution sequence) FIG. 6C shows an example of a sequence when scanning is performed by the MFP 100 and scan data is transmitted to the client terminal 110. In FIG. When the user presses the easy scan button 802 on the menu screen of the MFP 100 (6201), the MFP 100 reads the document placed in an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) (not shown) of the MFP 100 and executes the scan process (6202) in accordance with the scan-related settings in the scan settings 1003. Here, an example is shown in which the document is scanned from the ADF, but scanning may also be performed by placing the document one sheet at a time on the platen. Furthermore, when the scanning of the document is complete, the MFP 100 generates an image file (6203). Note that scanning and generating a file is a well-known technique, and a description thereof will be omitted.

[0084] Furthermore, the MFP 100 connects to the client terminal 110 via FTP using the IP address, user name, and password set in 6012 in Fig. 6(a) and transmits the file generated in 6203 to the client terminal 110 (6204). Note that authentication and file transmission using a file transfer protocol such as FTP are well-known techniques, and therefore details thereof will be omitted.

[0085] In the client terminal 110, the FTP server started in 6008 of FIG. 6A performs a process of receiving the file from the MFP 100 and stores the scan data in a predetermined storage location (6205). Furthermore, after executing the scan process in 6202, the MFP 100 determines whether to delete the easy print button 801 and the easy scan button 802 in response to the transition to the menu screen, and performs a menu screen update process (6206). Details will be described later with reference to FIG. 13.

[0086] (Disconnection sequence from client terminal) FIG. 6D shows an example of a sequence when the client terminal 110 disconnects from the MFP 100. 7B, the user issues an instruction to disconnect from the MFP 100 by pressing the end button 703. In response to this instruction, the client terminal 110 issues a disconnection request to the MFP 100 (6302).

[0087] When the MFP 100 receives the disconnection request from the client terminal 110, it executes a Wi-Fi Direct disconnection process based on the disconnection request (6303) and discards the network connection between the MFP 100 and the client terminal (6304). Also, the client terminal 110 terminates the FTP server (6305).

[0088] Furthermore, the MFP 100 displays a menu screen (a menu screen equivalent to that in FIG. 8(a) but without the simple application button 801 and the simple application button 802) on the operation unit 102 (menu screen update), which allows the user to perform functions such as copying and faxing (not shown), and ends the processing of the simple application (6306). Furthermore, the client terminal 110 may display a disconnection screen, such as that shown in FIG. 7(c), on the simple application screen of the client terminal 110, indicating that the connection with the MFP 100 has been cut off.

[0089] There may be cases where the connection between client terminal 110 and MFP 100 is disconnected without a disconnection request from client terminal 110. For example, there may be cases where the client terminal is shut down without a disconnection instruction, or where the connection cannot be maintained due to the movement of client terminal 110. When the connection is disconnected without a disconnection request, MFP 100 may update the menu screen as in 6306 described above in response to detecting the disconnection, or may update the menu screen after a certain period of time has elapsed using an auto-clear function.

[0090] (Disconnection sequence from MFP) 6(e) shows an example of a sequence for disconnecting the connection between the MFP 100 and the client terminal 110. This corresponds to a case where the connection is automatically disconnected when the MFP 100 is not operated for a certain period of time.

[0091] The MFP 100 executes a Wi-Fi Direct disconnection process (6401) and discards the network connection between the MFP 100 and the client terminal (6402). When the client terminal 110 detects that the network connection with the MFP 100 has been disconnected, it terminates the FTP server (6403). Furthermore, the client terminal 110 displays a disconnection screen as shown in Fig. 7(c) on the simple application screen of the client terminal 110, indicating that the connection with the MFP 100 has been disconnected (6404). Then, when the end button 704 is pressed on the disconnection screen, the simple application is terminated.

[0092] Furthermore, the MFP 100 displays a menu screen (a menu screen equivalent to that in FIG. 8(a) but without the simple application button 801 and the simple application button 802) on the operation unit 102 (menu screen update), which allows the user to perform functions such as copying and faxing (not shown), and ends the processing of the simple application (6405).

[0093] Here, an example of a screen transition when simple print or simple scan of MFP 100 is not executed will be described with reference to FIG. 8 again. If the MFP 100 is not operated for a certain period of time while the menu screen of the MFP 100 described in Fig. 8(b) is displayed, the auto-clear function, as described above, transitions to a menu screen such as that shown in Fig. 8(a). The auto-clear setting time at this time is set to a time (1202 in Fig. 12) that is shorter than the normal time (1201 in Fig. 12), as described above. By transitioning to the menu screen such as that shown in Fig. 8(a), the easy print button 801 and easy scan button 802 are also deleted from the menu screen.

[0094] <Screen transition when Easy Print is canceled> FIG. 11 shows an example of the screen transition when the execution screen for simple printing of MFP 100 is displayed, but printing is canceled without being executed and the screen returns to the menu screen.

[0095] FIG. 11(a) is the menu screen of the MFP 100 described in FIG. 8(b). As shown in Fig. 11(a), when a user selects the easy print button 801, an easy print execution screen as shown in Fig. 11(b) is displayed on the operation unit 102 of the MFP 100. Fig. 11(b) is a screen equivalent to Fig. 9(b).

