Information processing device, control method thereof, and program

Abstract

The present invention provides, for example, a novel mechanism for easily generating icon images that are relevant to a user. [Solution] This information processing device acquires an information list including multiple parameters related to a user, and displays a user interface on a display unit for generating an icon image that identifies the user. The information processing device also selects one or more parameters from the multiple parameters in accordance with user input via the user interface, and transmits the selected one or more parameters to an external server to acquire one or more icon images. The information processing device then presents the acquired one or more icon images on the user interface.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device that supports the creation of a user icon, a control method thereof, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 proposes a system that allows users to easily identify information on a communication tool by simply selecting a registered object on an image forming device. Such objects include, for example, icon images for identifying users on the communication tool. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-13620 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when a user registers an icon image of the above-mentioned object or the like in a communication tool that is publicly available on the Internet, the following problems arise. For example, when identifying information based on an icon image, as in the above-mentioned conventional technology, the icon image must be able to identify the target. However, creating such an icon image requires the user to select and register an arbitrary image, which is time-consuming and laborious.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of at least one of the above problems, and provides, for example, a novel mechanism for easily generating an icon image related to a user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention is, for example, an information processing device comprising a first acquisition means for acquiring an information list including a plurality of parameters related to a user, a display control means for displaying a user interface on a display unit for generating an icon image that identifies the user, a selection means for selecting one or more parameters from the plurality of parameters in accordance with user input via the user interface, a second acquisition means for transmitting the one or more selected parameters to an external server to acquire one or more icon images, and a presentation means for presenting the one or more acquired icon images on the user interface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, a novel mechanism for easily generating an icon image related to a user can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an MFP 101 according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a mobile terminal 200 according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a message application server 300 according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an icon generation AI server 400 according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence in the present system according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing tenant information managed by a message application server 300 according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing parameters required for icon generation according to an embodiment, and an example of icon generation. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of an icon generation UI according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen on which an icon is used according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] 1 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of an MFP 101 according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention claimed. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0010] <System configuration> An embodiment of the present invention will be described below, with reference to FIG.

[0011] The system configuration according to this embodiment includes an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) 101, a mobile terminal 200, a message application server 300, and an icon generation AI server 400. The mobile terminal 200 is an example of a terminal device owned by a user who uses this system. The MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) 101 is an information processing device capable of communicating with each device via a network 100. The message application server 300 and the icon generation AI server 400 are also connected via the network 100 and can communicate with each device. The message application server 300 and the icon generation AI server 400 are examples of external servers and may be provided as an integrated unit.

[0012] The message app server 300 is a chat server that receives messages and image data sent from the MFP 101 or the mobile terminal 200 and manages a chat service that displays the messages and image data on the mobile terminal 200 or a PC (not shown) in response to a user operation. The icon generation AI server 400 associates the message and image data with information (token information) corresponding to a bot app installed in the message app server 300 connected to the MFP 101, and transfers a request from the MFP 101 to the message app server 300. The network 100 in this embodiment may be the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network). The network 100 may be configured as a wired or wireless network.

[0013] <Hardware configuration of information processing device (MFP)> An example of the hardware configuration of an MFP 101 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The MFP 101 is an example of an information processing apparatus, and includes a CPU 111, a ROM 112, a RAM 113, a storage 114, an operation unit I / F 115, an operation unit 116, a reading unit I / F 117, a reading unit 118, a printing unit I / F 119, and a printing unit 120. The MFP 101 further includes a wireless communication unit I / F 121, a wireless communication unit 122, a FAX unit I / F 123, a FAX communication unit 124, a communication unit I / F 125, a communication unit 126, and a GPU 127.

[0014] The control unit 110, including the CPU 111, controls the overall operation of the MFP 101. The CPU 111 loads a control program stored in the ROM 112 or the storage 114 into the RAM 113 to perform various control operations such as scanning control and printing control. The ROM 112 stores control programs executable by the CPU 111. The ROM 112 also stores a boot program, font data, and the like. The RAM 113 is a main memory and is used as a work area and a temporary storage area for expanding the various control programs stored in the ROM 112 and the storage 114. The storage 114 stores image data, print data, various programs, and various setting information. In this embodiment, a flash memory is assumed as the storage 114, but an auxiliary storage device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) or an HDD (Hard Disc Drive) may also be used. An eMMC (Embedded Multi Media Card) may also be used.

