Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of easily switching processing for storing setting information and an identification number of a medium in association with each other and processing for calling the setting information.SOLUTION: In a case where the first screen is displayed on the panel 105, when the reader 107 reads the card number from the card 200, the CPU101 executes the calling processing (NVRAM104) of calling the shortcut associated with the read card number from the S30, and in a case where the second screen is displayed on the panel 105, when the reader 107 reads the card number from the card 200, the NVRAM104 executes the storing processing (S32) of storing the shortcut including the current device setting in association with the read card number.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present application relates to a technology for registering and retrieving setting information. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 describes an image processing device that stores setting information required for performing a scan process in association with a card's serial number, and when the card's serial number is read by a card reader, performs a scan process in accordance with the setting information stored in association with the read serial number. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-10059 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the image processing device described in Patent Document 1 does not provide a detailed description of how to switch between the process of storing the setting information in association with the medium identification number and the process of calling up the setting information.

[0005] An object of the present application is to provide a technology that enables easy switching between a process for storing setting information in association with a medium identification number and a process for calling up setting information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the information processing device of the present application comprises a reading unit that reads identification information from a medium, a memory unit that associates the identification information with setting information and stores it, a display unit, and a control unit that executes processing based on the setting information associated with the identification information, and when a first screen is displayed on the display unit, the control unit executes a call process that, when the reading unit reads the identification information from the medium, calls up the setting information associated with the read identification information from the memory unit, and when a second screen is displayed on the display unit, the control unit executes a storage process that, when the reading unit reads the identification information from the medium, stores the setting information including the current device settings in the memory unit, associated with the read identification information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to easily switch between the process of storing the setting information in association with the medium identification number and the process of calling up the setting information. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of a multifunction peripheral to which an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied; [Figure 2] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a database stored in an NVRAM included in the multifunction peripheral of FIG. 1; [Figure 3] 2A to 2C are diagrams showing an example of transition of a display screen displayed on a panel included in the multifunction peripheral of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a transition of a display screen following the transition of the display screen of FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 5] 5A to 5C are diagrams showing an example of a transition of the display screen following the transition of the display screen in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 2 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a main routine executed by the multifunction peripheral of FIG. 1, particularly by a CPU. [Figure 7] 7 is a flowchart showing the detailed procedure of shortcut processing included in the main routine of FIG. 6. [Figure 8]8 is a flowchart showing the detailed procedure of a shortcut call process included in the shortcut process of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 8 is a flowchart showing the detailed procedure of a short registration process included in the shortcut process of FIG. 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0010] 1 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of a multifunction peripheral 100 to which an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. The multifunction peripheral 100 is a device equipped with functions such as printing, scanning, copying, and faxing. Hereinafter, the multifunction peripheral 100 will be referred to as MFP100. MFP is an abbreviation for Multifunction Peripheral.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the MFP 100 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 101, a read-only memory (ROM) 102, a random access memory (RAM) 103, and a non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) 104.

[0012] The CPU 101 is responsible for overall control of the MFP 100, but in this embodiment, it controls the print engine 111 and the read engine 112 via an engine IF (Interface) 110 in accordance with setting information. The engine IF 110, the print engine 111, and the read engine 112 will be described later.

[0013] The ROM 102 is a memory that stores a control program executed by the CPU 101. The CPU 101 reads out the control program stored in the ROM 102 and executes various processes.

[0014] The RAM 103 is a memory that temporarily stores image data, etc. The RAM 103 is also used as a storage area that temporarily stores data, signals, etc. that the CPU 101 uses when executing a control program, or as a work area for data processing.

[0015] The NVRAM 104 is a non-volatile memory that stores setting information and the like.

[0016] The MFP 100 also includes a panel 105 and keys 106 .

[0017] In this embodiment, panel 105 is a touch panel, and various screens are displayed on panel 105 depending on the state of MFP 100. The user can perform input operations by pressing input buttons, icons, a software keyboard (see FIG. 3, etc., described later), etc. on the screen.

[0018] The keys 106 are hard keys, that is, keys formed by hardware. Typical examples include a power switch and a reset switch (neither of which are shown).

[0019] The MFP 100 further includes a reading unit 107 and a communication IF 108 .