[0096] Here, as shown in Fig. 11(b), when cancel button 905 is pressed, MFP 100 does not delete the easy print or easy scan button, and returns to the menu screen of MFP 100 as shown in Fig. 11(a). Also, although not shown here, even if an easy scan execution screen (a screen like that of Fig. 10(b)) is displayed, but scanning is not performed and the screen is canceled by cancel button 1005, the same screen transition as in Fig. 11(a) occurs.

[0097] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by MFP 100 in the first embodiment (processing when MFP 100 executes simple print or simple scan from client terminal 110). The processing in FIG. 13 is executed by a function realized by CPU 201 loading a program stored in Flash ROM 210 into DRAM 202 and executing it. The processing of this flowchart starts when MFP 100 starts up.

[0098] In S1301, the MFP 100 executes connection processing with the client terminal 110. Specifically, in the connection processing with the client terminal 110, the network control unit 407 and the simple application management unit 411 receive a connection instruction from the client terminal 110, and perform the processing on the MFP 100 side shown by 6004 to 6012 in Fig. 6(a) to establish a connection between the MFP 100 and the client terminal 110. Note that the connection processing with the client terminal 110 is not essential to the present invention, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0099] Next, in S1302, the MFP 100 places an easy print button and an easy scan button on the menu screen of the MFP 100. Specifically, the simple application management unit 411 instructs the operation control unit 401 to display the easy print button and the easy scan button on the menu screen. The operation control unit 401 uses the panel I / F 206 to display the menu screen to which the easy print button and the easy scan button have been added on the operation unit 102 of the MFP 100.

[0100] Next, in step S1303, the MFP 100 changes the auto-clear setting time to the setting time for the simple application. Specifically, the operation control unit 401 acquires the setting value for when the simple application is connected, 1202, from the auto-clear setting value list shown in FIG. 12, and sets the time until auto-clear in the operation control unit 401.

[0101] Next, in S1304, the operation control unit 401 determines whether a function button on the menu screen has been pressed. Here, if it is determined that the function button has not been pressed (No in S1304), the operation control unit 401 advances the process to S1305.

[0102] In S1305, the MFP 100 determines whether the time during which the MFP 100 is not operated has exceeded the set time until auto-clear. Specifically, the operation control unit 401 measures the time during which there is no response from the panel I / F 206, and determines whether the time has exceeded the set time until auto-clear. Here, if it is determined that the set time until auto-clear has not elapsed (No in S1305), the operation control unit 401 returns the process to S1304.

[0103] On the other hand, if it is determined that the set time until auto-clear has elapsed (Yes in S1305), the operation control unit 401 advances the process to S1306. In S1306, if the easy print button 801 and the easy scan button 802 are displayed on the menu screen, the MFP 100 deletes these buttons and re-displays the menu screen. Specifically, the operation control unit 401 uses the panel I / F 206 to display the menu screen from which the easy print button 801 and the easy scan button 802 have been removed on the operation unit 102 of the MFP 100. After the processing of S1306, the MFP 100 proceeds to S1317. The processing of S1317 will be described later.

[0104] Furthermore, in the above S1304, if it is determined that a function button has been pressed (Yes in S1304), the operation control unit 401 advances the process to S1307. In S1307, the operation control unit 401 determines whether the function determined to have been pressed in S1304 above is the simple print button 801.

[0105] If it is determined that the easy print button has been pressed (Yes in S1307), the MFP 100 advances the process to S1308. In S1308, the MFP 100 executes the easy print shown in Fig. 6B. Specifically, the operation control unit 401 displays the easy print screen, and when the easy print control unit 410 receives a print execution instruction, the MFP 100 executes printing using the job control unit 403 and print processing unit 405. After the processing of S1308, the MFP 100 advances the processing to S1309.

[0106] In S1309, the MFP 100 determines whether printing was performed using the easy print in S1308 above. This process is to confirm whether cancellation was performed without printing in S1308 above. Specifically, the simple application management unit 411 confirms with the easy print control unit 410 whether printing was performed.

[0107] If it is determined that printing has been performed using the easy print method (Yes in S1309), the MFP 100 advances the process to S1306 and deletes both the easy print button 801 and the easy scan button 802 from the menu screen. On the other hand, if it is determined that printing was not performed using the easy print function (the cancel button was pressed) (No in S1309), the MFP 100 returns the process to S1304 and determines again whether a function button on the menu screen was pressed. Note that if printing is executed by simple printing in S1308 and the printing is completed, a determination of Yes may be made in S1309, and the process may proceed to S1306.

[0108] Furthermore, in the above S1307, if it is determined that the easy print button has not been pressed (No in S1307), the MFP 100 advances the process to S1310.

[0109] In S1310, the operation control unit 401 determines whether the function determined to have been pressed in S1304 above is the simple scan button 802. If it is determined here that the simple scan button has been pressed (Yes in S1310), the MFP 100 advances the process to S1311.

