Image processing apparatus and control method thereof

Abstract

To prevent a user from switching to a setting mode without knowing that the user is not a guarantee object SOLUTION: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an image processing apparatus includes a display unit configured to display a message in response to receiving a predetermined operation from a user, and a switching unit configured to switch a mode of the image processing apparatus to a setting mode in response to receiving an operation from the user in a state where the message is displayed, wherein the message indicates that the image processing apparatus is no longer a warranty target.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and a control method thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a method for displaying the repair mode operation procedure on the screen of an electronic device, thereby enabling the user to easily implement the repair mode. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-176571 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Although it is necessary to disclose the repair mode to general users, it is difficult to guarantee against malfunctions of equipment caused by general users using the repair mode. Therefore, if a device is switched to a setting mode such as repair mode, it may be treated as void under the warranty. In such cases, there is a possibility that the user may switch the setting mode without knowing that it will void the warranty, which may result in unintended consequences.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the image processing apparatus of the present invention is to prevent a user from switching to the setting mode without knowing that the mode will no longer be covered by the warranty. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The image processing device of the present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and is an image processing device having a display means for displaying a message upon receiving a predetermined operation from a user, and a switching means for switching the mode of the image processing device to a setting mode upon receiving an operation from the user while the message is displayed, wherein the message is a message indicating that the image processing device is no longer covered by the warranty. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] This prevents the user from switching to the setting mode without knowing that the mode will be void of the warranty. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration including an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Flowchart for explaining processing in the second embodiment [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process according to the third embodiment. [Figure 6] Flowchart for explaining the processing in the fourth embodiment [Figure 7] Screen flow explaining screen transitions in the first embodiment [Figure 8] Screen flow explaining screen transitions in the second embodiment [Figure 9] Screen flow explaining screen transitions in the third embodiment [Figure 10] Screen flow explaining screen transitions in the fourth embodiment DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention as claimed, and not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention. [Example]

[0010] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a system including an image processing device according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the following configuration is shown.

[0011] An example of an image processing device is an image processing device 101 having image reading and output (external transmission, printing) functions. The image processing device 101 is connected to a network 102, and is capable of network communication with an information processing device 103 also connected to the network 102 via the network 102.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image processing device 101. (Hereinafter, the image processing device 101 will be referred to as an MFP.)

[0013] A control unit 110 including a CPU 111 controls the overall operation of the MFP 101. The CPU 111 reads out a control program stored in a ROM 112 or a storage 114, and performs various types of control such as reading control, printing control, and communication control.

[0014] The ROM 112 stores a control program that can be executed by the CPU 111. The ROM 112 also stores a boot program, font data, and the like.

[0015] The RAM 113 is the main storage memory of the CPU 111 and is used as a work area and a temporary storage area for developing various control programs stored in the ROM 112 and storage 114 .

[0016] The storage 114 stores image data, print data, an address book, shortcuts, various programs, and various setting information. In this embodiment, the storage 114 is assumed to be a flash memory, but it may also be configured to use an auxiliary storage device such as an SSD, HDD, or eMMC, and is not limited to this in the present invention.

[0017] In the MFP 101, one CPU 111 executes each process shown in the flowcharts described below using one memory (RAM 113), but other configurations are also possible. For example, multiple CPUs, RAMs, ROMs, and storages can work together to execute each process shown in the flowcharts described below. Also, some of the processes may be executed using hardware circuits such as ASICs and FPGAs.

[0018] An operation unit I / F 115 connects an operation unit 116 to the control unit 110. The operation unit 116 displays information to the user and detects inputs from the user.

[0019] The reading unit I / F 117 connects the reading unit 118 and the control unit 110. The reading unit 118 is, for example, a scanner, which reads an image of a document placed on a document placement unit and converts the image into image data such as binary data. The document is transported by a transport unit (not shown) and then read by the reading unit 118. The image data generated by the reading unit 118 is transmitted to an external device, saved in an external recording device, or printed on recording paper.

[0020] The printing unit I / F 119 connects the printing unit 120 and the control unit 110. The CPU 111 transfers image data to be printed (image data to be printed) to the printing unit 120 via the printing unit I / F 119. The printing unit 120 is, for example, a printer, and prints an image on recording paper fed from a paper feed cassette (not shown) using toner supplied from a cartridge (not shown).

