Information processing apparatus and display method

Abstract

To provide an information processing apparatus and the like capable of, for example, intuitively selecting a desired user display from user displays associated with respective users and reducing login errors due to selection errors of the user displays.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus includes a display unit configured to display one or more user indications corresponding to one or more users on a display screen, a processing unit configured to execute a process of logging in as a user corresponding to a user indication selected from the one or more user indications, and a control unit configured to perform control to display the one or more user indications at predetermined display positions fixed on the display screen.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] For example, as shown in Patent Document 1, an image forming device is known that searches for user information based on a user who logs in by selecting a user icon displayed on a display means and a user who logs in according to communication with a card, and then executes login processing for the searched user. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-227048 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For example, an information processing device or the like is realized that allows a user to intuitively select a desired user display from among user displays associated with each user, thereby reducing login errors due to incorrect selection of a user display. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The information processing device of the present disclosure includes a display unit that displays one or more user displays corresponding to one or more users on a display screen, a processing unit that executes a process of logging in as a user corresponding to a user display selected from the one or more user displays, and a control unit that controls the display of the one or more user displays at predetermined display positions fixed on the display screen.

[0006] The display method disclosed herein includes a display step of displaying one or more user displays corresponding to one or more users on a display screen, a processing step of executing a process of logging in as a user corresponding to a user display selected from the one or more user displays, and a control step of controlling the display of the one or more user displays at predetermined display positions fixed on the display screen. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the information processing device of the present disclosure, it is possible to intuitively select a desired user display from among user displays associated with each user, thereby realizing an information processing device, etc. that can reduce login errors due to incorrect selection of a user display. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the overall configuration in a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of user information in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the flow of a login screen display process in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the flow of a user management process in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 11]FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the flow of a user management process in the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation in the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the flow of a user management process in the third embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation in the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In an information processing device, for example, when using the information processing device or receiving various services through the information processing device, the information processing device can be made available by logging in. Here, when logging in to the information processing device, the user needs to log in to the information processing device by, for example, inputting a user ID and a password, and then perform various processes on the acquired image and output it.

[0010] Incidentally, information processing devices can be provided in various devices. For example, when an information processing device is provided in an image forming device such as an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral / Printer / Product), a login method (referred to as quick login in this disclosure) is known that allows a user to easily log in by selecting an icon.

[0011] During quick login, users register by assigning an icon. When registering a user, if an icon is selected along with the registration of user information, there is a possibility that the icon will overlap with that of another user. If the same icon as another user is used, users often select their own user display based on the icon when logging in, and may accidentally select another user's icon and log in as the wrong user. Therefore, if a control is implemented to not display the selected icon during user registration, icons will not overlap with those of other users, but there is an issue that some users may find the operation of selecting an icon itself troublesome.

[0012] An information processing device that solves these problems will be described below with reference to the following embodiments. Note that the following embodiments are merely examples of the disclosure set forth in the claims, and the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the description of the following embodiments.

[0013] [1. First embodiment] A first embodiment will be described below. Note that the first embodiment will be described using the following as an example. In the following embodiment, a case will be described in which an information processing device of the present disclosure is applied to an image forming device, but the information processing device of the present disclosure can also be applied to devices other than image forming devices.

[0014] [1.1 Overall structure] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus 10. As shown in FIG.

[0015] The image forming apparatus 10 is, for example, a device called a multifunction peripheral or an MFP. For example, when the image forming apparatus 10 executes a job (print job), it can form an image on a recording medium, such as paper. The image forming apparatus 10 can execute jobs for a plurality of processes, such as copy processing, FAX (facsimile) processing, scan processing, and print processing.

[0016] Furthermore, the network (NW) connecting the image forming device 10 may be any communication line or communication system, such as a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network), VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network), the Internet, a public line network, mobile communications (e.g., mobile communications such as 4G / 5G / 6G), or a next-generation telephone network.

[0017] [1.2 Hardware Configuration] The hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described below with reference to the drawing. Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 10 has a control unit 100, a storage 110 as a storage device (storage unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory) 120, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 130, a display unit 140, an operation unit 150, an image forming unit 160, an image reading unit 165, and a communication unit 170.