[0110] In S1311, the operation control unit 401 and the simple scan control unit 409 execute the simple scan shown in Fig. 6(c). Specifically, the operation control unit 401 displays the simple scan screen, and the simple scan control unit 409 receives an instruction to execute the scan. The simple scan control unit 409 executes the scan using the job control unit 403, the reading processing unit 406, and the network control unit 407, and transmits the scan data to the client terminal 110.

[0111] Next, in S1312, the MFP 100 determines whether scanning was performed using the simple scan in S1311. This process is to confirm whether cancellation was performed without performing scanning in S1311. Specifically, the simple application management unit 411 confirms with the simple scan control unit 409 whether scanning was performed.

[0112] If it is determined here that scanning was not performed using simple scanning (the cancel button was pressed) (No in S1312), the MFP 100 returns the process to S1304 and determines again whether a function button on the menu screen was pressed. On the other hand, if it is determined that scanning has been performed using simple scanning (Yes in S1312), the MFP 100 proceeds to S1313.

[0113] 10C, the MFP 100 deletes only the easy print button 801 from the menu screen and re-displays the menu screen. Specifically, the operation control unit 401 uses the panel I / F 206 to display the menu screen from which the easy print button 801 has been removed on the operation unit 102 of the MFP 100.

[0114] Next, in S1314, the simple application management unit 411 changes the auto-clear setting time to the setting time for the simple application. Specifically, the operation control unit 401 acquires the setting value after execution of simple scan 1203 in the auto-clear setting value list in Fig. 12, and sets the setting value after execution of simple scan 1203 as the time until auto-clear in the operation control unit 401. Thereafter, the MFP 100 returns the process to S1304, and again determines whether a function button on the menu screen has been pressed.

[0115] Furthermore, in the above S1310, if it is determined that the simple scan button has not been pressed (No in S1310), the MFP 100 advances the process to S1315.

[0116] In S1315, the MFP 100 determines that a button corresponding to an application function other than simple print or simple scan, such as copy or fax, has been selected on the operation unit 102, and performs processing to execute the application function corresponding to the selected button. Specifically, each function control unit of the MFP 100 (not shown) performs processing for the selected function.

[0117] Next, in S1316, the MFP 100 determines whether a function of another application was executed in S1315. This is to confirm whether cancellation was executed without executing the function of another application in S1315. Specifically, the simple application management unit 411 confirms whether a function was executed in a control unit (not shown) of the application selected by the operation unit 102 of the MFP 100.

[0118] If it is determined here that the function of the other application was canceled without being executed (No in S1316), the MFP 100 returns the process to S1304 and determines again whether a function button on the menu screen has been pressed.

[0119] On the other hand, if it is determined that the function of another application has been executed (Yes in S1316), the MFP 100 determines that there was no intention to execute the function of the simple application, advances the process to S1306, and deletes the easy print button 801 and the easy scan button 802 from the menu. After the process of S1306, the MFP 100 advances the process to S1317.

[0120] In S1317, the MFP 100 executes the process of disconnecting from the client terminal 110 shown in Fig. 6(e). Specifically, the simple application management unit 411 executes the process of disconnecting from the client terminal 110 via the network control unit 407, and discards the connection with the client terminal 110. At this time, the data storage unit 402 is used to delete the print data that was sent from the client terminal 110 and that was not printed.

[0121] In this embodiment, the combination of the simple print application button and the simple scan application button has been described, but other types of application combinations may also be used. Also, the combination of application buttons is not limited to two, and more application button combinations may be applied to this embodiment.

[0122] As described above, when a simple app is used by connecting client terminal 110 and MFP 100 on a shared MFP, buttons are automatically deleted according to the user's operation status, making it possible to appropriately hide application buttons when they are no longer needed. This prevents other users from operating application buttons displayed on the MFP and using them fraudulently, even when a user connects their client terminal to an MFP shared in a coworking space or shared office. Furthermore, icons, such as printer and scanner icons, can be deleted at appropriate times according to the functions associated with those icons.

[0123] Second Embodiment In the first embodiment, a configuration was described in which the easy print button and the easy scan button are deleted when an application other than the easy print or easy scan is executed. In the present embodiment, a configuration will be described in which an operation is set when an application other than the easy print or easy scan is executed.

[0124] Fig. 14(a) is a diagram showing an example of a screen for setting the operation when an application other than easy print or easy scan (other application) is executed. This screen is displayed, for example, by performing a predetermined operation (not shown) on the operation unit 102 of the MFP 100. A setting button or the like may be provided on the menu screen, and the screen of Fig. 14(a) may be displayed by pressing this button.

[0125] Radio button 1401 is used to select a setting in which the easy print button and easy scan button are deleted immediately when another application is executed. Radio button 1402 is used to select a setting in which the buttons are deleted after a certain time has elapsed when another application is executed. The user can select only one of radio button 1401 and radio button 1402, and can confirm the setting by pressing set button 1410. In other words, the user can selectively set the setting corresponding to radio button 1401 and the setting corresponding to radio button 1402. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14(b), a setting (1403) for the auto clear time after an application other than a simple application is opened is added to the auto clear time setting screen described in FIG. 12.