[0021] The external storage I / F 121 connects the external storage device 122 and the control unit 110. The CPU 111 stores image data in the external storage device 122 via the external storage I / F 121. In this embodiment, a USB interface is assumed as the external storage I / F 121, and a USB memory is assumed as the external storage device 122, but an external storage device such as an SD card may also be used.

[0022] The control unit 110 is connected to the network 102 via a communication unit I / F 123 .

[0023] The communication unit I / F 123 performs network communication via the network 102 with external devices such as an information processing device 103 that is also connected to the network 102 .

[0024] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Example 1 is a method for solving the above-mentioned problems, and is the most basic method of the present invention.

[0025] Fig. 3 is a flowchart explaining the processing when an instruction to enter repair mode is received. The processing shown in the flowchart in Fig. 3 is performed by the CPU 111 reading a program stored in the ROM 112 or storage 114 into the RAM 113 and executing it. The explanation will be given using screens in the screen flow shown in Fig. 7 as appropriate.

[0026] In S301, the CPU 111 determines whether or not an instruction to enter the repair mode (setting mode) has been accepted, and if YES, the process proceeds to S302, and if not, the process ends.

[0027] There are no particular restrictions on the method for entering the repair mode, but three basic implementation methods, Method 1, Method 2, and Method 3, will be explained.

[0028] Method 1 is a method in which a general user enters repair mode via a mode (hereinafter referred to as a special mode) for using some of the functions of the repair mode. When a general user encounters a problem with the MFP, the special mode allows the general user to contact the support staff of the company that sold the MFP. The support staff then provides appropriate instructions, allowing the general user to learn how to execute the special mode, thereby enabling even the general user to execute some of the functions of the repair mode. Specifically, the user enters the special mode, specifies the item in the repair mode by entering an ID (hereinafter referred to as an item ID) associated with the item, and executes the item in the repair mode. In this embodiment, this method via the special mode does not distinguish between entering repair mode by entering an item ID and executing the item in the repair mode by entering an item ID without entering repair mode. Note that in the former case, instead of entering the normal repair mode, a repair mode (hereinafter referred to as a restricted repair mode) may be entered that restricts the display of items that the company wants to keep secret from general users and displays the other items. Furthermore, hereafter, when referring to repair mode in this invention, unless otherwise specified, this also includes restricted repair mode, but when a distinction is necessary, the terms restricted repair mode and normal repair mode (hereinafter referred to as non-restricted repair mode) will be used.

[0029] Method 2 is a method for entering repair mode by a special operation that is not normally performed by a general user. This refers to a method for entering repair mode by performing a specific key operation, touch operation, or a combination of these operations on the operation unit I / F 115. The conditions for performing these operations may include a specific timing or status, or execution by a specific user.

[0030] Method 3 is a method in which a general user enters repair mode via a mode used for normal purposes (hereafter referred to as user mode). In user mode, repair mode is displayed as one of the icons on the HOME screen, or as one of the functions on a menu screen that lists executable functions.

[0031] In S302, the CPU 111 displays a warning screen 701, which is a confirmation screen, on the operation unit I / F 115, and accepts the selection of whether or not to enter repair mode. Note that wording 701 on the warning screen 701 warns the user that entering repair mode will void the MFP's warranty from the company, and asks the user whether or not to enter repair mode after acknowledging that the MFP will be void of warranty. Furthermore, the warning screen 701 displays a button 7012 for entering repair mode and a button 7013 for not entering repair mode.

[0032] In other words, by accepting a predetermined operation from the user in this way, a screen including a message indicating that the MFP is no longer covered by the warranty is displayed. Note that the message may be displayed in the status bar or the like instead of on the warning screen 701.

[0033] In S303, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the button 7012 for entering repair mode on the warning screen 701 displayed on the operation unit I / F 115 has been selected, and if YES, the process proceeds to S304, and if not, the process ends.

[0034] That is, by accepting an operation from the user while this message is displayed, the MFP mode can be switched to the setting mode.