[0015] In the MFP 101 of this embodiment, one CPU 111 executes each process shown in the flowcharts described below using one memory (RAM 113), but this is not limited to this. For example, each process shown in the flowcharts described below can be executed by multiple CPUs, RAMs, ROMs, and storages working together. Also, some processes can be executed using hardware circuits such as the GPU 127, ASIC, and FPGA.

[0016] The operation unit I / F 115 connects the control unit 110 to an operation unit 116, which includes a display unit such as a touch panel and hardware keys. The operation unit 116 displays information to the user and detects inputs from the user. The reading unit I / F 117 connects the control unit 110 to a reading unit 118, such as a scanner. The reading unit 118 reads an image of a document, and the CPU 111 converts the image into image data such as binary data. Image data generated based on the image read by the reading unit 118 is sent to an external device or printed on recording paper. The printing unit I / F 119 connects the control unit 110 to a printing unit 120, such as a printer. The CPU 111 transfers image data (print data) stored in the RAM 113 to the printing unit 120 via the printing unit I / F 119. The printing unit 120 prints an image based on the transferred image data on recording paper fed from a paper feed cassette.

[0017] The wireless communication unit I / F 121 is an I / F for controlling the wireless communication unit 122, and connects to the control unit 110 via wireless communication with an external wireless device (here, the mobile terminal 200). The control unit 110 is connected to the public line network 107 by controlling a FAX communication unit 124 such as a facsimile via the FAX unit I / F 123. The FAX unit I / F 123 is an I / F for controlling the FAX communication unit 124, and by controlling a modem and NCU for facsimile communication, it is possible to connect to the public line network, control the facsimile communication protocol, and the like.

[0018] The communication unit I / F 125 connects the control unit 110 to the network 100. The communication unit I / F 125 allows the communication unit 126 to transmit image data and various internal device information to external devices on the network 100, and to receive print data and information on the network 100 from information processing devices on the network 100. Methods for transmitting and receiving data via the network 100 include transmission and reception using email and file transmission using other protocols (e.g., FTP, SMB, WEBDAV, etc.). Furthermore, image data and various setting data can be transmitted and received over the network 100 by accessing via HTTP communication from the mobile terminal 200, the message application server 300, and the icon generation AI server 400.

[0019] <Mobile device hardware configuration> An example of the hardware configuration of a mobile terminal 200 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Note that the mobile terminal 200 according to this embodiment is assumed to be a device such as a smartphone or tablet PC, but may be any other information processing device capable of Wi-Fi communication. The mobile terminal 200 includes an operation panel 201, a camera 204, an NFC communication unit 205, a Bluetooth communication unit 206, a CPU 207, a ROM 208, a RAM 209, an HDD 210, and a wireless LAN communication unit 211.

[0020] The CPU 207 reads out a control program stored in the ROM 208 and executes various processes for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 200. The ROM 208 stores the control program. The RAM 209 is used as a temporary storage area such as the main memory and work area of ​​the CPU 207. The HDD 210 stores various data such as photographs and electronic documents.

[0021] The operation panel 201 has a touch panel function capable of detecting a user's touch operation, and displays various screens provided by the OS and email sending application. The operation panel 201 is also used to check information stored in the message application server 300. The user can input desired operation instructions to the mobile terminal 200 by inputting a touch operation to the operation panel 201. The mobile terminal 200 is also provided with hardware keys (not shown), and the user can input operation instructions to the mobile terminal 200 using these hardware keys.

[0022] Camera 204 takes an image in response to a user's instruction to take an image. The photograph taken by camera 204 is stored in a predetermined area of ​​HDD 210. It is also possible to obtain information from a QR code read by camera 204 using a program capable of analyzing QR codes (registered trademark).

