Image processing device

Abstract

The present invention provides an image processing device, a screen display method, and a program that can improve the convenience of user operation when multiple selection keys are associated with a single identification piece of information. [Solution] When the home screen 41 is displayed on the operation panel and the card number of the IC card is read, and multiple registration data are associated with that card number, and no registration data is set to be used preferentially, a shortcut display screen 44 including multiple shortcut keys 61 is displayed on the operation panel. Also, when the home screen 41 is displayed on the operation panel and the card number of the IC card is read, and there is only one registration data associated with that card number, or if a registration data to be used preferentially is set to be associated with the card number, a setting content display screen 45 related to a specific process is displayed on the operation panel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus such as a multi-function peripheral (MFP), a screen display method executed by the image processing apparatus, and a program installed in a computer of the image processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, some image processing apparatuses such as scanners, printers, and multi-function peripherals (MFPs) have a shortcut function. In an image processing apparatus having a shortcut function, settings related to various functions such as scanning are registered in advance, and when a function is executed, the registered settings are called.

[0003] A configuration using a card in which identification information is stored for calling the information of this setting has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In that configuration, settings related to functions are registered in association with identification information. When the identification information is read from the card by a card reader provided in the image processing apparatus, the settings associated with the identification information are called, and the function is executed according to the settings.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When the identification information of the card and the settings related to the function are associated one-to-one, when the identification information is read from the card, one setting associated with the identification information is read out.

[0006] However, if multiple settings are associated with a single identification piece of information, then when that information is read from the card, multiple settings will be recalled. In this case, it becomes necessary to display shortcut keys corresponding to each setting on the display, allowing the user to select the setting to use to execute the function. The more settings associated with a single identification piece of information, the more shortcut keys will be displayed on the display. This makes it cumbersome for the user to select the desired shortcut key from among many, resulting in poor user convenience.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide an image processing device, a screen display method, and a program that can improve the convenience of user operation when multiple selection keys are associated with a single piece of identification information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above objective, an image processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention is an image processing apparatus capable of executing a plurality of functions, comprising: a function execution unit that selectively executes the plurality of functions; an information reading unit that reads identification information from an external medium; a display unit; a storage unit; and a control unit, wherein the storage unit stores, in association with the identification information, first display information relating to a first screen including a plurality of selection keys; and second display information relating to a second screen relating to a specific process, in association with the identification information; and when the control unit determines that a first condition is met when the identification information is read from the medium by the information reading unit, it causes the first screen to be displayed on the display unit based on the first display information stored in the storage unit in association with the read identification information; and when the control unit determines that a second condition different from the first condition is met when the identification information is read from the medium by the information reading unit, it causes the second screen to be displayed on the display unit based on the second display information stored in the storage unit in association with the read identification information.

[0009] In this configuration, if the first condition is met when the media identification information is read while the standby screen is displayed on the display unit, a first screen including multiple selection keys is displayed on the display unit based on the first display information associated with the read identification information. Furthermore, if a second condition different from the first condition is met when the media identification information is read while the standby screen is displayed on the display unit, a second screen corresponding to a specific function is displayed on the display unit based on the second display information associated with the read identification information.

[0010] If the first condition is met when the media identification information is read, the first screen containing multiple selection keys is displayed on the display unit, allowing the user greater freedom in selecting a selection key. On the other hand, if the second condition, which is different from the first condition, is displayed on the display unit when the media identification information is read, the second screen related to a specific process is displayed on the display unit, eliminating the need for the user to select a selection key.

[0011] Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience of user operation when multiple selection keys are associated with a single piece of identification information.

[0012] Furthermore, the present invention can be implemented not only in the form of an image processing device, but also, for example, in the form of a screen display method executed by an image processing device, and a program installed on the computer of the image processing device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the convenience of user operation when multiple selection keys are associated with a single piece of identification information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] A block diagram showing the electrical configuration of an MFP according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A]It is a diagram (part 1) showing an example of registered data with shortcut registration. [Figure 2B] It is a diagram (part 2) showing an example of registered data with shortcut registration. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing an example of setting registered data to be preferentially used. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing the transition of the display screen of the operation panel. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing the flow of the main loop process. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing the flow of the favorite process. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing the flow of the favorite call process. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing the flow of the favorite process according to a modified example. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing the flow of the favorite call process according to a modified example.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0016] <Electrical Configuration of MFP> The MFP1 (an example of an image processing apparatus) shown in FIG. 1 has a plurality of functions. The plurality of functions are roughly classified into a print function, a scan function, a copy function, and a fax function. The print function is a function of forming an image related to image data on a sheet. The scan function is a function of reading an image and generating image data. The copy function is a function of reading an image and forming the image on a sheet. The fax function is a function of transmitting and receiving image data of an image formed on a sheet to and from an external device.