[0035] In S304, the CPU 111 reads, rewrites, and stores information relating to the usage history of the repair mode (hereinafter referred to as usage history information) from the non-volatile area of ​​the RAM 113. Note that there are no particular restrictions on the configuration of the usage history information, but three basic configurations will be described: configuration 1 of usage history information, configuration 2 of usage history information, and configuration 3 of usage history information.

[0036] Configuration 1 of the usage history information is made up of information indicating whether or not the device has been used. In S304, the value indicating unused is rewritten to a value indicating used. If the value already indicates used, the value does not change. Note that the initial value is assumed to be a value indicating unused. The value indicating used may also be configured to correspond to the number of times the repair mode has been used.

[0037] Configuration 2 of the usage history information is made up of information about the date when repair mode was entered and information about the user who entered repair mode. Regarding the date information, processing for acquiring the current date information is executed in the processing of S304, and the acquired date information is stored. Regarding user information, if user logins are managed when using MFP 101, information about the user currently operating MFP 101 is acquired and stored in the processing of S304.

[0038] Configuration 3 of the usage history information is configured as a list that can store date information as a single element, and each time S304 is executed, the date information at the time of execution is written to an unused area in the list. Therefore, the number of elements in the list that contain date information is equal to the number of times repair mode has been entered. Alternatively, a list may be configured in which date information is associated with user information as a single element.

[0039] In this way, by switching the mode of the image processing device to the setting mode, the MFP is no longer covered by the warranty. Specifically, information indicating that the MFP is no longer covered by the warranty is stored. This information may be stored in storage 114, a cloud server, or the like.

[0040] In S305, the CPU 111 enters repair mode and displays a repair mode screen 702 on the operation unit I / F 115. The repair mode screen 702 is made up of a display 7021 indicating that the device is currently in repair mode and repair mode items 7022 to 7027. Note that the items do not have to be limited to those classified as 7022 to 7027. Furthermore, a configuration may be adopted in which a function is executed by selecting one of items 7022 to 7027, or a configuration may be adopted in which a transition is made to a screen displaying multiple items related to the selected item, and the user is then prompted to select another item.

[0041] Item 7022 is an item related to setting values, and is an item for checking the status of the MFP main body, version information, parts information, setting values ​​related to repair mode functions, etc. by displaying them on the operation unit I / F 115. Also, some information may not only be displayed but may also be edited or initialized. In other words, by switching to the setting mode in this way, the user can check information about the MFP parts.

[0042] Item 7023 is an adjustment-related item, and is an item for executing adjustments of the MFP main body or for setting the settings for executing the adjustments. Specifically, adjustment items include, but are not limited to, changing the corresponding setting values ​​in accordance with the actual operation of the reading unit 118 or printing unit 120 when an abnormality occurs in the results of image processing, or updating defective firmware to another firmware. In other words, by switching to the setting mode in this way, the user can update the firmware of the MFP.

[0043] Item 7024 is an item related to the output of a log, and is an item for outputting, as a log, the operation history, past adjustment results, counter information of item 7026 (described later), etc., in addition to the items of item 7022. The log may be output by a general method, for example, by outputting and storing the log in external storage device 122 attached to the MFP, but is not limited to this method.

[0044] Item 7025 is an item related to backup and restore, and all data that was the target of log output in the explanation of item 7024 is converted into a file and exported, or the aforementioned file is imported from an external device and reflected in the MFP. The export and import method may be a general method, and for example, may be configured to export to the external storage device 122 attached to the MFP and import from the external storage device 122, but is not limited to this method.

[0045] Item 7026 is a counter-related item, and is an item for displaying and checking on the operation unit I / F 115 the number of times a specific operation is performed, the number of times a specific job or operation is executed, the number of times a specific status or execution result is achieved, etc.

[0046] Item 7027 is a test-related item that displays a confirmation procedure for a specific repair, and is an item for simplifying the repair work for the user.

[0047] Other possible configurations will be described.

[0048] First, the warning screen 701 in S302 does not have to be displayed every time it is determined in S301 that an instruction to enter repair mode has been received. For example, it may be displayed only when it is determined that S301 is executed for the first time, or it may be displayed only when it is determined that the repair mode has not been used or has been used a certain number of times or less by referring to the usage history information updated in S304. Furthermore, it may be displayed only when conditions that can be derived from date information or user information stored in the usage history information are met.

