Processing device and display control method

Abstract

To provide a processing device etc. capable of shortening a time required until the start of using the processing device after its installation.SOLUTION: The processing device comprises: a control unit which controls display of a screen; a display unit which displays the screen; and a device requiring an initial operation for starting. The control unit receives an input relating to an initial setting of the device via the screen, concurrently processes the reception of the input relating to the initial setting of the device and the initial operation on the device, and controls display of a completion screen displayed at the completion of the initial setting of the device, in response to the progress of the initial operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a processing device and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] When a processing device such as a multifunction peripheral is started for the first time after installation, it is necessary to perform an initial operation to operate, for example, an image forming unit related to image formation. Also, there is a specification that, when the processing device is started for the first time, an administrator is asked to interactively configure the device for use (for example, see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-156206 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure aims to provide a processing device and the like that can shorten the time required for starting use of the processing device after installation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problem, the processing device of the present disclosure comprises a control unit that controls the display of a screen, a display unit that displays the screen, and a device that requires an initial operation to start up, and the control unit accepts input related to the initial setup of the device via the screen, processes the acceptance of input related to the initial setup of the device and the initial operation for the device in parallel, and controls the display of an end screen that is displayed when the initial setup of the device is completed, depending on the progress of the initial operation.

[0006] In addition, the display control method according to the present disclosure is characterized by displaying a screen, accepting input related to the initial setup of the device via the screen, processing the acceptance of the input related to the initial setup of the device and the initial operation for the device in parallel, and controlling the display of an end screen that is displayed at the end of the initial setup of the device according to the progress of the initial operation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a processing device etc. that can shorten the time required for starting use of the processing device after installation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a processing apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating a processing flow according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a device information table. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a conventional technique. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments are examples for explaining the present disclosure, and the technical content of the description set forth in the claims is not limited to the following description.

[0010] Processing devices such as multifunction peripherals that are equipped with devices (hereinafter referred to as image forming units) that unitize the process parts related to image formation (image carrier, charging, development, etc.) as an integrated or separate unit are required to perform initial operations, including detection operations and (image quality) adjustment operations, to ensure that these image forming units operate normally, when the device is started up for the first time after installation.

[0011] On the other hand, some processing devices have a function that allows an administrator (user) to configure device settings such as device language settings, usage region settings, user registration, and network settings via an interactive wizard screen (hereinafter, this function will be referred to as an initial wizard) when the device is first started up or when the device is started up after initialization. Generally, the initial wizard restarts the device after the device settings are completed to reflect the device settings set by the administrator.

[0012] To shorten the time it takes to start using the device, it is possible to run the initialization wizard via the wizard screen even while the image forming unit is in the process of initializing. However, if the device is restarted after the initialization wizard ends before the image forming unit has completed its initializing operation, the image forming unit will need to be initialized again after the device is restarted. As a result, additional time is required for the image forming unit's initializing operation, which creates a problem of it taking longer to start using the device.

[0013] In the present disclosure, the following embodiments provide a processing device that can reduce the time required for starting use of the processing device after installation.

[0014] [1 First Embodiment] [1.1 Functional Configuration] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a multifunction peripheral 100 (image forming apparatus) as a processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of the multifunction peripheral 100.

[0015] The multifunction peripheral 100 is a processing device that can perform various types of jobs, such as print jobs, copy jobs, scan jobs, fax jobs, and image transmission jobs, in a single housing. Note that, in this disclosure, an example of a multifunction peripheral will be described as one form of processing device, but the processing device is not limited to a multifunction peripheral, and may be a printer, copier, fax machine, or the like, with limited job functions for each type.

[0016] The multifunction peripheral 100 includes a control unit 11, a display unit 13, an operation input unit 15, a communication unit 17, a storage unit 19, and an image processing unit 21.

[0017] The control unit 11 controls the entire multifunction peripheral 100. The control unit 11 can be configured with one or more arithmetic units (e.g., a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an SoC (System on Chip), etc.). The control unit 11 realizes its functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 19.

[0018] The display unit 13 is a display device that displays various information to the user, etc. The display unit 13 can be configured, for example, with an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, etc. The display unit 13 displays, for example, a home screen (not shown) and operation screens such as setting screens related to the execution of each job, as well as a wizard screen used in the initial wizard, etc.

[0019] The operation input unit 15 is an input device that accepts information input by a user or the like. The operation input unit 15 can be configured with various input devices, such as operation keys such as hardware keys or software keys, buttons, etc. The operation input unit 15 can be configured as a touch panel that allows input via the display unit 13. When configured as a touch panel, the operation input unit 15 can detect a user's touch, tap, swipe, etc. on an object displayed via the display unit 13, and acquire the coordinate position and pressure-sensitive information of the touch panel information. In this case, the input method of the touch panel can be, for example, a general input method such as a resistive film method, an infrared method, an electromagnetic induction method, or a capacitive method.

