Image processing apparatus and display method for operation keys

Abstract

To provide an image processing apparatus and the like capable of improving operability of function selection for a user in the image processing apparatus that accepts selection instructions for functions to be used via an operation screen including a plurality of display regions.SOLUTION: An image processing apparatus comprises: a display unit that displays, on an operation screen, operation keys that are associated with functions related to image processing and accept selection instructions for the functions to be used; a control unit that controls display of the operation keys on the operation screen; and a registration unit that registers the function whose use is restricted. The operation screen includes a first display region in which the operation keys can be displayed and a second display region different from the first display region. The control unit controls display of the operation keys in the first display region and the second display region for the functions registered in the registration unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] An image processing device such as a multifunction peripheral displays an operation screen on a display device to receive operation instructions from a user. The operation screen may have multiple display areas, including a variable area whose display content can be changed based on the operation instructions from the user, and a fixed area whose display content remains unchanged before and after the display content in the variable area is changed.

[0003] In particular, an operation screen that is provided with operation keys (shortcut keys) that accept selection instructions for functions to be used in an image processing device, such as a copy function, fax function, or e-mail function, and has a screen configuration in the variable area that serves as the starting point for screen transitions to the operation screen of each function, is generally called a home screen, and is displayed on a display device, for example, when the image processing device is turned on, when it is in standby mode, when it is restored from a sleep state, etc. (See, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-1813 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide an image processing device, etc. that can improve operability for users in selecting functions, in an image processing device that accepts instructions to select functions to use via an operation screen that includes multiple display areas. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the image processing device of the present disclosure comprises a display unit that displays operation keys on an operation screen that are associated with functions related to image processing and that accept selection instructions as the functions to be used, a control unit that controls the display of the operation keys on the operation screen, and a registration unit that registers the functions whose use is to be restricted, wherein the operation screen has a first display area in which the operation keys can be displayed and a second display area that is different from the first display area, and the control unit controls the display of the operation keys in the first display area and the second display area for the functions registered in the registration unit.

[0007] In addition, the image processing device according to the present disclosure includes a display unit that displays operation keys on an operation screen that are associated with functions related to image processing and that accept selection instructions as the functions to be used, and a control unit that controls the display of the operation keys on the operation screen, wherein the operation screen has a first display area in which the operation keys can be displayed and a second display area that is different from the first display area, and the control unit is characterized in that when an operation screen based on the function corresponding to the operation key is displayed on the display unit in response to the selection instruction for the operation key displayed in at least one of the first display area and the second display area, the control unit restricts the display of the operation key corresponding to the function in the second display area.

[0008] Furthermore, the method for displaying operation keys according to the present disclosure is a method for displaying operation keys on an operation screen that are associated with functions related to image processing and that accept selection instructions as the functions to be used, wherein the operation screen has a first display area in which the operation keys can be displayed and a second display area different from the first display area, and is characterized in that the function whose use is to be restricted is registered, and the display of the operation keys in the first display area and the second display area is controlled for the registered function. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an image processing device etc. that can improve the operability of function selection for users in an image processing device that accepts instructions to select functions to use via an operation screen including multiple display areas. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a registration-prohibited function table. [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] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [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 a usage count management table. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to a third embodiment. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow according to the third embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the third embodiment. [Figure 17]FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen configuration of a home screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] 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.

[0012] First, the screen configuration of a home screen according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 17. Fig. 17 shows an example configuration of a home screen W10. The home screen W10 shown in Fig. 17 includes a variable region R10 as a first display region and a fixed region R12 as a second display region.

[0013] The variable area R10 can be configured as, for example, a rectangular display area having a display area of ​​at least ¾ or more of the total display area that can be displayed on the home screen W10. The variable area R10 is a display area that can display display contents (operation contents of each function) corresponding to each function assigned to an operation key by selecting the operation key described below, and is a display area that can display a combination of operation keys different from the combination of operation keys currently displayed based on a selection instruction of a display switch button for the operation keys. In the present disclosure, the manner in which (the contents of) the display screen are switched based on a user operation or the like is referred to as a screen transition.

[0014] The variable region R10 according to the present disclosure includes an operation key display region R100, an information display region R102, a setting display region R104, an indicator display region R106, and an operation key display switching button B10.

[0015] The operation key display area R100 is a display area that displays operation keys (shortcut keys) that accept instructions to switch to operation modes corresponding to each function that the image processing apparatus can realize. Fig. 17 shows an example in which the operation key display area R100 displays, as switchable functions, an operation key K11 assigned to a simple copy function, an operation key K12 assigned to a simple fax function, an operation key K13 assigned to a simple scan function, and an operation key K14 assigned to an e-mail function in a selectable manner. Note that the combination of operation keys K11, K12, K13, and K14 displayed in the operation key display area R100 can be switched to a different combination of operation keys by accepting a selection instruction from the operation key display switch button B10.