[0049] That is, when a predetermined operation is received from a user while the MFP is not covered by the warranty, the MFP mode is switched to the setting mode without displaying a message indicating that the MFP is no longer covered by the warranty.

[0050] Next, the display of warning screen 701 in S302 and the updating of usage history information in S304 may be configured to occur at timings different from those described in S302 and S304. Specifically, when an instruction to enter repair mode is received in S301, the process transitions to S305 to enter repair mode, and after entering repair mode, a warning screen, described below, is displayed. The warning screen displays a message indicating that the MFP will be voided under the company's warranty if the MFP is continued in repair mode, and asks the user whether or not to continue in repair mode after acknowledging that the warranty will be void, and displays a continue button and a cancel button. If it is determined that the continue button has been selected, the usage history is updated in S304; if not, the process ends.

[0051] Next, a method for checking the usage history information rewritten in S304 will be described. A setting for checking the usage history information may be provided in user mode, repair mode, or special mode, and the information may be checked on the operation unit I / F 115. Alternatively, the printing unit 120 may print the usage history information as a report in user mode, repair mode, or special mode. Furthermore, the usage history information may be transmitted to the information processing device 103 connected to the MFP 101 via the network 102 periodically or when the usage history information is rewritten.

[0052] Finally, a configuration may be adopted in which functions executable by MFP 101 are switched according to usage history information. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which, when it is determined that MFP 101 has been used or that it has been used a certain number of times or more based on reference to usage history information, control is exercised so that a function for making a contract for support, such as repairs, with the company or store that sold MFP 101 is disabled. Also, a configuration may be adopted in which a function is disabled when a condition that can be derived from date information or user information stored in the usage history information is met. Furthermore, a configuration may be adopted in which a function is disabled when a condition that can be derived from a combination of usage history information and information on the status, counter, etc. obtained from MFP 101 is met.

[0053] Note that a notification may be sent to the administrator user of the MFP when the MFP mode is switched to the setting mode. In this case, an email containing a message indicating that the MFP has been switched to the setting mode is sent to the email address registered in the MFP as the administrator user's account information. Note that the timing for notifying the administrator user may be when the warning screen 701 is displayed, rather than when the MFP is switched to the setting mode. In other words, a notification is sent to the administrator user of the MFP when the message is displayed. [Example]

[0054] A description will be given of a second embodiment of the present invention. The second embodiment is a method for solving the above-mentioned problems, similar to the first embodiment, and is characterized by displaying a warning screen for each repair mode item and managing usage history information.

[0055] Fig. 4 is a flowchart explaining the processing when an instruction to enter repair mode is received. The processing shown in the flowchart in Fig. 4 is performed by the CPU 111 reading a program stored in the ROM 112 or storage 114 into the RAM 113 and executing it. The explanation will be given using screens in the screen flow shown in Fig. 8 as appropriate.

[0056] In S401, the CPU 111 determines whether an instruction to enter repair mode has been received, and if YES, proceeds to S402, otherwise ends the processing. There are no particular restrictions on the method for entering repair mode, but Method 1, Method 2, and Method 3 described in S301 are basic implementation methods.

[0057] In S402, the CPU 111 enters repair mode and displays a repair mode screen 801 on the operation unit I / F 115. The repair mode screen 801 is equivalent to the repair mode screen 702, and items 8011 to 8016 are equivalent to items 7022 to 7027, so a description of the repair mode screen 801 will be omitted.

[0058] In S403, the CPU 111 determines whether any of items 8011 to 8016, or an item that is displayed when these items are selected, has been selected. If YES, the process proceeds to S404; if not, the process proceeds to S403 again.

[0059] In S404, the CPU 111 displays a warning screen 802 on the operation unit I / F 115 and accepts a selection of whether or not to implement the repair mode items. Note that wording 8021 on the warning screen 802 warns the user that implementing the repair mode items will void the company's warranty, and asks the user whether or not to implement the repair mode items after acknowledging that the warranty will be void. Furthermore, the warning screen 802 displays a button 8022 for implementing the repair mode items and a button 8023 for not implementing the repair mode items.