[0126] If a setting corresponding to radio button 1402 is made, when an application other than easy print or easy scan is executed, MFP 100 sets the auto-clear time set in 1403. Therefore, by making a setting corresponding to radio button 1402, the user can continue to use the simple application when opening an application screen other than easy print or easy scan and executing a function.

[0127] Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by MFP 100 in the second embodiment (processing of easy print and easy scan in which the behavior when an application other than easy print and easy scan is executed can be selected). The processing in Fig. 15 is executed by a function realized by CPU 201 loading a program stored in Flash ROM 210 into DRAM 202 and executing it. The processing of this flowchart starts when MFP 100 starts up. Note that the same steps as those in Fig. 13 are assigned the same step numbers, and their explanations will be omitted.

[0128] After the other application is executed in S1315, the MFP 100 of the second embodiment advances the process to S1501. In S1501, the simple application management unit 411 checks whether the setting is such that the simple print and simple scan buttons are deleted when an application other than simple print and simple scan is executed (the setting corresponding to 1401 in FIG. 14(a)).

[0129] Here, if the setting is to delete the easy print and easy scan buttons (the setting corresponding to 1401 in FIG. 14(a)) (Yes in S1501), the MFP 100 proceeds to S1306, and the simple application management unit 411 deletes the easy print button and the easy scan button.

[0130] On the other hand, if the setting is such that the easy print and easy scan buttons are deleted after a certain time (the setting corresponding to 1402 in FIG. 14A) (No in S1501), the MFP 100 advances the process to S1502.

[0131] In S1502, the MFP 100 changes the auto-clear setting time to the setting time when an application other than easy print or easy scan is executed (the time 1403 in FIG. 14(b)). Specifically, the operation control unit 401 acquires the setting value 1403 in the auto-clear setting value list as shown in FIG. 14(b), and sets the setting value 1403 as the time until auto-clear in the operation control unit 401. Thereafter, the MFP 100 returns the process to S1304, and again determines whether a function button on the menu screen has been pressed.

[0132] The above process makes it possible to continue to execute a simple application even after opening an application screen other than simple print or simple scan and executing a function.

[0133] Third Embodiment In the first embodiment, the auto-clear function deletes the simple application buttons (simple print button, simple scan button) and disconnects from the client terminal 110 if no operation is performed on the MFP 100 for a certain period of time. In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which the connection with the client terminal 110 is maintained for a certain period of time even if the simple application buttons are deleted by the auto-clear function. This is intended to save the effort and time required for reconnection, for example, if the MFP 100 and the client terminal 110 are connected but the MFP 100 is not operated by mistake. For example, if print data is sent from the client terminal 110 to the MFP 100 using the simple print function, but the user does not operate the MFP 100 within the auto-clear time, the simple application button is deleted. However, in the present embodiment, even in such a case, the connection with the client terminal 110 is maintained for a certain period of time, and the print data sent to the MFP 100 is left for a certain period of time without being deleted. In this case, simply restoring the simple application button restores the MFP 100 to a state in which the print data already sent to the MFP 100 can be printed. Therefore, the user can easily and quickly resume operation of the MFP 100.

[0134] 16 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence executed when the auto-clear time has elapsed without a simple application being executed in the third embodiment. Note that this sequence is not applied when a simple application is executed.

[0135] When the auto-clear time has elapsed without the simple application being executed, the MFP 100 starts this sequence and transmits a disconnection notice to the client terminal 110 (1601). When the client terminal 110 receives the disconnection notice from the MFP 100, it displays a disconnection notice screen such as that shown in FIG. 17(a) on the output device of the client terminal 110 (1602). 17(a), the disconnection notice screen displays a notification that the simple app is no longer available due to a certain period of inactivity, a resume use button 1701 for maintaining the connection with the MFP 100 and resuming use of the simple app, and an end button 1702 for disconnecting the connection with the MFP 100. The notification of the time limit 1710 for pressing the resume use button 1701 ("within 60 seconds" in the example of FIG. 17(a)) is displayed as a countdown as time passes.

[0136] Since the auto-clear time has elapsed, the MFP 100 deletes the easy print button 801 and the easy scan button 802 from the menu screen (1603 in FIG. 16). However, the MFP 100 of this embodiment simply deletes the buttons from the menu screen, does not delete the print data stored in the MFP 100, and does not terminate the connection with the client terminal 110.

[0137] When the user has not operated the MFP 100 for a certain period of time, such as when the user accidentally did not operate the MFP 100, but wants to resume use of the simple app, the user presses the resume use button 1701 in Fig. 17(a) to instruct the client terminal 110 to resume use of the simple app (1604). In response to this instruction to resume use of the simple app, the client terminal 110 requests the MFP 100 to resume use of the simple app (1605).

[0138] When the MFP 100 receives a request to resume use of the simple app from the client terminal 110, it adds and displays an easy print button 801 and an easy scan button 802 on the menu screen (1606). In this case, the print data sent from the client terminal 110 remains stored in the MFP 100, and the connection with the client terminal 110 remains, so all that is required is to restore the buttons. This allows the user to operate the easy print button 801 or the easy scan button 802 on the MFP 100 to perform easy printing or easy scanning on the MFP 100.