[0020] The communication unit 17 has either a wired or wireless interface or both for communicating with an external device (not shown) via a network NW such as a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), the Internet, a telephone line, a FAX line, etc. The communication unit 17 may also have an interface related to a short-range wireless communication technology such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), IrDA (Infrared Data Association), or wireless USB (Universal Serial Bus).

[0021] The storage unit 19 is one or more storage devices that store various programs and various data required for the operation of the multifunction peripheral 100. The storage unit 19 can be configured with storage devices such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), an SSD (Solid State Drive), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or a ROM (Read Only Memory).

[0022] In the first embodiment, the storage unit 19 stores a startup control program 191, a control program 192, an initial operation program 193, a display control program 194, and a job control program 195, and reserves a screen information storage area 196 and a device information storage area 197.

[0023] The boot control program 191 is a program that is read by the control unit 11 when the multifunction peripheral 100 is started up. The control unit 11 that has read the boot control program 191 controls the boot process of the multifunction peripheral 100. Such a boot control program 191 may be included, for example, in boot firmware or main firmware that is started up based on verification by the boot firmware. Note that the boot control program 191 may be stored in a storage device (storage area) (not shown) different from the storage unit 19 in order to achieve secure boot, or may be stored in another external device (not shown) on the network NW.

[0024] The startup control program 191 includes an initial wizard program 1911. The control unit 11 reads out the initial wizard program 1911 when the startup timing of the multifunction peripheral 100 is such that initial settings of the multifunction peripheral 100 are required, for example, when the multifunction peripheral 100 is started for the first time after installation (initial startup) or when the storage unit 19 is initialized.

[0025] The control unit 11 that reads out the initial wizard program 1911 functions as an initial wizard that controls the reception of input for device settings via an interactive wizard screen (interactive screen) according to, for example, a preset installation location (destination) of the multifunction peripheral 100. In the present disclosure, a screen that assists the administrator (user) with device settings and can receive input for device settings in the wizard function is referred to as a wizard screen. In the present disclosure, the control unit 11 can process the initial wizard by reading out the initial wizard program 11911 in parallel (simultaneously) with the initial operation for the image forming unit described below.

[0026] The control program 192 is a program that is read by the control unit 11 after the device is started up based on the startup control program 191. The control unit 11 that has read the control program 192 functions as an OS (Operating System) and controls the driving of hardware such as the display unit 13, operation input unit 15, communication unit 17, and image processing unit 21. At this time, the control unit 11 controls the driving of the multifunction device 100 based on the device settings received via the initial wizard.

[0027] The initial operation program 193 is a program that the control unit 11 reads when performing initial operation processing for the image forming units included in the image forming unit 211. The initial operation program 193 includes at least a detection operation program 1931 and an adjustment operation program 1932.

[0028] The control unit 11 that reads the detection operation program 1931 determines whether the image forming unit attached to the multifunction device 100 is new or old, determines whether it is a genuine product, etc., and also detects the unit configuration of the image forming unit, such as the image carrier (photosensitive drum), developing device, toner, etc., and performs preparatory operations such as warming up to operate these units normally.

[0029] The control unit 11 that reads the adjustment operation program 1932 performs operations related to image quality adjustment of the image formed by the image forming unit, such as density adjustment of the high density level of the image forming unit that has completed the detection operation and density adjustment of the intermediate tone level.

[0030] The display control program 194 is a program that is read by the control unit 11 when controlling the output of an operation screen displayed on the display unit 13 or the operation input unit 15 configured as a touch panel. The control unit 11 that reads the display control program 194 controls the display of a wizard screen.

[0031] The job control program 195 is a program that the control unit 11 reads when executing a print job related to printing, copying, etc., or a job related to faxing or image transmission. After reading the job control program 195, the control unit 11 transitions to a job mode (print mode, copy mode, fax mode, image transmission mode, etc.) for executing each job and executes the job. When executing a job, the control unit 11 can display an operation screen on the touch panel as necessary to accept selection of setting values ​​and functions required for executing the job from the user. The control unit 11 can execute the job based on the setting values ​​and functions accepted via the operation screen.

[0032] The screen information storage area 196 is a storage area for storing screen information that configures a wizard screen or an operation screen for executing a job. The control unit 11 that reads the display control program 194 controls the display of the wizard screen or the operation screen based on the screen information stored in the screen information storage area 196.

[0033] The device information storage area 197 is a storage area that stores identification information regarding the image forming unit as a device, information regarding the device configuration, etc., a flag (value) that determines whether the initial wizard can be executed, and a flag (value) for selecting and displaying the initial wizard end confirmation screen, etc.