[0060] In S405, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the repair mode item implementation button 8022 on the warning screen 802 displayed on the operation unit I / F 115 has been selected, and if YES, proceeds to S406, and if not, ends the process.

[0061] In S406, the CPU 111 reads, rewrites, and stores the usage history information from the non-volatile area of ​​the RAM 113. Note that there are no particular limitations on the configuration of the usage history information in the second embodiment, but three basic configurations will be described: configuration 4 of usage history information, configuration 5 of usage history information, and configuration 6 of usage history information.

[0062] Configuration 4 of the usage history information is made up of the item ID of the item instructed to be executed in S403. Any information linked to the item ID may be used, such as the item name. In S406, the item ID instructed to be executed in S403 is obtained, and the initial value is rewritten to a value indicating the item ID. If the value already indicates an item ID other than the initial value, there is no need to rewrite the value. It is assumed that the initial value does not match any item ID.

[0063] Configuration 5 of the usage history information is configured as a list that holds information indicating whether an item has been used for each repair mode item. In S406, the information indicating whether an item has been used for the item instructed to be performed in S403 is rewritten from a value indicating unused to a value indicating used. If the value already indicates used, the value does not change. Note that it is assumed that the initial value of the information indicating whether an item has been used for each item is a value indicating unused. Alternatively, the value indicating used may be configured to correspond to the number of times the corresponding item in the repair mode has been performed. Furthermore, a list may be configured in which, in addition to the information indicating whether each item has been used, date information and user information are each included as a single element.

[0064] Configuration 6 of the usage history information is composed of a list that can store date information and item IDs as a single element, and each time S406 is executed, the date information at the time of execution and the item ID instructed to be executed in S403 are written to an unused area in the list. Therefore, the number of elements in the list that contain date information and item IDs is equal to the number of times repair mode has been entered. Alternatively, a list may be composed of date information and item IDs associated with user information as a single element.

[0065] In S407, the CPU 111 performs the items instructed to be performed in S403. When the performance is completed, a report screen 803 may be displayed. The report screen 803 displays a message 8031 ​​reporting that the performance of the repair mode items has been completed.

[0066] Other possible configurations will be described.

[0067] First, the warning screen 802 in S402 does not have to be displayed every time it is determined in S403 that an instruction to perform a repair mode item has been received. For example, it may be displayed only when it is determined that S403 is being executed for the first time. Furthermore, it may be displayed only when it is determined that the corresponding repair mode item has not been used, that the number of times the corresponding item has been used is less than a certain number of times, or that the total number of times used associated with multiple items is less than a certain number of times, by referring to the usage history information updated in S406. Furthermore, it may be displayed only when conditions that can be derived from date information or user information stored in the usage history information are met.

[0068] Next, the display of warning screen 802 in S404 and the update of usage history information in S406 may be configured to occur at timings different from those described in S402 and S406. Specifically, when an instruction to perform a repair mode item is received in S403, the process transitions to S406 to update the usage history information, transitions to S407 to perform the repair mode item, and after the execution, displays a warning screen, which will be described later. The warning screen displays a message that the MFP will no longer be covered by the company's warranty because the repair mode item has been performed.

[0069] Furthermore, the method for checking the usage history information rewritten in S406 is the same as that described in the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0070] The functions executable by MFP 101 may be switched according to the usage history information. For example, the configuration may refer to the usage history information and control the MFP 101 so that a specific function is disabled when it is determined that a corresponding item in the repair mode has been used, or has been used a certain number of times, or the total number of uses associated with multiple items is a certain number of times or more. Also, the configuration may control the MFP 101 so that a function is disabled when a condition derivable from date information or user information stored in the usage history information is met. Furthermore, the configuration may combine the usage history information with information on the status, counter, etc. obtained from MFP 101 and control the MFP 101 so that a function is disabled when a condition derivable from the combination is met.