[0020] In this embodiment, the reading unit 107 is a card reader that reads a card number from the card 200. In this embodiment, an IC card with a built-in IC (Integrated Circuit) chip is used as the card 200. The reading unit 107 reads the card number in the IC chip by near field communication (NFC) in response to the approach or contact of the card 200. For this reason, the card number is stored in the IC chip. Note that the information is not limited to the card number, and may be any information that can specify and identify the card 200, such as the owner's ID, serial number, or manufacturing number.

[0021] The communication IF 108 connects the MFP 100 to a communication network (not shown). In this embodiment, the communication network is assumed to be a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network), and therefore the communication IF 108 is a LAN IF (Local Area Network Interface) or a WLAN IF (Wireless LAN Interface). Of course, there are cases where a wired LAN and a wireless LAN coexist, in which case the communication IF 108 includes both a LAN IF and a WLAN IF.

[0022] The communication IF 108 further includes a FAXIF (Interface) that connects the MFP 100 to a telephone line (or to the Internet in the case of Internet fax) in order to send and receive faxes.

[0023] The MFP 100 also includes an engine IF 110. A print engine 111 and a read engine 112 are connected to the engine IF 110.

[0024] The print engine 111 is an engine for printing an image on a sheet, and may employ an electrophotographic system, an inkjet system, a thermal system, or the like.

[0025] The reading engine 112 is an engine for reading an image from a document, and includes a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) and a CIS (Contact Image Sensor).

[0026] The engine IF 110 is a control circuit for controlling the print engine 111 and the read engine 112 , and the CPU 101 controls the print engine 111 and the read engine 112 via the engine IF 110 .

[0027] The engine IF 110 has a first engine IF (not shown) for controlling the print engine 111 and a second engine IF (not shown) for controlling the read engine 112. The first engine IF executes operations such as outputting control signals to the print engine 111 and outputting image data to the print engine 111 based on instructions from the CPU 101. The second engine IF executes operations such as outputting control signals to the read engine 112 and inputting image data from the read engine 112 based on instructions from the CPU 101.

[0028] The MFP 100 further includes an image processing circuit 120 .

[0029] The image processing circuit 120 has a first image processing circuit (not shown) and a second image processing circuit (not shown). The first image processing circuit rasterizes image data related to a print job. The rasterized image data is temporarily stored in RAM 103 and output to the print engine 111. The second image processing circuit processes image data read from a document by the reading engine 112 into digital data. The image data processed into digital data is transmitted to the outside via the communication IF 108 or supplied to the print engine 111 and output to a sheet. The image data read from a document by the reading engine 112 is temporarily stored in RAM 103 and output to the second image processing circuit. Here, in this embodiment, "read" may also be described as "scan."

[0030] The CPU 101, ROM 102, RAM 103, NVRAM 104, panel 105, keys 106, reading unit 107, communication IF 108, engine IF 110, and image processing circuit 120 are interconnected by a bus 130.

[0031] Fig. 2 shows an example of a database (hereinafter abbreviated as "DB") created in NVRAM 104. Fig. 2(a) shows an example of a shortcut DB, and Fig. 2(b) shows an example of an address book DB. The address book DB is a related DB of the shortcut DB.

[0032] In this embodiment, shortcuts are icons that associate functions of MFP 100 with various settings for the functions. The shortcuts are displayed on panel 105, and when the user presses a shortcut, CPU 101 executes the function and various settings of MFP 100 that are associated with the pressed shortcut, omitting a series of operations for selecting a function and setting various settings.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 2(a), each record in the shortcut DB is configured with attributes such as shortcut display name, registration number, function, function details, setting, OneTouch on / off, and card number. In this embodiment, each record in the shortcut DB is called shortcut data. Note that a shortcut refers to an icon when shortcut data is displayed on panel 105, but the two terms may not be used strictly separately.

[0034] The shortcut display name is the name that is displayed when the shortcut data is displayed on the panel 105.

[0035] The registration number is a number that is assigned to shortcut data in the order that the shortcut data is registered in the shortcut DB.

[0036] The function is a function of the MFP 100. The function details are detailed functions when the function is divided into multiple detailed functions.

[0037] The settings are various settings for the function. Each setting item differs depending on the function. Specifically, if the function is a fax function, examples include destination (Destination), image quality (Resolution), and scanned document size (Scan Size). If the function is a copy function, examples include image quality (Quality), enlargement / reduction (Enlarge), page layout (PageLayout), double-sided printing (2sided), and tray (Tray). A detailed explanation of each setting item will be omitted.