[0019] The control unit 100 controls the entire image forming apparatus 10. The control unit 100 realizes various functions by reading and executing various programs stored in a storage device (for example, storage 110 or ROM 120). The control unit 100 may be realized by one or more control devices / arithmetic units (CPUs (Central Processing Units), SoCs (System on a Chip)). The control unit 100 may also be configured by one or more control circuits.

[0020] The storage 110 is a non-volatile storage device capable of storing programs and data. For example, the storage 110 may be configured as one or more storage devices such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The storage 110 may also be configured as an external device such as a universal serial bus (USB) memory that can be connected to the image forming apparatus 10. The storage 110 may also be a storage area on a cloud, for example.

[0021] The ROM 120 is a non-volatile memory that can retain programs and data even when the power is turned off.

[0022] The RAM 130 is a main memory that is mainly used when the control unit 100 executes processing. The RAM 130 is a rewritable memory that temporarily stores programs read from the storage 110 or the ROM 120, and data including execution results.

[0023] The display unit 140 is a display device capable of displaying various types of information and various screens such as an execution screen. The display unit 140 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic electroluminescence (EL) display, an electrophoretic display, or other display device. The display unit 140 also includes an interface to which a display device can be connected. For example, the display unit 140 may be configured as an external display device connected via an HDMI (registered trademark) High-Definition Multimedia Interface, a DVI (Digital Visual Interface), or a Display Port.

[0024] The operation unit 150 is an operation device capable of receiving operation input from a user. For example, it may be software keys displayed on a touch panel integrated with the display unit 140, or hardware keys such as operation buttons. The operation unit 150 may also be an operation device such as a keyboard or a mouse. The operation unit 150 may also include an interface (e.g., USB) to which an operation device can be connected. For example, the image forming apparatus 10 may be connected to a different operation device (e.g., a keyboard or a mouse) via an interface.

[0025] The image forming unit 160 forms an image, for example, on recording paper. The image forming unit 160 includes, for example, an image carrier, and forms a toner image on the image carrier and transfers the toner image on the image carrier onto recording paper to form an image. The image forming unit 160 may be configured as an image forming apparatus 10 such as a printer. The image forming unit 160 may also form an image electronically as an image file.

[0026] Image reading unit 165 reads an original (image) and outputs it as image data. Image reading unit 165 is, for example, a scanner, and may be a reading device using a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), a CIS (Contact Image Sensor), or a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) image sensor.

[0027] The communication unit 170 is a communication interface for communicating with other devices. For example, it may be a network interface that can provide wired or wireless connection. In this embodiment, communication with other devices is possible via a network (NW).

[0028] [1.3 Software Configuration] The main software configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Note that the software configuration shown in Fig. 3 mainly describes the configuration required in this embodiment, and other configurations are omitted.

[0029] For example, the control unit 100 can realize a login processing unit 1010 by reading and executing a program stored in a memory unit (storage 110, ROM 120).

[0030] The login processing unit 1010 executes login processing and authentication of a user. For example, when a login-authenticated user who is able to log in logs in to the image forming apparatus 10, the logged-in user can execute various processes of the image forming apparatus 10. The process in which a user logs in or out of the image forming apparatus 10 is called login processing.

[0031] When executing the login process, the login processing unit 1010 realizes a normal login function (hereinafter referred to as the "normal login function") and a quick login function (hereinafter referred to as the "quick login function") in this embodiment.

[0032] Here, the normal login function is a function in which a user logs in to the image forming apparatus 10 by inputting a login name, password, etc. On the other hand, the quick login function is a function in which a user selects a user display displayed in a list on the display unit 140, for example, and logs in to the image forming apparatus 10. Here, the user display is a display of at least an identification image (icon image) such as an icon that identifies the user, and may include a login name (user name).