[0071] Finally, in the second embodiment, the repair mode items are implemented after entering the repair mode, but the repair mode items may be implemented in the user mode or special mode without entering the repair mode. For example, the repair mode items may be displayed in addition to the user mode items in a menu in the user mode and implemented, or the item ID of the corresponding repair mode may be entered in the special mode and implemented. [Example]

[0072] A third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The third embodiment is a method for solving the above-mentioned problems, similar to the first embodiment, and is characterized in that the display of a warning screen and the approval flow for entering repair mode can be switched by the user in an MFP that manages user logins.

[0073] Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the processing performed when an instruction to enter repair mode is received. The processing shown in the flowchart in Fig. 5 is performed by the CPU 111 reading a program stored in the ROM 112 or storage 114 into the RAM 113 and executing it. The explanation will be given using screens in the screen flow shown in Fig. 9 as appropriate.

[0074] In S501, the CPU 111 determines whether an instruction to enter repair mode has been received, and if YES, proceeds to S502, otherwise ends the processing. There are no particular restrictions on the method for entering repair mode, but Method 1, Method 2, and Method 3 described in S301 are basic methods for realizing this.

[0075] In S502, the CPU 111 refers to information about the user who is logged in to the MFP 101. It is sufficient to refer to information that can determine whether the logged-in user is an administrator user or a general user. In addition, it is also possible to refer to information related to the user, such as an ID that identifies the user, the department to which the user belongs, the position, and authority. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, in this third embodiment, the description will be made on the assumption that the configuration refers to information that can determine whether the logged-in user is an administrator user or a general user.

[0076] In S503, if the CPU 111 determines that the logged-in user is a general user based on the user information referenced in S502, the process proceeds to S504, and if not, the process proceeds to S512. Note that in the third embodiment, the condition is whether the user is a general user, but if there is other information referenced in S502, such as an ID that identifies the user, the department to which the user belongs, the position, the authority, or the like, the condition may be replaced with a condition that can be derived from the information.

[0077] In S504, the CPU 111 displays a warning screen 901 on the operation unit I / F 115 and accepts a selection of whether or not to enter repair mode. Note that wording 9011 on the warning screen 901 warns that entering repair mode will void the MFP's warranty from the company, and indicates that approval of the voiding of warranty will be requested from the administrator user, and asks the user whether or not to enter repair mode. Furthermore, the warning screen 901 displays a button 9012 requesting approval to enter repair mode and a button 9013 for not entering repair mode.

[0078] In S505, the CPU 111 determines whether the button 9012 requesting approval to enter repair mode on the warning screen 901 displayed on the operation unit I / F 115 has been selected, and if YES, proceeds to S506; if not, terminates the processing.

[0079] In S506, the CPU 111 transmits an approval request to the administrator user. The method of requesting approval from the administrator user is not particularly limited and may be a general method. For example, the email address included in the information associated with the administrator user may be read, and an email may be sent from the MFP 101 to the email address of the administrator user. The text included in the email to be sent may include information about the user who requested approval, a message indicating that approval for entering repair mode is being requested, a warning that entering repair mode will void the MFP's warranty, and a method of approval. The method of approval is also not limited. For example, the administrator user may reply to the received email by writing a message indicating whether or not approval is granted, and then send the reply email to the MFP 101. The MFP 101 may analyze the message in the received email to determine the approval result. In the third embodiment, the destination of the approval request is the administrator user, but it is not limited to the administrator user. For example, a function may be provided to individually register users as recipients of approval requests when an operation to enter repair mode is performed, and approval may be requested from registered users by registering them in advance, or from users who meet specific conditions that can be derived from user information.

[0080] In S507, the CPU 111 displays an approval waiting screen 902 on the operation unit I / F 115 and waits for the approval result. The approval waiting screen 902 displays a message 9021 indicating that approval is being waited for. Note that in the third embodiment, the configuration is such that the approval result is continuously waited for, but this configuration is not particularly limited to this. For example, the configuration may be such that the processing ends if the approval result is not received after waiting for a certain period of time. Furthermore, a button that allows transition to another screen while waiting for the approval result may be provided on the approval waiting screen 902, and even if the screen has transitioned to another screen, transition to the repair mode screen 903 may be performed if it is determined that approval has been granted.

[0081] In S508, the CPU 111 determines whether or not an approval result has been received, and if YES, the process proceeds to S509, and if not, the process returns to S507.

