Program, display control method, and display control system

Abstract

To flexibly control display contents according to the work being performed, by determining whether a state guaranteed to be safe is maintained.SOLUTION: A program for controlling the display content on a display device capable of showing screens related to a device causes a computer to execute the steps of: displaying on a second display device, operated by a second user different from a first user operating a first display device, a screen of a function using first function control means in the device based on instructions from the second user; and, based on instructions from the first user, when a screen of a function using second function control means different from the first function control means in the device, which requires safety assurance, is being operated on the first display device, performing control so that the screen related to the device displayed on the second display device does not transition to the screen related to the device displayed on the first display device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a program, a display control method, and a display control system. [Background technology]

[0002] In a device having multiple functions, multiple display interface means can be connected to a single device, allowing the multiple functions of the device to be used from separate display interface means. In such a device, the multiple functions are operated simultaneously via separate display interfaces so that different users can operate the multiple functions according to their own purposes.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that categorizes the display content on the screen of a non-executor and enables flexible switching of display content according to the function by referencing the correspondence between the state of the device during function execution and the category. Furthermore, when multiple users use the device simultaneously through their respective display interfaces, the types of display devices assumed are a UI directly connected to the main controller and a remote UI placed remotely. In the case of remote operation using a remote UI, device safety regulations stipulate that control cannot be initiated unless the device is in a safe state (see Non-Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-028136 [Non-patent literature]

[0005] [Non-Patent Document 1] ISO 12643-1:2009, 6.5.3 Remote control with interlocking guard open, 2009 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In Patent Document 1, the screen display method for non-performers was switched by category depending on the device status, but the content of the operation was not determined. Therefore, even for functions where the safety of the operation was guaranteed and work could be continued, the operations of non-performers were more broadly restricted. For example, in a situation where safety was guaranteed, if a non-performer attempted to use a safety-guaranteed function in a different location while a performer was performing an operation, the UI screen of the non-performer was forcibly transitioned to a screen that did not accept operations. Therefore, the present disclosure provides a method for flexibly controlling display content according to the work content by determining whether the safety is guaranteed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The program disclosed herein is a program for controlling the display content on a display device capable of displaying a screen related to a device, and is characterized in that it causes a computer to execute the following steps: based on instructions from a second user different from a first user operating a first display device, displaying a screen of a function using a first function control means in the device on a second display device operated by the second user; and based on instructions from the first user, when a screen of a function using a second function control means different from the first function control means in the device and requiring safety assurance is being operated on the first display device, performing control such that the screen related to the device displayed on the second display device is not transitioned to the screen related to the device displayed on the first display device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the technology of the present disclosure, by determining whether safety is guaranteed, the display content can be flexibly controlled in accordance with the work content. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of the recording system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control system of the recording system. [Figure 3] A list of functional classifications based on whether or not the screen on the display device is operated and whether or not the door is opened. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing UI display content on a display device. [Figure 5] Category list for display switching. [Figure 6] A list of device statuses and categories. [Figure 7] A diagram showing a specific example of Category A. [Figure 8] A diagram showing a specific example of Category B. [Figure 9] A diagram showing a specific example of Category C. [Figure 10] A diagram showing a specific example of Category D. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display layout of a non-participant screen. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of switching between UI displays for executors and non-executors. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing UI display content on a display device. [Figure 14] A list of device statuses and categories when the executor is a main body UI user. [Figure 15] A list of device statuses and categories when the executor is a Remote UI user. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is an image diagram showing the positional relationship between the device and the user. [Figure 17] A corresponding list of device states and categories according to location from the user's device. [Figure 18] A corresponding list of device status and category according to the location from the device by the performer. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of user information. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the present disclosure, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solutions of the present disclosure. Note that identical components will be described with the same reference numerals. Furthermore, each process (step) in a flowchart will be indicated with a reference numeral beginning with "S."

[0011] [First embodiment] The configuration of a recording system according to this embodiment will now be described. FIG. 1 shows an example of the schematic configuration of a recording system 100 according to this embodiment. The recording system 100 is an apparatus for forming images on a continuous print medium 111 (hereinafter referred to as "roll paper") used in this embodiment and capable of continuous image formation. In this embodiment, the recording system 100 includes a paper feeder 104 that feeds the roll paper 111, and a recording unit 116 that performs spot color printing. The recording system 100 also includes a recording unit 115 that performs base color printing, a winding device 105 that winds up the roll paper 111, and a user interface operation panel 101 (hereinafter referred to as the "UI operation panel").

[0012] The paper feeder 104 is a device that supplies roll paper 111 to the recording system 100. The paper feeder 104 rotates the paper tube of the roll paper 111 around a rotation shaft 117, and transports the roll paper 111 wound around the paper tube toward the recording system 100 at a constant speed via multiple rollers (transport rollers, paper feed rollers, etc.). The winding device 105 is a device that winds up the roll paper 111 transported from the recording system 100 into a roll around the paper tube. The paper tube is attached to a rotation shaft 118, and by rotating it around the rotation shaft 118, the roll paper 111 transported onto the paper tube via multiple rollers (for example, transport rollers, paper discharge rollers, etc.) is wound up at a predetermined speed as a print product. The print product is wound around the paper tube and held in a roll.

[0013] Before printing begins, the roll paper 111 is fed from the paper feeder 104 to the winding device 105. The roll paper 111 is loaded into the paper feeder 104, and the leading edge of the roll paper 111 is passed over the skew correction device 110. Next, the roll paper 111 passes under the printing device 103 of the recording unit 116. The printing device 103 according to this embodiment is a device that prints colors other than the color inks cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K), such as white ink. The roll paper passes under the drying device 112 and over the cooling devices 113 and 114. Next, the roll paper passes under the mark detection sensor 120 and the printing device 102 of the recording unit 115, under the drying device 106, and over the cooling devices 108 and 109. In this embodiment, the mark detection sensor 120 is used for alignment when forming an image from the printing device 102 on an image formed by the printing device 103, but this is not limiting. For example, a scanner may also be used. The printing device 102 in this embodiment is a device that prints the basic printing colors (CMYK). The paper is wound onto a winding device 105 via a connected scanner device 107. After the roll paper 111 is passed through the recording system 100, a print job is submitted to the control PC 119 of the recording system 100. After the print job is submitted, printing begins when the print start button on the UI operation panel 101 is pressed. The printed image is read by the connected scanner device 107, and the read image is analyzed by the control PC 119 to inspect the printed matter for defects.

[0014] The recording system 100 is equipped with an interlock function to ensure safe operation. For example, the doors of the recording units 115 and 116 are equipped with switches to activate the interlock, and the interlock is activated when the door of the recording unit 115 or 116 is opened. When the interlock is activated, if the roll paper 111 is being transported, it switches to a low-speed transport below a predetermined speed, and if transport of the roll paper 111 is stopped, transport of the roll paper 111 will not start until the interlock is disabled.

[0015] Next, the control unit 13 of the recording system 100 will be described. Figure 2 is a block diagram of the control unit 13 of the recording system 100. The control unit 13 is communicably connected to an external control device HC1 (e.g., a personal computer). A print application required for printing and the like are installed in the external control device HC1.

[0016] The external control device HC1 generates and saves image data that is the basis for the recorded image. The image data here is generated in an electronic file format such as a document file or an image file. This image data is sent from the external control device HC1 to the control unit 13, and the control unit 13 starts image processing and recording operations based on the received image data.

[0017] In this embodiment, the control unit 13 is roughly divided into a main controller 13A and an engine controller 13B. The main controller 13A includes a processing unit 131, a storage unit 132, a communication interface (I / F) 133, an image processing unit 134, a communication I / F 135, a buffer 136, and a communication I / F 137. The main controller 13A is also connected to a display device 138 and an input device 139.