[0016] The "simple" in the simple copy function, simple fax function, and simple scan function refers to an operating mode that simplifies operability by intentionally placing restrictions on some of the functions that can be achieved with the normal copy function, fax function, and scan function. For example, a user who is unfamiliar with operating the normal copy function via the operation screen can easily perform copy processing by selecting the simple copy function.

[0017] The information display area R102 is a display area that displays various information corresponding to the operating status of the device, such as the remaining amount of consumables (e.g., toner, paper, etc.), device settings, and communication status. The setting display area R104 is a display area that displays various setting items related to checking and changing the settings of the image processing device. FIG. 17 shows an example in which the setting display area R104 provides configurable items such as "Operation Guide," "Large Character Mode," "Settings," "Total Page Count Display," "Brightness Adjustment," and "Language Setting." Instead of the information display area R102 and setting display area R104 in the variable area R10, the display area of ​​the operation key display area R100 can be expanded from one row and four columns (as shown in FIG. 17) to two rows and four columns, for example, to increase the number of selectable operation keys.

[0018] The indicator display area R106 is a display area that displays an indicator showing which page the currently displayed page corresponds to when the display content displayed in the variable area R10 involves screen transitions spanning multiple pages (for example, when there are multiple combinations of operation keys to be displayed in the operation key display area R100).

[0019] On the other hand, the fixed region R12 can be configured as a rectangular display region that occupies the display region other than the variable region R10 on the home screen W10. The fixed region R12 is a display region in which the display content remains unchanged before and after the screen transition of the variable region R10 (displaying fixed display content that does not correspond to user operations on the variable region R10), even when the variable region R10 undergoes screen transitions (displaying display content that corresponds to user operations on the variable region R10). FIG. 17 shows an example of a configuration of the home screen W10 in which the fixed region R12 is provided above the variable region R10 in the drawing, but the fixed region R12 may also be provided below the variable region R10 in the drawing, or on the left or right side of the variable region R10 in the drawing, and there are no restrictions on the arrangement position of the fixed region R12.

[0020] The fixed area R12 according to the present disclosure includes an operation key display area R120, a system information button B12, and a job status button B14.

[0021] Similar to the operation key display area R100 in the variable area R10, the operation key display area R120 is a display area that displays operation keys that accept instructions to switch to operation modes corresponding to the functions that the image processing device can implement. FIG. 17 shows an example in which the operation key display area R120 displays an operation key K21 assigned to the simple copy function, an operation key K22 assigned to the simple fax function, an operation key K23 assigned to the simple scan function, and an operation key K24 assigned to the e-mail function. In addition to the mode in which the operation keys are displayed in the operation key display area R120, a mode that can display an operation key selection screen W24, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 11, may also be used. The mode that can display the operation key selection screen W24 is effective when the display area of ​​the operation key display area R120 is limited and it is not possible to display all the operation keys. The mode to be used may be set, for example, in the operation key display setting screen W100 of FIG. 6, and the mode to be used may be determined based on the setting.

[0022] The system information button B12 is a button that accepts an instruction to display system information of the image processing device. When the user selects the system information button B12, the image processing device displays a system information display screen (not shown). The job status button B14 is a button that accepts an instruction to display the execution status of jobs accepted by the image processing device (reserved jobs, jobs currently being executed, completed jobs, etc.). When the user selects the job status button B14, the image processing device displays a job status display screen (not shown).

[0023] Here, if an administrator wants to restrict the use of a specific function, the administrator can easily restrict (prohibit) user operations by controlling (editing the screen) the operation keys (for example, any of operation keys K11, K12, K13, and K14) in the operation key display area R100 of the variable area R10 to be hidden.

[0024] However, the operation key display area R120 of the fixed area R12 is configured to enable switching to an operation mode corresponding to each function even when the display content in the variable area R10 changes due to a screen transition. Therefore, since the operation keys similar to those displayed in the operation key display area R100 of the variable area R10 can be displayed in the operation key display area R120 of the fixed area R12 and the operation key selection screen W24 of Fig. 11, it is not possible to restrict user operations by simply editing the screen of the variable area R10.

[0025] On the other hand, if an administrator wants to restrict the use of a specific function, it is possible to use the authentication function to restrict user operations on that function. However, this requires configuration for each user to be authenticated, which can make the configuration process complicated and cumbersome.

[0026] In the present disclosure, the following embodiments realize an image processing device that can improve the operability of function selection for users in an image processing device that accepts instructions to select functions to use via an operation screen that includes multiple display areas.

[0027] [1 First Embodiment] [1.1 Functional Configuration] 1 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a multifunction peripheral 10 as an image processing apparatus, and FIG.

[0028] The multifunction device 10 is an image processing device that can perform jobs related to various functions, such as a copy (simple copy) function, a fax (simple fax) function, a scan (simple scan) function, and an e-mail function, in a single housing. Note that, in this disclosure, an example of a multifunction device will be described as one form of an image processing device, but the image processing device is not limited to a multifunction device, and may be a printer, a copier, a fax machine, or the like, with each function limited.

[0029] The multifunction peripheral 10 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.