[0038] Image quality (Resolution) refers to resolution, to be precise. Resolution: Fine is a setting value that specifies high resolution (e.g., 400 dpi), Resolution: Super Fine is a setting value that specifies the highest resolution (e.g., 600 dpi), and Resolution: Standard is a setting value that specifies standard resolution (e.g., 300 dpi). CPU 101 controls reading engine 112 and the like in accordance with the specified image quality (resolution) to acquire an image from the document.

[0039] The document size is a setting value that specifies the size of the document to be read, and ScanSize:A4 is a setting value that specifies reading an image from an A4-sized document. The CPU 101 controls the reading engine 112 according to the specified document size to acquire an image from the document.

[0040] 2 are setting values ​​that specify a means for transmitting image data acquired by scanning to an external device. When normal fax is specified, CPU 101 transmits image data relating to an image scanned by scanning engine 112 to an external device via a telephone line.

[0041] If InternetFax is specified, the CPU 101 transmits image data relating to the image read by the reading engine 112 to an external party via an Internet line.

[0042] OneTouch is a function that causes CPU 101 to immediately execute the function and various settings associated with the shortcut, that is, the function of the shortcut data, when the user presses a shortcut or holds card 200 over reading unit 107 to call up shortcut data. OneTouch:ON means that the one-touch function is enabled, and OneTouch:OFF means that the one-touch function is disabled.

[0043] As described above, the card number is information stored in the IC chip of the card 200. The card number specifies and identifies the card 200. The card number associates shortcut data with the card 200. Note that multiple cards may be associated with one piece of shortcut data. The shortcut data with the display name "TO_ARIEL" and the shortcut data with the display name "2SIDE" are both associated with the cards 200 with card numbers "1001" and "1002".

[0044] 2(b), each record in the address book DB is composed of attributes such as an address book number, a destination display name, and a destination address. Each record in the address book DB is called destination data.

[0045] The address book number is a number assigned to destination data in the order in which it is registered in the address book DB. This address book number is set as the destination among the settings included in the shortcut data for executing the fax function, which is registered in the shortcut DB. In other words, each destination data in the address book DB is associated with the shortcut data for executing the fax function in the shortcut DB via the address book number. For this reason, as described above, the address book DB is an associated DB of the shortcut DB.

[0046] The destination display name is the name that is displayed when the destination data is displayed on the panel 105.

[0047] The destination address is usually a telephone number, but since an email address may be registered (in the case of Internet fax), the attribute name is set to "destination address."

[0048] 3 to 5 show the transition of the display screen on panel 105. The transition of the display screen shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 will be described later.

[0049] Next, the control processing executed by MFP 100, particularly CPU 101, will be described in detail with reference to Figures 3 to 9. Hereinafter, in the description of each processing procedure, steps will be represented as "S".

[0050] 6 shows the procedure of the main routine executed by the CPU 101. When the user presses the power switch or the reset switch included in the keys 106, the CPU 101 starts the main routine after booting.

[0051] 6, first, CPU 101 determines whether or not the card number of card 200 has been read by reading unit 107 (S1). Although not shown, before making the determination in S1, CPU 101 displays an initial screen on panel 105. FIG. 3(a) shows an example of the initial screen (hereinafter referred to as the "HOME screen") 150.

[0052] In the determination at S1, if it is determined that the card number of the card 200 has been read (S1: YES), the CPU 101 stores the read card number in the RAM 103 (S2).

[0053] Next, CPU 101 determines whether a function is being executed (S3). "A function is being executed" refers to a state in which a function of MFP 100, such as a print function, scan function, copy function, or fax function, is being executed. Specifically, for example, "a print function is being executed" refers to a state in which CPU 101 controls print engine 111 to execute a print process in which an image is formed on a sheet. Also, "a scan function is being executed" refers to a state in which CPU 101 controls read engine 112 to execute a read process in which an image is read from an original. The reason for determining whether a function is being executed in this way is that CPU 101 is configured not to execute a process related to a shortcut while a function is being executed.

[0054] If it is determined in S3 that the function is not being executed (S3: NO), the CPU 101 executes a shortcut process (S4) and then returns the process to S1. Details of the shortcut process will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0055] On the other hand, if it is determined in S3 that the function is being executed (S3: YES), CPU 101 sets the execution flag to ON (S5) and then returns the process to S1. The execution flag is a flag that, if the card number of card 200 is read while the function is being executed, causes CPU 101 to execute processing according to the reading of the card number after the function execution is completed.