[0033] The storage 110 also reserves a user information storage area 1110 for storing user information. The user information is, for example, information for a user to log in to the image forming apparatus 10. An example of the user information stored in the user information storage area 1110 will now be described with reference to FIG. 4. The user information storage area 1110 stores an ID (e.g., "1") of the display position (registration position) where the image forming apparatus 10 displays a list of user displays on the display unit 140, an item corresponding to the ID (e.g., "registration status"), and a value corresponding to the item (e.g., "registered").

[0034] The user information may include information related to the display of the user display (for example, login name, icon image, etc.), information required for login (for example, password), and additional information (for example, email, identification number, affiliation, etc.) Note that the user information is stored, for example, in association with an ID and at least one or more types of unique icon image.

[0035] The storage 110 also allocates an icon image storage area 1120 for storing icon images. The icon image storage area 1120 stores icon images that identify user displays. The icon images are image files such as BMP, PNG, GIF, and JPG, and may also include characters such as text and symbols as necessary. The icon images may be stored in advance or created by the user.

[0036] [1.4 Processing flow] The processing flow in this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 5, 6, and 7. Figures 5, 6, and 7 are diagrams showing the processing flow in this embodiment. Note that each component described in Figure 2 or 3 may execute the processing of each step.

[0037] [1.4.1 Quick Login Process] 5 is a diagram showing the flow of quick login processing in this embodiment. First, the control unit 100 executes a login screen display process to display a quick login screen as a display screen on the display unit 140, for example (S102).

[0038] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether a user display on the quick login screen has been selected (S104). If the control unit 100 determines that a registered user display has been selected, it determines whether the user display has been registered (S104; Yes → S106). Next, if the user display has been registered, the control unit 100 executes login processing (S106; Yes → S108).

[0039] Furthermore, when the control unit 100 determines that a registered user display has not been selected (S104; No), or when the user display is unregistered (S106; No), it determines whether or not a user management process has been selected (S110). If the user management process has been selected by the user, the control unit 100 executes the user management process (S110; Yes → S112). Here, the user management process may include a process for registering a new user, a process for deleting a registered user, and a process for changing the location of the user display (registered position) after registration.

[0040] Next, the control unit 100 executes an update process for the quick login screen, and reflects the display state of the user display registered or deleted by the user management process (S114).

[0041] If the control unit 100 determines that the user management process has not been selected, it determines whether or not a process other than the above-described process has been selected (S110; No → S116). If a process other than the above-described process has been selected, it ends the quick login process (S116; Yes). If no other process has been selected, the control unit 100 repeatedly executes the quick login process (S116; No → S102).

[0042] The above-described operation flow is an example, and some different processes may be performed. In this embodiment, for example, a process of switching between a plurality of quick login screens may be performed between S102 and S104.

[0043] [1.4.2 Login screen display process] 6 is a diagram showing the flow of login screen display processing in this embodiment. First, the control unit 100 reads out user information corresponding to the first user display (S132). Here, the first user display is the user display that is displayed first on the quick login screen. For example, if the first to eighth user displays are displayed on the quick login screen, the first user display is the first user display.

[0044] For example, if up to eight user displays can be displayed on the quick login screen, the control unit 100 displays the first to eighth user displays. In this way, the control unit 100 can display a list of user displays on the quick login screen, starting from the first user display.

[0045] Here, it is preferable that the positions of the user displays are fixed on the quick login screen. That is, when the first to eighth user displays are displayed on the quick login screen, the user displays are displayed in ID order, and unique icon images associated with different icon image types and IDs are displayed at fixed positions (registered positions). That is, the icon types are set in the order of registration or in advance (at fixed, predetermined display positions) corresponding to the registered positions of each button (user display). This allows the user to intuitively find the user display they want to log in with from the display positions (registered positions) of the user displays including the icon images and perform the login process.

[0046] Next, the control unit 100 displays a user display on the quick login screen according to the registration status of the user information (S134).