[0030] The control unit 11 controls the entire multifunction device 10. 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.

[0031] 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, an operation screen such as a home screen and a setting screen related to the operation mode of each function.

[0032] 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.

[0033] The communication unit 17 has either a wired or wireless interface or both for communicating with other devices 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).

[0034] The storage unit 19 is one or more storage devices that store various programs and various data required for the operation of the multifunction device 10. The storage unit 19 can be configured with storage devices such as RAM (Random Access Memory), SSD (Solid State Drive), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and ROM (Read Only Memory).

[0035] In the first embodiment, the storage unit 19 stores a control program 191, a display control program 192, a job control program 193, and a prohibited function registration program 194, and reserves a setting information storage area 195, a screen information storage area 196, and a job storage area 197.

[0036] The control program 191 is a program that is read by the control unit 11 after the device is started up. The control unit 11 that reads the control program 191 functions as an OS (Operating System) and controls the operation of hardware such as the display unit 13, the operation input unit 15, the communication unit 17, and the image processing unit 21.

[0037] The display control program 192 is a program that the control unit 11 reads out 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 display control program 192 includes an operation screen control program 1921. The control unit 11 that reads out the operation screen control program 1921 receives, from the user, instructions to edit the display configuration of the home screen W10 exemplified in FIG. 17 or the setting screen in each operation mode. Then, the control unit 11 determines the display configuration of the operation screen, such as the home screen W10, based on the instructions received from the user, and displays the operation screen on the display unit 13 (operation input unit 15).

[0038] The job control program 193 is a program that the control unit 11 reads when executing a print job related to printing, copying, etc., or an image transmission job such as faxing or e-mailing. After reading the job control program 193, the control unit 11 transitions to an operation mode (e.g., simple copy mode, simple fax mode, simple scan mode, e-mail mode) based on each function for executing each job, and executes the job. When executing a job, the control unit 11 can display, as an operation screen, a setting screen for each operation mode that accepts setting values ​​and function selections required for job execution from the user as necessary, on the touch panel. The control unit 11 can execute the job based on the setting values ​​and functions accepted via the setting screen.

[0039] The prohibited function registration program 194 is a program that the control unit 11 reads out when receiving an instruction to select a function to be prohibited from use from a user such as an administrator via a prohibited function selection screen, which will be described later. The control unit 11 that reads out the prohibited function registration program 194 functions as a registration unit, and disables the use of a function set (selected) as a prohibited function (registration prohibited function), and also controls the display of operation keys assigned to the function on an operation screen such as the home screen W10, and operation keys assigned to functions not set as registration prohibited functions (non-registration prohibited functions).

[0040] The setting information storage area 195 is a storage area for storing functions registered as registration-prohibited functions, setting values ​​received via a setting screen related to each operation mode, selection information, etc. Here, an example of the data configuration of the registration-prohibited setting table stored in the setting information storage area 195 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0041] The registration prohibition setting table 1951 illustrated in FIG. 3(a) is a table that manages, in a table format, functions that are permitted to be registered on the home screen W10 and functions that are prohibited from being registered. FIG. 3 illustrates an example in which functions related to "copy," "fax," and "scan" are "permitted" to be registered on the home screen, while functions related to "destination registration" and "address book" are "prohibited" from being registered on the home screen. The control unit 11 can determine whether each function can be registered on the home screen W10 by referring to the registration prohibition setting table 1951 as the settings of the device main body.

[0042] Even when user authentication is enabled, it is possible to set whether or not to reflect the settings of the device itself, and when the setting to reflect the settings of the device itself is enabled, it is also possible to manage whether or not each function can be registered on the home screen W10 using a registration prohibition setting table 1952, as shown in Fig. 3(b) as an example. In this case, even when user authentication is enabled, the registration prohibition setting of the device itself is reflected in whether or not each user can register each function, so it is possible to collectively set whether or not to register functions on the home screen for all users, without having to change the setting for each user.

[0043] Returning to FIG. 2 again, the screen information storage area 196 is a storage area that stores necessary display content such as operation keys required to display operation screens such as the home screen W10 and setting screens in each operation mode.

[0044] The job storage area 197 is a storage area for storing various jobs such as print jobs and image transmission jobs.

[0045] Image processing unit 21 includes image forming unit 211 and image input unit 213. Image forming unit 211 feeds paper as a sheet-like medium 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, by a laser printer that employs an electrophotographic system.

[0046] The image input unit 213 generates image information by scanning an original. The image input unit 213 can be configured as a scanner device having, for example, an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CIS (Contact Image Sensor), an automatic document feeder (ADF), a flatbed for placing and reading an original, or the like. The image input unit 213 is not particularly limited in configuration as long as it is capable of generating image information by reading a reflected light image from an original image with an image sensor. The image input unit 213 can also be configured as an interface capable of acquiring image information stored in a storage medium such as a USB memory or image information transmitted from a device (not shown, such as an information processing device). The image processing unit 21 may be configured to perform, for example, shading correction or density correction on the image information input from the image input unit 213 to generate image information for image transmission.