[0056] On the other hand, if it is determined in the determination in S1 above that the card number of card 200 has not been read (S1: NO), CPU 101 determines whether or not pressing a button on the screen has been detected (S6). Here, the "screen" refers to, for example, the HOME screen 150 in FIG. 3(a), and the "buttons" refer to buttons 150a-150d and icons 150e-150j. Note that HOME screen 150 is the screen that appears when "Basic1" button 150a is pressed.

[0057] If it is determined in S6 that a button press on the screen has been detected (S6: YES), CPU 101 determines whether the button press is a button that changes the settings to something other than the default (S7). Here, "default" refers to at least one of the state of the setting values ​​that are loaded as initial settings when MFP 100 is powered on or restarted, and the state of the setting values ​​when transitioning from another screen to the initial screen, for example.

[0058] 4(a) shows an example of a copy mode (CopyMode) screen 152. The copy mode (CopyMode) screen 152 is a screen to which the user transitions from the HOME screen 150 when the user presses the copy icon 150f in the HOME screen 150 of FIG. 3(a). The various settings for the copy function displayed on this copy mode (CopyMode) screen 152 are default settings. In other words, pressing the copy icon 150f in the HOME screen 150 is not pressing a button to change the settings to anything other than the defaults.

[0059] Furthermore, when the user presses the "2-sided Copy" button 152a in the copy mode (CopyMode) screen 152 of FIG. 4(a), the CPU 101 displays the double-sided copy setting pop-up window 154 shown in FIG. 4(c) on the panel 105. In the double-sided copy setting pop-up window 154, the double-sided copy setting is in the OFF state, that is, the default setting. In other words, pressing the "2-sided Copy" button 152a in the copy mode (CopyMode) screen 152 is not pressing a button to change the setting to something other than the default. In contrast, pressing the "2-sided ⇒ 2-sided" button 154a in the double-sided copy setting pop-up window 154 is pressing a button to change the setting to something other than the default.

[0060] 4(a), the button to be determined as to whether or not a button to change the setting to something other than the default is a button displayed on the copy mode screen 152, i.e., the "2-sided Copy" button 152a. However, this button may be a hidden button on the copy mode screen 152, specifically, a button that appears in a pull-down menu when the user presses the "Options" button 152b.

[0061] The reason why S7 determines whether the button that changes the setting to something other than the default is pressed is to make the processing in response to the reading of the card number different depending on whether the determination is affirmative (S7: YES) or negative (S7: NO).

[0062] If it is determined in S7 that the button press is a button press for changing the setting to a setting other than the default (S7: YES), CPU 101 stores the selected setting in RAM 103 (S8). Then, CPU 101 sets a setting change flag to ON (S9), and then returns the process to S1. The setting change flag is a flag provided to change the process depending on the reading of the card number in the shortcut process in Fig. 7, which will be described later.

[0063] On the other hand, if it is determined in S7 that the pressed button is not a button for changing the settings to other than the default (S7: NO), CPU 101 updates the screen to a screen corresponding to the pressed button and performs internal processing (S10). For example, as described above, when the user presses copy icon 150f in HOME screen 150 of Fig. 3(a), CPU 101 updates the screen from HOME screen 150 to copy mode screen 152 and performs internal processing such as making various settings so that the copy function can be executed.

[0064] Next, the CPU 101 determines whether or not to update the screen to transition to the HOME screen 150 (S11). Although not shown, the copy mode screen 152 is provided with a button for transitioning from the copy mode screen 152 to the HOME screen 150, and the user can transition to the HOME screen 150 by pressing that button.

[0065] In the determination of S11, if it is determined that the screen should transition to the HOME screen 150 (S11: YES), the CPU 101 sets the setting change flag to OFF (S12) and then returns the process to S1. On the other hand, if it is determined that the screen should not transition to the HOME screen 150 (S11: NO), the CPU 101 returns the process to S1.

[0066] On the other hand, if it is determined in the determination in S6 that pressing of a button on the screen has not been detected (S6: NO), CPU 101 determines whether or not a function is not being executed and whether the execution flag is ON (S13). As described above, this determination is made to have CPU 101 execute processing according to the reading of the card number when the card number of card 200 is read during function execution after the function execution is completed.