[0017] The scan function, as its detailed function, in addition to the normal scan function that transmits the image data generated by reading an image to an external device such as a PC (Personal Computer) or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) device, includes a scan-mail function that attaches the image data to an e-mail and transmits it to an external device. The copy function, as its detailed function, includes a color copy function that reads an image in color and forms a color image on a sheet, and a monochrome copy function that reads an image in monochrome and forms a monochrome image on a sheet. Also, the copy function includes an aggregated copy function that reads multiple images and aggregates and forms them on a sheet. The fax function, as its detailed function, in addition to the normal fax function that transmits and receives image data to and from an external device via a public telephone line, includes an Internet fax function that attaches the image data to an e-mail and transmits and receives it to and from an external device.

[0018] In order to execute these various functions, the MFP1 includes an image forming unit 11 (an example of a function execution unit), an image reading unit 12 (an example of a function execution unit), a LAN (Local Area Network) interface 13, a FAX interface 14 (an example of a function execution unit), and a USB interface 15.

[0019] The image forming unit 11 is a mechanism that forms an image on a sheet conveyed along a conveyance path within a housing that forms the outer shell of the MFP1. The method of image formation by the image forming unit 11 may be an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method.

[0020] The image reading unit 12 is a mechanism that reads a document on a contact glass supported by the housing with an image sensor and generates image data of the document. The method of image reading by the image reading unit 12 may be a method of reading a document passing over the contact glass or a method of reading a document stationary on the contact glass.

[0021] The LAN interface 13 includes circuits for network communication via LAN 3. LAN 3 may consist of a wired LAN or a wireless LAN, or both. LAN 3 is connected to the Internet 4, and MFP 1 can communicate with a server 5 located on the Internet 4 via LAN 3 and the Internet 4.

[0022] The FAX interface 14 is an interface for connecting to public telephone lines, which are typically used for fax functions, and includes a modem with a built-in NCU (Network Control Unit).

[0023] USB interface 15 is an interface for data communication with USB devices.

[0024] Furthermore, the MFP1 is equipped with an operation panel 16 (an example of a display unit) and an NFC (Near Field Communication) interface 17 (an example of an information reading unit).

[0025] The control panel 16 is a touch panel and is positioned facing the outside of the housing so that it can be operated and viewed by the user. Various information and images of buttons are displayed on the control panel 16. When the user presses a button displayed on the control panel 16, the operation is received by the control panel 16, and a signal corresponding to that operation is output from the control panel 16.

[0026] The NFC interface 17 is an interface for wireless communication using NFC. NFC is a wireless communication technology that conforms to international standards such as ISO / IEC 14443 and ISO / IEC 18092, and utilizes a communication frequency in the 13.56 MHz band. The NFC interface 17 has a touch area that is located facing the outside of the housing. When an IC card 6 (an example of a medium) with NFC wireless communication functionality is touched (approached or in contact with) the touch area, NFC communication is established between the IC card 6 and the NFC interface 17, enabling data communication.

[0027] The MFP1 includes an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 21, a non-volatile memory 22 (an example of a storage unit) such as flash memory or E2PROM that allows data rewriting, and a volatile memory 23 such as SDRAM. The image forming unit 11, image reading unit 12, LAN interface 13, FAX interface 14, USB interface 15, operation panel 16, NFC interface 17, ASIC 21, non-volatile memory 22, and volatile memory 23 are connected via a bus 24 to enable data communication.

[0028] The ASIC21 incorporates a CPU25 (an example of a control unit). Based on signals input to the ASIC21, the CPU25 executes programs for various processing tasks, thereby controlling various components such as the image forming unit 11, image reading unit 12, LAN interface 13, FAX interface 14, USB interface 15, operation panel 16, and NFC interface 17.

[0029] The non-volatile memory 22 stores programs executed by the CPU 25, as well as various data.

[0030] The volatile memory 23 is used as a work area when the CPU 25 executes a program.

[0031] <Register shortcut> The MFP1 has a shortcut function. Therefore, users can pre-register settings for various functions, such as the scanning function, in the non-volatile memory 22 (hereinafter referred to as "shortcut registration"), and recall those registered shortcut settings when executing a function. Shortcut registration can be done, for example, using a web browser on a user terminal such as a PC (Personal Computer) or tablet, on the website of the server (EWS: Embedded Web Server) built into the MFP1.