[0034] Image processing unit 21 includes image forming unit 211 and image input unit 213. Image forming unit 211 feeds paper from paper feed unit 25, forms an image on the paper based on image data, and then discharges the paper to paper discharge unit 27. Image forming unit 211 can be configured, for example, as an electrophotographic laser printer. In this case, image forming unit 211 can be configured as an image forming unit in which process components related to image formation, such as an image carrier (photosensitive drum), developing device, toner cartridge, and cleaning device, are replaceable as replaceable parts. The image forming unit may be, for example, an integrated type in which the image carrier (photosensitive drum), developing device, and toner cartridge are all integrated, or a separate type in which the image carrier (photosensitive drum), developing device, and toner cartridge are all or partly separated. Note that the initial operation of the image forming unit is performed not only after installation of multifunction peripheral 100, but also when the image forming unit is replaced depending on its wear status (end of life).

[0035] The image input unit 213 generates image data by scanning a document. The image input unit 213 may be configured as a scanner device having, for example, an image sensor such as a charge coupled device (CCD) or a contact image sensor (CIS), an automatic document feeder (ADF), or a flatbed for placing and reading a document. The image input unit 213 is not particularly limited in configuration as long as it is capable of generating image data by reading a reflected light image from a document image with an image sensor. The image input unit 213 may also be configured as an interface capable of acquiring image data stored in a storage medium such as a USB memory or image data transmitted from an external terminal device (not shown). The image processing unit 21 may be configured to perform, for example, shading correction or density correction on the image data input from the image input unit 213 to generate image data for data transmission.

[0036] [1.2 Processing flow] Next, a processing flow according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating parallel processing of the initial wizard processing executed by the control unit 11 and the initial operation processing for the image forming unit. The processing illustrated in FIG. 3 is executed by the control unit 11 by reading the startup control program 191 (initial wizard program 1911), the control program 192, the initial operation program 193, the display control program 194, and the like. In this case, the control unit 11 may process the initial wizard and the initial operation in parallel by multitasking using one arithmetic unit, or multiple different arithmetic units may process the initial wizard and the initial operation in parallel. For ease of explanation, the functional configuration of the control unit 11 that realizes the function of the initial wizard processing will be referred to as a first processing unit 111, and the functional configuration of the control unit 11 that realizes the function of the initial operation will be referred to as a second processing unit 112.

[0037] When the multifunction peripheral 100 is installed at a predetermined installation location and powered on, the control unit 11 starts the startup process (S10). When the startup process starts, the control unit 11 functions as the first processing unit 111 by reading the initial wizard program 1911, and starts the initial wizard process (S12).

[0038] In conjunction with (simultaneously with) the start of the initial wizard process, the control unit 11 functions as the second processing unit 112 by reading out the initial operation program 193, and starts the initial operation process for the image forming unit (S14).

[0039] When the initial wizard process starts, the first processing unit 111 starts acquiring an initial operation status output from the second processing unit 112 (S16). Here, the initial operation status is a status signal that indicates the operation (processing) status of the detection operation, image quality adjustment, etc. for the image forming unit. The second processing unit 112 outputs this status signal to the first processing unit 111 while the initial operation for the image forming unit continues (S18). The first processing unit 111 can grasp the operation (processing) status of the initial operation in the image forming unit based on the initial operation status acquired from the second processing unit 112.

[0040] When the initial operation processing for the image forming unit is completed, the second processing unit 112 ends the series of operations (S20). On the other hand, when the initial wizard processing is completed, the first processing unit 111 determines whether to display a termination confirmation screen based on the initial operation status acquired from the second processing unit 112, and ends the series of processes (S22).

[0041] Next, an example of the initial wizard processing executed by the first processing unit 111 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0042] When the power supply of the multifunction peripheral 100 is turned on and the startup process starts (step S100), the first processing unit 111 determines whether the initial installation flag is "Yes" (step S110). Here, the initial installation flag is a flag that indicates whether the initial wizard shown in the flowchart of Fig. 4 has already been executed after the installation of the multifunction peripheral 100. If it is determined that the value of the initial installation flag is "Yes", the first processing unit 111 omits the processes from step S120 onwards and makes the multifunction peripheral 100 ready for use (step S110; Yes -> "Device use start").

[0043] On the other hand, if it is determined that the initial installation flag is not "Yes", the first processing unit 111 starts the initial wizard (processing) (step S110; No→step S120).

[0044] When the initial wizard process starts, the first processing unit 111 executes an initial operation status acquisition process (step S130). The initial operation status acquisition process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0045] Next, first processing unit 111 starts displaying a wizard screen (step S140), and receives input of setting values ​​and the like (step S150).

[0046] Then, the first processing unit 111 determines whether the user has selected the [Back] button or the [Next] button (step S160).

[0047] If it is determined that the [Back] button has been selected by the user, the first processing unit 111 transitions the screen to the wizard screen immediately before the currently displayed wizard screen, and returns the process to step S140 (step S160; [Back] → step S140).