[0067] If it is determined in S13 that the function is not being executed and the execution flag is ON (S13: YES), the CPU 101 executes shortcut registration processing (S14). Then, the CPU 101 sets the execution flag to OFF (S15), and then returns the processing to S1. Details of the shortcut registration processing will be described later with reference to FIG. 9.

[0068] On the other hand, if it is determined in S13 that the function is being executed or the execution flag is in the OFF state (S13: NO), the CPU 101 returns the process to S1.

[0069] FIG. 7 shows the detailed procedure of the shortcut process in S4 above.

[0070] In FIG. 7, first, CPU 101 determines which mode screen is being displayed on panel 105 (S21, S23, S25, S27).

[0071] If it is determined that the copy mode screen 152 is displayed on the panel 105 (S21: YES), the CPU 101 sets the call function to "Copy" (S22). The "call function" is an area allocated by the CPU 101 in the RAM 103. As will be described later, when the CPU 101 calls shortcut data, it calls shortcut data for a function corresponding to the mode of the display screen. Since the mode of the display screen is necessary for this processing, the CPU 101 provides a "call function" area in the RAM 103 and stores the mode of the display screen.

[0072] Furthermore, if it is determined that a scan mode screen (not shown) is displayed on the panel 105 (S23: YES), the CPU 101 sets the call function to "Scan" (S24).

[0073] Furthermore, if it is determined that a fax mode screen (not shown) is displayed on the panel 105 (S25: YES), the CPU 101 sets the calling function to "Fax" (S26).

[0074] Furthermore, if it is determined that the HOME screen 150 is displayed on the panel 105 (S27: YES), the CPU 101 sets the call function to "ALL" (S28).

[0075] Next, CPU 101 proceeds to S29. In S29, CPU 101 determines whether the setting change flag is OFF. If it is determined that the setting change flag is OFF (S29: YES), CPU 101 executes shortcut call processing (S30) and then ends (returns) the shortcut processing. Details of the shortcut call processing will be described later with reference to FIG. 8.

[0076] On the other hand, if it is determined in S29 that the setting change flag is ON (S29: NO), the CPU 101 sets the call function to "none" (S31), executes shortcut registration processing (S32), and then ends (returns) the shortcut processing. Details of the shortcut registration processing will be described later with reference to FIG. 9.

[0077] FIG. 8 shows the detailed procedure of the shortcut call process in S30 above.

[0078] 8, first, CPU 101 searches the shortcut DB for shortcut data that matches the card number and the calling function (S41). Hereinafter, the search process of S41 will be specifically described based on the shortcut DB of FIG.

[0079] Assume that card number "1001" is read from card 200. When the process proceeds to S41, if the call function is "Fax," CPU 101 acquires from the shortcut DB shortcut data whose function attribute is "Fax," that is, four shortcut data with display names "TO_ALEX," "TO_ALLY," "TO_ARIEL," and "TO_BOB." On the other hand, if the call function is "Copy," CPU 101 acquires from the shortcut DB shortcut data whose function attribute is "Copy," that is, two shortcut data with display names "PHOTO" and "2SIDE." Furthermore, if the call function is "Scan," no shortcut data whose function attribute is "Scan" is registered in the shortcut DB, so CPU 101 does not acquire any shortcut data from the shortcut DB. Furthermore, at this time, if the calling function is "ALL," CPU 101 retrieves from the shortcut DB all shortcut data for which the function attribute is not specified, that is, six shortcut data excluding the two shortcut data with the display names "TO_TOM" and "MY_COPY." The two shortcut data with the display names "TO_TOM" and "MY_COPY" are excluded because these two shortcut data are associated only with card number "1002" and not with card number "1001."

[0080] Next, the CPU 101 determines whether or not matching shortcut data is found as a result of the search (S42). If it is determined that matching shortcut data is not found (S42: NO), the CPU 101 ends (returns) the shortcut call process. On the other hand, if it is determined that matching shortcut data is found (S42: YES), the CPU 101 determines whether or not the number of shortcut data included is one (S43).

[0081] If it is determined in S43 that there is only one shortcut data (S43: YES), CPU 101 determines whether the one-touch function included in the shortcut data, i.e., one-touch call, is set to ON (S44). If it is determined that the one-touch call is set to ON (S44: YES), CPU 101 executes the function of the shortcut data (S45) and then ends (returns) the shortcut call process.

[0082] On the other hand, if it is determined in S44 that one-touch call is set to OFF (S44: NO), the CPU 101 displays a start screen (not shown) for the shortcut data function on the panel 105 (S46), and then ends (returns) the shortcut call processing.