[0018] The processing unit 131 is a processor such as a CPU, executes programs stored in the storage unit 132, and controls the entire main controller 13A. The storage unit 132 is a storage device such as a RAM, a ROM, a hard disk, or a solid-state drive (SSD), stores programs and data executed by the CPU, and provides a work area for the CPU. The processing unit 131, which controls the entire main controller 13A, includes a status acquisition unit 131a that acquires the status of the device and a display control unit 131b that controls the display content of the display device 138. The display device 138 is a display device such as a touch panel, a liquid crystal display, or a tablet. The UI operation panel 101 also corresponds to the display device 138. The input device 139 is an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse that accepts user instructions. In this embodiment, the display device 138 and the input device 139 are separate entities, but this is not limited thereto. The display device 138 and the input device 139 may be integrated using the above-mentioned touch panel or tablet. The communication I / F 133 communicates with another terminal device 140. The terminal device 140 has a display device equivalent to the display device 138 that serves as a UI for displaying the display contents controlled by the display control unit 131b.

[0019] The image processing unit 134 is, for example, an electronic circuit having an image processing processor. The buffer 136 is, for example, RAM, a hard disk, or an SSD. The communication I / F 135 communicates with the external control device HC1, and the communication I / F 137 communicates with the engine controller 13B. In FIG. 2, the dashed arrows indicate the flow of image data processing. Image data received from the external control device HC1 via the communication I / F 135 is stored in the buffer 136. The image processing unit 134 reads the image data from the buffer 136, performs predetermined image processing on the read image data, and stores the image data back in the buffer 136. The processed image data stored in the buffer 136 is sent from the communication I / F 137 to the engine controller 13B as recording data to be used by the print engine. The engine controller 13B prints the roll paper 111 transported by multiple rollers from the paper feeder 104 using the recording units 116 and 115, and transports the roll paper to the winding device 105.

[0020] The engine controller 13B also controls the interlock function, and activates a switch that activates the interlock if, for example, the door of the recording unit 115 or recording unit 116 is opened. When the interlock is activated, if the roll paper 111 is being transported, the transport speed switches to a low speed below a predetermined speed, and if transport of the roll paper 111 is stopped, the interlock is disabled so that transport of the roll paper 111 does not start until the interlock is deactivated.

[0021] Detailed Description of the Present Embodiment As shown in FIG. 2, in the display control system of this embodiment, when multiple display devices exist for one device, multiple users can use each display device individually. As an example of such a configuration, if a web server is launched on the main controller, the UI of the device can be displayed on each display device using a browser via the network. In this case, it is possible to display the same information on the UI of all display devices. It is also possible to display different information on the UI of each display device. Since multiple browsers can be launched on a single display device, multiple users or a single user can use the same display device while displaying multiple UIs. If the client program used to display the browser on each display device periodically obtains information from the server, the display information can be updated as needed without user operation. Alternatively, the display information can be updated as needed by configuring the server to notify the client side when there is an update to the device information and update the information.

[0022] When a user executes a function from a UI displayed on the display device 138 that requires exclusive use of either or both of the main controller 13A and the engine controller 13B, that user becomes the "executor" of that function. Other users become "non-executors" of that function. Depending on the function, the screen display during execution of a function may need to display the same content for both the executor and non-executor, or may need to display different content for both the executor and non-executor. Here, even when the executor exclusively uses the main controller 13A, the status acquisition unit 131a and display control unit 131b that control the display device are not included in the control units that control the functions executed by the main controller 13A.

[0023] Also, in FIG. 2, there are multiple display devices. Of these multiple display devices, the UI of a display device directly connected to the main controller, such as display device 138 in FIG. 2, is defined as the main body UI. Unlike the main body UI, the UI of a display device of a terminal device connected to the main controller via communication I / F 133 is defined as the remote UI. Because the main body UI is often placed near the device, operations using the main body UI may be more urgent or important than operations from a remote UI, which is often placed far away. In this case, it may be effective to change the correspondence list to be applied depending on whether the main body UI user is the function executor or non-executor, based on user information.

[0024] 3 is an example of a list of functions executed in the recording system 100, categorized by "function type No." according to whether or not a screen operation on a display device is performed and whether or not a door is opened. For each of the categorized "function type No.", the function control unit that is primarily used to execute the function in the main controller 13A and the engine controller 13B is indicated as follows: "◯" indicates a function control unit that executes the function, and "-" indicates a function control unit that does not execute the function.

[0025] Function type (1) in Figure 3 corresponds to a function that does not require screen operation but requires the operation of opening a door on the recording system 100. For example, this includes adjusting the position of the mark detection sensor 120 and clearing a paper jam that has occurred in the recording unit 115 or the recording unit 116. The processing for executing the function is mainly controlled by the engine controller 13B. Function type (2) in Figure 3 corresponds to a function that does not require screen operation but requires direct access to the recording system 100 but does not require the operation of opening a door. For example, this includes replacing the roll paper in the paper feeder 104 or the winder 105. The processing for executing the function is mainly controlled by the engine controller 13B.

[0026] Function type (3) in Figure 3 corresponds to a function that requires screen operation from the start to the end of function execution and includes the operation of opening a door. All functions that require both screen operation and the operation of opening a door correspond to function type (3) in Figure 3. For example, part replacement or cleaning corresponds to this. The processing for executing the function is mainly controlled by engine controller 13B. Function type (4) in Figure 3 corresponds to the functions listed below. This function requires screen operation only when starting to execute the function. Furthermore, this function is always executed when the door is closed, and the door does not need to be opened during operation and ends automatically. For example, this corresponds to printing execution, image quality maintenance that accompanies printing, or image quality maintenance such as cleaning that does not accompany printing but operates within recording unit 115 or recording unit 116. The processing for executing the function is mainly controlled by engine controller 13B.

[0027] Function type (5) in FIG. 3 corresponds to a function that does not require the door to be opened after execution begins, but disables all functions of the recording system 100 until execution is complete. For example, this includes shutdown and firmware update. The process for executing the function is controlled by the entire recording system 100 using both the main controller 13A and the engine controller 13B. Function type (6) in FIG. 3 corresponds to a function that does not require the door to be opened after execution begins, but disables some functions of the recording system 100 until execution is complete. For example, this corresponds to a function that restarts only the main controller 13A, disabling operation of functions that use the main controller 13A as a function control unit in the recording system 100. The process for executing the function is mainly controlled by the main controller 13A. Function type (7) in FIG. 3 corresponds to a function that does not require the door to be opened but does require screen operation, and is a function other than function types (4), (5), and (6). For example, this includes print job management, print control parameter management for paper type, printing cost simulation, and operation performance management. The processing for executing the functions is mainly controlled by the main controller 13 A. Although the functions listed here are examples, more specific functions may also be included.

[0028] In this embodiment, function type (3) in Fig. 3, which requires the operation of opening a door when executing the function, requires safety assurance by the interlock function installed in the recording system 100, and also requires screen operation, is defined as a "function requiring safety assurance involving UI operation." Function types (4), (5), (6), and (7) in Fig. 3, which do not require the operation of opening a door but require screen operation, are defined as "functions not requiring safety assurance involving UI operation."

[0029] FIG. 4 is a flowchart related to the UI display content on the display device shown in FIG. 2. The flowchart in FIG. 4 illustrates the flow of processing for determining which screen to display when a user requests a screen by referring to the device status and function type number. That is, the processing unit 131 determines whether to display the user-specified screen as is, display the same screen as the executor, display a screen different from the executor, or automatically switch the display content. Furthermore, if automatic switching is selected, the processing unit 131 further determines the display content. While a function is being executed on the device, the device status corresponds to that function. Therefore, when processing is performed according to the flowchart in FIG. 4, when a user is executing a function on the device, the UI display content of other non-executors can be switched depending on the function being executed. A detailed description of the flowchart in FIG. 4 will be given later.