[0048] On the other hand, if it is determined that the [Next] button has been selected by the user, first processing unit 111 transitions the screen to the wizard screen immediately following the currently displayed wizard screen. Then, first processing unit 111 determines whether the wizard screen after the transition is an end confirmation screen, which is an end screen for the wizard processing (step S170). If first processing unit 111 determines that the wizard screen after the transition is not an end confirmation screen, it returns the processing to step S140 (step S170; No → step S140).

[0049] On the other hand, when the first processing unit 111 determines that the wizard screen after the transition is the end confirmation screen, it performs a display determination process for the end confirmation screen (step S170; Yes→step S180). The display determination process for the end confirmation screen will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

[0050] If it is determined as a result of the process for determining whether to display the termination confirmation screen, the first processing unit 111 displays the termination confirmation screen (step S190; Yes → step S200). Then, the first processing unit 111 sets the value of the initial installation flag to "Yes", and then restarts the device, making the multifunction device 100 ready for use (step S210 → step S220 → "start device use").

[0051] Incidentally, if it is not determined in step S190 that the end confirmation screen should be displayed, first processing unit 111 displays a screen based on the value of the screen flag set according to the acquired initial operation status, and returns the process to step S180 (step S190; No → step S220 → step S180). Here, the screen flag is a flag for first processing unit 111 to select a display screen to be displayed when the initial wizard ends, and in the present disclosure, display screens such as an end confirmation screen, an image quality adjustment screen, a detection operation and image quality adjustment screen, etc. can be displayed according to the screen flag set based on the initial operation status acquired from second processing unit 112.

[0052] Next, the initial operation status acquisition process by the first processing unit 111 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 5. When the first processing unit 111 starts the initial operation status acquisition process, it determines whether or not it has acquired the initial operation status from the second processing unit 112 (step S300). If it determines that it has acquired the initial operation status from the second processing unit 112, the first processing unit 111 determines whether or not the acquired initial operation status is due to the completion of both the detection operation and the adjustment operation for the image forming unit (step S300; Yes -> step S310). If it determines that it has not acquired the initial operation status from the second processing unit 112, the first processing unit 111 waits until it acquires the initial operation status (step S300; No).

[0053] If the first processing unit 111 determines that the acquired initial operation status is due to the completion of both the detection operation and the adjustment operation for the image forming unit, it sets the value of the screen flag to “0” (step S310; Yes→step S320). Then, the first processing unit 111 stores the screen flag in the device information storage area 197 and ends the process (step S330).

[0054] On the other hand, if the first processing unit 111 determines that the acquired initial operation status is not due to the completion of both the detection operation and the adjustment operation for the image forming unit, it determines whether the initial operation status is due to the completion of the detection operation for the image forming unit (step S310; No → step S340).

[0055] If the first processing unit 111 determines that the acquired initial operation status is due to the end of the detection operation for the image forming unit, it sets the value of the screen flag to “1” (step S340; Yes→step S350). Then, the first processing unit 111 stores the flag in the device information storage area 197 and ends the processing (step S330).

[0056] On the other hand, if the first processing unit 111 determines that the acquired initial operation status is not due to the completion of the detection operation for the image forming unit, it determines whether the initial operation status is due to the incompleteness of both the detection operation and the adjustment operation for the image forming unit (step S340; No → step S360).

[0057] If the first processing unit 111 determines that the acquired initial operation status is due to incomplete detection and adjustment of the image forming unit, it sets the value of the screen flag to “2” (step S360; Yes→step S370). Then, the first processing unit 111 stores the flag in the device information storage area 197 and ends the process (step S330).

[0058] On the other hand, if the first processing unit 111 determines that the acquired initial operation status is not due to incomplete detection and adjustment operations for the image forming unit, it returns the processing to step S300 (step S360; No → step S300).

[0059] Next, the display determination process of the termination confirmation screen by first processing unit 111 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 6. When first processing unit 111 starts the display determination process of the termination confirmation screen, it refers to the screen flag stored in device information storage area 197 in step S330 of Fig. 5 (step S400).

[0060] The first processing unit 111 determines whether the value of the referenced screen flag is "0" (step S410). If the first processing unit 111 determines that the value of the referenced screen flag is "0", it decides to display an end confirmation screen and ends the processing (step S410; Yes->step S420->"End").

[0061] On the other hand, if it is determined that the value of the screen flag is not "0", the first processing unit 111 determines whether the value of the referenced screen flag is either "1" or "2" (step S410; No → step S430).

[0062] If the first processing unit 111 determines that the value of the referenced screen flag is "1", it decides to display the image quality adjustment screen and ends the processing (step S430; "1" → step S440 → "end"). On the other hand, if the first processing unit 111 determines that the value of the referenced screen flag is "2", it decides to display the detection screen and the image quality adjustment screen and ends the processing (step S430; "2" → step S450 → "end").

[0063] Next, the initial operation status output process by second processing unit 112 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 7. When second processing unit 112 starts the initial operation status output process, it determines whether or not both the detection operation and the adjustment operation have been completed as the initial operation for the image forming unit (step S500 → step S510).