[0082] In S509, the CPU 111 refers to the received approval result and determines whether or not approval has been granted. If YES, the process proceeds to S510, and if not, the process proceeds to S514.

[0083] S510 and S511 are the same processes as S304 and S305 in the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted. However, the usage history information updated in S510 may be configured to manage any of the configurations 1 to 3 of the usage history information for each user in addition to the configurations 1 to 3 described in the first embodiment.

[0084] In S512, the CPU 111 displays a warning screen 905 on the operation unit I / F 115 and accepts the selection of whether or not to enter repair mode. Note that wording 9051 on the warning screen 905 warns the user that entering repair mode will void the MFP's warranty from the company, and asks the user whether or not to enter repair mode after acknowledging that the MFP will be void of warranty coverage. Furthermore, the warning screen 905 displays a button 9052 for entering repair mode and a button 9053 for not entering repair mode.

[0085] In S513, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the button 9052 for entering repair mode on the warning screen 905 displayed on the operation unit I / F 115 has been selected, and if YES, proceeds to S510, and if not, ends the process.

[0086] In step S514, the CPU 111 displays an approval denial screen 904 indicating that entry into the repair mode has not been approved on the operation unit I / F 115. The approval denial screen 904 displays a message 9041 indicating that approval has not been granted.

[0087] Other possible configurations will be described.

[0088] First, the display of the warning screen 901 in S504 and the warning screen 905 in S512 do not have to be configured to be displayed every time it is determined in S501 that an instruction to enter repair mode has been accepted. For example, they may be displayed only when it is determined that S501 is being executed for the first time, or only when it is determined that the repair mode has not been used or has been used a certain number of times or less by referring to the usage history information updated in S510. Furthermore, they may be displayed only when conditions that can be derived from date information or user information stored in the usage history information are met. Furthermore, conditions related to the frequency of these displays may be determined based on the user information referenced in S502, and they may be displayed only the first time for each user, for example.

[0089] Furthermore, in this embodiment 3, a warning screen is displayed when an operation to enter the repair mode is accepted, and the usage history information is updated when the user agrees to the content of the warning or when approval from the administrator user is obtained after the agreement, as in the embodiment 1. A configuration in which the usage history information is updated when an item in the repair mode is implemented, as in the embodiment 2, may also be used. Specifically, a warning screen may be displayed when an operation to implement an item in the repair mode is accepted, and the usage history information may be updated when the user agrees to the content of the warning or when approval from the administrator user is obtained after the agreement. [Example]

[0090] A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Similar to the first embodiment, the fourth embodiment is a method for solving the aforementioned problems. It is also characterized by switching between displaying a warning screen and updating usage history information when entering repair mode, depending on whether the operating user is a repair technician. In the first to third embodiments, it was described that a warning is displayed and usage history information is updated when any user enters repair mode or performs a repair mode item. On the other hand, if the methods of the first to third embodiments are applied when a repair technician, who should be using the repair mode, uses the repair mode, a warning is displayed and usage history information is updated. This means that unnecessary warnings are displayed and inappropriate usage history information is updated, even in cases where the repair technician should still be covered by the company's warranty after using the repair mode or performing a repair mode item. The fourth embodiment is also a method for solving these problems.

[0091] Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the processing performed when an instruction to enter repair mode is received. The processing shown in the flowchart in Fig. 6 is performed by the CPU 111 reading a program stored in the ROM 112 or storage 114 into the RAM 113 and executing it. The explanation will be given using screens in the screen flow shown in Fig. 10 as appropriate.

[0092] In S601, the CPU 111 determines whether an instruction to enter repair mode has been received, and if YES, proceeds to S602, otherwise ends the processing. There are no particular restrictions on the method for entering repair mode, but Method 1, Method 2, and Method 3 described in S301 are basic implementation methods.

[0093] In S602, the CPU 111 displays an inquiry screen 1001 on the operation unit I / F 115, inquiring whether the operating user is a repair person. The inquiry screen 1001 displays a message 10011 inquiring whether the operating user is a repair person. The inquiry screen 1001 also displays a button 10012 for responding that the user is a repair person and a button 10013 for responding that the user is a user other than a repair person.