[0030] Figure 5 shows an example of actions using four categories (A, B, C, and D) when automatically switching UI display content. Actions on UI display content are broadly classified according to whether the function control unit of the performer and the function control unit of the non-performer are the same or different. Categories A and B are cases where the function control unit of the performer and the function control unit of the non-performer are the same. Categories C and D are cases where the function control unit of the performer and the function control unit of the non-performer are different. Category A is a category where the UI display content of the transition destination is different from that of the performer of the function. Category B is a category where the UI display content of the transition destination is the same as that of the performer of the function. Category C is a category where there is no forced screen transition, but when a non-performer manually switches to the UI display related to the function they are currently executing, the UI display content is the same as that of the performer. Category D is a category where there is no forced screen transition, but when a non-performer manually switches to the UI display related to the function they are currently executing, the UI display content is different from that of the performer. Although four categories are used here as an example, there may be various other categories, such as patterns further subdividing Categories A and B.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a list of the correspondence between "function type No." and each category for the "device status" indicating the device status. Here, examples of device statuses while the recording system 100 is executing a function are categorized as follows: component replacement in progress, image quality maintenance in progress, shutdown in progress, firmware update in progress, and main controller restarting in progress. Furthermore, screen information for each device status is listed. In the case of Category A, the screen information is screen information displayed to a non-performer. In the case of Category B, the screen information is the same screen information as that displayed to a performer. In the case of Category C, the screen information should be displayed with the same content as that displayed to a performer. In the case of Category D, the screen information should be displayed with different content from that displayed to a performer. Specific device statuses and screen actions for non-performers will be described in detail later. Since function types (1) and (2) in FIG. 3 do not involve screen operations, there is no definition of screen information according to the device status in FIG. 6.

[0032] The correspondence relationships and detailed screen information shown in Figure 6 are merely examples, and other cases may exist. The correspondence between each device status, "function type No.", category, and screen information may be determined according to the way the device is used. For a function for which operation authority should be concentrated only in the executor, or when non-executors should not be allowed to operate the function and different information should be displayed than that of the executor, the corresponding device status should be set to Category A. For example, for a function that requires a certain period of screen operation restriction, such as restarting the main controller 13A, if non-executors are allowed to perform tasks on the recording system 100 other than screen operation, it is best to set Category A, which notifies the status to non-executors.

[0033] Furthermore, if a function requires the same display for both users who have performed it and those who have not, it is advisable to assign the corresponding device status to Category B. In particular, functions that cause significant changes to the device after the function is performed should be assigned to Category B in order to share the same progress status with all users. Even when all functions of the recording system 100 cannot be used due to shutdown or firmware update, etc., it is advisable to assign the status to Category B in order to share the same progress status with all users.

[0034] Furthermore, if non-executors are permitted to operate other functions or display information even while a function is being executed, it is advisable to set the device status in question to Category C or Category D. In particular, it is desirable to set a function in Category C or Category D for functions that may result in long-term operation restrictions for all users, or functions whose execution priority may change depending on the situation. Also, it is possible to distinguish between Category C and Category D depending on the characteristics of the function, such as when the status of a function being executed is shared with all users, and when non-executors are to be encouraged to perform other tasks. However, the method of distinction is not limited to this.

[0035] Because the recording system 100 of this embodiment is configured to ensure safety, the conditions for restricting UI operations based on device safety regulations are localized. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, functions are classified and clearly defined as "functions requiring UI operation for safety" and "functions not requiring UI operation for safety." Therefore, restrictions are imposed on non-performers only when a screen related to a "function requiring UI operation for safety" is displayed. Even if a performer is operating a "function requiring UI operation for safety," the non-performer can continue to use a "function not requiring UI operation for safety" if the function is executed by a function controller different from the function currently being executed. For example, even if a performer is replacing a part, the non-performer can continue to use functions that do not require UI operation for safety, such as print job management, paper type print control parameter management, or printing cost simulation, which are executed by a different function controller. This eliminates the need to assign Category A, which prevents non-performers from operating functions when a performer executes a "function requiring UI operation for safety." This allows for an increase in the number of functions assigned to Category D, which can be operated by non-performers on any screen.

[0036] Furthermore, the recording system 100 according to this embodiment is configured to ensure the safety of the remote UI placed remotely, so it is possible to switch screens in the same way as the main UI shown in Fig. 6. Unlike the past, it is no longer necessary for remote UI users to be assigned to Category A, which forces screen switching in all cases.

[0037] <<Detailed explanation of Figure 4>> The flowchart in FIG. 4 will be described in detail. In the following description, "myself" refers to the user who is logged in to the display device 138. In S401, when myself displays an arbitrary screen, the processing unit 131 acquires the function classification list of FIG. 3, the display switching category list of FIG. 5, and the device state vs. category correspondence list of FIG. 6, and the process proceeds to S402. In S402, the processing unit 131 acquires the device state via the status acquisition unit 131a, and the process proceeds to S403. In S403, the processing unit 131 acquires user information of the user who issued a trigger to change the device state to the current device state via the status acquisition unit 131a, and the process proceeds to S404. For example, the processing unit 131 acquires ID information that identifies each user. In S404, the processing unit 131 determines whether the executor is someone other than myself, based on the user information acquired in S403. If the executor is someone other than myself, the process proceeds to S405. If the executor is myself, the process proceeds to S414.

[0038] In S405, the processing unit 131 determines whether the function control unit of the executor and the function control unit of the non-executor are different. Also, using the determination result of S405, for example, during the period when the device status is "part replacement in progress", it is possible to display on the screen of the non-executor that the execution button of the function used by the same function control unit as the part replacement cannot be pressed.

[0039] If the function control unit of the performer and the function control unit of the non-performer are the same, the process proceeds to S406. The case where the function control unit of the performer and the function control unit of the non-performer are the same corresponds to the case where the function type No. is (5) or (6) and the category is Category A or Category B, as shown in Figure 6. In this case, the screen transition is forced.

[0040] If the function control unit of the performer and the function control unit of the non-performer are different, the process proceeds to S450. The case where the function control unit of the performer and the function control unit of the non-performer are different corresponds to the case where the function type No. is (3) or (4) and the category is Category C or Category D, as shown in FIG.

[0041] In S406, the processing unit 131 determines whether the device state allows transition to the same screen as the performer. If the device state allows transition to the same screen as the performer, the process proceeds to S407. This corresponds to the case where the category is Category B. If the device state does not allow transition to the same screen as the performer, the process proceeds to S410. This corresponds to the case where the category is Category A.

[0042] In S407, the processing unit 131 displays on its own screen the same screen as that of the executor described in the screen information of Fig. 6, and the process proceeds to S408. In S408, the processing unit 131 acquires the device status via the status acquisition unit 131a, and the process proceeds to S409. In S409, the processing unit 131 determines whether there has been a change in the device status acquired in S408. If there has been a change in the device status, the process returns to S403. If there has been no change in the device status, the process returns to S407. The determination in S409 is performed periodically.

[0043] In S410, the processing unit 131 displays a screen different from that of the user on its own screen, and the process proceeds to S411. In S409, the processing unit 131 determines whether there has been a change in the device status acquired in S411. If there has been a change in the device status, the process returns to S403. If there has been no change in the device status, the process returns to S410. The determination in S412 is performed periodically.

[0044] In S450, the processing unit 131 determines whether the performer is displaying a screen that requires security assurance. If the performer is displaying a screen that requires security assurance, the process proceeds to S451. This corresponds to the case where the category is Category D. If the performer is not displaying a screen that requires security assurance, the process proceeds to S413. This corresponds to the case where the category is Category C.

[0045] In S413, the processing unit 131 determines whether to display the same content as the performer on its own screen. If the same content as the performer is to be displayed on its own screen, the process proceeds to S415. If the same content as the performer is not to be displayed on its own screen, the process proceeds to S414, and the processing unit 131 displays an arbitrary screen on its own screen. Details of the case where the process proceeds to S415 are as follows. If the function type No. is (4) and the category is Category C in the device status / category correspondence list shown in FIG. 6, it is determined whether the user has specified the trigger screen described in the screen information in FIG. 6. If the screen specified by the user has the same content as the performer, the process proceeds to S415. Note that if the device status is Category C, the reference destination of the performer's screen may not be described in the screen information in FIG. 6, but may be obtained and referenced separately from the performer's screen information.