[0083] On the other hand, if it is determined in the judgment of S43 above that there are multiple shortcut data (S43: NO), the CPU 101 creates a list screen of the multiple shortcut data and displays it on the panel 105 (S47), and then ends (returns) the shortcut call processing.

[0084] 4(b) shows shortcut data list screen 153 displayed on panel 105 by reading card number "1001" from card 200 while copy mode screen 152 is displayed. In this case, as described above, CPU 101 obtains two pieces of shortcut data with display names "PHOTO" and "2SIDE" from the shortcut DB, and generates list screen 153 based on these two pieces of shortcut data and displays it on panel 105.

[0085] 3(b) shows a shortcut data list screen 151 displayed on the panel 105 by reading the card number "1001" from the card 200 while the HOME screen 150 is being displayed. In this case, as described above, the CPU 101 acquires six pieces of shortcut data from the shortcut DB, excluding the two pieces of shortcut data with the display names "TO_TOM" and "MY_COPY." Based on these six pieces of shortcut data, the list screen 151 is generated and displayed on the panel 105.

[0086] FIG. 9 shows the detailed procedure of the shortcut registration process in S14 and S32.

[0087] 9, first, CPU 101 determines whether the setting change flag is ON or not (S51). If it is determined that the setting change flag is ON (S51: YES), CPU 101 proceeds to S52. On the other hand, if it is determined that the setting change flag is OFF (S51: NO), CPU 101 proceeds to S53.

[0088] As described above, the setting change flag is a flag provided to change the processing depending on the reading of the card number in the shortcut processing of Fig. 7. However, the setting change flag is set to ON when it is determined that the button press is a button press that changes the setting to something other than the default (see S9 in Fig. 6), so when the setting change flag is OFF, it means that the current setting of MFP 100 is the default setting. The determination in S51 above determines whether the current setting of MFP 100 is the default setting based on the setting state of the setting change flag.

[0089] When the process proceeds from S51 to S53, the user intends to register the default settings as new shortcut data in the shortcut DB. Therefore, CPU 101 displays a selection screen 157 on panel 105 to confirm whether or not to register the default settings as shortcut data (S53). Figure 5(c) shows an example of this selection screen 157.

[0090] Next, CPU 101 determines whether the user has selected "Yes" from the selection screen displayed on panel 105 (S54). If CPU 101 detects that "Yes" button 157a provided on selection screen 157 of FIG. 5(c) has been pressed (S54: YES), CPU 101 proceeds to the process of S52. On the other hand, if CPU 101 detects that "No" button 157b provided on selection screen 157 has been pressed (S54: NO), CPU 101 ends (returns) the shortcut registration process.

[0091] In S52, the CPU 101 displays a confirmation screen for the current settings on the panel 105, and accepts the user's pressing of the OK button.

[0092] Fig. 5(a) shows a copy mode (CopyMode) screen 155 to which the screen transitions from copy mode (CopyMode) screen 152 when a button for changing the setting to a setting other than the default is pressed. More specifically, copy mode (CopyMode) screen 155 in Fig. 5(a) transitions from copy mode (CopyMode) screen 152 in Fig. 4(a) when a user presses "1-sided ⇒ 2-sided" button 154b in the double-sided copy setting pop-up window 154 in Fig. 4(c) above.

[0093] Fig. 5(b) shows an example of a current setting confirmation screen 156. This confirmation screen 156 is transitioned from the copy mode screen 155 in Fig. 5(a) in response to reading the card number from the card 200 while the copy mode screen 155 is displayed on the panel 105. The OK button in S52 is an OK button 156a on the copy mode screen 155.

[0094] Next, CPU 101 determines whether there is shortcut data of the same setting group as the current setting group, that is, shortcut data having the same setting group as the current setting group as an attribute value (S55). If it is determined that there is no shortcut data of the same setting group as the current setting group (S55: YES), CPU 101 proceeds to S56. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is shortcut data of the same setting group as the current setting group (S55: NO), CPU 101 proceeds to S58.

[0095] In S56, CPU 101 registers the current settings as new shortcut data in the shortcut DB. In the following S57, CPU 101 stores the card number, that is, the card number stored in RAM 103 in S2 above, in the card number attribute of the shortcut data. Thereafter, CPU 101 ends (returns) the shortcut registration process. This associates the new shortcut data with the card number of card 200.