[0047] [1.2 Processing flow] Next, a processing flow according to the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow from when an instruction to display the home screen W10 is received to when the home screen W10 is displayed. The processing illustrated in Fig. 4 is executed by the control unit 11 by reading out the control program 191, the display control program 192 (operation screen control program 1921), the prohibited function registration program 194, etc.

[0048] The control unit 11 determines whether or not an instruction to display the home screen W10 has been received at an appropriate timing, such as when the power is turned on, when the device is in standby mode, or when the device is restored from a sleep state (step S110).

[0049] If the control unit 11 determines that the instruction to display the home screen W10 has been received, it determines whether or not there is a function that is prohibited from being registered in the home screen W10 (variable area R10 as the first display area) (step S110; Yes → step S120). If the control unit 11 determines that the instruction to display the home screen W10 has not been received, it waits until the instruction to display the home screen W10 is received (step S110; No).

[0050] If it is determined that a registration-prohibited function exists on the home screen W10, the control unit 11 performs a process of determining the display form of the operation key assigned to the registration-prohibited function, which restricts its display on the home screen W10 (step S130). The process of determining the display form of the operation key in step S130 will be described in the next diagram.

[0051] Next, the control unit 11 configures the home screen W10 based on the display format of the operation keys determined in step S130 (step S140), displays the home screen W10 on the display unit 13 (operation input unit 15), and ends the processing (step S150).

[0052] Meanwhile, if it is determined in step S120 that there are no functions that are prohibited from being registered on the home screen W10 (variable area R10 as the first display area), the control unit 11 determines the functions (operation keys) to be displayed on the home screen W10 based on the display settings previously set on a system setting screen (not shown), etc., and proceeds to step S140 (step S120; No → step S160 → step S140).

[0053] Next, the display form determination process related to step S130 in Fig. 4 will be described using the flowchart in Fig. 5. As described above, the process described in Fig. 5 is a process for determining the display form of operation keys (shortcut keys) assigned to registration-prohibited functions that restrict display on the home screen W10. Based on the process described in Fig. 5, the control unit 11 controls the display of operation keys in a variable area R10 as a first display area, a fixed area R12 as a second display area, and an operation key selection screen W24 shown in Fig. 11.

[0054] 4 starts, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the setting for displaying operation keys in the second display area of ​​the home screen W10 is enabled (step S1310). The setting for displaying operation keys in the second display area will be described later.

[0055] If it is determined that the setting for displaying operation keys in the second display area is enabled, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the operation keys to be displayed in the second display area include an operation key related to a registration prohibition function (step S1310; Yes→step S1312). Note that whether or not the operation keys to be displayed in the second display area include an operation key related to a registration prohibition function can be determined by referring to the registration prohibition setting table 1951 illustrated in FIG.

[0056] If it is determined that the operation keys to be displayed in the second display area include an operation key related to a registration prohibited function, the control unit 11 restricts the display of the operation keys related to the registration prohibited function in the first display area and the second display area, and terminates the processing (step S1312; Yes → step S1314).

[0057] On the other hand, if it is determined that the setting for displaying operation keys in the second display area is not valid, the control unit 11 restricts the display of operation keys related to the registration prohibition function in the first display area and the operation key selection screen, and ends the process (step S1310; No → step S1316).Furthermore, if it is determined that the operation keys to be displayed in the second display area do not include an operation key related to the registration prohibition function, the control unit 11 restricts the display of operation keys related to the registration prohibition function only in the first display area, and ends the process (step S1412; No → step S1418).

[0058] [1.3 Example of operation] Next, an operation example according to the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an operation key display setting screen W100. The operation key display setting screen W100 is a setting screen that accepts settings related to the display of operation keys in the fixed area R12 (operation key display area R120) that serves as the second display area of ​​the home screen W10. Note that the operation example in Fig. 6 corresponds to the processes of steps S1310 to S1312 in Fig. 5.

[0059] The operation key display setting screen W100 includes a register (U) button B30, an update (R) button B32, a function selection area R30, and an operation key display check box C10. The register (U) button B30 is a button that accepts an instruction to register settings received via the operation key display setting screen W100. The update (R) button B32 is a button that accepts an instruction to update some (or all) of the settings received via the operation key display setting screen W100.

[0060] The function selection area R30 is an area that accepts the selection of functions (corresponding to operation keys) to be displayed as operation keys in the fixed area R12 (operation key display area R120). In Fig. 6, four functions (operation keys), "simple copy," "simple fax," "simple scan," and "email," have been selected as functions to be displayed as operation keys.

[0061] The operation key display check box C10 is a check box that accepts a selection as to whether or not operation keys related to a function selected by the user in the function selection area R30 are to be displayed on the home screen W10 (operation key display area R120).

[0062] When the user checks the operation key display check box C10, the control unit 11 displays the operation keys corresponding to the function selected by the user in the function selection area R30 in the operation key display area R120 of the home screen W10. When the user selects any operation key, the control unit 11 calls and displays the operation screen for the function corresponding to that operation key.