[0046] In S415, the processing unit 131 displays the same content as the executor on its own screen, and the process proceeds to S416. In S416, the processing unit 131 acquires the device status via the status acquisition unit 131a, and the process proceeds to S417. In S417, the processing unit 131 determines whether there has been a change in the device status acquired in S416. If there has been a change in the device status, the process returns to S403. If there has been no change in the device status, the process proceeds to S418. In S418, the processing unit 131 determines whether a screen transition instruction has been received. If a screen transition instruction has been received, the process returns to S403. If a screen transition instruction has not been received, the process returns to S415. The process of S417 and the process of S418 are executed periodically.

[0047] In S451, the processing unit 131 displays content different from that of the user on its own screen, and the process proceeds to S452. In S452, the processing unit 131 acquires the device status via the status acquisition unit 131a, and the process proceeds to S453. In S453, the processing unit 131 determines whether there has been a change in the device status acquired in S452. If there has been a change in the device status, the process returns to S403. If there has been no change in the device status, the process proceeds to S454. In S454, the processing unit 131 determines whether a screen transition instruction has been received. If a screen transition instruction has been received, the process returns to S403. If a screen transition instruction has not been received, the process proceeds to S455. The processes of S453 and S454 are executed periodically.

[0048] In S455, the processing unit 131 determines whether the user has pressed the Confirm OK button on their own screen, which indicates that they have confirmed the notification content on the screen. If the Confirm OK button has been pressed by their own operation, the process proceeds to S414. If the Confirm OK button has not been pressed by their own operation, the process returns to S451. The currently specified screen continues to be displayed on their own screen until the Confirm OK button is pressed. In other words, their screen will not change until a screen operation is performed.

[0049] In S414, the processing unit 131 displays the arbitrary screen designated by the processing unit 131 on its own screen, and the process returns to S402. If the target user logs out while various screens are being displayed, the process ends (S418). More specific examples for each category are described below.

[0050] <<Examples of Category A>> Figure 7 shows an example of Category A where the main controller is restarted. User 1 is the executor of the function, and users 2 and 3 are non-executors of the function. Figure 7 shows the transition of the screen display for each user from top to bottom.

[0051] When User 1 performs the operation to restart the main controller on the main controller restart screen (U701), the device status changes to "Main controller restarting," and User 1's screen display changes to the "Main controller restarting" screen (U702). The area between the two dotted lines in the figure indicates that the device status is "Main controller restarting." The device status of "Main controller restarting" is Category A in the list in Figure 6, and the corresponding screen information is the Unavailable Screen. Therefore, the screen display of User 2, which was displaying an arbitrary screen (U704) before User 1 performed the operation to restart the main controller, automatically and forcibly transitions to the Unavailable Screen (U705) when the device status changes to "Main controller restarting."

[0052] The display content control for User 2 will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 4. The device status acquired in S402 is "Main Controller Restarting," and it is determined in S404 that a user other than the user is the executor. It is also determined in S406 that the function control unit of the executor and the function control unit of the non-executor are the same, so the screen in S410 is displayed. The unavailable screen, for example, displays a message such as "The main controller is currently restarting, so the screen is unavailable" and displays all functions as unavailable by disabling all buttons. For a new User 3 who logs in while the device status is "Main Controller Restarting," the initial screen after login is the unavailable screen (U707). Here, an unavailable screen different from the executor's screen is used as an example. However, a screen that not only displays but also allows for operations such as settings may be displayed as long as it does not affect function execution.

[0053] When User 1 finishes restarting the main controller, the device status will no longer be "Main controller restarting" due to the user pressing the end button or the system automatically shutting down, etc. At this point, the screen display for User 1 will switch to any screen (U703).

[0054] The screen displays of User 2 and User 3 automatically transition to arbitrary screens (U706, U708) when the device status is no longer "main controller restarting." Applying this to the flowchart in FIG. 4 , the process is as follows: In S412, the processing unit 131 determines that the device status acquired in S411 has changed from "main controller restarting." In this case, in S404, the processing unit 131 determines that a trigger that changed the device status to the current device status (hereinafter referred to as "normal status") was set by someone other than the user, and the process proceeds to S405. In S405, the processing unit 131 determines that the function processing unit of the executor and the function processing unit of the non-executor are different, and the process proceeds to S450. In S450, the processing unit 131 determines that the executor is not displaying a screen that requires security assurance, and the process proceeds to S413. In S413, the processing unit 131 proceeds to a process of displaying an arbitrary screen (S414). At S414, an arbitrary screen (U706, U708) is displayed on the screens of User 2 and User 3. The arbitrary screen U706 may display the same screen as U704. The arbitrary screen U708 may display the home screen that is displayed after normal login. Alternatively, either arbitrary screen (U706, U708) may display the results of the main controller restart performed by User 1.

[0055] In this example, the same unusable screen is displayed for non-performers User 2 and User 3, but the display content for multiple non-performers may be different for each. If the device status after the change in S412 is a device status included in the correspondence list in Fig. 6, the display operation for each category may be performed in steps S405, S450, or S413.

[0056] <<Examples of Category B>> Figure 8 shows an example of executing a shutdown as a specific example of Category B. User 1 is the executor of the function, and users 2 and 3 are non-executors of the function. Figure 8 shows the transition of the screen display for each user from top to bottom.

[0057] When User 1 performs a shutdown operation on the shutdown start screen (U801), the device status changes to "Shutdown in progress," and User 1's screen display changes to the "Shutdown in progress" screen (U802). The area between the two dotted lines in the figure indicates that the device status is "Shutdown in progress." The "Shutdown in progress" device status is Category B in the list in Figure 6. Therefore, User 2's screen display, which had been displaying a screen (U804) before User 1 performed the shutdown operation, automatically transitions to the "Shutdown in progress" screen (U805) when the device status changes to "Shutdown in progress." The display content control for User 2 will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 4. The device status acquired in S402 is "Shutdown in progress," and in S404 it was determined that someone other than User 2 is the executor. Furthermore, in S406 it was determined that the executor's function control unit and the non-executor's function control unit are the same, so the screen in S407 is displayed. The "Shutdown in progress" screen displays the progress of the shutdown, for example, as a percentage or remaining time. When the device shuts down, all users will be unable to use the device. By displaying the same shutdown screen as the executor to the non-executor, the non-executor can know that the device will be shut down and can also find out details such as the remaining time. For a new user 3 who logs in while the device status is "shutting down," the initial screen after login will be the shutdown screen (U807).

[0058] In the case of a shutdown that shuts down the entire recording system 100, the main controller also shuts down. Therefore, when the device shutdown is complete, the device UI display on all users' display devices also ends. However, if only the print engine unit controlled by the engine controller 13B of the recording system 100 is shut down, the main controller unit remains active, so the UI display continues on all users' display devices. In this case, when the device shutdown is complete, the device status will no longer be "shutting down" due to the user operating the end button or the system's automatic shutdown process. At this time, the screen display for User 1 switches to an optional screen (U803). If the optional screen (U803) is designed to make it easy to transition to other operations, it should be a screen that takes user operability into consideration, such as a home screen display.

