Image forming apparatus, control method, and storage medium

Abstract

To more appropriately display a plurality of pieces of information on the state of an image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: The display control unit displays a predetermined screen including at least one piece of information on consumables of the image forming apparatus and at least one piece of information on an environmental load based on a job executed in the image forming apparatus, and can display the information on the environmental load for each of different periods on the predetermined screen.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, efforts have been made to raise end-user awareness of reducing the environmental impact of image forming devices that use consumables and consume electricity. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a method for raising users' awareness of reducing the environmental impact by displaying a report on the environmental impact of printing processes and erasing processes (processing to remove color from used paper printed with ink that disappears using heat). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2013-12198 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is a demand for more appropriate display of multiple pieces of information regarding the status of an image forming apparatus. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An image forming apparatus comprising a display control means capable of displaying information about the image forming apparatus on a display unit, wherein the display control means displays a predetermined screen including at least one piece of information about consumables of the image forming apparatus and at least one piece of information about environmental loads based on jobs executed in the image forming apparatus, and the information about the environmental loads can be displayed for different periods on the predetermined screen. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] A plurality of pieces of information relating to the status of the image forming apparatus can be displayed more appropriately. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] Overall view of the image processing system [Figure 2] Hardware configuration diagram [Figure 3] Software configuration diagram [Figure 4] A diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit. [Figure 5] Flowchart showing the operation status screen display process [Figure 6] Flowchart showing the default screen display setting change process [Figure 7] An example of an operation status screen [Figure 8] A diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit. [Figure 9] Flowchart showing the operation status screen display process DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the present disclosure according to the claims, and not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solutions of the present disclosure. In addition, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0009] [First embodiment] First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which consumable product information and environmental load information, which will be described later, are displayed on the same screen.

[0010] <System configuration> FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a system having an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

[0011] The system of this embodiment is a system composed of a MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) 103, which is an example of an image forming apparatus (image processing apparatus) connected to a network, a server PC (Personal Computer) 101 which is an information processing apparatus, and a client PC 102 which is an information processing apparatus. Note that the image forming apparatus may be a printing apparatus (printer) having only a printing function of recording information on a printing medium using a recording material. Further, for example, various devices such as a personal computer (PC), a smartphone, and a digital camera may be applied as the image forming apparatus of this embodiment.

[0012] The MFP 103 is a multifunction copier having a copy function of reading (scanning) an original and copying it, and a print function of receiving print data from an external printer driver and printing, for example. The MFP 103 has not only a copy function and a print function, but also a function (SEND function) of transmitting image data generated by scanning an original to an external file server or an e-mail address. Furthermore, it may have a function (remote copy function, facsimile function) of transmitting image data to another MFP and printing at the destination MFP. Note that the printing method of the MFP 103 used in this embodiment may be an electrophotographic method, an inkjet method, or other methods.

[0013] The MFP 103 is assumed to be connected to each information processing apparatus by an Ethernet (registered trademark) not shown, but this is an example of the system. For example, the server PC 101 and the client PC 102 may be configured by the same computer, and the MFP 103 may be connected to one information processing apparatus including the functions of the server PC 101 and the client PC 102. Further, the server PC 101 and the client PC 102 may be mounted on the MFP 103, and the configuration may be only the MFP 103. Note that the information processing apparatus used in this embodiment may be a terminal device or a smartphone instead of a PC.

[0014] <Hardware Configuration of MFP> FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the MFP 103 according to the present invention.

[0015] The controller unit 200 is connected to a scanner 270 which is an image input device and a printer 295 which is an image output device, and is also connected to Ethernet (registered trademark) and public lines to input and output image information and device information.

[0016] The CPU 201 is a controller that controls the MFP 103. The RAM 202 is a system work memory for the operation of the CPU 201 and is also an image memory for temporarily storing image data. The ROM 203 is a boot ROM that stores the system boot program. The HDD 204 is a hard disk drive that stores system software, applications, and image data.

[0017] The operation unit I / F 206 is an interface unit with an operation unit (display unit) 212 having a touch panel, and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 212 to the operation unit 212. It also plays a role in transmitting information input by the user of this system from the operation unit 212 to the CPU 201.

[0018] The SRAM 209 is a non-volatile recording medium capable of high-speed operation. The RTC 211 is a real-time clock that continues to count the current time even when the controller unit 200 is not powered on. The above devices are arranged on the system bus 207.

[0019] The network I / F 210 connects to a network and inputs and outputs information, and the modem 213 connects to a public line and inputs and outputs information.

[0020] The Image Bus I / F 205 is a bus bridge that connects the system bus 207 and the image bus 208 for high-speed transfer of image data, and converts the data structure. The image bus 208 is composed of a PCI bus or IEEE 1394. Devices 260, 220, 280, 290, 230, and 240 are arranged on the image bus 208.

[0021] The RIP 260 is a raster image processor that expands PDL code into a bitmap image. The Device I / F section 220 connects to various sensors 250, obtains the device state, and connects the controller unit 200 to the scanner 270 and printer 295, which are image input / output devices, to perform synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. The Scanner Image Processing section 280 corrects, processes, and edits the input image data. The Printer Image Processing section 290 performs printer correction, resolution conversion, etc. on the print output image data. The Image Rotation section 230 rotates the image data. The Image Compression / Expansion section 240 performs compression / expansion processing.

[0022] <Software Configuration of MFP> FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the MFP 103. In this embodiment, unless otherwise specified, the interaction between the illustrated software modules is realized by the CPU 201 performing processing according to a program stored in the ROM 203 or HDD 204.

[0023] The Display Control section 301 controls the display on the operation section 212 of a screen for operating an application.