[0064] When the second processing unit 112 determines that both the detection operation and the adjustment operation for the image forming unit have been completed, it outputs an initial operation status related to the completion of the detection operation and the adjustment operation to the first processing unit 111 and terminates the processing (step S510; Yes → step S520 → “End”).

[0065] On the other hand, when second processing unit 112 determines that both the detection operation and the adjustment operation for the image forming unit have not been completed, second processing unit 112 determines whether the detection operation has been completed (step S510; No→step S530).

[0066] When the second processing unit 112 determines that the detection operation for the image forming unit has ended, it outputs an initial operation status related to the end of the detection operation to the first processing unit 111, and returns the process to step S510 (step S530; Yes → step S540 → step S510).

[0067] On the other hand, if the second processing unit 112 determines that the detection operation for the image forming unit has not been completed, it outputs an initial operation status indicating that both the detection operation and the adjustment operation have not been completed to the first processing unit 111, and returns the processing to step S510 (step S530; No → step S550 → step S510).

[0068] In the processing described in the flowchart of Figure 7, the second processing unit 112 outputs to the first processing unit 111 the initial operation status at the time when both the detection operation and the adjustment operation for the image forming unit have been completed, the initial operation status at the time when the detection operation for the image forming unit has been completed but the adjustment operation has not been completed, and the initial operation status at the time when both the detection operation and the adjustment operation for the image forming device have not been completed.

[0069] An example of the data configuration of the device information table 1971 managed in the device information storage area 197 will now be described with reference to Fig. 8. The device information table 1971 illustrated in Fig. 8(a) to (c) includes, as management items, an ID, a device (name), an initial installation flag, an acquired initial operation status, a screen flag, and an acquisition date and time.

[0070] The ID is identification information (identifier) ​​for uniquely identifying a device applied to the multifunction device 100. The device (name) represents the device name of the device identified by the ID. The initial wizard status represents the progress of the initial wizard shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4. The acquired initial operation status is a status signal representing the operation status of the initial operation for the device (image forming unit) acquired from the second processing unit 112. The screen flag is set based on the acquired initial operation status, and is a flag for selecting the display screen to be displayed when the initial wizard ends. The acquisition date and time represents the date and time when the initial operation status was acquired.

[0071] Figures 8(a) to (c) are examples of device information for a device identified by ID "#00011" (device name: image forming unit), and show how the contents of the table are updated according to the progress of the initial operation for the image forming unit as a device.

[0072] Fig. 8(a) is an example of the contents stored in the table when the initial wizard has not been executed after installation of the multifunction peripheral 100. In the example of Fig. 8(a), neither the initial wizard process nor the process of acquiring the initial operation status has been started, so the initial wizard status, acquired initial operation status, screen flag, and acquisition date and time fields are blank.

[0073] 8(b) is a diagram showing the contents of the table when the acquired initial operation status at the time when the started initial wizard processing is completed is the initial operation status related to the completion of the detection operation (detection operation completed). Fig. 8(b) is an example of the case where "detection operation completed" is acquired as the initial operation status at the acquisition date and time "2024 / 03 / 31 17:50", and shows how the first processing unit 111 has set the value of the screen flag to "1" based on the acquired initial operation status.

[0074] Fig. 8(c) is a diagram showing the contents stored in the table when the acquired initial operation status at the time when the started initial wizard processing is completed is the completion of both the detection operation and the adjustment operation (detection operation and (&) adjustment operation completed). Fig. 8(c) is an example of the case where the initial operation status acquired at the acquisition date and time "2024 / 03 / 31 17:52" is "detection operation and (&) adjustment operation completed", and shows how the first processing unit 111 has set the value of the screen flag to "0" based on the acquired initial operation status.

[0075] 8, in the first embodiment, at the end of the initial wizard process, the display screen to be displayed as the wizard screen can be determined according to the acquired initial operation status. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the device restart is not executed until after the end confirmation screen is displayed in the initial wizard. Therefore, it is possible to prevent unnecessary device restart due to the end of the initial wizard before the initial operation of the device (image forming unit) is completed.

[0076] [1.3 Example of operation] Next, an operation example according to the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating an operation example when the initial operation status acquired at the time when the initial wizard is completed is the initial operation status related to the completion of the detection operation and the adjustment operation.

[0077] Fig. 9(a) is an example of a wizard screen that constitutes the initial wizard, and is an example of the display configuration of a wizard screen W10 related to the firmware update service terms of use. The wizard screen W10 shown in Fig. 9(a) is an example of a wizard screen that is displayed immediately before the termination confirmation screen W20 shown in Fig. 9(b), and is a screen that requests the user to agree to the firmware update terms of use.

[0078] The wizard screen W10 illustrated in FIG. 9(a) includes a display area R10 that displays the terms of use for the firmware update service, an agreement check box C10, a "Next" button B10, and a "Back" button B12.