[0139] If the user does not want to use the simple app, the user presses the end button 1702 to issue an end instruction to the client terminal 110 (not shown). In response to this end instruction, the client terminal 110 terminates the connection with the MFP 100. In this case, a sequence equivalent to that shown in FIG. 6(d) is executed.

[0140] 17(a) is displayed for a certain period of time, the connection is terminated by the MFP 100. In this case, a sequence equivalent to that shown in FIG. 6(e) is executed.

[0141] Fig. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by MFP 100 in the third embodiment (processing that enables restarting after a simple application is not executed and no operation is performed on MFP 100 for a certain period of time, and the easy print button and easy scan button are deleted by the auto-clear function). The processing in Fig. 18 is performed by a function realized by CPU 201 loading a program stored in Flash ROM 210 into DRAM 202 and executing it. The processing of this flowchart starts when MFP 100 starts up. Note that the same steps as those in Fig. 13 are assigned the same step numbers, and their explanations will be omitted.

[0142] In the MFP 100 of the third embodiment, after deleting the easy print button 801 and the easy scan button 802 from the menu screen in S1306, the process proceeds to S1801. In S1801, the MFP 100 checks whether simple printing or simple scanning has been performed. Specifically, the simple application management unit 411 checks with the simple scan control unit 409 and the simple print control unit 410 whether scanning or printing has been performed.

[0143] Here, if it is determined that either simple print or simple scan is being executed (Yes in S1801), the MFP 100 advances the process to S1317 and executes disconnection processing from the client terminal 110.

[0144] On the other hand, if it is determined that neither easy print nor easy scan has been executed (No in S1801), the MFP 100 advances the process to S1802. In S1802, the MFP 100 transmits a disconnection notice to the client terminal 110. Specifically, the simple application management unit 411 uses the network control unit 407 to transmit the disconnection notice to the client terminal 110 in order to cause the client terminal 110 to display the screen of FIG.

[0145] Next, in step S1803, the MFP 100 checks whether a simple application usage restart request has been received from the client terminal 110. Specifically, the simple application management unit 411 checks whether a simple application usage restart request has been received from the network control unit 407. Here, if a request to resume use of the simple application is received from the client terminal 110 (Yes in S1803), the MFP 100 proceeds to S1804.

[0146] In S1804, since the MFP 100 has received a request to resume use of the simple app from the client terminal 110, the MFP 100 once again displays the simple print button 801 and the simple scan button 802 on the menu screen and returns the process to S1304. Specifically, the simple app management unit 411 instructs the operation control unit 401 to display the simple print button 801 and the simple scan button 802 on the menu screen. The operation control unit 401 uses the panel I / F 206 to re-display, on the operation unit 102 of the MFP 100, the menu screen to which the simple print button 801 and the simple scan button 802 have been added.

[0147] Furthermore, in the above S1803, if there is no request to resume use of the simple application from the client terminal 110 (No in S1803), the MFP 100 proceeds to S1805. In S1805, the MFP 100 checks whether a certain time has elapsed since the disconnection notice was sent to the client terminal 110 in S1802. Specifically, the simple application management unit 411 makes this determination by measuring the time that has elapsed since the disconnection notice was sent in S1802. Note that this elapsed time may be determined in advance, or may be set by the administrator of the MFP 100.

[0148] If it is determined that the certain time has not elapsed (No in S1805), the MFP 100 returns the process to S1803 and checks again whether a request to resume use of the simple app has been received from the client terminal 110. On the other hand, if it is determined that the certain time has elapsed (Yes in S1805), the MFP 100 advances the process to S1317 and performs a disconnection process from the client terminal 110.

[0149] By the above process, even if the user accidentally does not operate MFP100 and the easy print or easy scan buttons are deleted from the menu screen, making it impossible to use the easy app, the use of the easy app can be resumed quickly and easily.

[0150] As a modified example, if the user does not operate the MFP 100 within the auto-clear time, the simple application button may be deleted and the connection with the client terminal 110 may be severed, leaving only the print data. In this case, the client terminal 110 displays a screen similar to that shown in FIG. 17A, which includes a resume use button 1701 and an end button 1702. When the user wants to resume use of the MFP 100, the user presses the resume use button 1701 to instruct the client terminal 110 to resume use. In response to this resume use instruction, the client terminal 110 requests the MFP 100 to reconnect. When the MFP 100 receives the reconnection request from the client terminal 110, the MFP 100 performs connection processing with the client terminal 110. This reconnects the MFP 100 and the client terminal 110. Furthermore, the MFP 100 additionally displays an easy print button 801 and an easy scan button 802 on the menu screen. This allows the user to easily resume use of the simple application.