[0024] The Input Reception section 302 receives an operation from the user on the operation section 212 and transmits the received operation to the Control section 303. In this embodiment, the Input Reception section 302 can receive operations including a touch operation by the user on the operation section 212 and operations on hard keys other than the operation section 212 that the MFP 103 has.

[0025] The control unit 303 executes processing by an application corresponding to a selected function based on a user operation via the operation unit 212. Representative applications of the MFP 103 are as follows: An application program having a "copy" function that reads an image on a document using the scanner 270 and prints the generated image data using the printer 295. An application program having a "print" function that prints image data on the printer 295 based on a print job input from an external device such as a PC. An application program having a "scan and send" function that reads an image on a document using the scanner 270 and sends the generated image data to an external device. An application program having a "scan and save" function that reads an image on a document using the scanner 270 and saves the generated image data in an external memory. An application program having a "use of saved files" function that prints image data saved in an external memory using a printer 295 or transmits the image data to an external device. An application program with a "browser" function that allows you to view, print, and save data on a web server via a web browser. An application program with a "status check" function that displays a list of the status of jobs currently being executed or a list of the history of jobs that have already been executed. - Application programs with a "settings / registration" function that provides a method for changing personal setting information (information set for each user account) and device setting information (information set specifically for each device, not information set for each user account).

[0026] The applications that the MFP 103 has are not limited to the above examples. Applications can also be added later at the user's instruction.

[0027] The authentication processing unit 304 displays an authentication screen on the operation unit 212 and performs user authentication processing using authentication information such as an ID and password input by the user. If the user authentication is successful, the authentication processing unit 304 performs login processing to log in the corresponding user account information (hereinafter simply referred to as the user) to the MFP 103. When a logout instruction is given, the authentication processing unit 304 performs logout processing to log out the logged-in user from the MFP 103.

[0028] The time management unit 305 manages the internal time of the device. In this embodiment, for example, the internal time of the device is used as a timestamp for an internal operation log. The environmental load information holding unit 308, which will be described later, uses this timestamp to narrow down the calculation targets for the operation log and environmental load information by using a display period pull-down menu when displaying the environmental load information, which will be described later. In addition, if no operation from the user is accepted by the input acceptance unit 302 for a certain period of time, the time management unit 305 starts a timeout process for the MFP 103.

[0029] A job execution control unit 306 executes a job when the process executed by the control unit 303 is job execution (such as pressing the Start button).

[0030] The consumables information storage unit 307 stores information such as remaining amount information of consumables detected by a sensor (not shown) etc. Specifically, it stores the remaining amount of toner (toner remaining amount), which is a consumable used when executing a print process, and the amount of recovered toner accumulated in a container for accumulating and recovering excess toner generated during a print process. It also stores information indicating the remaining amount of paper (paper remaining amount), which is a consumable set in the MFP 103 and used when executing a print process.

[0031] The environmental load information storage unit 308 stores information related to environmental loads (environmental load information). Specifically, it counts the total number of printed pages, the number of black-and-white (or color) printed pages, the number of double-sided printed pages, the number of page-combined printed pages, and so on, and performs calculations such as the paper reduction rate, the black-and-white (or color) printing ratio, the double-sided printing ratio, and the page-combined printing ratio, which are derived (calculated) from the information. It also calculates and stores the amount of power consumed (energy consumption) by the operation of the MFP 103. Note that each value is based on the setting value of the executed job and indicates a predetermined ratio to the total number of printed pages. Details of the calculation method are omitted. Note that, of the amount of power consumed by the operation of the MFP 103, the amount of power consumed by the execution of the job may also be stored. In this embodiment, the environmental load information storage unit 308 can store the environmental load information together with information indicating the date and time, and therefore the display control unit 301 can display the environmental load information by day, week, or month.

[0032] The security information storage unit 309 stores the current security settings of the MFP 103 .

[0033] The trouble-solving support information storage unit 310 stores support information indicating methods for solving (resolving) errors and troubles that may occur in each application.

[0034] The configuration shown in Fig. 3 is merely an example, and is not limited to this example. Some of the components in Fig. 3 may be omitted, and other components may be added.

[0035] Here, an MFP is generally maintained and operated by an administrative user (hereinafter simply referred to as an administrator) who has higher authority than a general (individual) user to change settings and perform maintenance on the MFP 103. The administrator may be required to take appropriate action (process) based on information about the MFP, such as checking the remaining amounts of consumables such as paper and toner and planning for replenishment of the consumables. For example, the administrative user may perform processes (operations) such as replenishing consumables in an image forming device, repairing malfunctions in the image forming device, and maintaining the image forming device. Specifically, for example, if the remaining amount of toner, a consumable, is significantly low, it is possible that a toner-related failure has occurred. When a toner-related failure occurs, repairs must be performed to resolve the malfunction. However, it may be difficult for the administrator to determine whether a toner-related failure has occurred or whether a large amount of toner has simply been used due to a large number of prints. For example, if the color ratio is lower than usual, it may be difficult for the administrator to determine whether more black-and-white printing is occurring because the color toner is low (whether color toner replenishment is necessary) or whether the user is intentionally printing in black-and-white (whether color toner replenishment is unnecessary). In other words, it is difficult to make a decision to perform appropriate processing on the image forming apparatus based solely on the information about consumables currently held in the image forming apparatus, which may result in a decrease in usability.