[0032] As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the registered shortcut data is stored in the non-volatile memory 22 in association with the card number of the IC card 6 used by the user. The card number is a unique number for IC card 6 and serves as identification information for IC card 6.

[0033] In the examples shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the registration data for registration number "1" is associated with card number "1001" and stores in the non-volatile memory 22 the settings for the normal fax function, the display name "To_ALEX" which is displayed on the operation panel 16 along with the shortcut key 61 (see Figure 4), and the setting for one-touch call "off". The one-touch call setting determines whether the function is executed without pressing the start key 71 (see Figure 4) when executing the function with the shortcut registered setting. If it is set to "on", the function is executed without pressing the start key 71, and if it is set to "off", pressing the start key 71 is required to execute the function.

[0034] Furthermore, as registration data for registration number "2," the settings related to the Internet fax function of the fax function, the display name "To_BOB" which is displayed on the operation panel 16 along with the shortcut key 61, and the setting for one-touch calling "off" are stored in the non-volatile memory 22, associated with the card number "1001."

[0035] As registration data for registration number "3", the settings related to the color copy function of the copy function, the display name "COLOR" which is displayed on the operation panel 16 along with the shortcut key 61, and the setting for one-touch call "on" are stored in the non-volatile memory 22, associated with the card number "1001".

[0036] As registration data for registration number "4", the settings related to the monochrome copy function of the copy function, the display name "2SIDE" which is displayed on the operation panel 16 along with the shortcut key 61, and the setting for one-touch recall "off" are stored in the non-volatile memory 22, associated with the card number "1001". These settings related to the monochrome copy function include the setting to form an image on both sides of the sheet.

[0037] As registration data for registration number "5", the settings related to the scan email function of the scan function, the display name "To_ME" which is displayed on the operation panel 16 along with the shortcut key 61, and the setting for one-touch call "off" are stored in the non-volatile memory 22, associated with the card number "1001".

[0038] As registration data for registration number "6", the settings related to the combined copy function of the copy function, the display name "2IN1" which is displayed on the operation panel 16 along with the shortcut key 61, and the setting for one-touch recall "off" are stored in the non-volatile memory 22, associated with the card number "1001". These settings related to the combined copy function include a setting to combine the images of two originals onto one side of a sheet.

[0039] As registration data for registration number "7", the settings related to the scan email function of the scan function, the display name "EMAIL_To_ME" which is displayed on the operation panel 16 along with the shortcut key 61, and the setting for one-touch call "off" are stored in the non-volatile memory 22, associated with the card number "1002".

[0040] As registration data for registration number "8", the settings related to the scan email function of the scan function, the display name "EMAIL_To_ALEX" which is displayed on the operation panel 16 along with the shortcut key 61, and the setting for one-touch call "off" are stored in the non-volatile memory 22, associated with the card number "1002".

[0041] As registration data for registration number "9", the settings related to the color copy function of the copy function, the display name "MY_COPY" which is displayed on the operation panel 16 along with the shortcut key 61, and the setting for one-touch recall "on" are stored in the non-volatile memory 22, associated with the card number "1003".

[0042] <Priority Registration> In MFP1, when multiple registration data are registered as shortcuts associated with the card number of a single IC card 6, it is possible to pre-set which registration data should be used preferentially. For example, in the example shown in Figure 3, no preferred registration data is set for card numbers "1001" and "1003," while card number "1002" is set to use the registration data for registration number "7" preferentially.

[0043] <Screen transition> As shown in Figure 4, the control panel 16 displays multiple screens in sequence. The screens displayed on the control panel 16 include the home screen 41, copy mode screen 42, scan mode screen 43, shortcut display screen 44 (an example of the first screen), settings display screen 45 (an example of the second screen), and function-limited shortcut display screen 46.

[0044] The home screen 41 displays function keys 51 corresponding to various functions such as scanning, copying, and faxing, as well as setting keys 52 pressed when configuring the MFP1's main unit, each in the form of icons. The home screen 41 can also display shortcut keys 61 selected by the user. At the bottom of the home screen 41, multiple basic keys 53 and multiple custom keys 54 are displayed side by side. When a basic key 53 is pressed, the function keys 51 and setting keys 52 that are set to the MFP1's factory default settings are displayed on the home screen 41. When a custom key 54 is pressed, a list of shortcut keys 61 corresponding to all registered shortcut data is displayed. If the shortcut keys 61 corresponding to all registered data span multiple screens, the user can switch between screens by selectively pressing the custom key 54.