[0023] The mobile terminal 200 can exchange data with various peripheral devices via an NFC communication unit 205, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit 206, and a wireless LAN communication unit 211. The Bluetooth communication unit 206 may be compatible with Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy.

[0024] <Message app server hardware configuration> An example of the hardware configuration of the message application server 300 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The message application server 300 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a communication unit 304, and an HDD 305.

[0025] The CPU 301 reads out a control program stored in the ROM 302 and executes various processes for controlling the operation of the message app server 300. The ROM 302 stores the control program. The RAM 303 is used as a temporary storage area such as the main memory and work area of ​​the CPU 301. The HDD 305 stores various data such as messages, image data, and channel information. Data can be transmitted and received to and from various devices such as the mobile terminal 200 and the MFP 101 via the communication unit 304. The communication unit 304 may perform wired communication using Ethernet (registered trademark) or wireless communication such as Wi-Fi.

[0026] <Hardware configuration of the icon generation AI server> An example of the hardware configuration of the icon generation AI server 400 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The icon generation AI server 400 includes a CPU 401, a ROM 402, a RAM 403, a communication unit 404, and an HDD 405.

[0027] The CPU 401 reads out a control program stored in the ROM 402 and executes various processes for controlling the operation of the icon generation AI server. The ROM 402 stores the control program. The RAM 403 is used as a temporary storage area such as the main memory and work area of ​​the CPU 401. The HDD 405 stores various data such as image data. Data can be sent and received via the communication unit 404 with various models such as the mobile terminal 200, MFP 101, and message app server 300.

[0028] <sequence> An example of a system sequence according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6. Here, a sequence will be described in which the MFP 101 displays an icon generation UI and transmits an icon generation request to the message application server 300. The sequence in FIG. 6 is started when a screen shown in FIG. 9 (described later) is displayed on the operation unit 116. Here, a sequence realized between the MFP 101, the message application server 300, and the icon generation AI server 400 will be described. Note that the message application server 300 and the icon generation AI server 400 may be integrated, in which case the sequence will be between the MFP 101 and the integrated server. Furthermore, although the MFP 101 is an example of an information processing device, an information processing device such as a mobile terminal 200 or a PC may perform the process instead of the MFP 101. In that case, the processing of the MFP 101 described below may be executed via a printer driver of the MFP 101.

[0029] In S601, the CPU 111 of the MFP 101 controls the communication unit 126 to request the message application server 300 to acquire an information list of the user via HTTP communication. Specifically, the communication unit 126 transmits to the message application server 300 the user ID and password (user identification information) input on the MFP 101 and information indicating a request for the information list of the user. An example of the command to be transmitted here is "HTTP GET https: / / message.com / api / me." The URL "https: / / message.com / api / me" described in this command is a URL for accessing the message application server 300. By transmitting the user ID and password to this URL, the message application server 300 searches the tenant information for an information list corresponding to the user ID. Note that the user ID and password may be input by the user via the operation unit 116 of the MFP 101.

[0030] In S602, the CPU 301 of the message application server 300 references the user ID and password information received via the communication unit 304, and searches the HDD 305 for an information list corresponding to the user ID. Here, the information list indicates profile information including the user's name, department, group, and icon image. Next, in S603, the CPU 301 controls the communication unit 304 to transmit the information list to the MFP 101 as response information of the HTTP communication.

[0031] In S604, the CPU 111 of the MFP 101 accepts an icon generation option selection via the operation unit 116. Subsequently, in S605, the CPU 111 accepts an icon generation instruction via the operation unit 116. Furthermore, in S606, the CPU 111 controls the communication unit 126 to transmit an icon image generation request to the message application server 300 via HTTP communication. Specifically, the communication unit 126 transmits to the message application server 300 information indicating a request for icon image generation using as input the user ID and password entered on the MFP 101 and the option selection information selected in S604. Here, an example of the command to be transmitted is "HTTP GET https: / / message.com / api / createIcon". The URL "https: / / message.com / api / createIcon" described in this command is a URL for accessing the message application server 300. By sending the user ID, password, and option selection information to this URL, the message application server 300 identifies information linked to the option selection information from the tenant information and instructs the icon generation AI server 400 to generate an icon.