[0036] Therefore, in this embodiment, a form will be described in which the display control unit of the image forming apparatus more appropriately displays information about the status of the image forming apparatus. Specifically, the display control unit of the image forming apparatus displays, on one screen, a plurality of different pieces of information about the status of the image forming apparatus, which are referenced to perform appropriate processing on the image forming apparatus. More specifically, the display control unit of the image forming apparatus displays a predetermined screen including information about consumables currently held in the image forming apparatus (information about consumables in the image forming apparatus at the time the predetermined screen is displayed) and information based on the execution of a job, such as a print process, in the image forming apparatus (information based on the execution of a job, such as a print process, executed within a predetermined period before the predetermined screen is displayed). Note that the information based on the execution of a print process in the image forming apparatus includes information about consumables consumed by the execution of a job, such as a print process, setting information for the executed job, and information about the environmental load (environmental load information), such as power consumption due to the executed job and the operation of the MFP 103. This will be described in detail later.

[0037] This allows a predetermined screen (one screen) containing information about consumables and environmental impact information to be displayed, so that the user can easily recognize multiple different pieces of information about the status of the image forming device that are referenced in order to take appropriate action on the image forming device, without having to navigate to multiple screens. In other words, it becomes easier to make decisions about taking appropriate action even when an event occurs in the image forming device due to multiple factors, improving usability.

[0038] Furthermore, the display control means of the image forming apparatus is capable of displaying, on a predetermined screen, environmental load information based on jobs such as print processes executed during a predetermined period. Specifically, the display control means displays, on the predetermined screen, a pull-down menu from which information indicating the predetermined period can be selected in order to display the environmental load information based on jobs such as print processes executed during the predetermined period. The display control means then displays the environmental load information corresponding to the information indicating the predetermined period selected by the user.

[0039] This allows users to easily switch between environmental load information based on jobs such as printing processes executed during a specified period, making it easier to compare environmental load information for different periods and improving usability.

[0040] Furthermore, the display control means of the image forming device controls the display to switch between a predetermined screen (first area) containing information about consumables and environmental load information, and a screen (second area) containing information indicating the operating status of a job for which an execution instruction has been given in the image forming device.

[0041] This allows the user to easily switch between information on consumables, environmental impact information, and information indicating the operating status of jobs instructed to be executed on the image forming apparatus. This allows the user to make decisions about appropriate processing for the image forming apparatus based on a greater amount of information. For example, if a specific function (such as printing or scanning) is repeatedly in a failed state (not being executed) in the second area, the user can easily resolve the failed state by switching the display to the first area and displaying a troubleshooting screen using the troubleshooting support button (described later). For example, if an out-of-paper error occurs and the printing process is in a failed state, the user can easily recognize that there is a paper shortage by switching the display to the first area and viewing paper information. On the other hand, if the user notices an increase or decrease in the number of printed sheets in the first area, the user can easily identify users who are performing large-volume printing by switching the display to the second area.

[0042] In this embodiment, the user who refers to a specific screen and performs appropriate processing on MFP 103 is described as an administrator user, but the user does not have to be an administrator user and may be a general user or a user with other authority.

[0043] <Operation screen> 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit 212. Each screen shown in FIG.

[0044] FIG. 4A shows an example of a home screen 400. The home screen 400 is displayed when the MFP 103 is started up or when a home button 403 is pressed by the user on another screen. Application buttons (icons, items, software keys) for executing the aforementioned applications are arranged and displayed on the home screen 400. Specifically, when a button indicating, for example, a "copy" function included in the home screen 400 is operated, a setting screen is displayed on which settings related to the copy function can be set. The same applies to buttons indicating other functions. The home screen 400 may also display buttons (custom buttons) indicating functions whose settings have been set by the user. When the custom button is selected, a setting screen reflecting the settings set by the user is displayed. FIG. 4 also shows shared buttons that are displayed even when transitioning to a screen other than the home screen 400. Shared buttons include a status check button 401, a settings / registration button 402, a home button 403, a start button 404, and a stop button 405. When the status check button 401 is pressed by the user, it displays either a job status check screen 410 or an operation status check screen 420, which will be described later, based on a flowchart ( FIG. 5 ), which will be described later. The status check button 401 can also be pressed on the job status check screen 410 or the operation status check screen 420, which will be described later. When the status check button 401 is pressed by the user while the job status check screen 410 or the operation status check screen 420 is displayed on the display control unit 301, the displayed screen is closed, and the home screen 400 or an authentication screen (not shown) is displayed. When the status check button 401 is pressed by the user while the job status check screen 410 or the operation status check screen 420 is displayed on the display control unit 301, the screen displayed may be a screen other than the currently displayed job status check screen 410 or the operation status check screen 420. When the setting / registration button 402 is pressed by the user, it displays a setting / registration screen (not shown), which will be described later.Furthermore, when a user presses a button indicating a setting item on the setting / registration screen, the home button 403 is a button that displays a setting screen for that setting item (for example, a change default screen (status check) screen 440 in FIG. 4(e) described later). The home button 403 is a button that displays the home screen 400 when pressed by the user while an item other than the home screen is displayed on the operation unit 212. The start button 404 is a button that starts execution of the currently displayed job when pressed by the user while an application that executes a job, such as a scan job and / or a print job, is displayed. The stop button 405 is a button that displays a confirmation pop-up (not shown) asking whether the job may be stopped when pressed by the user while a job is being executed, and displays a warning screen (not shown) indicating that there is no job being executed when pressed by the user when there is no job being executed. Note that if the user presses the OK button on the confirmation pop-up, the currently executed job is stopped (cancelled).