[0045] The copy mode screen 42 is displayed when the function key 51 corresponding to the copy function is pressed on the home screen 41. The copy mode screen 42 displays the items that can be set using the copy function, and the user can configure each item.

[0046] The scan mode screen 43 is displayed when the function key 51 corresponding to the scan function is pressed on the home screen 41. The scan mode screen 43 displays the items that can be set using the scan function, and the user can configure each item.

[0047] Although not shown in the diagram, when the function key 51 corresponding to the fax function is pressed on the home screen 41, the display screen of the control panel 16 switches from the home screen 41 to the fax mode screen, which displays the items that can be set using the fax function.

[0048] The shortcut display screen 44 is displayed when an IC card 6 is touched to the touch area of ​​the NFC interface 17, in which case multiple registered shortcut data (an example of first display information) are stored in the non-volatile memory 22 in association with the card number of a single IC card 6, and no registered data to be used preferentially has been set. The shortcut display screen 44 displays shortcut keys 61 (an example of selection keys that are selectively operated for input related to a specific function) corresponding to each registered shortcut data in a row. Note that "input related to a specific function" refers to at least one of the following: selection / selection item / detail selection related to a specific function.

[0049] The settings display screen 45 is displayed when the settings for each item have been completed on the copy mode screen 42 or scan mode screen 43, or when there is only one registered data stored in the non-volatile memory 22 associated with the card number of the IC card 6, or when a registered data to be used preferentially associated with the card number of the IC card 6 has been set, and the IC card 6 has been touched to the touch area of ​​the NFC interface 17. The settings display screen 45 displays a list of settings (an example of second display information) related to the function (process) to be executed when executing the scan function (an example of a specific process), copy function (an example of a specific process), or fax function (an example of a specific process). In addition, the settings display screen 45 displays a start key 71 (an example of an execution key) in the lower right corner to instruct the execution of the scan function, copy function, or fax function. When the start key 71 is pressed, the function is executed according to the contents displayed on the settings display screen 45, and the display screen of the operation panel 16 switches from the settings display screen 45 to a function execution screen (not shown). If the IC card 6 is touched to the touch area of ​​the NFC interface 17 while the settings display screen 45 is being displayed or before, a shortcut registration key 72 will be displayed in the upper right corner of the settings display screen 45. When the shortcut registration key 72 is pressed, the contents displayed on the settings display screen 45 will be registered as registration data and associated with the card number of the IC card 6 to create a shortcut.

[0050] The function-limited shortcut display screen 46 is displayed when a function key 51 corresponding to the scan, copy, or fax function is pressed on the home screen 41, and the copy mode screen 42, scan mode screen 43, or fax mode screen is displayed, and then the IC card 6 is touched to the touch area of ​​the NFC interface 17 during that display. The function-limited shortcut display screen 46 extracts registration data containing settings related to the function corresponding to the function key 51 pressed on the home screen 41 from the registration data stored in the non-volatile memory 22 in association with the card number of the IC card 6, and displays the shortcut keys 61 (an example of selection keys) corresponding to the extracted registration data in a matrix. For example, if the IC card 6 is touched to the touch area of ​​the NFC interface 17 while the copy mode screen 42 is displayed, the registration data for the copy function is extracted from the registration data stored in the non-volatile memory 22 in association with the card number of the IC card 6, and the shortcut keys 61 corresponding to the extracted registration data are displayed in a matrix. In addition, all display keys 81 are displayed on the function-limited shortcut display screen 46. When the full display key 81 is pressed, the display screen of the operation panel 16 switches from the function-limited shortcut display screen 46 to the shortcut display screen 44, and the shortcut keys 61 corresponding to each registered data stored in the non-volatile memory 22 in association with the card number of the IC card 6 are displayed in a row.

[0051] <Main Loop Processing> In order to transition the screens displayed on the control panel 16, the CPU 25 of the ASIC 21 executes the main loop processing shown in Figure 5.

[0052] During the main loop processing, the CPU 25 determines whether or not the IC card 6 has been touched to the touch area of ​​the NFC interface 17 (S1).

[0053] When the IC card 6 is touched to the touch area of ​​the NFC interface 17, the card number is read from the IC card 6 to the NFC interface 17 via NFC communication between the IC card 6 and the NFC interface 17. If the CPU 25 determines that the IC card 6 has been touched (S1:YES), it stores the card number read from the IC card 6 to the NFC interface 17 in the volatile memory 23 (S2).