[0059] The screen displays of User 2 and User 3 automatically transition to arbitrary screens (U806, U808) when the device status is no longer "shutting down." This can be applied to the flowchart of FIG. 4 as follows: In S409, the processing unit 131 determines that the device status acquired in S408 has changed from "shutting down." In this case, in S404, the processing unit 131 determines that a trigger that changed the device status to the current device status (hereinafter referred to as "normal status") was set by someone other than the user, and the process proceeds to S405. In S405, the processing unit 131 determines that the function processing unit of the executor and the function processing unit of the non-executor are different, and the process proceeds to S450. In S450, the processing unit 131 determines that the executor is not displaying a screen that requires security assurance, and the process proceeds to S413. In S413, the processing unit 131 proceeds to a process of displaying an arbitrary screen (S414). In S414, optional screens (U806, U808) are displayed on the screens of User 2 and User 3. The optional screen U806 may display the same screen as U804. The optional screen U808 may display the home screen that is displayed after normal login. These optional screens (U806, U808) may be any screen that takes user operability and safety into consideration. If the device status after the change in S412 is a device status included in the correspondence list of FIG. 6, the display operation for each category may be performed in steps S405, S450, or S413.

[0060] <<Examples of Category C>> FIG. 9 shows an example of performing image quality maintenance as a specific example of Category C. Here, image quality maintenance refers to a maintenance function for improving print image quality. User 1 is the person who performs the function, and users 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 3a, 3b, and 3c are non-users of the function. FIG. 9 shows the transition of the screen display for each user from top to bottom.

[0061] When User 1 performs image quality maintenance on the image quality maintenance start screen (U901), the device status changes to "image quality maintenance in progress," and User 1's screen display changes to the image quality maintenance in progress screen (U902). The area between the two dotted lines in the figure indicates that the device status is "image quality maintenance in progress." Users 2a, 2b, and 2c are users who were displaying any screen (U904, U907, U911) before User 1 performed the image quality maintenance execution operation. User 2d is a user who was displaying the image quality maintenance start screen (U914) before User 1 performed the image quality maintenance execution operation. The device status of "image quality maintenance in progress" is Category C in the list in Figure 6. Therefore, even if the device status changes to "image quality maintenance in progress," the screen display for Users 2a, 2b, and 2c is not forcibly switched. Only User 2d's screen display automatically transitions to the same image quality maintenance in progress screen as the user who performed the image quality maintenance.

[0062] The following describes users 2a, 2b, and 2c using the flowchart in Fig. 4. Although the device status acquired in S402 was "image quality maintenance in progress," the screen specified by the user was not the trigger screen listed in the screen information in Fig. 6, so the screen display in S414 was displayed. In other words, for users 2a, 2b, and 2c, the processes of S404: YES, S405: YES, S450: NO, and S413: NO were executed, and the screen displayed in S414 was displayed.

[0063] User 2d will be described in relation to the flowchart of FIG. 4. This corresponds to the case where the device status acquired in S402 is "image quality maintenance in progress," and the screen designated by the user is the trigger screen described in the screen information of FIG. 6. Therefore, the processing of S404: YES, S405: YES, S450: NO, and S413: YES is executed. That is, the processing unit 131 determines in S413 to display the same content as the executor, and displays the image quality maintenance in progress screen (U915) in S415. Here, the reason why the processing of S405 proceeds to "YES" will be explained. User 1 is performing the "image quality maintenance" task, so the engine controller 13B is operating. On the other hand, user 2d is only displaying the "image quality maintenance start screen," so the engine controller 13B is not operating. Therefore, the function control unit of user 1 (executor) and the function control unit of user 2d (non-executor) are different, so the processing of S405 proceeds to "YES."

[0064] If user 2a and user 2b manually transition to the image quality maintenance start screen while the device status is "image quality maintenance in progress," the same image quality maintenance in progress screen (U905, U908) as that of the performer will be displayed. If user 2b manually transitions to any screen other than the image quality maintenance start screen during the same period, the desired screen (U909) will be displayed. For user 2c who does not manually transition to the image quality maintenance start screen during the same period, the desired screen (U912) other than the image quality maintenance in progress screen will always be displayed. The image quality maintenance in progress screen displays the progress of image quality maintenance, for example, as a percentage or remaining time. Image quality maintenance takes time to perform, and other functions may be unavailable while it is being performed. In such cases, by displaying the same image quality maintenance in progress screen as that of the performer to non-performers, the non-performers can know in detail when other functions will be available for use.

[0065] For new users 3a, 3b, and 3c who log in while the device status is "image quality maintenance in progress," an arbitrary screen (U917, U920, U923), such as the home screen, is displayed after logging in. If user 3a manually transitions to the image quality maintenance start screen during the "image quality maintenance in progress" period, the same image quality maintenance in progress screen (U918) as the performer is displayed. If user 3b manually transitions to an arbitrary screen other than the image quality maintenance start screen during the same period, an arbitrary screen (U921) is displayed. For user 3c who does not manually transition to the image quality maintenance start screen during the same period, an arbitrary screen other than the image quality maintenance in progress screen (U923) is always displayed.

[0066] When User 1 finishes image quality maintenance, the device status will no longer be "Image quality maintenance in progress" due to the user pressing the end button or the system automatically shutting down. At this point, the screen display for User 1 will switch to an optional screen (U903). The optional screen (U903) will be the same as U901 if it is designed to make it easy to continue performing image quality maintenance, or it will be a home screen if it is designed to make it easy to switch to other operations, and will be a screen that takes user operability and safety into consideration.

[0067] User 2a, user 2d, and user 3a are users who displayed the image quality maintenance in progress screen while the device status was in image quality maintenance. These users automatically transition to their respective screens (U906, U916, U919) when the device status changes from "image quality maintenance in progress." This is applied to the flowchart in FIG. 4 as follows: In S417, the processing unit 131 determines that the device status acquired in S416 has changed from "image quality maintenance in progress." The respective user's screens (U906, U916, U919) may be the home screen or a screen displaying details of the results of the image quality maintenance performed by user 1. The respective user's screens (U906, U916) may be the respective screens (U904, U914) that were displayed before the device status changed to "image quality maintenance in progress." If the device status after the change in S417 is a device status included in the correspondence list in Fig. 6, the display operation of each category may be performed in steps S405, S450, or S413. For User 2b, User 2c, User 3b, and User 3c who were displaying any screen while the device status was in image quality maintenance, the content of any screen before and after the device status changed from "image quality maintenance in progress" is the same.

[0068] <<Examples of Category D>> Fig. 10 shows an example of a case where a part replacement is performed as a specific example of Category D. User 1 is the executor of the function, and users 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 3a, 3b, and 3c are non-executors of the function. Fig. 10 shows the transition of the screen display for each user from top to bottom.

[0069] When User 1 performs the part replacement operation on the part replacement start screen (U1001), the equipment status changes to "Part replacement in progress," and User 1's screen display changes to the part replacement in progress screen (U1002). The area between the two dotted lines in the figure indicates that the equipment status is "Part replacement in progress." User 2a, User 2b, and User 2c are users who were displaying any screen (U1004, U1007, U1011) before User 1 performed the part replacement operation. User 2d is a user who was displaying the part replacement screen (U1014) before User 1 performed the part replacement operation. The equipment status of "Part replacement in progress" is Category D in the list in Figure 6. Therefore, even if the equipment status changes to "Part replacement in progress," the screen display for User 2a, User 2b, and User 2c will not be forcibly switched. User 2d's screen automatically transitions to the part replacement in progress screen, which has different content from the user who performed the part replacement. An example of a part replacement screen with content different from that of the user who performs the part replacement is a part replacement screen in which the button for executing the part replacement function is disabled on the screen of user 2d.

[0070] The following describes user 2a, user 2b, and user 2c using the flowchart in Figure 4. The device status acquired in S402 is "parts being replaced," the processes of S404: YES, S405: YES, and S450: YES are executed, and a screen with content different from that of the executor is displayed in S450.

[0071] User 2d will be described in conjunction with the flowchart of FIG. 4. The device status acquired in S402 is "part replacement in progress," and the processes of S404: YES, S405: YES, and S450: YES are executed. That is, the processing unit 131 is at the stage of displaying a part replacement in progress screen (U1015) with content different from that of the executor in S451. Here, the reason why the process of S405 proceeds to "YES" will be explained. User 1 is performing the "part replacement" operation, so the engine controller 13B is operating. On the other hand, user 2d is only displaying the "part replacement screen," so the engine controller 13B is not operating. Therefore, the function control unit of user 1 (executor) and the function control unit of user 2d (non-executor) are different, and so the process of S405 proceeds to "YES."