[0047] Here, the following methods can be considered as a method of displaying according to the registration status of user information. As a first method, when user information is registered, for example, a user display including an icon image and a login name is displayed, and when user information is not registered, a user display of only an icon image is displayed. As a second method, when user information is not registered, for example, a user display showing an icon image and "not registered" in the login name is displayed. As a third method, when user information is not registered (unregistered icon image), a user display is displayed that has a different display mode from when user information is registered, for example, an icon image that is displayed with a slightly transparent (light density) display density different from when user information is registered, an icon image with the same design but a different color, an icon image that is different from when user information is registered, and an icon image that displays a sub-icon image.

[0048] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether all the user displays have been displayed, for example, whether the eighth user display has been displayed if eight user displays can be displayed on the quick login screen (S136). If all the user displays have not been displayed, the control unit 100 reads the next user information (S136; No → S138). On the other hand, if all the user displays have been displayed, the control unit 100 ends the login screen display process (S136; Yes).

[0049] [1.4.3 User management processing] 7 is a diagram showing the flow of user management processing in this embodiment. Note that here, processing for registering a user is shown as an example of the user management processing.

[0050] First, the control unit 100 determines whether all user information has been registered (S160). Next, if there is an unregistered user information, the control unit 100 displays a dialog as a user registration display screen (user registration screen) that allows input of user information (S160; No → S162). Note that in the present embodiment, a dialog is displayed, but, for example, a display screen may be displayed on the display unit 140 instead of the dialog. Also, for example, the control unit 100 selects IDs of unregistered user information as registration targets in a predetermined order, and displays the user registration screen including icon images corresponding to the IDs. Here, in a pattern where the user does not select a location, the control unit 100 preferably selects and registers IDs to be registered in order, starting from the top (top left) of the unregistered IDs, for example.

[0051] Next, the control unit 100 accepts input of user information from the user (S164). Subsequently, the control unit 100 determines whether or not input of user information is completed, and if it determines that input of user information is completed, stores the user information input by the user, for example, in ID order or in the ID corresponding to the icon image displayed in process S162 (S166; Yes → S168). Furthermore, if input of user information is not completed, the control unit 100 repeatedly executes input of user information (S166; No → S164).

[0052] If the control unit 100 determines that all the user indications have been registered, it notifies the user that the user indications cannot be registered (S160; Yes→S170).

[0053] [1.5 Example of operation] 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 are diagrams showing examples of display screens including messages displayed to the user as a result of the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 in this embodiment.

[0054] 8 shows an example of a display screen W100 displayed on the display unit 140 of the image forming apparatus 10, and is a diagram showing an example of a quick login screen (display screen) including a message displayed to a user when the user logs in to the image forming apparatus 10 using the quick login function. A button B100 and a user display list display area R100 are displayed on the display screen W100.

[0055] In the user display list display area R100, user displays are listed in order from the top left according to ID, for example. In this embodiment, up to eight user displays can be registered, with up to five registered. However, this is not limited to this. The number of user displays that can be registered per screen may be eight, with the ninth and subsequent users being registered on the second screen and subsequent screens. Here, for example, if the ID of the user display at the start of display is "1," the user display list display area R100 displays a list of registered user displays U102 corresponding to ID "1" and unregistered user displays U104 corresponding to ID "6." Here, the user display U102 displays an icon image associated with the user information with ID "1" and a user name, while the user display U104 displays an icon image associated with the user information with ID "6," without displaying the user name. In other words, when user information associated with a user display displayed in a predetermined display position is registered, the user name is displayed along with the icon image.

[0056] Here, when the user selects the registered user display U102, the control unit 100 executes the login process and displays, for example, the display screen W118 of FIG. 12(a) with the login user name displayed on the button B114 set to "AIU." On the other hand, when the user selects the unregistered user display U104, the control unit 100 does not execute the login process. At this time, an invalid input sound may be sounded to notify the user that the operation on the unregistered user display U104 is invalid. Furthermore, when the user selects (tap) the button B100, the control unit 100 displays the display screen W104 and window display (action panel) W106 of FIG. 10(a). In this way, the control unit 100 displays the ID, the registration position, and the type of icon (image) in association with each other. Therefore, the type of user icon varies depending on the registration position of the icon, thereby reducing the chance of selecting the wrong user display (user icon) during login.