[0045] FIG. 4B shows an example of a job status check screen 410. The job status check screen 410 is displayed when the user presses a status check button 401 on the home screen 400 or a status check button 415 on an operation status check screen 420 (described later). The job status check screen 410 displays a display category switch button 411, a display information switch button 412, a display application switch pull-down menu 413, a job list area 414, a job status check button 415, an operation status check button 416, and a close button 417. The display category switch button 411 allows the user to select a category of the job list to be displayed, and when pressed by the user, displays a job list of the corresponding category in the job list area 414. The categories are, as shown in FIG. 4B, “Copy / Print,” “Send,” “Receive,” “Save,” and “Consumables / Other.” When the “Consumables / Other” category is selected, information on the remaining amount of consumables in the MFP 103 (consumables remaining amount information) and the like are displayed (not shown). The display information switching button 412 is a button that, when the user presses either the job status button (a button showing the status of a job currently being executed) or the job history button (a button showing information about a job that has already been executed), displays a list of jobs corresponding to the pressed button in the job list area 414. Note that either the job status button or the job history button is always selected, and the other is always unselected. The display application switching pull-down 413 allows selection of the application of a job (i.e., an application included in a category) to be displayed in the job list area 414. For example, when the “Copy / Print” category is selected with the display category switching button 411, “Job Status” is selected with the display information switching button 412, and “Print” is selected with the display application switching pull-down 413, a list of print jobs currently being executed is displayed in the job list area 414. When the user presses the job status check button 415, the job status check screen 410 is displayed. When the job status check screen 410 is displayed on the operation unit 212, the job status check button 415 is displayed in a manner indicating a selected state (highlighted in yellow).When the user presses the operation status check button 416, an operation status check screen 420, which will be described later, is displayed. When the operation status check screen 420 is displayed on the operation unit 212, the operation status check button 416 is displayed in a manner indicating a selected state (highlighted in yellow). When the user presses the close button 417, the displayed job status check screen 410 or operation status check screen 420 is closed (hides), and the screen that was displayed before the job status check screen 410 or operation status check screen 420 was displayed (for example, the home screen 400) is displayed.

[0046] FIG. 4C shows an example of an operation status confirmation screen 420. The operation status confirmation screen 420 is displayed when the user presses the status confirmation button 401 or the operation status confirmation button 416 on the job status confirmation screen 410. The operation status confirmation screen 420 displays consumables (paper) information 421, consumables (toner) information 422, a security button 423, a troubleshooting support button 424, environmental impact information 425, a display period pull-down menu 426, and a comparison with previous display 427. The paper information 421 is information indicating the type and remaining amount of paper set (fed) in each paper cassette. The paper information 421 is also a button that, when pressed by the user, displays a paper information details screen (not shown). The paper information 421 may also display a gauge (icon) indicating the remaining amount of paper fed in each cassette. The consumables information 422 is information indicating the remaining amount of toner and the amount of recovered toner. Note that at least one of information on the remaining toner amount and the amount of recovered toner may be displayed as consumables information 422. Also, a gauge (icon) indicating the remaining amount of each color of toner may be displayed, or an icon may be displayed in a color indicating each toner color. Also, when an icon indicating the remaining amount of each toner is displayed, a number indicating the value (percentage) of each toner remaining amount may or may not be displayed. Consumables information 422 is a button, and when pressed by a user, a consumables details screen (not shown) is displayed. When pressed by a user, security button 423 displays a security details screen (not shown) related to the current security setting status of MFP 103, etc. Furthermore, if an administrator user has not logged in to MFP 103, security button 423 is hidden. When pressed by a user, troubleshooting support button 424 displays a troubleshooting screen (not shown) for displaying information for providing troubleshooting support for errors or problems that have occurred. The environmental load information 425 includes information indicating the total number of printed sheets, paper reduction rate, black and white printing rate (or color printing rate), double-sided printing rate, page aggregation rate, and power consumption.The environmental impact information 425 may display at least one of the following information: total number of printed sheets, paper reduction rate, monochrome printing ratio (or color printing ratio), double-sided printing ratio, page aggregation ratio, and power consumption. Alternatively, other values ​​(ratios) based on the settings of the executed job and indicating a predetermined percentage of the total number of printed sheets may be displayed. For example, the color reduction rate may be displayed. The information included in the environmental impact information 425 changes depending on the selection status of the display period pull-down menu 426. Specifically, the display period pull-down menu 426 offers options for "Today," "This Week," "This Month," and "Last Month." For example, when "This Week" is selected, the tabulated / calculated results of environmental impact information based on jobs executed this week are displayed. When "Today" is selected, the period (hours) is displayed from midnight on the day the operation is performed to the current time. When "This Week" is selected, the period is displayed from a specific day of the week to the current time. When "This Month" is selected, the period is displayed from the beginning of the month to the current time. When "Last Month" is selected, the period is displayed from the beginning of the month to the end of the month. Note that each period is not limited to this, and a predetermined time or number of days may be set for each. Here, the power consumption comparison display 427 displays the ratio to the previous aggregation period, based on the display period selected in the display period pull-down 426. For example, when "today" is selected in the display period pull-down 426, the power consumption comparison display 427 displays the ratio of the aggregation result for "today" to the aggregation result for yesterday. However, as an exception, when "last month" is selected in the display period pull-down 426 (state 431 in FIG. 4(d)), the power consumption comparison display 427 is not displayed (state 432 in FIG. 4(d)). This is because when "last month" is selected, the displayed content is a comparison with the month before last, which is information that is unlikely (needs) to be checked by the user at the current time.