[0063] On the other hand, if the operation key display checkbox C10 is not checked, the operation key selection screen W24 can be displayed by selecting the arrow button B24 (see Figure 11) provided in the operation key display area R120 of the home screen W10.

[0064] For example, in an operation screen for each function, such as the simple copy operation screen W110 shown in FIG. 7(a), the operation key display area R120 displays the operation key corresponding to the function selected by the user in the function selection area R30, regardless of whether the operation key display checkbox C10 is checked. The operation key for the selected function is displayed with an identifier (e.g., an underscore U10) so that it can be distinguished from other operation keys, allowing the user to easily understand that the operation screen for that function is currently being displayed. Then, for example, when the user selects the operation key K30 for the selected function (copy function) in an operation screen for the selected function (copy function), such as the copy operation screen W120 shown in FIG. 7(b), the control unit 11 displays the operation key selection screen W24. In addition, when the user selects an operation key other than the selected function on the operation screen related to the selected function (for example, the operation key K23 assigned to the simple scan function on the simple copy operation screen W110 or the copy operation screen W120), the control unit 11 displays an operation screen (not shown) related to the function (simple scan) assigned to the selected operation key.

[0065] 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an editing screen W20 that accepts a user instruction to edit the variable area R10 (operation key display area R100) as the first display area on the home screen W10. The editing screen W20 includes a prohibited function selection screen W22 that accepts an instruction to select functions that are prohibited from being registered in the first display area on the home screen W10, a trash can button B18, and an end editing button B20.

[0066] The prohibited function selection screen W22 is a screen that accepts a user's instruction to select a prohibited function. FIG. 8 shows an example of the prohibited function selection screen W22, displaying functions selectable as prohibited functions, including the copy function, simple fax function, FTP / Desktop function, data entry function, metadata setting function, address book function, global address search function, program list (copy) function, e-mail function, shared folder function, remote PC scan function, program list (image send) function, destination registration function, and My Address Search function. It also shows the simple fax function selected by the user as a prohibited function. Note that the functions selectable as prohibited functions shown in FIG. 8 are merely examples, and the functions selectable as prohibited functions according to the present disclosure are not limited to those shown in FIG. 8. The functions selectable as prohibited functions can be configured as, for example, toggle buttons, and selecting the toggle buttons can switch between selecting and deselecting the prohibited functions, but this is not limiting.

[0067] The OK button B16 provided on the prohibited function selection screen W22 is a button for accepting an instruction to confirm the selection of a function as a registration prohibited function on the prohibited function selection screen W22. When the selection instruction of the OK button B16 is accepted, the control unit 11 registers the selected function as a registration prohibited function in the registration prohibition setting table 1951 of the setting information storage area 195.

[0068] The trash can button B18 is a button that accepts an instruction to delete an item selected by the user on the editing screen W20, which includes the prohibited function selection screen W22. For example, after selecting a function that you want to unregister on a registration function selection screen (not shown), you can set the selected function as an unregistered function by operating the trash can button B18. The end editing button B20 is a button that accepts an instruction to end the editing operation by the user via the editing screen W20.

[0069] Fig. 9 shows an example of the configuration of the home screen W12 that the control unit 11 displays when the simple fax function is selected as a registration-prohibited function via the prohibited function selection screen W22 of the edit screen W20 shown in Fig. 8. Note that Fig. 9 shows an example of the operation corresponding to the processing flow relating to step S1312; Yes → step S1314 in Fig. 5 and step S140 → step S150 in Fig. 4.

[0070] As illustrated in Fig. 9, the home screen W12 shows an example in which the display of the operation key related to the simple fax function, which has been selected as a registration-prohibited function, is restricted in the variable area R10 (operation key display area R100) serving as the first display area in the home screen W10 illustrated in Fig. 17. Fig. 9 shows an example in which the display of the operation key K12 related to the simple fax function is restricted and the operation key K15 assigned to the document filing function, which is a registration-prohibited function, is displayed in the operation key display area R100 of the variable area R10 serving as the first display area. Also, in the operation key display area R120 of the fixed area R12 serving as the second display area, the display of the operation key K22 related to the simple fax function is restricted and the operation key K25 assigned to the document filing function, which is a registration-prohibited function, is displayed. In addition, the operation keys displayed in the operation key display area R100 and the operation key display area R120 due to the restriction of the display of the operation keys K12 and K22 are not limited to the operation keys K15 (K25) as long as they are operation keys assigned to any non-registration prohibited function.

[0071] According to the operation example in Fig. 9, the setting of the registration prohibition function in the variable area as the first display area of ​​the home screen is also reflected in the display of the operation keys in the fixed area as the second display area of ​​the home screen, so it is possible to easily restrict the use of the registration prohibition function without performing any cumbersome settings. Also, because the operation keys related to the registration prohibition function are hidden, it is not necessary to display a message for the operation keys that cannot be used. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce unnecessary operations such as checking messages for the user.