[0151] [Fourth embodiment] In the first embodiment, when simple printing is performed, the simple printing button 801 and simple scanning button 802 are deleted and the connection with the client terminal 110 is cut off. Also, when simple scanning is performed, the simple printing button is deleted in accordance with the operation. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which after simple printing or simple scanning is performed, a user is prompted to confirm whether to continue the simple application, or a switch is provided for setting whether to continue after simple printing is performed.

[0152] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of the MFP 100 regarding the continuation of processing of a simple app in the fourth embodiment. 19(a) shows an example of a screen (confirmation screen) that the MFP 100 displays on the operation unit 102 after executing the simple print or simple scan function, prompting the user to confirm whether or not to continue using the simple app. This confirmation screen includes a Yes button 1901 and a No button 1902.

[0153] When the user presses Yes 1901 on the confirmation screen displayed on the MFP 100, the MFP 100 transitions to the menu screen without deleting the easy print button 801 and the easy scan button 802. This allows the user to re-execute the easy print or easy scan.

[0154] On the other hand, if the user presses No 1902 on the confirmation screen displayed on MFP 100, the user has chosen not to use the simple app, so MFP 100 deletes the simple print button 801 and the simple scan button 802 and disconnects the connection with client terminal 110.

[0155] 19(b) is an example of a setting screen displayed on MFP 100 for confirming whether to continue using the simple app again after finishing simple printing. This screen is displayed, for example, by performing a predetermined operation (not shown) on operation unit 102 of MFP 100. A setting button or the like may be provided on the menu screen, and the screen of FIG. 19(b) may be displayed by pressing this button.

[0156] On the setting screen shown in FIG. 19(b), the administrator sets in advance the operation to be performed after the simple print is completed. As shown in FIG. 19(b), this setting screen is provided with radio buttons 1903 and 1904. Radio button 1903 is a button for selecting a setting to continue the simple app without confirmation after execution of the simple print is completed. Radio button 1904 is a button for selecting a setting to confirm continuation of the simple app after execution of the simple print is completed. The user can select only one of radio button 1903 or radio button 1904, and can confirm the setting by pressing set button 1910.

[0157] If the setting corresponding to radio button 1903 is made, after the execution of simple print is completed, MFP100 returns to the menu screen without deleting the simple print and simple scan buttons without user confirmation, and the simple app can be executed again. Furthermore, if the setting corresponding to radio button 1904 is made, after the execution of the simple print is completed, MFP 100 displays a confirmation screen such as that shown in FIG. 19(a) so that the user can specify whether to continue processing the simple app.

[0158] In this embodiment, an example has been shown in which a screen for confirming whether to continue processing the simple app is displayed. However, any setting may be used as long as it allows the user to set the operation after execution, such as terminating the simple app without confirmation. For example, the confirmation screen of FIG. 19(a) may be provided with a third radio button for setting to terminate the simple app. If a setting corresponding to this button is set, the MFP 100 deletes the easy print button 801 and easy scan button 802 and disconnects the connection with the client terminal 110, as in the first embodiment, after the execution of the simple print is completed.

[0159] Fig. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of processing (processing capable of determining whether to continue processing a simple app) of the MFP 100 in the fourth embodiment. The processing in Fig. 20 is executed by a function realized by the CPU 201 loading a program stored in the Flash ROM 210 into the DRAM 202 and executing it. The processing of this flowchart starts when the MFP 100 starts up. Note that the same steps as those in Fig. 13 are assigned the same step numbers, and their explanations will be omitted.

[0160] In the fourth embodiment, if it is determined in S1309 that printing has been executed by simple printing (S1308) (Yes in S1309), the MFP 100 advances the process to S2001. In S2001, the simple application management unit 411 determines whether or not to continue using the simple application. It determines whether or not the setting shown in Fig. 19(b) above (the setting corresponding to the radio button 1903) is set to continue using the simple application without confirmation. Here, if the setting to continue using the simple app without confirmation (the setting corresponding to radio button 1903) is set (Yes in S2001), MFP100 returns the process to S1304 and determines again whether the function button on the menu screen has been pressed.

[0161] On the other hand, if a setting to confirm the continuation of the simple application (a setting corresponding to the radio button 1904) has been made (No in S2001), the MFP 100 advances the process to S2002. Furthermore, in S1312, if it is determined that scanning has been performed by simple scanning (S1311) (Yes in S1312), the MFP 100 also advances the process to S2002.

[0162] In step S2002, the MFP 100 displays a confirmation screen for continuing the processing of the simple application, as shown in Fig. 19(a). Specifically, the simple application management unit 411 instructs the operation control unit 401 to display a confirmation screen for continuing the processing of the simple application on the operation unit 102 of the MFP 100 using the panel I / F 206.

[0163] Next, in step S2003, the MFP 100 determines whether to continue processing the simple application. Specifically, the simple application management unit 411 uses the operation control unit 401 to check, via the panel I / F 206, whether the Yes button 1901 or the No button 1902 has been pressed on the confirmation screen for continuing processing the simple application.

[0164] If the MFP 100 determines that the Yes button 1901 has been pressed, it determines to continue processing the simple app (determines Yes in S2003), returns the process to S1304, and determines again whether a function button on the menu screen has been pressed. On the other hand, if the MFP 100 determines that the No button 1902 has been pressed, it determines not to continue processing the simple app (determines No in S2003), advances processing to S1306, and deletes the Easy Print button 801 and Easy Scan button 802 from the menu screen.