[0047] FIG. 4E is a diagram showing an example of a change default screen (status check) screen 440 including information for setting / changing the default screen displayed when the status check button 401 is pressed. The change default screen (status check) screen 440 is one of the setting screens displayed by a user operation via a setting / registration screen (not shown) displayed by, for example, a setting / registration button on the home screen 400. The change default screen (status check) screen 440 displays a job status check default setting button 441, an operation status check default setting button 442, a cancel button 443, an OK button 444, and the like. The job status check default setting button 441 is a button for setting the job status check screen 410 as the screen displayed when the status check button 401 is pressed by the user. The operation status check default setting button 442 is a button for setting the operation status check screen 420 as the screen displayed when the status check button 401 is pressed by the user. Either the job status check default setting button 441 or the operation status check default setting button 442 is always selected (highlighted in yellow), and the other is always unselected. Setting changes made on the change default screen (status check) screen 440 are temporarily saved, and if the user presses the OK button 444 while the setting changes are saved, the changes are reflected as device setting information. If the cancel button 443 is pressed, the saved setting changes are discarded, and the screen closes while saving the setting information before the setting changes. Note that, on the change default screen (status check) screen 440, information corresponding to each of the items of the display category switching button 411, the display information switching button 412, and the display application switching pull-down 413 can be set as information to be displayed by default when the job status check screen 410 is displayed, and this information is set based on the user's selection of each item in FIG. 4(e).

[0048] <Screen display processing> Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of an operation status screen display process. The flowchart in Fig. 5 is implemented by CPU 201 of MFP 103 reading into RAM 202 a program for implementing each control module stored in ROM 203 and executing the program. Note that some or all of the functions of the steps in Fig. 5 may be implemented by hardware such as an ASIC or electronic circuit. The symbol "S" in the explanation of each process indicates a step in the flowchart (the same applies to flowcharts in the following specification).

[0049] In S501, the input receiving unit 302 starts the processing of this flowchart upon detecting that the status check button 401 has been pressed.

[0050] In S502, the control unit 303 acquires default screen display setting information for status check that is set on the change default screen (status check) screen 440 in Fig. 4(e). If the job status check default setting button 441 is enabled (selected), the control unit 303 acquires information indicating that the job status check screen is set as the default screen. On the other hand, if the operation status check default setting button 442 is enabled (selected), the control unit 303 acquires information indicating that the operation status check screen is set as the default screen.

[0051] In S503, the control unit 303 determines (judges) whether the display setting is the operation status check screen based on the default screen display setting information for status check acquired in S502. That is, if information indicating that the operation status check screen is set is acquired in S502 (if it is determined in S503 that the information indicates that the operation status check screen is set as the default screen display setting information), the process proceeds to S504, and if information indicating that the job status check screen is set is acquired in S502 (if it is determined in S503 that the information does not indicate that the operation status check screen is set as the default screen display setting information), the process proceeds to S507.

[0052] In S504 , the control unit 303 acquires consumable information from the consumable information storage unit 307 .

[0053] In S505 , the control unit 303 acquires the environmental load information from the environmental load information storage unit 308 .

[0054] In S506, the display control unit 301 displays the operation status check screen 420 of FIG. 4(c). The processing of this flowchart can also end at this step. For example, it is conceivable that the user checks the operation status check screen 420, then leaves the screen as it is, and the time management unit 305 starts timeout processing as time passes. In this case, the display control unit 301 displays the home screen 400 or an authentication screen (not shown) after the timeout, and ends the processing of this flowchart. Also, although not shown in this flowchart, it is also possible to detect the pressing of each button in FIG. 4(c) while the operation status check screen 420 is displayed. For example, when the security button 423 is pressed by the user, the security details screen (not shown) is displayed as described above, and when the trouble-shooting support button 424 is pressed by the user, the trouble-shooting screen (not shown) is displayed.

[0055] In S507, which is reached if the determination in S503 is NO, the control unit 303 acquires job information. For example, if the job status setting on the default screen change (status check) screen 440 in FIG. 4(e) is set to display the print job status, the control unit 303 acquires the status of the print job currently being executed.

[0056] In S508, the display control unit 301 displays the job status check screen 410 of FIG. 4(b). The processing of this flowchart can also end at this step. For example, it is conceivable that the user checks the job status check screen 410, then leaves the screen as it is, and the time management unit 305 starts timeout processing as time passes. In this case, the display control unit 301 displays the home screen 400 or an authentication screen (not shown) after the timeout, and ends the processing of this flowchart. Also, although not shown in this flowchart, after the job status check screen 410 is displayed, the user can also press each of the buttons shown in FIG. 4(b) described above. For example, when the user presses the display category switching button 411, a job list of the corresponding category is displayed in the job list area 414, as described above.

[0057] In S509, the input receiving unit 302 determines which button was pressed. If it is determined that the pressed button is the job status check button 415, the process proceeds to S510. If it is determined that the pressed button is the operation status check button 416, the process proceeds to S512. If it is determined that the pressed button is the close button 417, the displayed screen is closed, and the previously displayed screen or a preset screen (for example, the home screen 400) is displayed, and the processing of this flowchart ends. Although not shown in this flowchart, the user can also press buttons other than the job status check button 415, operation status check button 416, and close button 417. The processing when each button is pressed is as described above and is shown in FIGS. 4(a), 4(b), and 4(c), respectively.

[0058] S510 and S511 are the same processes as S507 and S508, respectively, and therefore their explanation will be omitted.

[0059] Steps S512 to S514 are the same as steps S504 to S506, respectively, and therefore their explanation will be omitted.

[0060] <Settings change process> Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of a default screen display setting change process. The flowchart in Fig. 6 is implemented by CPU 201 of MFP 103 reading into RAM 202 a program for implementing each control module stored in ROM 203 and executing the program. Note that some or all of the functions of the steps in Fig. 6 may be implemented by hardware such as an ASIC or electronic circuit.

[0061] The flowchart in FIG. 6 starts when the setting / registration button 402 on the home screen 400 or the like is pressed to display the setting / registration screen.

[0062] In S601, the input receiving unit 302 detects an instruction to display the status check default display setting screen.

[0063] In S602, the display control unit 301 displays the change (status check) screen 440 of the default screen in FIG. 4(e).