[0054] Next, CPU25 performs the favorites processing (S3). The favorites processing will be explained later.

[0055] On the other hand, if the CPU 25 determines that the IC card 6 is not touching the touch area of ​​the NFC interface 17 (S1:NO), it determines whether or not any of the keys displayed on the operation panel 16 has been pressed (S4). If the CPU 25 determines that no key has been pressed (S4:NO), it determines again whether or not the IC card 6 has been touching the touch area of ​​the NFC interface 17 (S1).

[0056] If the CPU 25 determines that any of the keys displayed on the control panel 16 has been pressed (S4:YES), it determines whether the pressed key is a custom key 54 on the home screen 41 (S5). If the CPU 25 determines that the pressed key is a custom key 54 (S5:YES), it displays a list of all registered shortcut data on the control panel 16 (S6).

[0057] If the CPU 25 determines that the pressed key is not a custom key 54 (S5: NO), that is, if a key other than a custom key 54 is pressed, it determines whether the pressed key is one of the all-display keys 81 on the function-limited shortcut display screen 46 (S7). If the CPU 25 determines that the pressed key is one of the all-display keys 81 (S7: YES), it displays the shortcut display screen 44 on the operation panel 16, in which the shortcut keys 61 corresponding to each registered data stored in the non-volatile memory 22 in association with the card number of the IC card 6 are arranged in a row (S8).

[0058] If the CPU 25 determines that the pressed key is not one of the all-display keys 81 (S7: NO), that is, if a key other than the custom key 54 or the all-display key 81 is pressed, it determines whether the pressed key is the start key 71 on the settings display screen 45 (S9). If the CPU 25 determines that the pressed key is the start key 71 (S9: YES), it controls the image forming unit 11 or the image reading unit 12, etc., so that the function is executed according to the content displayed on the settings display screen 45 (S10).

[0059] If the CPU 25 determines that the pressed key is not the start key 71 (S9:NO), that is, if a key other than the custom key 54, start key 71, and all display key 81 is pressed, it updates the display screen of the operation panel 16 to the screen corresponding to the pressed key (S11).

[0060] <Add to Favorites> The flow of the favorites processing performed in step S3 of Figure 5 is shown in Figure 6.

[0061] During the favorites processing, the CPU 25 determines whether or not the copy mode screen 42 is displayed on the control panel 16 (S301).

[0062] When the copy mode screen 42 is displayed on the operation panel 16 and the IC card 6 is touched to the touch area of ​​the NFC interface 17, the CPU 25 determines that the screen displayed on the operation panel 16 is the copy mode screen 42 (S301: YES). In this case, the CPU 25 marks the registration data containing settings related to the copy function from among the registration data registered as shortcuts in the non-volatile memory 22 as favorite recall data (S302). For example, in the examples shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the registration data with registration numbers "3", "4", "6", and "9" are marked as favorite recall data.

[0063] If the CPU 25 determines that the copy mode screen 42 is not currently displayed on the control panel 16 (S301: NO), it determines whether or not the scan mode screen 43 is currently displayed (S303).

[0064] When the scan mode screen 43 is displayed on the operation panel 16 and the IC card 6 is touched to the touch area of ​​the NFC interface 17, the CPU 25 determines that the screen displayed on the operation panel 16 is the scan mode screen 43 (S303: YES). In this case, the CPU 25 marks the registration data containing settings related to the scan function from among the registration data registered as shortcuts in the non-volatile memory 22 as favorite recall data (S304). For example, in the examples shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the registration data with registration numbers "5", "7", and "8" are marked as favorite recall data.

[0065] If the CPU 25 determines that the scan mode screen 43 is not currently displayed on the control panel 16 (S303: NO), it determines whether or not the fax mode screen is currently displayed (S305).

[0066] When the fax mode screen is displayed on the operation panel 16 and the IC card 6 is touched to the touch area of ​​the NFC interface 17, the CPU 25 determines that the screen displayed on the operation panel 16 is the fax mode screen (S305: YES). In this case, the CPU 25 marks the registration data containing settings related to the fax function from among the registration data registered as shortcuts in the non-volatile memory 22 as favorite recall data (S306). For example, in the examples shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the registration data with registration number "1" and registration number "2" are marked as favorite recall data.

[0067] If the CPU 25 determines that the fax screen is not currently displayed on the control panel 16 (S305: NO), it determines whether or not the home screen 41 is currently displayed (S307).