[0165] By the above process, if the user wishes to continue using the simple app, the user can continue processing the simple app according to his / her convenience.

[0166] When the present invention is applied to an image processing device that does not have a scanner unit, the easy scan button is not displayed, but the display and deletion of the easy print button are controlled in the same way as in the present invention. Furthermore, when the present invention is applied to an image processing device that does not have a printer unit, the easy print button is not displayed, but the display and deletion of the easy scan button are controlled in the same way as in the present invention.

[0167] As described above, according to each embodiment, when a communication connection is established with an information processing device such as a mobile terminal, icons for printing or scanning (easy print button 801, easy scan button 802) displayed on the operation unit of the image processing device can be deleted at an appropriate time when it is deemed that the use of the image processing device has ended (no longer needed). This makes it possible to ensure security when using the image processing device (preventing inadvertent use by others) while improving usability. As a result, it becomes possible to use image processing devices installed in coworking spaces, shared offices, etc. safely and easily.

[0168] It goes without saying that the configurations and contents of the various data described above are not limited to those described above, and that the data may be configured in various configurations and contents depending on the application and purpose. Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention can be embodied as, for example, a system, an apparatus, a method, a program, a storage medium, etc. Specifically, the present invention may be applied to a system made up of multiple devices, or may be applied to an apparatus made up of a single device. Furthermore, the present invention also includes any combination of the above embodiments.

[0169] Other Embodiments 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 a 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., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions. Furthermore, the present invention may be applied to a system made up of multiple devices, or to an apparatus made up of a single device. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications (including organic combinations of the embodiments) are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, and these modifications are not excluded from the scope of the present invention. In other words, all configurations that combine the above-described embodiments and their modifications are included in the present invention.

[0170] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration, method, and program. (Configuration 1) An image processing device including a scanner, a connection means for establishing a communication connection with an information processing device in the vicinity of the image processing device in response to a connection request from the information processing device; a control means for displaying, on an operation unit of the image processing device, a first icon for performing a print process in which print data received from the information processing device is printed by the image processing device in accordance with a communication connection with the information processing device, and a second icon for performing a scan process in which scan data obtained by reading an original with the scanner is transmitted to the information processing device; The image processing device is characterized in that the control means deletes the first icon and the second icon when a print process using the first icon is executed. (Configuration 2) The image processing device according to configuration 1, wherein the control means deletes the first icon and the second icon in response to completion of printing of the print data received from the information processing device in the print processing. (Configuration 3) An image processing device including a scanner, a connection means for establishing a communication connection with an information processing device in proximity to the image processing device in response to a request from the information processing device; a control means for displaying, on an operation unit of the image processing device, a first icon for performing a print process in which print data received from the information processing device is printed by the image processing device in accordance with a communication connection with the information processing device, and a second icon for performing a scan process in which scan data obtained by reading an original with the scanner is transmitted to the information processing device; The information processing apparatus is characterized in that the control means performs control such that, when a scan process using the second icon is executed, the first icon is deleted and the second icon is not deleted. (Configuration 4) The control means deleting the first icon and the second icon in response to no operation being performed on the operation unit for a first time period after a communication connection with the information processing device is established; and deleting the second icon in response to no operation being performed on the operation unit for a second time period that is shorter than the first time period after the execution of the scan process. 4. The image processing device according to configuration 3. (Configuration 5) The control means deletes the first icon and the second icon without disconnecting the communication connection in response to no operation being performed on the operation unit for a first time period while a communication connection with the information processing device is established, and further, if neither the print process nor the scan process has been executed after the communication connection is established, sends a notification to the information processing device informing the information processing device that the print process and the scan process are unavailable and asking whether or not to request resumption of use of the print process and the scan process; and re-displaying the first icon and the second icon when a request to resume use is received from the information processing device before a second time period has elapsed since the transmission of the notification. If the request to resume use is not received before the second time period has elapsed, communication with the information processing device is disconnected. 4. The image processing device according to configuration 1 or 3. (Configuration 6) The image processing device according to configuration 1 or 3, characterized in that the control means deletes the first icon and the second icon in response to a third process different from the print process and the scan process being executed while a communication connection with the information processing device is established. (Configuration 7) a setting means for selectively setting a first setting for deleting the first icon and the second icon in response to the execution of a third process different from the print process and the scan process when the third process is executed while a communication connection with the information processing device is established, and a second setting for deleting the first icon and the second icon in response to no operation being performed on the operation unit for a certain period of time after the execution of the third process; The image processing device according to configuration 1 or 3, wherein the control means performs control to delete the first icon and the second icon in accordance with the setting of the setting means when the third process is executed while a communication connection with the information processing device is established. (Method 1) A method for controlling an image processing device equipped with a scanner, comprising: a connection step of establishing a communication connection with an information processing device in proximity to the image processing device in response to a connection request from the information processing device; a display step of displaying, on an operation unit of the image processing device, a first icon for performing a print process in which print data received from the information processing device is printed by the image processing device, and a second icon for performing a scan process in which scan data obtained by reading an original with the scanner is transmitted to the information processing device, in accordance with the communication connection with the information processing device; a deletion step of deleting the first icon and the second icon when a print process using the first icon has been executed; 1. A method for controlling an image processing apparatus, comprising: (Method 2) A method for controlling an image processing device equipped with a scanner, comprising: a connection step of establishing a communication connection with an information processing device in proximity to the image processing device in response to a connection request from the information processing device; a display step of displaying, on an operation unit of the image processing device, a first icon for performing a print process in which print data received from the information processing device is printed by the image processing device, and a second icon for performing a scan process in which scan data obtained by reading an original with the scanner is transmitted to the information processing device, in accordance with the communication connection with the information processing device; a deletion step of deleting the first icon but not the second icon when a scan process using the second icon is executed; 1. A method for controlling an image processing apparatus, comprising: (Program 1) A program for causing a computer to execute the control method for an image processing device according to Method 1 or 2.