[0096] In S58, CPU 101 displays a display screen on panel 105 to warn that there is existing shortcut data with the same setting group. In the following S59, CPU 101 adds and stores the card number in the card number attribute of the existing shortcut data. Thereafter, CPU 101 ends (returns) the shortcut registration process.

[0097] As described above, the MFP 100 of this embodiment includes a reading unit 107 that reads the card number from the card 200, an NVRAM 104 that stores the card number and shortcut data in association with each other, a panel 105, and a CPU 101 that executes processing based on the shortcut data associated with the card number.

[0098] When the first screen is displayed on the panel 105, the CPU 101 reads the card number from the card 200 using the reading unit 107, and then executes a call process (S30) to call up shortcut data associated with the read card number from the NVRAM 104; and when the second screen is displayed on the panel 105, the CPU 101 reads the card number from the card 200 using the reading unit 107, and then executes a storage process (S32) to store shortcut data including the current device settings in the NVRAM 104 in association with the read card number.

[0099] In this way, MFP 100 of the present embodiment can easily switch between the process of storing shortcut data in association with the card number of card 200, and the process of calling up shortcut data.

[0100] Incidentally, in this embodiment, MFP 100 is an example of an "information processing device." Card 200 is an example of a "medium." The card number is an example of "identification information." Shortcut data is an example of "setting information." NVRAM 104 is an example of a "storage unit." Panel 105 is an example of a "display unit." CPU 101 is an example of a "control unit."

[0101] The first screen is a screen 150 for selecting a function of MFP100, and the second screen is a screen 152 to which the first screen transitions when a function of MFP100 is selected from the first screen, and is a screen equipped with an operator for starting execution of the selected function.

[0102] This allows the user to execute either the call process or the storage process, whichever is intended by the user.

[0103] The first screen is a screen 152 that is displayed when a function of MFP 100 is selected and has controls for starting execution of the selected function, and the second screen is a screen 156 for setting the selected function.

[0104] This allows the user to execute either the call process or the storage process, whichever is intended by the user.

[0105] Furthermore, when the second screen is displayed on the panel 105, if the device setting when the card number is read from the card 200 by the reading unit 107 is the default device setting (S51*NO), the CPU 101 notifies or confirms that the device setting is the default device setting (S53).

[0106] This makes it possible to prevent unnecessary shortcut data from being registered.

[0107] Furthermore, the MFP 100 further includes a print engine 111 that prints an image on a sheet, and the shortcut data includes setting information related to printing by the print engine 111.

[0108] Furthermore, when CPU 101 is controlling print engine 111 to execute a printing process for forming an image on a sheet, and when reading the card number from card 200 using reading unit 107, CPU 101 determines whether MFP 100 is in the first screen or the second screen upon completion of the printing process, and if it determines that MFP 100 is in the first screen state, it executes a call process, and if it determines that MFP 100 is in the second screen state, it executes a storage process (S14).

[0109] As a result, the call process or storage process is not canceled but is performed after the print process is completed, so the user does not need to perform the operation of reading the card number from the card 200 again.

[0110] The shortcut data also includes settings relating to at least one of the paper size, image quality, and layout of the sheet.

[0111] The MFP 100 further includes a reading engine that reads an image from a document, and the shortcut data includes setting information related to reading by the reading engine 112.

[0112] Furthermore, when CPU 101 controls reading engine 112 to execute a reading process for reading an image from a document, and when reading unit 107 reads the card number from card 200, CPU 101 determines whether MFP 100 is in the first screen or the second screen upon completion of the reading process, and if it determines that MFP 100 is in the first screen, it executes a call process, and if it determines that MFP 100 is in the second screen, it executes a storage process (S14).

[0113] As a result, the call process or storage process is not canceled but is performed after the read process is completed, so the user does not need to perform the operation to read the card number from the card 200 again.

[0114] The shortcut data also includes settings relating to at least one of the document size and image quality.

[0115] Furthermore, the reading unit 107 reads the card number from the card 200 via wireless communication.

[0116] This is convenient because the user does not need to connect card 200 directly to MFP 100, but only needs to bring card 200 close to MFP 100.

[0117] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0118] (1) In the above embodiment, the MFP 100 has been described as an example of an information processing apparatus. However, the information processing apparatus is not limited to the MFP 100 and may be a standalone printer, scanner, or copier.