[0072] Fig. 10 shows an example of the configuration of the home screen W14 displayed by the control unit 11 when the simple fax function is selected as a registration prohibited function via the prohibited function selection screen W22 of the edit screen W20 shown in Fig. 8. Note that Fig. 10 shows an example of the operation corresponding to the processing flow relating to step S1312; No → step S1318 in Fig. 5 and step S140 → step S150 in Fig. 4.

[0073] As illustrated in Fig. 10, the home screen W14 shows a state in which only the display of the operation key K12 associated with the simple fax function, which has been selected as a registration-prohibited function, is restricted in the variable area R10 (operation key display area R100) serving as the first display area in the home screen W10 illustrated in Fig. 17. In Fig. 10, the display of the operation key K12 associated with the simple fax function is restricted in the operation key display area R100 of the variable area R10 serving as the first display area. However, unlike the example in Fig. 9, no operation key is displayed (remains blank) in the display position where the operation key K12 was displayed before the simple fax function was selected as a registration-prohibited function. Therefore, unlike the example in Fig. 9, control is not performed such that the operation key K13 is displayed in the display position where the operation key K12 was displayed, the operation key K14 is displayed in the display position where the operation key K13 was displayed, and the operation key K15 assigned to the document filing function, which is a non-registration-prohibited function, is displayed in the display position where the operation key K14 was displayed. On the other hand, in the operation key display area R120 of the fixed area R12 as the second display area, the display of the operation key K22 related to the simple fax function is restricted, and the operation key K23 is displayed in the display position where the operation key K22 was displayed, the operation key K24 is displayed in the display position where the operation key K23 was displayed, and the operation key K25 assigned to the document filing function as a non-registration prohibited function is displayed in the display position where the operation key K24 was displayed. Note that the operation key displayed in the display position where the operation key K24 was displayed is not limited to the operation key K25, as long as it is an operation key assigned to any non-registration prohibited function.

[0074] 10, in the variable area, only the display of operation keys related to registration-prohibited functions is restricted, so that it is possible to prevent a decrease in operability for the user due to a change in the arrangement of operation keys in the operation key display area R100. Also, in the fixed area, the display of operation keys related to registration-prohibited functions is restricted, and operation keys related to non-registration-prohibited functions are newly displayed, so that it is possible to effectively utilize the display space of the limited fixed area, where the number of displayed operation keys is restricted.

[0075] Fig. 11 shows an example of the configuration of the operation key selection screen W24 as a selection screen displayed by the control unit 11 when the simple fax function is selected as a registration prohibited function via the prohibited function selection screen W22 of the edit screen W20 shown in Fig. 8. Note that Fig. 11 shows an example of the operation corresponding to the processing flow relating to step S1310; No → step S1316 in Fig. 5 and step S140 → step S150 in Fig. 4.

[0076] The operation key selection screen W24 in Figure 11 is an example in which the display of operation keys related to the simple fax function, etc., which have been selected as a registration-prohibited function from the operation keys that can be displayed on the home screen W10, etc., is restricted (dotted frame in the figure, etc.).

[0077] The OK button B22 provided on the operation key selection screen W24 is a button for accepting a confirmation instruction to confirm transition to an operation screen for a function related to an operation key selected on the operation key selection screen W24. The arrow button B24 is a button for accepting an instruction to display the operation key selection screen W24.

[0078] According to the operation example in Fig. 11, the setting of the registration prohibition function in the variable area as the first display area of ​​the home screen is also reflected in the display of the operation keys on the operation key selection screen, so it is possible to easily restrict the use of the registration prohibition function without performing any cumbersome settings. Also, because the operation keys related to the registration prohibition function are not displayed, it is not necessary to display a message for the operation keys that cannot be used. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce unnecessary operations such as checking messages for the user.

[0079] As described above, according to the first embodiment, an image processing device that accepts instructions to select functions to be used via an operation screen including multiple display areas can be provided, which can improve the operability of function selection for the user.

[0080] [2 Second embodiment] The second embodiment is an embodiment in which, in the operation example illustrated in FIG. 10 of the first embodiment, the display of functions (operation keys) related to non-registration prohibited functions to be displayed in the second display area is determined based on a predetermined priority order.

[0081] The functional configuration, processing flow, etc. of the multifunction device according to the second embodiment can be similar to the functional configuration and processing flow of the multifunction device 10 described in the first embodiment, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted here. Note that the display order of the functions (operation keys) displayed in the fixed area R12 as the second display area may be determined by, for example, the control unit 11 that reads the prohibited function registration program 194 by referring to the use count management table 1953, exemplified in FIG. 12, etc.

[0082] An example of the data configuration of the use count management table 1953 according to the second embodiment will now be described with reference to Fig. 12. The use count management table 1953 includes, as management items, an actual priority, a default priority, a non-registration prohibited function, a use count, and a measurement period.