[0072] During the period when the device status is "part replacement in progress," if user 2a and user 2b manually transition to the part replacement start screen, a part replacement in progress screen (U1005, U1008) with different display content from that of the executor is displayed. On the part replacement in progress screen for non-executors, the button for executing the part replacement function may be displayed in an unusable state. During the same period, if user 2a, user 2b, and user 2d manually transition to any screen other than the part replacement screen, any screen (U1051, U1052, U1053) is displayed. During the same period, user 2c, who does not manually transition to the part replacement screen, always displays any screen other than the part replacement in progress screen (U1012).

[0073] For new users 3a, 3b, and 3c who log in while the device status is "part replacement in progress," an arbitrary screen (U1017, U1020, U1023), such as the home screen, is displayed after logging in. If user 3a manually transitions to the part replacement screen during the "part replacement in progress" period, a part replacement in progress screen (U1018) with different display content from that of the executor is displayed. On the part replacement in progress screen for non-executors, the button for executing the part replacement function may be displayed in an unusable state. If user 3b manually transitions to an arbitrary screen other than the part replacement screen during the same period, an arbitrary screen (U1021) is displayed. For user 3c who does not manually transition to the part replacement screen during the same period, an arbitrary screen (U1023) other than the part replacement in progress screen is always displayed. If user 3a manually transitions to an arbitrary screen other than the part replacement screen during the same period, an arbitrary screen (U1054) is displayed.

[0074] Note that while the device status is "part replacement in progress," the execution buttons for other functions that use the engine controller 13B, which is the same function control unit as the part replacement, may be disabled, or a display may be displayed indicating that the functions cannot be executed. Part replacement is often performed by the user who is performing the part replacement while in close proximity to the device. Therefore, if other functions that use the same function control unit are activated while the part replacement is being performed, the performer may be exposed to danger. By restricting the use of functions that use the same function control unit while a "function requiring safety assurance involving UI operation" is being performed, both the performer and non-performer can perform the operation while ensuring safety.

[0075] When User 1 finishes the part replacement, the device status will no longer be "Part replacement in progress" due to the user pressing the end button or the system automatically shutting down. At this timing, the screen display for User 1 will switch to an optional screen (U1003). The optional screen (U1003) will be the same screen display as U1001 if it is designed to make it easy to continue with the part replacement, or it will be a home screen display if it is designed to make it easy to move on to other operations, and will be a screen that takes user operability and safety into consideration.

[0076] For users 2a, 2b, 2c, 3a, 3b, and 3c who were displaying a given screen while the device status was in the "part replacement" state, the content of the given screen remains the same before and after the device status changed from "part replacement in progress." If the "part replacement in progress" screen was displayed when the device status changed from "part replacement in progress," the screen automatically transitions to the given screen (U1055). That is, the processing of S404: YES, S405: YES, S450: NO, and S413: NO is executed, and the given screen (U1055) is displayed in S414. Each user's given screen (U1055) may be the home screen (U1056) or a screen displaying details of the part replacement performed by user 1. The above is a detailed explanation of each category. As described above, by determining whether safety is ensured, it is possible to flexibly control the display content according to the work content.

[0077] <<Screen display layout example>> FIG. 11 shows an example of a display layout for non-performers of a function displayed by the display control unit 131b. To allow non-performers to only display information related to the function while it is being executed and not perform other operations, a layout such as screen U1101 shown in FIG. 11(a) or screen U1102 shown in FIG. 11(b) is effective. In screen U1101, the normal screen is entirely masked as shown in area U1101a, and pop-up information is displayed on top of it as shown in area U1101b. Masking can also restrict other operations. In screen U1102 shown in FIG. 11(b), area U1102d is a display area related to the function being executed, and area U1102a is a display area related to other functions. Areas U1102b and U1102c are execution buttons related to other functions. Disabling the execution buttons related to other functions restricts other operations. With this display, since execution of another function cannot be started while a certain function is being executed, there is no switching between the performer and non-performer.

[0078] However, while a certain function is being executed, a non-executor may need to execute another function. This can be achieved if the non-executor's screen display is similar to screen U1103 shown in FIG. 11(c). Screen U1103 has the same layout as screen U1102, but it also has execution buttons U1103b and U1103c for other functions. Therefore, with this display, while a certain function is being executed, execution of another function can begin, and the roles of the executer and non-executor can be switched.

[0079] A specific example of how the screen display changes is shown in FIG. 12. When User 4 performs image quality maintenance from the image quality maintenance start screen (U1201), the device status changes to "image quality maintenance in progress." Because "image quality maintenance in progress" is Category C in the correspondence table in FIG. 6, the screen of User 5, who was displaying a given screen (U1205), does not automatically change. Here, if the UI display of User 5, who is not performing a function, is displayed as shown in screen U1103 in FIG. 11(c), other functions can be performed. For example, assume that the device is capable of performing the shutdown function during "image quality maintenance in progress." In this case, User 5 can perform shutdown from the shutdown start screen (U1206) during the "image quality maintenance in progress" period, and the device status changes to "shutdown in progress." The display content of User 5 changes to the shutdown in progress screen, and the screen of User 4, who was performing image quality maintenance until just before, automatically changes to the screen of a non-performer during shutdown. The display content thereafter is the same as in the example above. In this way, by selecting the display layout for non-executors in accordance with the relationship between the functions of the device, it is possible to further improve the operability for the user.

[0080] <<Example of switching the list to be applied based on user information>> Up to this point, we have seen an example in which the correspondence list shown in Figure 6 is applied uniformly to all users. However, by switching the list to be applied based on user information, more flexible control of the display content becomes possible.

[0081] FIG. 13 shows a flowchart of FIG. 4 to which a step of switching the list to be applied depending on the information of the executor has been added. This allows the display content of non-executors to be flexibly switched in accordance with the user information of the executor. Specifically, a process (S1304) of selecting a list to be applied in accordance with the acquired user information has been added between S403 and S404 in the flowchart of FIG. 4. Furthermore, the user information acquired in S1303 may not be single information such as ID information for identifying the user, but may be detailed user information including multiple pieces of information. The other processes are the same as those in FIG. 4, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0082] An example of user information used to determine the list to be applied is information about the type of display device being used by the user. Information about the type of display device being used by the user can be identified by an IP address, etc. For example, if the user information acquired in S1303 shows that the user who triggered the current device state is a main body UI user, the correspondence list in FIG. 14 is applied. By categorizing all device states into Category A, it is possible to display a different image to remote UI users who are not executing a function than to main body UI users who are executing a function.

[0083] In some cases, the performer may be determined to be a remote UI user from the user information acquired in S1303. An example of the correspondence list to be applied in this case is shown in FIG. 15. When the performer is a remote UI user, the category of each device state is changed depending on whether the non-performer is a remote UI user or a main body UI user. As in the example of FIG. 15, when the main body UI user is a non-performer, all device states are classified into category C, so that although the main body UI user is a non-performer, the same display as that of the performer and any screen can be displayed.

[0084] Another example of user information used to determine which list to apply is user location information. If the display device used by the user has a location acquisition function such as a Global Positioning System (GPS), the user's location information can be obtained as user information. If a device capable of displaying in a wireless environment is used, the distance between the user and the device may vary. Figure 16 is an illustration of an installed device 161 with multiple users (U163a, U163b, U163c) using individual display devices at various locations. All users can be performers or non-performers. For example, the user location information may be distance information for each user from a certain reference point. In this case, the distance information changes depending on the location of the reference point. If a reference point 162 is set within the device 161, as in the case of reference point 162 in Figure 16, the location information becomes distance information from each user's display device.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 16, if the distance information from the reference point 162 to the user U163a, the user U163b, and the user U163c is D1, D2, and D3 respectively, the magnitude relationship of the distances is D1 < D2 < D3. When the user U163b becomes the performer of the function, the user U163a is located closer to the device 161 than the performer, and the user U163c is located farther from the device 161 than the performer.