[0057] Fig. 9(a) is a diagram showing an example of an icon image used for user display in this embodiment. Fig. 9(a) shows an ID and a unique icon image corresponding to the ID. Here, registered icon images and unregistered icon images are registered corresponding to the ID.

[0058] FIG. 9(b) is a diagram showing an example of a display screen (quick login screen) W102 with a different pattern from the display screen W100 of FIG. 8 using the icon image shown in FIG. 9(a). A registered user display U106 and an unregistered user display U108 are displayed in an area R106 of the display screen W102. Here, the registered icon image corresponding to ID "1" is displayed in the user display U106, as shown in FIG. 9(a). Meanwhile, the unregistered icon image corresponding to ID "6" is displayed in the user display U108, as shown in FIG. 9(a). In this way, the icon image corresponding to each registration position can be displayed in a lighter shade before registration, making it possible to recognize that the icon image is unregistered.

[0059] FIG. 10(a) is a diagram showing an example of a display screen W104 displayed on the display unit 140 of the image forming apparatus 10 and a window display (action panel) W106 displayed superimposed on the display screen W104. The window display W106 displays a button B102 for adding a user and a button B104. The window display W106 includes the button B102 for adding a user and a button for deleting a user, respectively. Alternatively, for example, only one button, such as an "Add / Edit User" button, may be displayed. When the user selects (e.g., taps) the button B102 for adding a user, the control unit 100 displays (launches) a display screen (user registration dialog) W108 shown in FIG. 10(b). On the other hand, when the user selects button B104, the control unit 100 displays, for example, the display screen W100 of FIG. 8 or the display screen W102 of FIG. 9(b).

[0060] 10(b) is a diagram showing an example of a display screen W108 displayed on the display unit 140 of the image forming apparatus 10 and a window display W110 displayed superimposed on the display screen W108. The window display W110 displayed superimposed on the display screen W108 displays an icon image display area R110, a login name (user name) input form F100, an e-mail address input form F102, a register button B108, and a (cancel) button B106, with the login name input form F100 and the e-mail address input form F102 displayed with no values. Here, the icon images displayed in the icon image display area R110 are selected by the control unit 100 in order from the top (top left) of the IDs whose user information is not registered, and the icon images corresponding to the selected IDs are displayed. As a different pattern for the display screen W108, for example, the control unit 100 may further display a password input form and a password (confirmation) input form in a window display W110 superimposed on the display screen W108, or may display only the login name input form F100. Also, if the entry of a login name is required, a message to that effect may be displayed.

[0061] Here, when the user enters values ​​in the login name input form F100 and the email address input form F102 and selects (tap) the register button B108, the control unit 100 stores the entered user information in the user information corresponding to the selected ID and displays the display screen W116 of Fig. 11(b). On the other hand, when the user selects the (cancel) button B106, for example, the display screen W100 of Fig. 8 is displayed.

[0062] Fig. 11(a) is a diagram showing an example of a display screen W112 displayed on the display unit 140 of the image forming apparatus 10, and a window display W114 displayed superimposed on the display screen W112. For example, Fig. 11(b) shows an example of an input screen that is displayed when a user selects a login name input form F100 or an e-mail address input form F102 on the display screen W108. The window display W114 displayed superimposed on the display screen (input screen) W112 displays a software keyboard area R112, an input form F104, an OK button B110, and a Cancel button B112.

[0063] For example, if the user selects the login name input form F100 in Fig. 10(b), the user inputs a login name into the input form F104 in Fig. 11(a). Next, when the user selects the OK button B110, the control unit 100 reflects the login name input into the input form F104 in the login name input form F100 in Fig. 10(b) and displays the display screen W108 in Fig. 10(b). On the other hand, when the user selects the Cancel button B112, the control unit 100 displays the display screen W108 in Fig. 10(b) with the login name input form F100 in Fig. 10(b) left blank without reflecting the input.