[0032] In S607, the CPU 301 of the message application server 300 references the user ID, password, and option selection information received via the communication unit 304. The CPU 301 searches the HDD 305 for information that corresponds to the information to be used for icon generation selected from the information list corresponding to the user ID. Here, the information to be used for icon generation indicates profile information including the user's name, department, group, and icon image. The information to be used for icon generation is sent to the icon generation AI server 400, and an instruction to generate an icon image is issued.

[0033] In S608, the CPU 401 of the icon generation AI server 400 references the information used for icon generation received via the communication unit 404 and generates an icon image. Here, the icon image may be generated using a process based on static logic, or an image generation AI that generates an image based on input text and images. Midjourney (https: / / www.midjourney.com / home / ) is known as an AI automatic image generation service that uses an image generation AI model. Next, in S609, the CPU 401 controls the communication unit 404 and transmits the icon image to the message app server 300 as response information for the HTTP communication.

[0034] In S610, the CPU 301 of the message application server 300 controls the communication unit 304 to transmit the icon image to the MFP 101 as response information of the HTTP communication. The processes from S606 to S610 may be repeated N times by executing S605. The icon selection screen in Fig. 9 shows an example of a screen that is executed three times.

[0035] In S611, the CPU 111 of the MFP 101 accepts an icon selection instruction via the operation unit 116. Subsequently, in S612, the CPU 111 controls the communication unit 126 to transmit an icon image registration request to the message application server 300 via HTTP communication. The communication unit 126 transmits to the message application server 300 the user ID and password input on the MFP 101, the icon image selected in S611, and information indicating a request to register the icon image as an icon image in the profile information of the user ID. Here, an example of the command to be transmitted is "HTTP GET https: / / message.com / api / me / icon". The URL "https: / / message.com / api / me / icon" described in this command is a URL for accessing the message application server 300.

[0036] In S613, the CPU 301 of the message application server 300 stores the icon image received via the communication unit 304 as the icon image of the profile information of the corresponding user ID in the HDD 305. Next, in S614, the CPU 301 controls the communication unit 304 to transmit the icon image update result to the MFP 101 as response information of the HTTP communication, and ends this sequence.

[0037] <Tenant information data structure> 7, the data configuration of tenant information stored in the HDD 305 of the message app server 300 according to this embodiment will be described. Reference numeral 700 shows the data configuration of tenant information stored in the message app server 300. The tenant information 700 includes, as an example, information on tenant A and tenant B. The tenant information 700 includes data on a group 701, an organization 702, a user 703, and a file 704 for each piece of tenant information.

[0038] Group 701 indicates a group that performs work within the tenant. Specifically, groups can be created according to specific types of work, such as an inventory management WG. Organization 702 indicates the organizational structure within the tenant. In organization 702, departments are linked in a tree structure based on units such as business, department, and section. User 703 indicates information about each user. User 703 includes the group and department to which the user belongs, the content posted by the user on the communication tool, and profile 705. Profile 705 includes name, email address, phone number, icon image, etc. File 704 includes information about files that exist in the tenant. File 704 includes documents uploaded by the user using an information processing terminal and documents uploaded using the scan function of a multifunction device.

[0039] <How to generate icon images> The icon image generation method S608 executed by the CPU 401 of the icon generation AI server 400 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 8. As mentioned above, the icon image generation method described below may be performed by processing based on static logic, or may be performed using an image generation AI that generates images based on input text and images. In Figure 8, an icon generated based on information in a parameter table 800 is shown as an icon generation example table 820.