[0068] When the home screen 41 is displayed on the control panel 16 and the IC card 6 is touched to the touch area of ​​the NFC interface 17, the CPU 25 determines that the screen displayed on the control panel 16 is the home screen 41 (S307: YES). In this case, the CPU 25 determines whether or not there is any registered data that takes precedence over the card number stored in the volatile memory 23 (S308).

[0069] If the CPU 25 determines that no registration data is set to be used in priority to the card number stored in the volatile memory 23 (S308: YES), it marks all registration data as favorite recall data (S309). For example, in the examples shown in Figures 2A and 2B, all registration data from registration number "1" to registration number "9" are marked as favorite recall data.

[0070] If the CPU 25 determines that a registration data preferred for use is set in the volatile memory 23 (S308: NO), it marks that preferred registration data as a favorite recall data (S310).

[0071] Thus, after marking the favorite call data, CPU25 executes the favorite call process (S311) and then terminates the favorite process. After that, the CPU25 returns to the main loop process.

[0072] <Favorites recall process> The flow of the favorites call process performed in step S311 in Figure 6 is shown in Figure 7.

[0073] In the favorites retrieval process, the CPU 25 uses the card number stored in the volatile memory 23 as the target card number, and the favorites retrieval data marked in the favorites process as the target favorites retrieval data. Then, it searches for the registered data (hereinafter referred to as "target data") associated with the target card number within the target favorites retrieval data (step S3111).

[0074] Based on the search results, CPU25 determines whether or not the target data exists (S3112). If CPU25 determines that the target data exists (S3112: YES), it determines whether or not the number of target data is 1 (S3113).

[0075] If the CPU 25 determines that there is only one target data item (S3113: YES), it determines whether the target data item includes the "One-Touch Call On" setting (S3114). If the CPU 25 determines that the "One-Touch Call On" setting is included (S3114: YES), it controls the image forming unit 11 or the image reading unit 12, etc., so that the function of the target data item is executed (S3115), and terminates the favorites recall process. In this case, the display on the operation panel 16 switches from the screen that was displayed when the IC card 6 was touched to the touch area of ​​the NFC interface 17, to a function execution screen (not shown) without displaying the settings content display screen 45. On the other hand, if the CPU 25 determines that the target data item does not include the "One-Touch Call On" setting (S3114: NO), it displays the settings content display screen 45 for the function of the target data item on the operation panel 16 (S3116) and terminates the favorites recall process.

[0076] If the CPU 25 determines that the number of target data is not one (S3113: NO), it displays a shortcut display screen 44 or a function-limited shortcut display screen 46 on the operation panel 16, which displays shortcut keys 61 corresponding to multiple target data (S3117), and terminates the favorites recall process.

[0077] Furthermore, if the CPU 25 determines that there is no target data (S3112: NO), it notifies the user that there is no target data by displaying a message on the operation panel 16 (step S3118), and then terminates the favorites retrieval process.

[0078] After the favorites retrieval process is complete, CPU25 returns to the favorites process (effectively, returns to the main loop).

[0079] <Effects and Effects> As described above, when the home screen 41 is displayed on the operation panel 16, the card number of the IC card 6 is read, multiple registration data are associated with that card number, and no registration data is set to be used preferentially, a shortcut display screen 44 including multiple shortcut keys 61 is displayed on the operation panel 16. Therefore, the user has a high degree of freedom in selecting the shortcut keys 61.

[0080] Furthermore, if the home screen 41 is displayed on the control panel 16, and the card number of the IC card 6 is read, and there is one registered data associated with that card number, or if a registered data to be used preferentially associated with the card number is set, then a setting display screen 45 corresponding to a specific function will be displayed on the control panel 16. The user does not need to select a shortcut key 61.

[0081] Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience of user operation when multiple shortcut keys 61 are associated with the card number of a single IC card 6.

[0082] If the number of target data associated with the card number of IC card 6 is 1, and the registered data does not include the "on" setting for one-touch call, the setting content display screen 45, which includes the start key 71 to be operated to execute the function (process) related to that registered data, is displayed on the operation panel 16 instead of the shortcut display screen 44. Therefore, the user can instruct the execution of the function related to the registered data without pressing the shortcut key 61, further improving the convenience of user operation.

[0083] Furthermore, if the number of target data associated with the card number is 1, and that registered data includes the "on" setting for one-touch call, the display on the operation panel 16 will switch from the screen that was displayed when the IC card number 6 was read to a function execution screen (not shown) without displaying the settings display screen 45, and the function related to the registered data will be executed. Therefore, pressing the start key 71 to instruct the execution of that function is unnecessary, further improving the convenience of user operation.