[0064] 11(b) is a diagram showing an example of a display screen W116 displayed on the display unit 140 of the image forming apparatus 10. In the user display list display area R114 of the display screen W116, a newly registered user display U110 is displayed as a new user added to the empty unregistered user display (top, left-justified) on the quick login screen. Here, when a user selects the user display U110, the control unit 100 executes a login process and displays, for example, the display screen W118 of FIG. 12(a). In this way, it may be possible to register user icons only in a predetermined order (starting from the top of the unregistered IDs).

[0065] FIG. 12(a) is a diagram showing an example of a display screen W118 displayed as a home screen on the display unit 140 of the image forming apparatus 10. A logout button B114 is displayed on the display screen W118. The logout button B114 may or may not display, for example, the login name of the logged-in (currently logged-in) user along with the button name (logout). An area R116 on the display screen W118 displays an operation menu (function buttons) for executing various jobs. When the user selects the logout button B114, for example, the display screen W116 of FIG. 11(b) or the display screen W100 of FIG. 8 may be displayed.

[0066] 12(b) is a diagram showing an example of a display screen W120 that the control unit 100 displays on the display unit 140 of the image forming apparatus 10 when, for example, the user selects the Add User button B102 in FIG. 10(a) after all user displays have been registered. A window display W122 is displayed superimposed on the display screen W120. The window display W122 displays a message M100 stating "User registration is not possible" and an OK button B116. When the user selects the OK button B116, the control unit 100 closes the window display W122 and displays a quick login screen on which all registered user displays are displayed.

[0067] [1.6 Effects] As described above, according to this embodiment, when registering a user for quick login, an icon selection screen is not displayed, and unique icons are assigned in the order in which the users are registered. In other words, because the icons are always unique, it is possible to reduce the number of times the wrong user logs in due to an incorrect icon selection. Furthermore, by eliminating the step of the icon selection screen during user registration and eliminating the need to register (select) an icon on the quick login user registration screen, it is possible to reduce the complexity of the operation.

[0068] Furthermore, the type of user icon for the logged-in user is fixed relative to the registration position of the icon (user display), so the user can intuitively select a user display based on the correspondence between the registration position of the user display and the icon image.

[0069] [2. Second Embodiment] The second embodiment will be described below. For example, in this embodiment, when registering user information, a user display whose user information is not registered is highlighted, and the user information can be registered in association with a user display that is fixedly displayed at one registration position arbitrarily selected by the user from among vacant unregistered positions (registration positions of user displays whose user information is not registered).

[0070] In the second embodiment, explanations of the same hardware and software configurations as those in the first embodiment will be omitted, and the explanation will focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0071] [2.1 Processing flow] The processing flow in this embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a diagram illustrating the flow of user management processing in this embodiment. Fig. 13 replaces Fig. 7 of the first embodiment. S202 and S204 are executed before S162 in Fig. 7, and S206 is executed instead of S168.

[0072] First, the control unit 100 highlights and displays a user display (unregistered user display) whose user information corresponds to an ID that is not registered (S202). Here, the following methods can be considered as a method for highlighting and displaying a user display. As a first method, user displays (registered user displays) other than the unregistered user display are displayed transparently. As a second method, the icon images of the unregistered user displays are displayed in a different color. As a third method, registered user displays are displayed in a grayed-out state.

[0073] Next, the control unit 100 accepts a selection of a user display from the user and determines whether an unregistered user display is selected (S204). The control unit 100 determines whether an unregistered user display is selected (S204; No → S204) until an unregistered user display is selected. If an unregistered user display is selected, the control unit 100 displays a user registration dialog (S204; Yes → S162).

[0074] Furthermore, when the input of the user information is completed, the control unit 100 stores the input user information in the ID of the unregistered user display selected in step S204 (S166; Yes→S206).

[0075] [2.2 Example of operation] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen W200 that is displayed when, for example, the Add User button B102 is selected on the display screen W104 of FIG. 10(a) as a result of operation of the image forming apparatus 10 in this embodiment. A region R200 on the display screen W200 displays a list of registered user icons U200 and unregistered user icons U202. The registered user icons U200 are displayed transparently, while the unregistered user icons U202, which represent empty, unregistered locations, are highlighted. When the user selects (tap) the user icon U202, the control unit 100 displays (launches) the display screen W108 of FIG. 10(b) as a user registration dialog. In this manner, registered users are displayed in a dimmed (light) state, while unregistered user icons and text are displayed normally (darker than registered user icons). Furthermore, the user can register user information by associating it with a user icon displayed fixedly at any registration position among the unregistered users.