[0064] In S603, the input receiving unit 302 determines whether an instruction to change the status check default display setting has been received. When the user operates the setting button in the change default screen (status check) screen 440 and presses the OK button 444, it is determined that the setting change has been accepted. If it is determined that the setting change has been accepted, the process proceeds to S604, and if it is determined that the setting change has not been accepted (for example, if the cancel button 443 has been pressed), the process of this flowchart ends.

[0065] In S604, the control unit 303 reflects the received setting change contents as the device settings, and ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0066] As described above, in this embodiment, the display control unit of the image forming apparatus more appropriately displays information about the status of the image forming apparatus. Specifically, the display control unit of the image forming apparatus displays, on a single screen, a plurality of different pieces of information about the status of the image forming apparatus that are referenced to perform appropriate processing on the image forming apparatus. More specifically, the display control unit of the image forming apparatus displays a predetermined screen that includes information about consumables currently held in the image forming apparatus (information about consumables in the image forming apparatus at the time the predetermined screen is displayed) and information based on the execution of a job, such as a printing process, in the image forming apparatus (information based on the execution of a job, such as a printing process, that was executed within a predetermined period before the predetermined screen is displayed). Note that the information based on the execution of a printing process in the image forming apparatus includes information about consumables consumed by the execution of a job, such as a printing process, setting information for the executed job, and environmental load information, such as power consumption based on the executed job.

[0067] This allows a predetermined screen (one screen) containing information about consumables and environmental impact information to be displayed, so that the user can easily recognize multiple different pieces of information about the status of the image forming device that are referenced in order to take appropriate action on the image forming device, without having to navigate to multiple screens. In other words, it becomes easier to make decisions about taking appropriate action even when an event occurs in the image forming device due to multiple factors, improving usability.

[0068] Furthermore, the display control means of the image forming apparatus is capable of displaying environmental load information based on jobs such as print processes executed during a predetermined period on a predetermined screen. Specifically, in order to display the environmental load information based on jobs such as print processes executed during a predetermined period, the display control means displays a pull-down menu on the predetermined screen from which information indicating the predetermined period can be selected, and displays the environmental load information corresponding to the information indicating the predetermined period selected by the user on the predetermined screen.

[0069] This allows users to easily switch between environmental load information based on jobs such as printing processes executed during a specified period, making it easier to compare environmental load information for different periods and improving usability.

[0070] Furthermore, the display control means of the image forming device controls the display to switch between a predetermined screen (first area) containing information about consumables and environmental load information, and a screen (second area) containing information indicating the operating status of a job for which an execution instruction has been given in the image forming device.

[0071] This allows the user to easily switch between information on consumables, environmental impact information, and information indicating the operating status of a job that has been instructed to be executed on the image forming device, thereby enabling the user to make decisions on how to perform appropriate processing on the image forming device after recognizing more information.

[0072] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, an example was shown in which remaining consumable amount information and environmental load information are displayed on a single screen, allowing the user to easily recognize multiple pieces of information for appropriate processing of the image forming apparatus without requiring the user to navigate to multiple screens. However, if the user does not have sufficient knowledge, even if the user is able to recognize the remaining consumable amount information and environmental load information, there is a possibility that the user will not be able to make appropriate decisions and perform appropriate processing based on that information. Therefore, in the second embodiment, a case will be described in which a support screen is displayed for appropriate processing of the image forming apparatus based on the remaining consumable amount information and environmental load information.

[0073] The difference between the first embodiment and the second embodiment is that in Figure 4(c), a job trouble-solving support button 701 is included instead of the trouble-solving support button 424, and an equipment trouble-solving support button 702 is also included.

[0074] 7 is a diagram showing an example of an operation status screen 700. The operation status screen 700 is displayed by the display control unit 301.

[0075] 7(a) is a diagram showing an example of an operation status screen 700. A job trouble resolution support button 701 and an equipment trouble resolution support button 702 are displayed on the operation status screen 700. Here, the job trouble resolution support button 701 is a button that provides the same function as the trouble resolution support button 424 in the first embodiment described above. When the equipment trouble resolution support button 702 is pressed by the user, an equipment trouble resolution support screen 710 (FIG. 7(b)) is displayed.

[0076] 7(b) is a diagram showing an example of a device trouble resolution support screen 710. A solution list 711 is displayed on the device trouble resolution support screen 710. The solution list 711 displays a list of information indicating solutions based on the details of errors or troubles that are inferred (assumed) based on the information displayed on the operation status screen 700. Note that the solution list 711 includes assumed causes and information on the basis thereof, and even if the details of the trouble are similar, if the causes assumed based on the information on the basis thereof are different, different necessary solutions will be displayed.

[0077] As described above, according to this embodiment, the administrator user of the MFP 103 can simultaneously recognize multiple pieces of information necessary for management / operation, and can also easily confirm how to determine the necessary measures based on the information.

[0078] In this embodiment, an example in which a solution is displayed on a separate screen has been shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. Specifically, possible problems may be displayed on the operation status screen 700, or information related to the problem may be displayed on the device trouble resolution support button 702.

[0079] In addition, in this embodiment, an example has been shown in which the content of the countermeasure is displayed on the device trouble resolution support screen 710, but the present invention is not limited to this. Specifically, for example, if there is a screen for requesting repairs (not shown), a guidance button for transitioning to the screen for requesting repairs may be displayed.

[0080] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, an example has been shown in which the device trouble resolution support button 702 is always displayed, but this is not limiting. For example, the device trouble resolution support button 702 may be controlled to be displayed on the operation status screen 700 only when a condition that may require some kind of action is met. Specifically, the device trouble resolution support button 702 may be controlled to be displayed on the operation status screen 700 only when an error or trouble occurs, such as when the remaining toner amount drops below a predetermined threshold.