[0094] In S603, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the button 10012 for replying that the user is a repair person, as described in S602, has been selected. If YES, the process proceeds to S604; if not, the process proceeds to S607.

[0095] In S604, the CPU 111 performs processing to authenticate that the user currently using the MFP 101 is a repair person. There are no particular restrictions on the authentication method, and a general method may be used, but for example, the repair person may be requested to input an authentication code that has been notified to the repair person in advance, and if the input code is the above-mentioned authentication code, the person can be authenticated as a repair person.

[0096] In S605, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the authentication process in S604 was successful, and if YES, the process proceeds to S606, and if not, the process ends.

[0097] Since the process of S606 is the same as S305 in the first embodiment, the explanation will be omitted.

[0098] The processing from S607 to S609 is the same as that from S302 to S304, and therefore the description will be omitted. Note that the warning screen 1002 corresponds to the warning screen 701 in the first embodiment, and the repair mode screen 1003 corresponds to the repair mode screen 702 in the first embodiment.

[0099] Other possible configurations will be described.

[0100] In the fourth embodiment, when an operation to enter repair mode is accepted, a screen is displayed asking whether the user is a repair person, and if the user answers that the user is a repair person, authentication that the user is a repair person is requested. If the user does not answer that the user is a repair person, a warning screen is displayed as in the first embodiment, and if the user agrees to the contents of the warning, the usage history information is updated. It is also possible to configure the system so that these processes are performed when an operation to perform an item in the repair mode is accepted, rather than when an operation to enter repair mode is accepted.

[0101] <Other embodiments> The present invention can be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 101 Image processing device 102 Network 103 Information processing equipment

Claims

1. An image processing device, a display means for displaying a message in response to a predetermined operation from a user; a switching unit that switches the mode of the image processing device to a setting mode by receiving an operation from the user while the message is being displayed; The image processing device, wherein the message indicates that the image processing device is no longer covered by the warranty.

2. the display means displays the message on a confirmation screen by accepting the predetermined operation from the user; 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the confirmation screen allows an operation to select whether or not to switch to the setting mode.

3. 2. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein switching to the setting mode enables the user to update firmware of the image processing device.

4. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the user can confirm information about components of the image processing apparatus by switching to the setting mode.

5. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is no longer covered by the warranty when the switching means switches the mode of the image processing apparatus to the setting mode.

6. The image processing device according to claim 5, characterized in that when the image processing device is not covered by the warranty and the specified operation is received from the user, the display means does not display the message and the switching means switches the mode of the image processing device to a setting mode.

7. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that transmits a notification to an administrator user of the image processing apparatus when the switching unit switches the mode of the image processing apparatus to the setting mode.

8. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that transmits a notification to an administrator user of the image processing apparatus when the display unit displays the message.

9. A control method for an image processing device, comprising: a display step of displaying a message in response to a predetermined operation from a user; a switching step of switching the mode of the image processing device to a setting mode by receiving an operation from the user while the message is being displayed; The control method, wherein the message is a message indicating that the image processing device is no longer covered by the warranty.

10. In the display step, the message is displayed on a confirmation screen by receiving the predetermined operation from the user; 10. The control method according to claim 9, wherein the confirmation screen allows an operation to select whether or not to switch to the setting mode.

11. 10. The control method according to claim 9, wherein switching to the setting mode enables the user to update firmware of the image processing device.

12. 10. The control method according to claim 9, wherein switching to the setting mode enables the user to check information about components of the image processing apparatus.

13. 10. The control method according to claim 9, wherein the image processing apparatus is no longer covered by the warranty when the mode of the image processing apparatus is switched to the setting mode in the switching step.

14. The control method described in claim 13, characterized in that if the image processing device is not covered by the warranty and the specified operation is received from the user, the message is not displayed in the display process, and the mode of the image processing device is switched to a setting mode in the switching process.

15. 10. The control method according to claim 9, further comprising a notification step of transmitting a notification to an administrator user of the image processing device when the mode of the image processing device is switched to the setting mode in the switching step.

16. 10. The control method according to claim 9, further comprising a notification step of transmitting a notification to an administrator user of the image processing apparatus by displaying the message in the display step.

Images