[0079] The display area R10 is a display area that displays the terms of use for firmware updates to the user. The consent check box C10 is a checkbox that accepts the user's consent to the terms of use. The [Next] button B10 is a button that accepts the user's selection instruction to transition to the next wizard screen (exit confirmation screen). The [Back] button B12 is a button that accepts the user's selection instruction to transition to the previous wizard screen (not shown).

[0080] When the first processing unit 111 receives a selection instruction of the [Next] button B10 from the user, it executes the processes related to steps S160 to S190 in Fig. 4. If the initial operation status acquired at this point is an initial operation status related to the end of the detection operation and the adjustment operation, the first processing unit 111 displays a termination confirmation screen exemplified in Fig. 9(b).

[0081] The end confirmation screen W20 illustrated in FIG. 9(b) includes a display area R12 that displays information notifying the user of the end of the initial wizard, an [End] button B14, and a [Back] button B12.

[0082] Display area R12 is a display area that displays information to notify the user that the initial wizard has finished, such as "All settings are complete. You can now use the main functions. Press [Finish] to finish. The machine will then automatically restart. Please wait without turning off the power."

[0083] The [End] button B14 is a button that accepts an instruction to end the initial wizard from the user. When the [End] button B14 is selected and an instruction to end the initial wizard is accepted, the first processing unit 111 ends the initial wizard and restarts the multifunction peripheral 100.

[0084] The [Back] button B12 is a button that accepts a selection instruction from the user to transition to the previous wizard screen W10.

[0085] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation when the initial operation status acquired at the time the initial wizard is completed is the initial operation status related to the completion of the detection operation. Note that, for drawings that can be used in common with the wizard screen W10 and the completion confirmation screen W20 illustrated in FIG. 9 and the like, the explanation will be given by diverting those drawings.

[0086] When the user selects the [Next] button B10 on the wizard screen W10 in Fig. 9(a), the first processing unit 111 executes the processes from step S160 to step S190 in Fig. 4. If the initial operation status acquired at this point is an initial operation status related to the end of the detection operation, the first processing unit 111 displays an image quality adjustment screen W30 as a first notification screen, as exemplified in Fig. 10.

[0087] The image quality adjustment screen W30 can be configured as one of several wizard screens that notify the user that image quality adjustment is ongoing as an initial operation for the image forming unit. The image quality adjustment screen W30 can display the progress rate, which is the ratio of the number of operations (detection operations) or ongoing (adjustment operations) to the total number of operations (detection operations and adjustment operations) required to start the image forming unit, in a fractional notation, such as “2 / 2.” The image quality adjustment screen W30 can also display the estimated time (e.g., up to approximately one minute) required for the ongoing operation to finish along with the progress rate, allowing the user to grasp the progress of the initial operation for the image forming unit by checking the progress rate and estimated time. Displaying the progress rate and estimated time on a wizard screen, such as the image quality adjustment screen W30 shown in FIG. 10, allows the user to return to the multifunction device 100 at the appropriate time, even if they have left the device.

[0088] After the image quality adjustment screen W30 is displayed, if the process of determining whether to display the termination confirmation screen is executed again and the acquired initial operation status is the initial operation status relating to the termination of the detection operation and the adjustment operation, the first processing unit 111 displays the termination confirmation screen W20 illustrated in FIG. 9(b).

[0089] 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation when the initial operation status obtained when the initial wizard is completed is an initial operation status related to the incompleteness of both the detection operation and the adjustment operation. Note that, for drawings that can be used in common with the wizard screen W10, the completion confirmation screen W20, and the image quality adjustment screen W30 illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the explanation will be given by diverting those drawings.

[0090] When the user selects the [Next] button B10 on the wizard screen W10 in Fig. 9(a), the first processing unit 111 executes the processes from step S160 to step S190 in Fig. 4. If the initial operation status acquired at this point indicates that both the detection operation and the adjustment operation have not yet been completed, the first processing unit 111 displays a detection operation screen W40 as a second notification screen, as exemplified in Fig. 11.

[0091] The detection operation screen W40 can be configured as one of the wizard screens that notifies the user that a detection operation is ongoing as an initial operation for the device (image forming unit). The detection operation screen W40 can display the progress rate, which is the ratio of the number of operations that have been performed or are currently being performed (detection operations) to the number of all operations (detection operations and adjustment operations) required to start up the device (image forming unit), in a fractional notation such as "1 / 2." In addition, by displaying the approximate time required for the currently performed operation to finish (for example, up to approximately 2 minutes) together with the progress rate, the user can grasp the progress of the initial operation for the device (image forming unit) by checking the progress rate and approximate time.