[0083] The performance priority is a display priority (display priority order) of operation keys related to non-registration prohibited functions that is determined based on the number of times the non-registration prohibited functions are used during a predetermined period (measurement period). When the performance priority is used as a parameter for determining the priority order, the control unit 11 determines, for example, the functions related to the non-registration prohibited functions that have been used the most as functions (operation keys) to be displayed in the fixed region R12 in descending order of performance priority (for example, from first to fourth performance priority).

[0084] The default priority is a setting of an initial value for the display order (display priority) of functions (operation keys) to be displayed in the fixed area R12, regardless of the number of times they are used within a predetermined period. The default priority can be arbitrarily set by a user with administrator authority, taking into consideration parameters such as the purpose of use of the function related to the non-registration prohibited function, the frequency of use, the number of users who use the function, and the time period during which it is used. When the default priority is used as a parameter for determining the priority, the control unit 11 determines, for example, the functions related to the non-registration prohibited function set as the default priority as the functions (operation keys) to be displayed in the fixed area R12 in order from the top (for example, from the first to fourth highest performance priority).

[0085] The non-registration prohibited function indicates the name of the non-registration prohibited function to be displayed in the fixed area R12 according to either the performance priority or the default priority. The number of uses indicates the number of times the non-registration prohibited function was used within the measurement period shown in the next section. The measurement period indicates the period during which the number of uses was measured to determine the performance priority.

[0086] For example, the non-registration prohibited function "Shared Folder" has a default priority set to "3rd place," but since it was the non-registration prohibited function that was used the most during the measurement period "2023 / 10 / 1~2023 / 11 / 1" (number of uses "7"), this is an example in which the display order based on actual priority has been set to "1st place."

[0087] 12, an example has been described in which the number of uses of a non-registration prohibited function in a predetermined period is one of the parameters for determining the performance priority, but the performance priority is not limited to this, and it is also possible to determine the performance priority based on, for example, the ratio of the number of uses of a specific non-registration prohibited function to the number of uses of all pre-set non-registration prohibited functions. Furthermore, the determination of the performance priority may take into account information about the user who used the non-registration prohibited function, and only the number of uses of the non-registration prohibited function used by a specific user may be counted as the number of uses for determining the performance priority.

[0088] Fig. 13 shows an example of the configuration of the home screen W16 that is displayed by the control unit 11 when the simple fax function is selected as a registration-prohibited function via the prohibited function selection screen W22 of the edit screen W20 shown in Fig. 8 in the second embodiment. Note that Fig. 13 shows an example of the operation corresponding to the processing flow relating to step S1312; No → step S1318 in Fig. 5 and step S140 → step S150 in Fig. 4, similar to the example in Fig. 10.

[0089] FIG. 13 shows an example in which operation keys related to the shared folder function, data entry function, address book function, and document filing function are displayed in the operation key display area R120 of the fixed area R12 as the second display area as non-registration prohibited functions based on the performance priority illustrated in FIG. 12.

[0090] As described above, according to the second embodiment, the display of operation keys related to registration-prohibited functions is restricted in the variable area serving as the first display area of ​​the home screen, and operation keys related to non-registration-prohibited functions are displayed in the fixed area serving as the second display area of ​​the home screen based on a predetermined priority order (achievement priority order), thereby making it possible to effectively utilize the display space of the limited fixed area in which the number of non-registration-prohibited functions to be displayed is restricted, and improving user convenience. Furthermore, since only the display of operation keys related to registration-prohibited functions is restricted in the variable area serving as the first display area of ​​the home screen, it is possible to prevent a decrease in user operability due to changes in the arrangement of the operation keys.

[0091] [3 Third embodiment] The third embodiment is a form in which, when a setting screen related to the operation mode of each function is displayed, if a function to be displayed in a variable area as a first display area is included in a fixed area as a second display area, the display of the function (operation key) in the fixed area is restricted.

[0092] [3.1 Functional Configuration] The functional configuration of the multifunction device 20 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Note that parts that can be configured the same as those in the multifunction device 10 according to the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0093] The multifunction device 20 includes a storage unit 23 instead of the storage unit 19 of the multifunction device 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0094] In the third embodiment, the memory unit 23 stores a control program 191, a display control program 192, a job control program 193, a prohibited function registration program 194, and a display screen determination program 231, and reserves a setting information memory area 195, a screen information memory area 196, and a job memory area 197.

[0095] The display screen determination program 231 is a program that the control unit 11 reads out when displaying a setting screen related to the operation mode of each function. The control unit 11 reads out the display screen determination program 231 and determines whether or not a function (operation key) that overlaps with a function related to a variable area as a first display area on the setting screen to be displayed is included in a fixed area as a second display area.

[0096] [3.2 Processing flow] Next, a processing flow according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 15. The processing described in Fig. 15 is executed by the control unit 11 by reading out the control program 191, the display control program 192 (operation screen control program 1921), the display screen determination program 231, and, if necessary, the prohibited function registration program 194, etc.