[0076] [2.3 Effects] The control unit 100 highlights the user display of unregistered user information, making it easier for the user to select an unregistered user display and preventing the user from accidentally selecting a registered user display. In user registration, the user can freely register at a position that is easy for the user to remember and operate by selecting the registration position.

[0077] 3. Third Embodiment The third embodiment will be described below. For example, when executing the user information management process, it is possible to select the location of registered user display, and if the user information is unregistered, user registration can be performed, and if a registered user is selected, user information can be updated (user editing).

[0078] In the third embodiment, explanations of the same hardware and software configurations as the first and second embodiments will be omitted, and the explanation will focus on the differences from the first and second embodiments.

[0079] [3.1 Processing flow] The processing flow in this embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a diagram illustrating the flow of user management processing in this embodiment. Fig. 15 replaces Fig. 13 of the second embodiment. S302 is executed instead of S202 in Fig. 13, and S304 and S306 are executed after S204.

[0080] First, the control unit 100 determines whether a user display has been selected or not until a user display is selected (S302; No → S302). If the control unit 100 determines that a user display has been selected, it determines whether an unregistered user display has been selected or not (S302; Yes → S204). Next, if the control unit 100 determines that a registered user display has been selected, it reads out user information corresponding to the selected registered user display (S204; No → S304). Next, the control unit 100 displays a dialog in which the read out user information can be edited (S306).

[0081] [3.2 Example of operation] FIG. 16(a) is a diagram showing an example of a display screen W300 that is displayed when, for example, the Add User button B102 is selected on the display screen W104 of FIG. 10(a) as a result of operation of the image forming apparatus 10 in this embodiment. A region R300 of the display screen W300 displays a list of registered user display U300 and unregistered user display U302. When the user selects (tap) the user display U300 from the list, the control unit 100 displays the display screen W302 of FIG. 16(b). On the other hand, when the user selects (tap) the user display U302 from the list, the control unit 100 displays the display screen W108 of FIG. 10(b). In this way, both the user display of registered users and the user display of unregistered users are displayed in the normal manner, and depending on which user display is selected, the control unit 100 determines whether to display the user edit dialog box or the user registration dialog box.

[0082] 16(b) is a diagram showing an example of a display screen W302 displayed on the display unit 140 of the image forming apparatus 10 and a window display (user editing dialog) W304 displayed superimposed on the display screen W302. The window display W304 displays an icon image display area R302, a login name input form F100, an e-mail address input form F102, a register button B108, and a (cancel) button B106.

[0083] Here, the icon image displayed in the icon image display area R302 corresponds to the registered user display U300 selected by the user in FIG. 16(a), and cannot be edited. Similarly, the control unit 100 also inputs and displays values ​​stored in the user information corresponding to the registered user display U300 in the login name input form F100 and the email address input form F102. When the user inputs information into at least one of the login name input form F100 and the email address input form F102 (editing a registered user) and selects (tap) the register button B108, the control unit 100 stores (updates) the input user information in the user information corresponding to the ID of the user display U300, and displays, for example, the display screen W116 of FIG. 11(b). On the other hand, when the user selects the (cancel) button B106, for example, the display screen W100 of FIG. 8 is displayed.

[0084] In this embodiment, registered user indications and unregistered user indications are not highlighted. However, for example, the control unit 100 may highlight registered user indications and unregistered user indications by changing the display color of the registered user indications and unregistered user indications, or by displaying sub-icon images or the like.

[0085] [3.3 Effects] In addition to registering user displays, the control unit 100 can also edit the user displays. When editing user displays, it is possible to reduce the number of selection errors when selecting the user display to be edited, which saves the user the trouble of performing operations and reduces the complexity of operations.