[0119] (2) In the above embodiment, the CPU 101 is described as an example of the control unit, but the control unit may have a CPU and a dedicated circuit. Examples of the dedicated circuit include an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) and an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0120] (3) In the above embodiment, a card reader that reads the ID in the card 200 by NFC is given as an example of a reading unit, but this is not limiting. A Bluetooth (registered trademark) interface or the like may also be adopted as a communication interface. Also, SDIO (Secure Digital Input / Output) may be adopted as a communication interface. In these cases, the external storage device is a device having an interface corresponding to the adopted communication interface. Furthermore, a two-dimensional code reader may also be adopted as a reading unit. Two-dimensional codes include barcodes and QR codes (registered trademarks). In this case, the medium is a card, sheet, or the like on which a two-dimensional code is printed, for example. [Explanation of symbols]

[0121] 100 MFP 101 CPU 102 ROM 103 RAM 104 NVRAM 105 Panel 107 Reading unit 110 Engine IF 111 Printing Engine 112 Reading Engine 120 Image processing circuit 200 cards

Claims

1. a reading unit that reads identification information from the medium; a storage unit that stores the identification information and setting information in association with each other; A display unit; a control unit that executes processing based on the setting information associated with the identification information; Equipped with The control unit a call process for calling, when the reading unit reads the identification information from the medium while the first screen is displayed on the display unit, the setting information associated with the read identification information from the storage unit; a storage process in which, when the second screen is displayed on the display unit, the reading unit reads the identification information from the medium, and the setting information including the current device setting is stored in the storage unit in association with the read identification information; To execute Information processing device.

2. the first screen is a screen for selecting a function of the information processing device, the second screen is a screen having an operator for starting execution of the selected function; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. the first screen is a screen for selecting a function of the information processing device, the second screen is a screen to which the first screen transitions when a function of the information processing device is selected from the first screen, and is a screen having an operator for starting execution of the selected function. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

4. the first screen is displayed when a function of the information processing device is selected, and is a screen including an operator for starting execution of the selected function; the second screen is a screen for setting the selected function, The information processing device according to claim 1 .

5. The control unit When the second screen is displayed on the display unit, if the device setting when the reading unit reads the identification information from the medium is the default device setting, the device setting is notified or confirmed to be the default device setting. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

6. The information processing device further comprises: A print engine that prints images onto sheets Equipped with the setting information includes setting information related to printing by the print engine; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

7. The control unit When the identification information is read from the medium by the reading unit while a printing process for forming an image on a sheet is being executed by controlling the print engine, determining whether the state of the information processing device is the first screen or the second screen in response to completion of the printing process; When it is determined that the state of the information processing device is the first screen, the call process is executed; When it is determined that the state of the information processing device is the second screen, the storage process is executed. The information processing device according to claim 6 .

8. the setting information includes settings related to at least one of a paper size, image quality, and layout of the sheet; 8. The information processing device according to claim 6 or 7.

9. The information processing device further comprises: A scanning engine that reads images from documents Equipped with The setting information includes setting information related to reading of the reading engine. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

10. The control unit When the reading unit reads the identification information from the medium while the reading engine is being controlled to read an image from a document, determining whether the state of the information processing device is the first screen or the second screen in response to completion of the reading process; When it is determined that the state of the information processing device is the first screen, the call process is executed; When it is determined that the state of the information processing device is the second screen, the storage process is executed. The information processing device according to claim 9 .

11. The setting information includes settings related to at least one of the size and image quality of the document. The information processing device according to claim 9 or 10.

12. the reading unit reads the identification information from the medium by wireless communication; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

13. When a first screen is displayed on a display unit of the information processing device, when identification information is read from a medium by a reading unit of the information processing device, setting information associated with the read identification information is retrieved from a storage unit of the information processing device; When the second screen is displayed on the display unit, when the reading unit reads the identification information from the medium, setting information including current device settings is stored in the storage unit in association with the read identification information. Information processing methods.

14. a reading unit that reads identification information from the medium; a storage unit that stores the identification information and setting information in association with each other; An information processing device including a display unit, a call process for calling, when the identification information is read from the medium by the reading unit while the first screen is displayed on the display unit, the setting information associated with the read identification information from the storage unit; a storage process in which, when the second screen is displayed on the display unit, the reading unit reads the identification information from the medium, and the setting information including the current device setting is stored in the storage unit in association with the read identification information; Execute Information processing program.

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