[0081] [Third embodiment] Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, a method for switching the display of an operation status confirmation screen and a job status confirmation screen by a default screen setting was described. However, there are various types of users who use the MFP 103, such as administrator users and general users, and whether they want to set the operation status confirmation screen or the job status confirmation screen as the default screen may differ depending on the type of user. Therefore, in the third embodiment, a method will be described in which the default screen setting can be set for each user account information, and the default screen to be displayed is switched for each user who is logged in to the MFP 103.

[0082] 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit 212. The screen shown in FIG.

[0083] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a setting switching screen 800. The setting switching screen 800 is a screen that is displayed when the setting / registration button 402 on the home screen 400 is pressed while the user is logged in to the MFP 103. In this embodiment, a state in which a user "UserA" is logged in to the MFP 103 will be described as an example. The setting switching screen 800 displays a personal settings button 801, a device settings button 802, a close button 803, and a logout button 804. When the personal settings button 801 is pressed, a setting / registration screen (not shown) for the individual user (the logged-in UserA) is displayed. Next, when the user presses a predetermined button among the item buttons on the displayed setting / registration screen, a predetermined setting screen (for example, the change default screen (status check) screen 440 in FIG. 4(e)) is displayed. Then, when the setting operation as described above in FIG. 4(e) is performed on the predetermined setting screen, information based on the setting operation is reflected as the setting (first setting) of the individual user (the logged-in UserA). When the device setting button 802 is pressed, a setting / registration screen (not shown) for device settings is displayed. Next, when the user presses a predetermined button among the item buttons on the displayed setting / registration screen, a predetermined setting screen (for example, the change default screen (status check) screen 440 in FIG. 4(e)) is displayed. When the settings described above in FIG. 4(e) are performed on the predetermined setting screen, the settings are reflected as device settings (second settings). The device settings are uniform (fixed) settings for the device that are not related to the logged-in user. When the MFP 103 is used without a logged-in user, the MFP 103 operates by referring to the device settings. When the close button 803 is pressed, the setting switching screen 800 is closed, and the screen that was displayed before the setting switching screen 800 was displayed or a preset screen (for example, the home screen 400) is displayed. When the logout button 804 is pressed, the user logged in to the MFP 103 is logged out, and the setting / registration operation is canceled, so that the screen returns to an initial screen such as the home screen 400. Additionally, the logout button 804 displays the logged-in user information (User A).8 shows an example in which the setting / registration button 402 on the home screen 400 is pressed while the user is logged in, but when the user is not logged in, personal settings cannot be made, so a setting / registration screen (not shown) for device settings may be displayed directly without displaying the setting switching screen 800 (similar to embodiment 1). Alternatively, after the setting switching screen 800 is displayed, if the personal setting button 801 is pressed, an authentication screen (not shown) may be displayed to accept login processing, perform login authentication, and then display a setting / registration screen (not shown) for the logged-in user.

[0084] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of an operation status screen display process in the second embodiment. The flowchart in Fig. 9 is implemented by CPU 201 of MFP 103 reading into RAM 202 a program for implementing each control module stored in ROM 203 and executing the program. Note that some or all of the functions of the steps in Fig. 9 may be implemented by hardware such as an ASIC or electronic circuit. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used for processes similar to those in the first embodiment (Fig. 5), and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0085] In S901, the control unit 303 determines whether or not the user has already logged in to the MFP 103. If it is determined that the user has already logged in, the process proceeds to S902, and if it is determined that the user has not already logged in, the process proceeds to S903.

[0086] In S902, the control unit 303 acquires logged-in user information and acquires default screen display setting information for status check set on the change default screen (status check) screen 440, which is the personal setting of the logged-in user.

[0087] In S903, the control unit 303 acquires the default screen display setting information for status check that is set on the change (status check) screen 440 for the default screen for device settings.

[0088] As described above, according to this embodiment, the default screen setting can be set for each user. Specifically, when an administrator user logs in to MFP 103, the operation status check screen is displayed as the default screen, and when a general user logs in, the job status check screen is displayed. In other words, the default screen that is displayed when status check button 401 is pressed can be switched for each user who uses MFP 103 for different purposes, improving usability.

[0089] (Other embodiments) The above-described embodiments can also be realized by executing the following process. That is, software (programs) that realize the functions of the above-described embodiments are supplied to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and a computer (CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or device reads and executes the program. The program may be executed by a single computer, or may be executed by multiple computers in cooperation with each other. Furthermore, it is not necessary to realize all of the above-described processes by software; some or all of the processes may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC. Furthermore, the CPU is not limited to one that performs all processes by a single CPU, and multiple CPUs may perform processes in cooperation with each other as appropriate.

[0090] Furthermore, the functions of the above-described embodiments are not only realized by a computer reading and executing the program code, but also include cases where the OS running on the computer performs some or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program code, thereby realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0091] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration.

[0092] (Item 1) An image forming apparatus, a display control unit that can display information about the image forming apparatus on a display unit; The display control means displays a predetermined screen including at least one piece of information related to consumables of the image forming apparatus and at least one piece of information related to environmental impacts based on jobs executed in the image forming apparatus, and is capable of displaying the information related to the environmental impacts for different periods on the predetermined screen. An image forming apparatus characterized by:

[0093] (Item 2) The display control means displays a pull-down menu on the predetermined screen from which a period for displaying the information on the environmental load can be selected. 2. The image forming apparatus according to item 1,

[0094] (Item 3) The display control means displays the information about the environmental load based on the period selected in the pull-down menu. 3. The image forming apparatus according to item 2,

[0095] (Item 4) The information indicating the period displayed in the pull-down menu is information indicating each period of today, this week, this month, and last month. 4. The image forming apparatus according to item 3,

[0096] (Item 5) The display control means hides part of the information relating to the environmental load when information indicating the previous month is selected in the pull-down menu. 5. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 2 to 4.