[0086] [4. Modifications] 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 present disclosure are also included in the technical scope.

[0087] In the above-described embodiment, an image forming apparatus has been described as an example of an information processing apparatus. However, the information processing apparatus can also be applied to other devices. For example, examples of the information processing apparatus may include information processing apparatuses such as smartphones and tablets. Furthermore, the information processing apparatus may also be home appliances equipped with IoT functions (e.g., air conditioners, refrigerators, televisions, etc.). Furthermore, the information processing apparatus is not limited to stationary devices, but may also be, for example, portable devices or in-vehicle devices. For example, the in-vehicle device may be a device such as a car navigation system.

[0088] Although the above-mentioned embodiments are described separately for convenience of explanation, they can be combined to the extent possible. Furthermore, the present invention intends to obtain rights to any of the technologies described in the specification through amendments or divisional applications, etc.

[0089] In addition, the programs that run on each device in each embodiment 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 and HDDs, and is read, modified, and written by the CPU as needed.

[0090] Here, the recording medium for storing the program 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), CD (Compact Disc), BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc), etc.), magnetic recording media (e.g., magnetic tape, flexible disk, etc.), etc.

[0091] Furthermore, when distributing the program in 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 device is also included in the present disclosure.

[0092] Furthermore, the above-mentioned data may not be stored within the device, but may be stored in an external device and called up as needed. For example, the data may be stored in a network attached storage (NAS) or on the cloud.

[0093] The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the configurations explicitly described in the specification, but also includes combinations of the technologies disclosed in the specification. The configurations of the present disclosure for which a patent is sought are set forth in the appended claims, but it is not intended to exclude them from the technical scope on the grounds that they are not set forth in the claims.

[0094] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned specification, the statements "in the case of" and "when" are given as examples and are not intended to limit the configuration to the described contents. The disclosure also includes configurations that are not in these cases or situations, even if they would be obvious to a person skilled in the art, and the applicant intends to obtain rights to them.

[0095] Furthermore, the order of the processes and data flow described in the specification is not limited to the order described. For example, the patent also discloses configurations in which some processes are deleted or the order is changed, and the patent holder intends to obtain the rights to such configurations.

[0096] Furthermore, although the functions described in the embodiments are executed by each device, they may be realized by one device or may further utilize an external server.

[0097] Furthermore, each functional block or feature of the device used in the above-described embodiments may be implemented or performed by an electrical circuit, for example, an integrated circuit or multiple integrated circuits. The electrical circuit designed to perform 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 that replace current integrated circuits, one or more aspects of the present disclosure may also utilize new integrated circuits based on that technology. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 10 Image forming device 100 control section 110 Storage 120 ROM 130 RAM 140 Display section 150 Operation section 160 Image forming unit 165 Image reading unit 170 Communications Department

Claims

1. a display unit that displays one or more user displays corresponding to one or more users on a display screen; a processing unit that executes a process of logging in as a user corresponding to a user indication selected from the one or more user indications; a control unit that controls display of the one or more user displays at predetermined fixed display positions on the display screen; An information processing device comprising:

2. The one or more user representations are each associated with a corresponding icon image; The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit displays different types of icon images depending on the display position.

3. The one or more user indications can be registered in association with user information of the user, The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit displays the icon image at the display position even for a user display whose user information is not registered.

4. The information processing device according to claim 3 , wherein the control unit displays the icon image associated with a user display whose user information is not registered and the icon image associated with a user display whose user information is registered in different display modes.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the control unit changes the display mode by changing a display density of the icon image or a display color of the icon image.

6. The information processing device of claim 3, wherein when the control unit registers the user information in correspondence with the user display, the control unit registers the user information in accordance with a predetermined display order of the user display displayed on the display screen, or the user selects and registers any of the display positions of the user display displayed on the display screen.

7. a display step of displaying one or more user displays corresponding to one or more users on a display screen; a processing step of executing a process of logging in as a user corresponding to a user indication selected from the one or more user indications; a control step of controlling the display of the one or more user displays at predetermined display positions fixed on the display screen; Display methods including.

Images