[0092] After the detection operation screen W40 is displayed, if the acquired initial operation status is an initial operation status related to the end of the detection operation as a result of again executing the termination confirmation screen display determination process, the first processing unit 111 displays the image quality adjustment screen W30 illustrated in Fig. 10. After the display of the image quality adjustment screen W30 is completed, if the acquired initial operation status is an initial operation status related to the end of the detection operation and the adjustment operation as a result of again executing the termination confirmation screen display determination process, the first processing unit 111 displays the termination confirmation screen W20 illustrated in Fig. 9(b). Note that, after the detection operation screen W40 is displayed, if the acquired initial operation status is an initial operation status related to the end of the detection operation and the adjustment operation as a result of again executing the termination confirmation screen display determination process, the first processing unit 111 displays the termination confirmation screen W20 illustrated in Fig. 9(b).

[0093] As described above, according to the first embodiment, when the initial wizard is completed, the display screen to be displayed as the wizard screen can be determined according to the acquired initial operation status. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the device is not restarted unless the user's instruction to terminate the initial wizard is received after the completion confirmation screen is displayed in the initial wizard. Therefore, unnecessary device restarts due to the completion of the initial wizard can be prevented when the initial operation of the device (image forming unit) has not yet been completed.

[0094] [2 Second embodiment] The second embodiment is an initial wizard form applicable in a specific region (for example, California, USA) in which the initial wizard is limited (restricted) to only one screen such as a change screen for changing the administrator password.

[0095] The functional configuration of the multifunction peripheral according to the second embodiment can be the same as the functional configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0096] The processing according to the second embodiment can be realized by omitting the processing of steps S160 and S170 from the flowchart of FIG.

[0097] [2.1 Example of operation] Next, an example of operation according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 12(a) is a diagram illustrating an example of the display configuration of the administrator password change screen W50 according to the second embodiment. As mentioned above, in certain regions, the only initial wizard that may be applied is password setting for the administrator (user). In this case, by treating the administrator password change screen W50 illustrated in FIG. 12(a) as the termination confirmation screen W20 according to the first embodiment, it is possible to determine the display screen according to the acquired initial operation status. Note that in the second embodiment, the initial wizard is only one screen, the administrator password change screen W50, and therefore the display screen based on the initial operation status is displayed as a dialog box.

[0098] The change screen W50 includes a password input area R14 for receiving an instruction to set (change) an administrator password, a skip button B16, and a change button B18.

[0099] The password input area R14 includes a current password input box, a new password input box, and a new password (confirmation) input box, and accepts password setting (change) by the administrator (user).

[0100] The skip button B16 is a button that accepts an instruction to skip the administrator password change request. The change button B18 is a button that accepts an instruction to confirm the password that has been input via the password input field R14.

[0101] When the user selects either the skip button B16 or the change button B18, the first processing unit 111 executes the termination confirmation screen display determination process described in step S180 of FIG.

[0102] Figure 12(b) is a diagram illustrating an example of operation when the initial operation status obtained at the time when either the skip button B16 or the change button B18 is selected is an initial operation status related to the incompleteness of both the detection operation and the adjustment operation.

[0103] The detection operation dialogue W60 illustrated in FIG. 12(b) can have the same configuration as the detection operation screen W40 according to the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0104] As described above, according to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the applied initial wizard can also be adapted to processing devices destined for specific regions, where only password setting for the administrator (user) is required.

[0105] [3 Third embodiment] The third embodiment is a form for replacing a device (image forming unit) when it reaches the end of its life.

[0106] The functional configuration of the multifunction peripheral according to the third embodiment can be the same as the functional configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0107] The processing according to the third embodiment can be realized by the processing according to steps S180 to S220 in the flowchart of Fig. 4. The first processing unit 111 according to the third embodiment only needs to control the dialogue display on the display screen based on the initial operation status described in the second embodiment. Of course, the second processing unit 112 can also control the dialogue display on the display screen based on the initial operation status.

[0108] [3.1 Example of operation] Next, an operation example according to the third embodiment will be described. The operation example according to the third embodiment can be similar to the operation example according to the second embodiment. Fig. 13(a) is a diagram illustrating an example of the display configuration of the detection operation dialog W60 when the initial operation status at the time of replacing the device (image forming unit) is an initial operation status relating to the incompleteness of both the detection operation and the adjustment operation. Fig. 13(b) is an example of the display configuration of the image quality adjustment dialog W70 displayed after the detection operation is completed from the state shown in Fig. 13(a).

[0109] The display contents of both the detection operation dialog W60 and the image quality adjustment dialog W70 can be configured in the same way as the detection operation screen W40 and the image quality adjustment screen W30 according to the first embodiment, so explanations will be omitted here.

[0110] Incidentally, when a device (image forming unit) according to the prior art is replaced due to its end of life, the progress status of the initial operation for the device (image forming unit) is not displayed, as shown in the example of FIG. 14 . In contrast, in the third embodiment, the progress rate, which is the ratio of the number of operations that have been performed or are being performed (detection operations) to the number of all operations (detection operations and adjustment operations) required to start the device (image forming unit), can be displayed in a fractional notation, such as “1 / 2” or “2 / 2.” Furthermore, the estimated time required for the currently performed operation to finish (for example, up to approximately 2 minutes) can be displayed together with the progress rate. By checking the progress rate and estimated time, the user can grasp the progress status of the initial operation for the device (image forming unit).