[0040] Parameter table 800 includes information for each icon: name 801, department information 802, face photo 803, group 804, and posted content 805. A user can generate an icon image by selecting one or more of these pieces of information included in the tenant information. This information corresponds to the data of tenant information 700 stored in HDD 305 of message app server 300. Name 801 is stored in profile 705. Department information 802 is stored in organization 702. Face photo 803 is stored in profile 705. Group 804 is stored in group 701. Posted content 805 is stored in the posted content as information about user 703. Each row 812 indicates a parameter set of name 801, department information 802, face photo 803, group 804, and posted content 805. For example, it can be read from the parameters that a user named "Ichiro Shimomaruko" belongs to the Materials Department, the company soccer club, and the Purchasing Working Group. Here, the information of name 801, department information 802, face photo 803, group 804, and posted content 805 has been described as examples of parameters related to a user, but this is not intended to limit the present invention. For example, the parameters may include at least two of the name related to the user, the department to which the user belongs, an image of the user, and the posted content posted by the user in the communication tool. Furthermore, the parameters may include documents related to the user.

[0041] Check item 806 in table 820 indicates option selection information that the MFP 101 transmits to the message application server 300 in step S606. Icon generation example 807 indicates an example of an icon image generated based on check item 806. 808 indicates an example of an icon image generated based on name 801, department information 802, and facial photo 803. For example, 813 indicates an icon image generated for Yako Saburo, where an icon with pictures of a chicken, cow, and pig is generated based on the word "livestock business department." 810 indicates an example of an icon generated based on check item name 801 and post content 805. For example, 811 indicates an icon image generated for Yako Saburo, where an icon with a picture of a chicken is generated based on the post content about chicken feed, resulting in an icon that is more recognizable as Yako Saburo. In this way, users can freely select tenant information to generate an icon that expresses their own characteristics, allowing for easy icon image generation.

[0042] <Icon generation UI> 9, an example of an icon generation UI screen displayed on the operation unit 116 of the MFP 101 according to this embodiment will be described. The icon generation UI 900 is displayed on the operation unit 116 of the MFP 101, but may also be displayed on an external device such as the mobile terminal 200 or a PC. When displayed on an external device, it is displayed on the printer driver of the MFP 101.

[0043] The icon generation UI 900 is an example of a user interface, and includes, as display objects, an icon image 901, an upload button 902, option selection information 903, an icon generation button 904, and icon image generation results 905-907. The current icon image 901 for "Yako Saburo" is based on the letter "Y," the initial letter of Yako in the Roman alphabet. An icon can also be registered by uploading a photo or a pre-existing image file by operating the upload button 902. For example, operating the upload button 902 displays a pop-up screen for selecting a file or image, and the user can select data to be used for the icon image from pre-stored files or images.

[0044] The option selection information 903 is an example of a first display object, and indicates selection items corresponding to the parameter set included in the tenant information 700 in a checkbox format. One or more checked parameters are selected as options. When the icon generation button 904 is operated while the option selection information 903 is selected, icon image generation according to the option selection information 903 is executed, and icon image generation results 905, 906, and 907 are displayed. The icon generation button 904 is an example of a second display object. At this time, if the icon image desired by the user is not available, the user can reselect the parameters of the option selection information 903 and operate the icon generation button 904 again to execute icon image generation again and obtain another icon image result. Of the icon image generation results 905, 906, and 907, the one operated by the user is registered as an icon image in the message app server 300, and the current icon image 901 is updated to display the icon image generation result selected by the user.

[0045] Previously generated icon image generation results may be selectably displayed in a margin area of ​​the icon generation UI 900. These displays are examples of third display objects. For example, a margin area may be provided on the right side of the icon generation UI 900, and previously generated icon image generation results may be displayed in this area. If the number of icon images generated in the past exceeds this area, a scroll button may be displayed so that hidden icons can be viewed by selecting the scroll. This eliminates the need for the user to reselect previously generated parameters to generate an icon, and allows the user to select an icon image, including previously generated icon images. Also, a group of previously generated icon images may be saved, and a display object for reading the saved data may be displayed in the margin area. In this case, when the display object is selected, the corresponding saved data is displayed as the icon image generation result. Note that the display object may be one of the generated icon images. For example, an icon image generation result 905 may be selectably displayed in the margin area as a display object, and when the display object is selected, icon image generation results 905, 906, and 907 may be displayed again. This allows the user to use previously generated icon images without having to select parameters and generate them again. It is desirable that this saved data be deleted from the storage area when the display of the icon generation UI 900 is terminated. This allows for control of memory resource consumption.