[0084] Furthermore, if there is no corresponding data linked to the card number, the user will be notified that the data is missing. This notification allows the user to understand that there is no shortcut key 61 to display, or that the function will not be executed, thereby further enhancing user convenience.

[0085] Furthermore, the function-limited shortcut display screen 46 displays the full display key 81. When the full display key 81 is pressed, the display screen of the operation panel 16 switches from the function-limited shortcut display screen 46 to the shortcut display screen 44. Therefore, the user can easily switch the display screen of the operation panel 16 from the function-limited shortcut display screen 46 to the shortcut display screen 44, and on the shortcut display screen 44, the user can select and press the desired shortcut key 61. Thus, convenience for the user can be further enhanced.

[0086] <Variation> Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention can also be implemented in other forms.

[0087] For example, instead of the favorites processing shown in Figure 6, the favorites processing shown in Figure 8 may be executed, and instead of the favorites retrieval processing shown in Figure 7, the favorites retrieval processing shown in Figure 9 may be executed.

[0088] In the favorites processing shown in Figure 8, the CPU 25 selects a registration data associated with a card number stored in the volatile memory 23 from among the registration data registered as shortcuts in the non-volatile memory 22 before determining whether or not the copy mode screen 42 is displayed on the operation panel 16 (S312).

[0089] Then, if the CPU 25 determines that the screen displayed on the operation panel 16 is the copy mode screen 42 (S301: YES), it extracts the registration data that contains settings related to the copy function from the previously selected registration data, that is, the registration data associated with the card number, and uses the extracted registration data as the favorite recall data (S302). For example, in the example shown in Figures 2A and 2B, if the card number stored in the volatile memory 23 is "1001", the registration data with registration numbers "3", "4", and "6" are used as the favorite recall data.

[0090] Furthermore, if the CPU 25 determines that the screen displayed on the operation panel 16 is the scan mode screen 43 (S303: YES), it extracts the registration data containing the settings related to the scan function from the previously selected registration data, and uses the extracted registration data as the favorite recall data (S304). For example, in the examples shown in Figures 2A and 2B, if the card number stored in the volatile memory 23 is "1001", the registration data with registration number "5" is used as the favorite recall data.

[0091] If the CPU 25 determines that the screen displayed on the operation panel 16 is the fax mode screen (S305: YES), it extracts the registration data containing the fax function settings from the previously selected registration data and uses the extracted registration data as the favorites recall data (S306). For example, in the example shown in Figures 2A and 2B, if the card number stored in the volatile memory 23 is "1001", the registration data with registration number "1" and registration number "2" will be used as the favorites recall data.

[0092] Furthermore, if the CPU 25 determines that the screen displayed on the control panel 16 is the home screen 41 (S307: YES), the CPU 25 determines whether or not there is any registered data stored in the volatile memory 23 that takes precedence over the card number (S308).

[0093] If the CPU 25 determines that no registration data is set to be used in priority to the card number stored in the volatile memory 23 (S308: YES), then all of the previously selected registration data, i.e., the registration data associated with the card number, are designated as favorite recall data (S309). For example, in the examples shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the registration data with registration numbers "1" to "6" are designated as favorite recall data.

[0094] If the CPU 25 determines that a registration data preferred for use is set in the volatile memory 23 (S308: NO), it sets that preferred registration data as the favorite recall data (S310).

[0095] When the favorites processing shown in Figure 8 is executed, the favorites retrieval processing omits step S3111 shown in Figure 7, as shown in Figure 9, and the registered data used as favorites retrieval data in the favorites processing is used as the target data. In the favorites retrieval processing shown in Figure 9, the subsequent processing is the same as the favorites retrieval processing shown in Figure 7, so its explanation is omitted.

[0096] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example of an external medium was taken as an IC card 6, and an example of an information reading unit was taken as an NFC interface 17 that reads the card number from the IC card 6 via NFC communication. However, an example of an external medium may be a magnetic card, and an example of an information reading unit may be a magnetic card reader. Alternatively, an example of an external medium may be a medium having a one-dimensional barcode, and an example of an information reading unit may be a barcode reader. An example of an external medium may be a medium having a QR code (registered trademark), and an example of an information reading unit may be a QR code reader. Moreover, an example of an external medium may be a communication terminal capable of wireless communication via Bluetooth (registered trademark), and an example of an information reading unit may be an interface capable of wireless communication via Bluetooth (registered trademark). An example of an external medium may be a communication terminal capable of wireless communication via Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and an example of an information reading unit may be an interface capable of wireless communication via Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0097] Furthermore, the above-described embodiment explained the case where the CPU 25 executes each process. However, the ASIC 21 may have multiple CPUs, and the multiple CPUs may cooperate to execute each process.