Claims

1. An image processing device including a scanner, a connection means for establishing a communication connection with an information processing device in the vicinity of the image processing device in response to a connection request from the information processing device; a control means for displaying, on an operation unit of the image processing device, a first icon for performing a print process in which print data received from the information processing device is printed by the image processing device in accordance with a communication connection with the information processing device, and a second icon for performing a scan process in which scan data obtained by reading an original with the scanner is transmitted to the information processing device; The image processing apparatus is characterized in that the control means deletes the first icon and the second icon when a print process using the first icon is executed.

2. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means deletes the first icon and the second icon in response to completion of printing of the print data received from the information processing apparatus in the print process.

3. An image processing device including a scanner, a connection means for establishing a communication connection with an information processing device in proximity to the image processing device in response to a request from the information processing device; a control means for displaying, on an operation unit of the image processing device, a first icon for performing a print process in which print data received from the information processing device is printed by the image processing device in accordance with a communication connection with the information processing device, and a second icon for performing a scan process in which scan data obtained by reading an original with the scanner is transmitted to the information processing device; The information processing apparatus is characterized in that the control means performs control such that, when a scan process using the second icon is executed, the first icon is deleted and the second icon is not deleted.

4. The control means deleting the first icon and the second icon in response to no operation being performed on the operation unit for a first time period after a communication connection with the information processing device is established; and deleting the second icon in response to no operation being performed on the operation unit for a second time period that is shorter than the first time period after the execution of the scan process.

4. The image processing device according to claim 3.

5. The control means deletes the first icon and the second icon without terminating the communication connection in response to no operation being performed on the operation unit for a first time period while a communication connection with the information processing device is established, and further, if neither the print process nor the scan process has been executed after the communication connection is established, sends a notification to the information processing device informing the information processing device that the print process and the scan process are unavailable and asking whether or not to request the information processing device to resume use of the print process and the scan process; and re-displaying the first icon and the second icon when a request to resume use is received from the information processing device before a second time period has elapsed since the transmission of the notification. If the request to resume use is not received before the second time period has elapsed, communication with the information processing device is disconnected.

4. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the image processing device is a computer.

6. The image processing device according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that the control means deletes the first icon and the second icon in response to a third process different from the print process and the scan process being executed while a communication connection with the information processing device is established.

7. a setting means for selectively setting a first setting for deleting the first icon and the second icon in response to the execution of a third process different from the print process and the scan process when the third process is executed while a communication connection with the information processing device is established, and a second setting for deleting the first icon and the second icon in response to no operation being performed on the operation unit for a certain period of time after the execution of the third process; The image processing device according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that when the third process is executed while a communication connection with the information processing device is established, the control means controls to delete the first icon and the second icon in accordance with the setting of the setting means.

8. A method for controlling an image processing device equipped with a scanner, comprising: a connection step of establishing a communication connection with an information processing device in proximity to the image processing device in response to a connection request from the information processing device; a display step of displaying, on an operation unit of the image processing device, a first icon for performing a print process in which print data received from the information processing device is printed by the image processing device, and a second icon for performing a scan process in which scan data obtained by reading an original document with the scanner is transmitted to the information processing device, in accordance with the communication connection with the information processing device; a deletion step of deleting the first icon and the second icon when a print process using the first icon has been executed; 1. A method for controlling an image processing apparatus, comprising:

9. A method for controlling an image processing device equipped with a scanner, comprising: a connection step of establishing a communication connection with an information processing device in proximity to the image processing device in response to a connection request from the information processing device; a display step of displaying, on an operation unit of the image processing device, a first icon for performing a print process in which print data received from the information processing device is printed by the image processing device, and a second icon for performing a scan process in which scan data obtained by reading an original document with the scanner is transmitted to the information processing device, in accordance with the communication connection with the information processing device; a deletion step of deleting the first icon but not the second icon when a scan process using the second icon is executed; 1. A method for controlling an image processing apparatus, comprising:

10. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method for an image processing apparatus according to claim 8 or 9.

Images