[0046] <Icon image generation procedure> The process for generating an icon image in the MFP 101 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. The process described below is realized, for example, by the CPU 111 reading a program stored in the ROM 112 or storage 114 into the RAM 113 and executing it. Note that the process described below may be executed by a mobile terminal or a PC that runs the printer driver of the MFP 101, instead of the MFP 101.

[0047] In S1101, the CPU 111 accepts a user input corresponding to a screen transition to a profile screen on a screen displayed on the operation unit 116 of the MFP 101. Subsequently, in S1102, the CPU 111 functions as a first acquisition unit, requests the message app server 300 for an information list related to the user, and acquires the information list. Here, the request includes a user ID and its password in addition to information indicating the request for the information list. Based on this information, the message app server 300 transmits an information list of the relevant user from the information it holds to the MFP 101. In S1103, the CPU 111 functions as a display control unit, and displays an icon generation UI 900 on the operation unit 116, which is a display unit, in accordance with the information list acquired in S1102. Here, the information list includes multiple parameters, for example, at least two parameters: a name related to the relevant user, an organization to which the user belongs, an image of the user, and content posted by the user in a communication tool. Furthermore, a document related to the user may be selectable as a parameter.

[0048] In S1104, the CPU 111 determines whether a user input has been accepted via the icon generation UI 900. If accepted, the process proceeds to S1105; if not accepted, the process repeats the determination of S1104. In S1105, the CPU 111 determines whether the upload button 902 has been operated. If so, the process proceeds to S1106; if not, the process proceeds to S1107. In S1106, the CPU 111 displays a data selection screen (not shown) on the icon generation UI 900 as a pop-up screen on which a file or image can be selected, and returns the process to S1104.

[0049] Meanwhile, in S1107, the CPU 111 determines whether the icon generation button 904 has been operated. If it has been operated, the process proceeds to S1108; if not, the process proceeds to S1110. In S1108, the CPU 111 functions as a second acquisition means, and transmits the selected parameters to the icon generation AI server 400 to acquire one or more icon images. Subsequently, in S1109, the CPU 111 functions as a presentation means, and presents the generated one or more icon images (e.g., icon image generation results 905-907) in the icon generation UI 900 so that they can be selected, and the process returns to S1104.

[0050] Meanwhile, in S1110, the CPU 111 determines whether an icon image has been selected via the icon generation UI 900. If an icon image has been selected, the process proceeds to S1111; if not, the process returns to S1104. Here, the selection of an icon image includes two cases: when one of the one or more generated icon images is selected, and when the icon image is selected via the data selection screen displayed in S1106. In S1111, the CPU 111 functions as a registration unit, registers the selected icon image, updates the icon image 901, and ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0051] <Example of using icon images> Examples of how to use the generated icon images according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 shows a print job history screen 1021, a home screen 1022, a login screen 1023, and a posting screen 1024 as examples of how to use the registered icon images.

[0052] The print job history screen 1021 is a screen that displays the history of print jobs that have been executed in the past. On the print job history screen 1021, it is easy to recognize who printed a job simply by referring to the icon images 1001, 1002, and 1003. Therefore, it is easy to identify the target when executing a job again from the job history. The association between the icon image and the user is registered in association with the user who logged in to the MFP 101 and instructed to generate the icon. When a user whose icon is registered issues a copy or scan instruction while logged in to the MFP 101 and executes the job, the history of the job and the icon of the user who instructed to execute the job are stored in association with each other.