[0111] As described above, according to the third embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, it is possible to cope with replacement of a device (image forming unit) when it reaches the end of its life.

[0112] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible. In other words, embodiments obtained by combining technical means that are appropriately modified within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure are also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0113] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiments are described separately for the sake of convenience, they may of course be combined and executed within the scope of technical feasibility.

[0114] In addition, the programs that run on each device in the embodiments are programs that control the CPU, etc. (programs that make a computer function) so as to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments. Information handled by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (e.g., RAM) during processing, and then stored in various storage devices such as ROMs (Read Only Memories) and HDDs, and is read, modified, and written by the CPU as needed.

[0115] Here, the computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which the program is recorded in the information processing device may be any of semiconductor media (e.g., ROM, non-volatile memory card, etc.), optical recording media / magneto-optical recording media (e.g., DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), MO (Magneto Optical Disc), MD (Mini Disc), CD (Compact Disc), BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc, etc.)), magnetic recording media (e.g., magnetic tape, flexible disk, etc.). In this case, the program recorded on the recording medium is read by the computer of the information processing device and executed by the computer, thereby realizing not only the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments, but also the functions of the present disclosure, which are realized by processing in cooperation with an operating system or other application programs, etc., based on instructions from the program.

[0116] Furthermore, when distributing the program on the market, the program can be stored in a portable recording medium and distributed, or transferred to a server computer connected via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the storage device of the server computer is of course also included in the present disclosure.

[0117] Additionally, each functional block or feature of the device used in the above-described embodiments may be implemented or performed by an electrical circuit, such as an integrated circuit or multiple integrated circuits. The electrical circuit designed to realize the functions described herein may include a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or a combination thereof. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or a conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The electrical circuit may be composed of digital circuits or analog circuits. Furthermore, as advances in semiconductor technology emerge, one or more aspects of the present disclosure may utilize new integrated circuits based on that technology. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 100 MFPs 11 Control section 13 Display section 15 Operation input section 17 Communications Department 19 Memory section 191 Startup Control Program 1911 Initial Wizard Program 192 Control Program 193 Initial Operation Program 1931 Detection Action Program 1932 Adjustment Operation Program 194 Display Control Program 195 Job Control Program 196 Screen information storage area 197 Device information storage area 21 Image processing section 211 Image forming unit 213 Image Input Unit

Claims

1. a control unit that controls the display of the screen; a display unit that displays the screen; a device that requires an initial operation for startup; The control unit Accepting input related to initial settings of the device via the screen; receiving an input relating to the initial setting of the apparatus and performing the initial operation on the device in parallel; A processing device characterized by controlling the display of an end screen that is displayed when the initial setting of the device is completed, depending on the progress of the initial operation.

2. The control unit 2. The processing device according to claim 1, wherein the end screen is displayed when the initial operation of the device has been completed.

3. the initial operation includes a sensing operation and an adjustment operation for the device; The control unit When the detection operation of the device has ended but the adjustment operation has not ended, a first notification screen is displayed to notify the user that the adjustment operation is still ongoing before displaying the end screen; The processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that if the detection operation and the adjustment operation of the device have not been completed, a second notification screen notifying that the detection operation is continuing is displayed in addition to the first notification screen before the end screen is displayed.

4. The control unit 4. The processing device according to claim 3, wherein the first notification screen or the second notification screen is displayed as one of the screens displayed by default on the device.

5. The control unit 4. The processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first notification screen displays the progress of the adjustment operation, and the second notification screen displays the progress of the detection operation.

6. The control unit 6. The processing device according to claim 5, wherein an estimated time required for the adjustment operation or the detection operation to be completed is displayed as the progress status.

7. The control unit 6. The processing device according to claim 5, wherein the progress status is displayed as a progress rate, which is a ratio of the number of operations that have been executed or are currently being executed to the number of all operations required for starting up the device.

8. The device comprises: An image forming unit including a process related to image formation, The detection operation includes: An operation related to detection of a replacement part used in the image formation, The adjusting operation is 4. The processing device according to claim 3, wherein the operation is related to image quality adjustment of the image formed by the image formation.

9. The control unit 4. The processing device according to claim 3, wherein when the number of screens to be displayed is limited in the initial setting of the device, the first notification screen or the second notification screen is displayed as a dialog.

10. Display the screen, Accepting input related to initial settings of the device via the screen; receiving an input relating to the initial setting of the device and performing an initial operation on the device in parallel; A display control method comprising controlling display of an end screen that is displayed when initial setting of the device is completed, according to progress of the initial operation.

Images