[0086] FIG. 17 is an example of a correspondence list for switching the display content of non-performers according to the distance from the reference point of the device 161 compared to the performer. When it is not desired to let a user located farther from the device 161 than the performer perform any operation, this can be achieved by setting the category for all device states of the corresponding user to A. When it is desired to enable the same display and operation as the performer for a user closer to the device than the performer, this state can be realized by setting the category for all device states of the corresponding user to B. The screen content displayed may be changed according to the distances of multiple non-performers. For example, on the screen of a non-performer who is at a dangerous distance close to the device, a display for avoiding danger such as "Please move away from the device." may be shown.

[0087] Also, the reference point can be set to the position of the performer. When the performer of the function is the user U163b, the distances between the performer and the non-performers, the user 163a and the user 163c, are D4 and D6 respectively, and the magnitude relationship of the distances is D4 > D6. Since the user U163c is closer to the user U163b who is the performer than the user U163a, direct communication is easier. For a non-performer close to the performer, even if they are located at a position far from the device 161, the same screen may be displayed for collaborative work with the performer. On the other hand, although the user U163a is close to the device, compared to other non-performers, the user U163a is far from the performer. In some cases, it may be safer not to let such a user perform any operation.

[0088] 18 shows an example of a correspondence list in which categories are switched depending on the distance from the performer. In this example, the category is switched depending on whether the object is closest to the performer, but it is also possible to set a reference value for the distance from the performer and switch categories depending on whether the distance exceeds the reference value.

[0089] Examples of user information used to determine the list to be applied include the device used and the user level. The display content may be switched depending on whether the device used by the non-executor is a desktop PC, tablet, or smartphone. For example, a smartphone user may be subject to stricter device operation restrictions than users of other devices. A user level may be set according to the user's proficiency, and the display content may be switched based on that information. For example, a highly skilled user may always be able to see the same display as the executor. The user information used to determine the corresponding list to be applied may be in a format set by the user, or in a format in which the system determines the optimal list by analyzing the user's operation history.

[0090] Furthermore, instead of determining the correspondence list to be applied from a single piece of user information, the correspondence list to be applied may be determined by combining multiple pieces of user information. As long as the user information includes information on all items, for example, as shown in FIG. 19 , multiple combinations of items are possible. Here, the user information includes an identification ID, type, location information, device used, and user level. The type is information on the UI being used, such as the main UI or remote UI. The absolute location in the location information is the actual location information acquired by GPS or the like, and the distance from the device 161 is the distance from the reference point of the device 161. The device used may be a desktop, tablet, smartphone, or the like. The user level indicates the user's level, for example, numerically. By combining multiple pieces of user information, the display content can be switched more flexibly, such as by applying a correspondence list in which the main UI is not dominant if the user is a main UI user but is far from the device.

[0091] The user information described here is an example, and any other information that serves as an index for identifying each user can be used as user information for determining the list to be applied. The detailed contents of the list to be applied are also an example, and can be flexibly set taking into account the method of use of the device, etc. A format may be used in which the performer can select the screen display contents of non-performers individually or collectively, or if the main body UI user is the performer, the screen display contents of non-performers can be selected individually or collectively. Conversely, a format may be used in which the non-performer can select the display contents, and they are displayed if the performer approves them.

[0092] Other Embodiments The present disclosure 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. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0093] The disclosure of the above-described embodiment includes the following configurations.

[0094] (Configuration 1) A program for controlling the display content of a display device capable of displaying a screen related to a device, the program comprising: a step of causing a computer to, based on instructions from a second user different from a first user operating a first display device, display a screen of a function using a first function control means in the device on a second display device operated by the second user; and a step of, based on instructions from the first user, performing control so that, when a screen of a function using a second function control means different from the first function control means in the device and requiring safety assurance is operated on the first display device, the screen related to the device displayed on the second display device is not transitioned to the screen related to the device displayed on the first display device.

[0095] (Configuration 2) The program according to configuration 1, wherein the function requiring the assurance of safety is a function executed by the second function control means.

[0096] (Configuration 3) The program described in configuration 1, characterized in that the function requiring the assurance of safety is a function that operates when an interlock function used to maintain the safety of the device is enabled.

[0097] (Configuration 4) A program described in any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that while a screen of a function that requires the security to be guaranteed is being operated on the first display device operated by the first user, a button for operating the function displayed on the second display device operated by the second user is displayed in an unusable state.

[0098] (Configuration 5) The program described in Configuration 1, characterized in that the control process transitions the screen related to the device displayed on the second display device to a predetermined screen when a screen of a function that uses the second function control means in the device and that requires the safety to be guaranteed is operated on the first display device based on instructions from the first user.

[0099] (Configuration 6) The program described in Configuration 5, characterized in that in the displaying process, when the second display device operated by the second user displays a screen for starting a function that requires the safety to be ensured, the specified screen is a screen that displays a button for operating the function that requires the safety to be ensured in an unusable state.

[0100] (Configuration 7) The program described in Configuration 5, characterized in that in the displaying process, when the second display device operated by the second user displays a screen for starting a function that requires the security to be ensured, the specified screen is a screen for a function that does not require the security to be ensured.

[0101] (Configuration 8) The program described in Configuration 1, further comprising the steps of: acquiring the device status of the device; determining whether the device status has changed due to the first user executing any of the functions of the device; and, if it is determined that the device status has changed, determining the display content to be displayed on the second display device operated by the second user based on the acquired device status, information about the user using the first function control means and the second function control means, and information that classifies actions to be taken when switching the display content to be displayed on the second display device operated by the second user into multiple categories.

[0102] (Configuration 9) The program described in Configuration 8 further comprises a step of determining whether a screen transition instruction has been input when a function using the second function control means that does not require security assurance is executed by the first user, a function using the first function control means is executed by the second user, and the display content displayed on the second display device is the same display content as that of the first display device operated by the first user, or when a function using the second function control means that requires security assurance is executed by the first user, and a function using the first function control means is executed by the second user, wherein when it is determined that the screen transition instruction has been input, the determining step determines the display content to be displayed on the second display device depending on the acquired device status, information about users using the first function control means and the second function control means, and information classified into the multiple categories.

[0103] (Configuration 10) The program described in Configuration 9, characterized in that the multiple categories include a first category which is an action that automatically transitions to the same display content as the display content displayed on the first display device, and the determining process determines that, when the acquired device state corresponds to the first category, automatic transition will be made to the same display content as the display content displayed on the first display device.

[0104] (Configuration 11) The program described in configuration 9 or 10, characterized in that the multiple categories include a second category which is an action that automatically transitions to display content different from the display content displayed on the first display device, and the determining process determines that, when the acquired device state corresponds to the second category, automatic transition will be made to display content different from the display content displayed on the first display device.

[0105] (Configuration 12) A program described in any one of configurations 9 to 11, characterized in that the multiple categories include a third category which is an action that can manually transition to the same display content as the display content displayed on the first display device.

[0106] (Configuration 13) A program described in any one of configurations 9 to 12, characterized in that the multiple categories include a fourth category, which is an action that can manually transition to display content different from the display content displayed on the first display device.

[0107] (Configuration 14) The program according to any one of configurations 8 to 13, wherein the acquiring step is executed periodically.

[0108] (Configuration 15) A program described in any one of configurations 8 to 14, characterized in that the information classified into the multiple categories includes a list that associates the device status, one of the multiple categories, and the display content.

[0109] (Configuration 16) The program described in Configuration 15 further includes a step of acquiring information that can identify the first display device that inputted an instruction to transition to the acquired device state, and the determining step is characterized in that the display content is determined further based on the information that can identify the first display device.