[0097] (Item 6) The part of the information on the environmental load is information indicating the amount of power consumed by the operation of the image forming apparatus. 6. The image forming apparatus according to item 5,

[0098] (Item 7) The information on the consumables is at least one of information on the remaining amount of toner held in the image forming device and information on the remaining amount of paper fed to a cassette of the image forming device. 7. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 6,

[0099] (Item 8) The information relating to the environmental impact is at least one of information indicating the total number of printed sheets, paper reduction rate, black and white printing rate, double-sided printing rate, page aggregation rate, and power consumption. 8. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 7,

[0100] (Item 9) The predetermined screen displays an item for displaying information indicating the security status of the image forming apparatus. 9. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 8,

[0101] (Item 10) The predetermined screen displays an item for displaying information for resolving an error that has occurred in the image forming apparatus. 10. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 9,

[0102] (Item 11) The predetermined screen displays an item for displaying a screen including at least an error predicted based on at least one piece of information about consumables of the image forming apparatus and at least one piece of information about environmental impacts based on jobs executed in the image forming apparatus, and information for resolving the error. 11. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 10,

[0103] (Item 12) The display control means displays the predetermined screen by switching between a first area including at least one piece of information on consumables of the image forming apparatus and at least one piece of information on environmental impacts resulting from printing processes executed in the image forming apparatus and a second area including information showing the operating status of a job executed in the image forming apparatus. 12. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 11,

[0104] (Item 13) further comprising a setting means for setting a predetermined setting indicating whether the first area or the second area is to be displayed when the predetermined screen is displayed; When the predetermined screen is displayed, the display control means displays either the first area or the second area set by the setting means. Item 13. The image forming apparatus according to item 12.

[0105] (Item 14) the setting unit is capable of setting a first setting in which the predetermined setting is set for each user account that logs in to the image forming apparatus, and a second setting in which the predetermined setting is set to the image forming apparatus regardless of the user account that logs in to the image forming apparatus, The display control means displays either the first area or the second area set based on the first setting when a user account is logged in to the image forming apparatus, and displays either the first area or the second area set based on the second setting when a user account is not logged in to the image forming apparatus. Item 14. The image forming apparatus according to item 13,

[0106] (Item 15) A control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising: a display control step for displaying information about the image forming apparatus on a display unit; The display control step displays a predetermined screen including at least one piece of information about consumables of the image forming apparatus and at least one piece of information about environmental impacts based on jobs executed in the image forming apparatus, and the information about the environmental impacts can be displayed for different periods on the predetermined screen. A control method comprising:

[0107] (Item 16) 15. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 14. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 103 MFP 212 Operation section

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus, a display control unit that can display information about the image forming apparatus on a display unit; The display control means displays a predetermined screen including at least one piece of information on consumables of the image forming apparatus and at least one piece of information on environmental impacts based on jobs executed in the image forming apparatus, and is capable of displaying the information on the environmental impacts for different periods on the predetermined screen. An image forming apparatus characterized by:

2. The display control means displays a pull-down menu on the predetermined screen from which a period for displaying the information on the environmental load can be selected.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

3. The display control means displays the information about the environmental load based on the period selected in the pull-down menu.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

4. The information indicating the period displayed in the pull-down menu is information indicating each period of today, this week, this month, and last month.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

5. The display control means hides part of the information relating to the environmental load when information indicating the previous month is selected in the pull-down menu.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

6. The part of the information on the environmental load is information indicating the amount of power consumed by the operation of the image forming apparatus.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5,

7. The information about the consumables is at least one of information about the amount of toner remaining in the image forming apparatus and information about the amount of paper remaining in a cassette of the image forming apparatus.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

8. The information on the environmental impact is at least one of information indicating the total number of printed sheets, paper reduction rate, black and white printing rate, double-sided printing rate, page aggregation rate, and power consumption.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

9. The predetermined screen displays an item for displaying information indicating the security status of the image forming apparatus.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

10. The predetermined screen displays an item for displaying information for resolving an error that has occurred in the image forming apparatus.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

11. The predetermined screen displays an item for displaying a screen including at least an error predicted based on at least one piece of information about consumables of the image forming apparatus and at least one piece of information about environmental impacts based on jobs executed in the image forming apparatus, and information for resolving the error.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

12. The display control means displays the predetermined screen by switching between a first area including at least one piece of information on consumables of the image forming apparatus and at least one piece of information on environmental loads resulting from printing processes executed in the image forming apparatus and a second area including information showing the operating status of a job executed in the image forming apparatus.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

13. further comprising a setting means for setting a predetermined setting indicating whether the first area or the second area is to be displayed when the predetermined screen is displayed; When the predetermined screen is displayed, the display control means displays either the first area or the second area set by the setting means.

13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12.

14. the setting unit is capable of setting a first setting in which the predetermined setting is set for each user account that logs in to the image forming apparatus, and a second setting in which the predetermined setting is set to the image forming apparatus regardless of the user account that logs in to the image forming apparatus, The display control means displays either the first area or the second area set based on the first setting when a user account is logged in to the image forming apparatus, and displays either the first area or the second area set based on the second setting when a user account is not logged in to the image forming apparatus.

14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13.

15. A control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising: a display control step for displaying information about the image forming apparatus on a display unit; The display control step displays a predetermined screen including at least one piece of information related to consumables of the image forming apparatus and at least one piece of information related to environmental impacts based on jobs executed in the image forming apparatus, and the information related to the environmental impacts can be displayed for different periods on the predetermined screen. A control method comprising:

16. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

Images