[0053] The home screen 1022 can provide job execution buttons customized for each user, such as a copy button 1004 for "Shimomaruko Ichiro," a copy button 1005 for "Yako Saburo," and a scan button 1006 for "Toride Jiro," for easy user identification. Also, on a simplified login screen that allows users to log in simply by touching a user's icon, an icon image 1007 for "Shimomaruko Ichiro," an icon image 1008 for "Yako Saburo," and an icon image 1009 for "Toride Jiro" are selectably displayed. Simply touching any of these icon images allows a user to log in to the MFP 101 as the corresponding user. The icons on the login screen 1023 are displayed when the simple login function is turned on. Normally, a user logs in by inputting an ID and password to log in to the MFP 101. However, when the simple login function is turned on, the user can be identified while omitting the input of an ID and password. For example, when the "Yako" icon is selected, "Yako" is logged in to the MFP, and available functions are restricted according to the role registered in association with "Yako." Furthermore, when a job is executed in this state, the job history and the user information of "Yako" are stored in association with each other. On the posting screen 1024 of the communication tool, icon images are used to easily identify who is posting, as shown by 1010, 1011, and 1012.

[0054] As described above, the information processing device according to this embodiment acquires an information list including multiple parameters related to a user and displays a user interface on a display unit for generating an icon image for identifying the user. The information processing device also selects one or more parameters from the multiple parameters in accordance with user input via the user interface, and transmits the selected one or more parameters to an external server to acquire one or more icon images. The information processing device then presents the acquired one or more icon images on the user interface. According to this embodiment, any icon image that can identify a user can be created with a simple operation using information related to the user stored on the message app server 300. Note that this embodiment is merely an example, and the message app server 300 alone may perform the processing sequence of FIG. 6 . The icon generation AI server 400 may also be implemented as a function of the message app server 300. Furthermore, the flowchart of FIG. 11 may be implemented by a mobile terminal, a PC, or the like instead of the MFP 101. In this case, the processing may be performed within the processing of a printer driver activated by each device.

[0055] The disclosure of this specification includes the following information processing device, its control method, and program. (Item 1) An information processing device, a first acquiring means for acquiring an information list including a plurality of parameters related to a user; a display control means for displaying on a display unit a user interface for generating an icon image for identifying a user; selection means for selecting one or more parameters from the plurality of parameters in accordance with user input via the user interface; a second acquiring means for transmitting the one or more selected parameters to an external server to acquire one or more icon images; a presentation means for presenting the one or more acquired icon images on the user interface; An information processing device comprising: (Item 2) 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a registration unit that registers an icon image selected in accordance with a user input via the user interface. (Item 3) 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first acquisition means acquires the information list by transmitting the user's identification information to an external server. (Item 4) 4. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the user interface includes a first display object that allows selection of each of the plurality of parameters, and a second display object that instructs generation of an icon image using one or more selected parameters. (Item 5) 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the user interface further includes a third display object for selecting an icon image generated in the past. (Item 6) 6. The information processing device according to claim 5, wherein the third display object is a display object that allows selection of each of icon images that have been generated in the past. (Item 7) 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the third display object is a display object for presenting one or more icon images for each generation executed in the past. (Item 8) An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the plurality of parameters include at least two parameters: a name associated with the user in question, an organization to which the user belongs, an image of the user, content posted by the user in a communication tool, and documents associated with the user. (Item 9) the information processing apparatus is an image forming apparatus that forms an image, 9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control means displays an icon image registered for a predetermined user in an item related to the predetermined user on the screen of the image forming apparatus. (Item 10) 10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the screen of the image forming apparatus includes at least one of a home screen, a login screen, a print job history screen, and a posting screen. (Item 11) the information processing device is a mobile terminal that executes a printer driver for an image forming device, 9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control means displays the user interface on a screen of the printer driver. (Item 12) A control method for an information processing device, comprising: a first acquisition step in which a first acquisition means acquires an information list including a plurality of parameters related to a user; a display control step in which a display control means displays on a display unit a user interface for generating an icon image for identifying a user; a selection step in which a selection means selects one or more parameters from the plurality of parameters in accordance with a user input via the user interface; a second acquisition step in which a second acquisition means transmits the one or more selected parameters to an external server to acquire one or more icon images; a presentation step in which a presentation means presents the one or more acquired icon images on the user interface; 10. A method for controlling an information processing device, comprising: (Item 13) A program for causing a computer to execute each step of a control method for an information processing device, the control method comprising: a first acquisition step in which a first acquisition means acquires an information list including a plurality of parameters related to a user; a display control step in which a display control means displays on a display unit a user interface for generating an icon image for identifying a user; a selection step in which a selection means selects one or more parameters from the plurality of parameters in accordance with a user input via the user interface; a second acquisition step in which a second acquisition means transmits the one or more selected parameters to an external server to acquire one or more icon images; a presentation step in which a presentation means presents the one or more acquired icon images on the user interface; A program comprising:

[0056] <Other embodiments> The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program.The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0057] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 100: Network, 101: MFP, 107: Public line network, 110: Control unit, 111: CPU, 112: ROM, 113: RAM, 114: Storage, 115: Operation unit I / F, 116: Operation unit, 117: Reading unit I / F, 118: Reading unit, 119: Printing unit I / F, 120: Printing unit, 121: Wireless communication unit I / F, 122: Wireless communication unit, 123: FAX unit I / F, 124: FAX communication unit, 125: Communication unit I / F, 126: Communication unit, 200: Mobile terminal, 300: Message application server, 400: Icon generation AI server

Claims

1. An information processing device, a first obtaining means for obtaining an information list including a plurality of parameters related to a user; a display control means for displaying on a display unit a user interface for generating an icon image for identifying a user; selection means for selecting one or more parameters from the plurality of parameters in accordance with user input via the user interface; a second acquiring means for transmitting the selected one or more parameters to an external server to acquire one or more icon images; a presentation means for presenting the acquired one or more icon images on the user interface; An information processing device comprising:

2. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a registration unit for registering an icon image selected in accordance with a user input via the user interface.

3. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first acquisition means acquires the information list by transmitting the user's identification information to an external server.

4. 3. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the user interface includes a first display object that allows selection of each of the plurality of parameters, and a second display object that instructs generation of an icon image using one or more selected parameters.

5. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the user interface further includes a third display object for selecting an icon image generated in the past.

6. 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the third display object is a display object that allows selection of each of icon images that have been generated in the past.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the third display object is a display object for presenting one or more icon images for each generation executed in the past.

8. The information processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that the plurality of parameters include at least two parameters: a name associated with the corresponding user, an organization to which the user belongs, an image of the user, content posted by the user in a communication tool, and documents associated with the user.

9. the information processing apparatus is an image forming apparatus that forms an image, 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the display control means displays an icon image registered for a predetermined user in an item related to the predetermined user on the screen of the image forming apparatus.

10. 10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the screen of the image forming apparatus includes at least one of a home screen, a login screen, a print job history screen, and a posting screen.

11. the information processing device is a mobile terminal that executes a printer driver for an image forming device, 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said display control means displays said user interface on a screen of said printer driver.

12. A control method for an information processing device, comprising: a first acquisition step in which a first acquisition means acquires an information list including a plurality of parameters related to a user; a display control step in which a display control means displays on a display unit a user interface for generating an icon image for identifying a user; a selection step in which a selection means selects one or more parameters from the plurality of parameters in accordance with a user input via the user interface; a second acquisition step in which second acquisition means transmits the one or more selected parameters to an external server to acquire one or more icon images; a presentation step in which a presentation means presents the acquired one or more icon images on the user interface; 10. A method for controlling an information processing device, comprising:

13. A program for causing a computer to execute each step of a control method for an information processing device, the control method comprising: a first acquisition step in which a first acquisition means acquires an information list including a plurality of parameters related to a user; a display control step in which a display control means displays on a display unit a user interface for generating an icon image for identifying a user; a selection step in which a selection means selects one or more parameters from the plurality of parameters in accordance with a user input via the user interface; a second acquisition step in which second acquisition means transmits the one or more selected parameters to an external server to acquire one or more icon images; a presentation step in which a presentation means presents the acquired one or more icon images on the user interface; A program comprising:

Images