[0098] Furthermore, various design modifications can be made to the aforementioned configuration within the scope of the matters described in the patent claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0099] 1: MFP 6: IC card 11: Image forming unit 12: Image reading unit 14: FAX Interface 16: Control Panel 17: NFC Interface 22: Non-volatile memory 25:CPU 44: Shortcut display screen 45: Settings display screen 61: Shortcut keys 71: Start key

Claims

1. An image processing device capable of performing multiple functions, A function execution unit that selectively executes the aforementioned multiple functions, An information reading unit that reads identification information from an external medium, Display unit and Memory unit and, It comprises a control unit and, The aforementioned storage unit is In association with the aforementioned identification information, first display information relating to a first screen including multiple selection keys, The second display information relating to the second screen related to a specific process is stored in association with the aforementioned identification information. The control unit, When the information reading unit reads the identification information from the medium, and it is determined that the first condition is met, the display unit is made to display the first screen based on the first display information stored in the storage unit in association with the read identification information. An image processing apparatus that, when the information reading unit reads the identification information from the medium, determines that a second condition different from the first condition is met, causes the display unit to display the second screen based on the second display information stored in the storage unit in association with the read identification information.

2. An image processing apparatus according to claim 1, The aforementioned selection key is a key that is selectively operated for input related to the aforementioned function, The second screen is an image processing device that includes an execution key operated for the execution of the specific process.

3. An image processing apparatus according to claim 1, The aforementioned selection key is a key that is selectively operated for input related to the aforementioned function, The second screen includes an image processing device that indicates that processing related to the specific function is being performed.

4. An image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, An image processing apparatus in which the first and second conditions are such that if one is true, the other is not true, and if the other is true, the other is not true.

5. An image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The storage unit is capable of storing multiple processes associated with the identification information. The first condition is that multiple processes are associated with the identification information, If the control unit determines that the first condition is met, it will display the first screen on the display unit. An image processing device in which each of the aforementioned multiple selection keys is a selection key corresponding to the aforementioned multiple processes.

6. An image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The storage unit is capable of storing multiple processes associated with the identification information. The second condition is that a single process is associated with the identification information. The control unit, when it determines that the second condition is met, causes the second screen to be displayed on the display unit, is an image processing device.

7. An image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The second condition is that the first display information is not stored in the storage unit, in an image processing apparatus.

8. An image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The second screen includes a transition key that is operated to instruct a transition from the second screen to the first screen, and is an image processing device.

9. An image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, An image processing device having at least one of the aforementioned specific functions: a scanning function for reading an image from a sheet, and a printing function for forming an image on a sheet.

10. An image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The aforementioned standby screen is a screen at a higher level than the first screen and the second screen, in the image processing apparatus.

11. An image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The standby screen includes selection keys for selecting the multiple functions, and is an image processing device.

12. An image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, The information reading unit is an image processing device that reads identification information from the medium via wireless communication.

13. A function execution unit that selectively executes multiple functions, An information reading unit that reads identification information from an external medium, A storage unit that stores, in association with the aforementioned identification information, first display information relating to a first screen including multiple selection keys, and second display information relating to a second screen relating to a specific process, in association with the aforementioned identification information. A screen display method performed by an image processing apparatus comprising a display unit, When the first condition is met when the identification information is read from the medium to the information reading unit, the first screen is displayed on the display unit based on the first display information stored in the storage unit in association with the read identification information. An image display method in which, when the identification information is read from the medium to the information reading unit and a second condition different from the first condition is met, the second screen is displayed on the display unit based on the second display information stored in the storage unit in association with the read identification information.

14. A function execution unit that selectively executes multiple functions, An information reading unit that reads identification information from an external medium, A storage unit that stores, in association with the aforementioned identification information, first display information relating to a first screen including multiple selection keys, and second display information relating to a second screen relating to a specific process, in association with the aforementioned identification information. A program installed on the computer of an image processing device comprising a display unit, To the aforementioned computer, When the information reading unit reads the identification information from the medium, and it is determined that the first condition is met, a first display process is performed to display the first screen on the display unit based on the first display information stored in the storage unit in association with the read identification information. A program that, when the information reading unit reads the identification information from the medium, determines that a second condition different from the first condition is met, performs a second display process to display the second screen on the display unit based on the second display information stored in the storage unit in association with the read identification information.

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