[0097] First, the control unit 11 determines whether or not an instruction to display a setting screen related to an operation mode corresponding to each function has been received (step S210). Note that the instruction to display the setting screen can be determined, for example, by whether or not an instruction to select operation keys (K11 to K14, K21 to K24) displayed on the home screen W10 illustrated in FIG. 17 has been received.

[0098] If it is determined that the instruction to display the setting screen has been received, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the fixed area serving as the second display area includes functions (operation keys) that overlap with the functions to be displayed in the variable area serving as the first display area on the setting screen related to the display (step S210; Yes → step S220). Note that if it is determined that the instruction to display the setting screen has not been received, the control unit 11 waits until the instruction to display the setting screen is received (step S210; No).

[0099] If it is determined that the fixed area contains a function (operation key) that overlaps with a function to be displayed in the variable area as the first display area on the setting screen related to the display, the control unit 11 restricts the display of the function (operation key) in the fixed area (step S220; Yes → step S230).

[0100] Next, the control unit 11 configures the screen of the setting screen to be displayed (step S240), displays the setting screen on the display unit 13 (operation input unit 15), and ends the process (step S250).

[0101] In addition, if it is determined in step S220 that the fixed area R12 does not include any functions (operation keys) that overlap with the functions to be displayed in the variable area as the first display area in the setting screen related to the display, the control unit 11 skips the processing related to step S230 and proceeds to step S240 (step S220; No → step S240).

[0102] [3.3 Example of operation] Next, an example of operation according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a setting screen W30 related to simple fax that is displayed upon receiving a selection instruction for the operation keys (K12, K22) related to "simple fax" on the home screen W10 illustrated in Fig. 17.

[0103] The setting screen W30 includes a variable area R20 as a first display area for accepting input of setting values ​​such as a fax number, and a fixed area R12 (operation key display area R120) as a second display area.

[0104] FIG. 16 shows an example in which, in response to the display of the variable area R20 related to simple fax, the display of the function (operation key K22) related to simple fax in the fixed area R12 (operation key display area R120) is restricted, and the operation key K25 assigned to "document filing" as a non-registration prohibited function is displayed.

[0105] As described above, according to the third embodiment, in the fixed area serving as the second display area, the display of functions (operation keys) that overlap with functions displayed in the variable area is restricted, thereby making it possible to effectively utilize the limited display space of the fixed area in which the number of operation keys related to non-registration-prohibited functions that can be displayed is restricted, and improving user convenience.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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]

[0112] 10, 20 multifunction device 11 Control section 13 Display section 15 Operation input section 17 Communications Department 19, 23 Memory section 191 Control Program 192 Display Control Program 1921 Operation screen control program 193 Job Control Program 194 Prohibited Function Registration Program 195 Setting information storage area 196 Screen information storage area 197 Job Storage 21 Image processing section 211 Image forming unit 213 Image Input Unit 231 Display Screen Judgment Program

Claims

1. a display unit that displays operation keys associated with functions related to image processing and that receive selection instructions for the functions to be used on an operation screen; a control unit that controls display of the operation keys on the operation screen; a registration unit that registers the function for which use is restricted, The operation screen includes: a first display area in which the operation keys can be displayed, and a second display area different from the first display area; The control unit 11. An image processing apparatus comprising: an image processing unit that controls display of the operation keys in the first display area and the second display area in relation to the function registered in the registration unit;

2. The control unit 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display of the operation keys corresponding to the functions registered in the registration section is restricted in the first display area and the second display area.

3. The control unit The image processing device described in claim 1, characterized in that in the first display area, the display of the operation keys corresponding to the functions registered in the registration unit is restricted, and in the second display area, the display of the operation keys corresponding to the functions registered in the registration unit is restricted, and control is performed to display the operation keys corresponding to the unregistered functions that are not registered in the registration unit.

4. The display unit A selection screen for receiving a display instruction for the operation keys can be displayed, The control unit 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein display of the operation keys corresponding to the functions registered in the registration section on the selection screen is restricted.

5. The control unit 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the operation keys to be displayed in the second display area are determined according to the display priority of the functions.

6. a display unit that displays operation keys associated with functions related to image processing and that receive selection instructions for the functions to be used on an operation screen; a control unit that controls display of the operation keys on the operation screen, The operation screen includes: a first display area in which the operation keys can be displayed, and a second display area different from the first display area; The control unit An image processing device characterized in that, when an operation screen based on a function corresponding to an operation key displayed in at least one of the first display area and the second display area is displayed on the display unit in response to a selection instruction for the operation key, the display of the operation key corresponding to the function is restricted in the second display area.

7. The first display area is a display area capable of displaying a display content corresponding to the selected operation key, The second display area is 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display area is capable of displaying display content that does not correspond to the selected operation key.

8. 1. A method for displaying operation keys on an operation screen, the operation keys being associated with functions related to image processing and receiving selection instructions as the functions to be used, comprising: the operation screen has a first display area in which the operation keys can be displayed and a second display area different from the first display area, Registering the feature to be restricted for use; A method for displaying operation keys, comprising controlling display of the operation keys in the first display area and the second display area with respect to the registered function.

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