[0110] (Configuration 17) The program described in Configuration 16 further includes a step of selecting an applicable list from the multiple types of lists according to information that can identify the first display device, wherein the list includes multiple types of lists, and the determining step is characterized in that the determination is made using the list selected in the selecting step.

[0111] (Configuration 18) The program described in Configuration 17, characterized in that the information capable of identifying the first display device includes information indicating the type of the first display device and the type of the second display device, and the list of the multiple types includes a list in which the type applies to the first display device directly connected to the device, and a list in which the type applies to the second display device connected to the device via a network.

[0112] (Configuration 19) The program described in Configuration 17, characterized in that the information capable of identifying the first display device includes location information of the first display device, and the multiple types of lists include different lists according to the distance from the location where the device is installed.

[0113] (Configuration 20) The program described in Configuration 17, characterized in that the information capable of identifying the first display device includes location information of the first display device, and the multiple types of lists include different lists according to the distance from the first display device at which the instruction to transition to the device state was input.

[0114] (Configuration 21) A display control method for controlling the display content of a display device capable of displaying a screen related to a device, comprising: a step of displaying a screen of a function using a first function control means in the device on a second display device operated by a second user, who is different from a first user operating a first display device, based on instructions from the second user; and a step of controlling the screen related to the device displayed on the second display device not to transition to the screen related to the device displayed on the first display device when a screen of a function using a second function control means different from the first function control means in the device and which requires safety to be guaranteed is operated on the first display device, based on instructions from the first user.

[0115] (Configuration 22) A display control system comprising a device and a display device capable of displaying a screen related to the device, wherein the display device comprises a first display device operated by a first user and a second display device different from the first display device operated by a second user different from the first user, wherein the device comprises a first function control means for executing functions that do not require safety assurance, a second function control means different from the first function control means for executing functions that require safety assurance, and a display control means for, based on instructions from the second user, displaying a screen of a function using the first function control means in the device on the second display device operated by the second user, and, based on instructions from the first user, when a screen of a function that uses the second function control means in the device and that requires safety assurance is being operated, controlling the screen related to the device displayed on the second display device not to transition to the screen related to the device displayed on the first display device.

Claims

1. A program for controlling display content on a display device capable of displaying a screen related to a device, On the computer, a step of displaying a screen of a function using a first function control means in the device on a second display device operated by a second user different from a first user operating a first display device, based on an instruction from the second user; a step of performing control so that, when a screen of a function that uses a second function control means different from the first function control means in the device and that requires security to be guaranteed is being operated on the first display device based on an instruction from the first user, the screen related to the device that is displayed on the second display device is not transitioned to the screen related to the device that is displayed on the first display device; A program characterized by executing the following.

2. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the function requiring security is a function executed by the second function control means.

3. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the function requiring the assurance of safety is a function that operates while an interlock function used to maintain the safety of the device is enabled.

4. The program described in claim 1, characterized in that while a screen for a function that requires the security to be guaranteed is being operated on the first display device operated by the first user, a button for operating the function displayed on the second display device operated by the second user is displayed in an unusable state.

5. The program described in claim 1, characterized in that the control process transitions the screen related to the device displayed on the second display device to a predetermined screen when a screen of a function that uses the second function control means in the device and that requires the safety to be guaranteed is operated on the first display device based on instructions from the first user.

6. The program described in claim 5, characterized in that in the display process, when the second display device operated by the second user displays a screen for starting a function that requires the safety assurance, the specified screen is a screen that displays a button for operating the function that requires the safety assurance in an unusable state.

7. The program described in claim 5, characterized in that in the display process, when the second display device operated by the second user displays a screen for starting a function that requires the security to be ensured, the specified screen is a screen for a function that does not require the security to be ensured.

8. obtaining a device status of the device; determining whether the device state has changed due to the first user's execution of any of the functions of the device; The program described in claim 1, further comprising a step of determining, when it is determined that there has been a change in the device status, the display content to be displayed on the second display device operated by the second user based on the acquired device status, information about the user using the first function control means and the second function control means, and information that classifies actions to be taken when switching the display content to be displayed on the second display device operated by the second user into multiple categories.

9. and determining whether a screen transition instruction has been input when a function using the second function control means and not requiring security is executed by the first user, a function using the first function control means is executed by the second user, and the display content displayed on the second display device is the same as the display content of the first display device operated by the first user, or when a function using the second function control means and requiring security is executed by the first user, and a function using the first function control means is executed by the second user, The program described in claim 8, characterized in that when it is determined that the screen transition instruction has been input, the determining process determines the display content to be displayed on the second display device based on the acquired device status, information about the user using the first function control means and the second function control means, and information classified into the multiple categories.

10. the plurality of categories includes a first category that is an action for automatically transitioning to the same display content as the display content displayed on the first display device; The program described in claim 9, characterized in that the determining step determines that when the acquired device status corresponds to the first category, the display content to be displayed on the first display device will automatically transition to the same display content.

11. the plurality of categories includes a second category that is an action for automatically transitioning to display content different from display content displayed on the first display device, The program described in claim 9, characterized in that the determining step determines that when the acquired device status corresponds to the second category, an automatic transition to display content different from the display content displayed on the first display device will be performed.

12. 10. The program according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of categories includes a third category that is an action that allows manual transition to the same display content as the display content displayed on the first display device.

13. 10. The program according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of categories includes a fourth category that is an action that allows manual transition to display content different from the display content displayed on the first display device.

14. 9. The program according to claim 8, wherein the acquiring step is executed periodically.

15. 9. The program according to claim 8, wherein the information classified into a plurality of categories includes a list in which the device status, one of the plurality of categories, and the display content are associated with each other.

16. and acquiring information capable of identifying the first display device that has input the instruction to transition to the acquired device state, 16. The program according to claim 15, wherein the determining step determines the display content further based on information that can identify the first display device.

17. The list includes a plurality of types of lists, selecting an applicable list from the plurality of types of lists in accordance with information that can identify the first display device, 17. The program according to claim 16, wherein the determining step uses the list selected in the selecting step to make the determination.

18. the information capable of identifying the first display device includes information indicating a type of the first display device and a type of the second display device, The program described in claim 17, characterized in that the list of multiple types includes a list in which the types are applied to the first display device directly connected to the device, and a list in which the types are applied to the second display device connected to the device via a network.

19. the information capable of identifying the first display device includes location information of the first display device, 18. The program according to claim 17, wherein the plurality of types of lists include different lists according to distances from a location where the device is installed.

20. the information capable of identifying the first display device includes location information of the first display device, 18. The program according to claim 17, wherein the plurality of types of lists include different lists according to distances from the first display device at which an instruction to transition to the device state is input.

21. A display control method for controlling display content on a display device capable of displaying a screen related to a device, comprising: a step of displaying a screen of a function using a first function control means in the device on a second display device operated by a second user different from a first user operating a first display device, based on an instruction from the second user; a step of performing control so that, when a screen of a function that uses a second function control means different from the first function control means in the device and that requires security to be guaranteed is being operated on the first display device based on an instruction from the first user, the screen related to the device that is displayed on the second display device is not transitioned to the screen related to the device that is displayed on the first display device; A display control method comprising:

22. A display control system including a device and a display device capable of displaying a screen related to the device, The display device is a first display device operated by a first user; a second display device different from the first display device, which is operated by a second user different from the first user; Equipped with The device comprises: a first function control means for executing a function that does not require safety assurance; a second function control means different from the first function control means for executing a function that requires the assurance of safety; displaying a screen of a function using the first function control means in the device on a second display device operated by the second user based on an instruction from the second user; a display control means for controlling the screen relating to the device displayed on the second display device not to be transitioned to the screen relating to the device displayed on the first display device when a screen relating to a function that uses the second function control means and that requires the security to be guaranteed is being operated in the device based on an instruction from the first user; A display control system comprising:

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