Information processing device

Abstract

This technology provides a way to easily switch between the process of storing configuration information in association with the identification number of the media, and the process of retrieving the configuration information. [Solution] In a first state in which the CPU 101 executes processing based on default setting information, when the reading unit 107 reads a card number from the card 200, it performs a call process (S30) to call shortcut data associated with the read card number. In a second state in which setting information other than the default setting information is called, when the reading unit 107 reads a card number from the card 200, it performs a storage process (S32) to associate the called shortcut data with the read card number and store it in the NVRAM 104.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , , ,

[0001] This application relates to a technology for registering and calling setting information.

Background Art

[0002] In Patent Document 1, setting information necessary for executing scan processing is stored in association with the manufacturing number of a card. When the manufacturing number of the card is read by a card reader, scan processing is executed according to the setting information stored in association with the read manufacturing number. An image processing apparatus is described.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] ​​​​​​​​​​​​To achieve the above objective, the information processing device of the present invention comprises a receiving unit, a reading unit that reads identification information from a medium, a storage unit that stores setting information, and a control unit that executes processing based on the setting information. In a first state in which the control unit executes processing based on default setting information, when the reading unit reads identification information from the medium, the control unit executes a call process to retrieve the setting information associated with the read identification information, and in a second state in which setting information other than the default setting information is retrieved, when the reading unit reads identification information from the medium, the control unit executes a storage process to store the retrieved setting information and the read identification information in association with each other in the storage unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this invention, it becomes possible to easily switch between the process of storing setting information in association with the identification number of the medium, and the process of retrieving the setting information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows the control configuration of a multifunction device to which the information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of a database stored in the NVRAM included in the multifunction printer shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the transitions between display screens shown on the panel included in the multifunction printer shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a screen transition following the screen transition in Figure 3. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a screen transition following the screen transition in Figure 4. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a screen transition following the screen transition in Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 1 is a flowchart showing the steps of the main routine executed by the CPU of the multifunction printer. [Figure 8] Figure 7 is a flowchart detailing the shortcut processing steps included in the main routine. [Figure 9] Figure 8 is a flowchart detailing the steps involved in the shortcut call process. [Figure 10] Figure 8 is a flowchart detailing the steps involved in the shortcut registration process, which is included in the shortcut processing. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

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

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the MFP100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, and NVRAM (Non-Volatile RAM) 104.

[0012] The CPU 101 controls the entire MFP 100, but in this embodiment, it controls the print engine 111 and the reading engine 112 via the engine interface 110 according to the setting information. The engine interface 110, print engine 111, and reading engine 112 will be described later.

[0013] ROM102 is memory that stores the control program executed by CPU101. CPU101 reads the control program stored in ROM102 and executes various processes.

[0014] RAM 103 is a memory that temporarily stores image data and the like. Also, RAM 103 is used as a storage area that temporarily stores data, signals, etc. used when the CPU 101 executes a control program, or as a work area for data processing.

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

[0016] Also, the MFP 100 includes a panel 105 and keys 106.

[0017] In this embodiment, the panel 105 is a touch panel, and various screens are displayed on the panel 105 according to the state of the MFP 100. The user can perform an input operation by pressing an input button, icon, software keyboard (see FIG. 3 and the like described later), etc. on the screen.

[0018] The keys 106 are hard keys, that is, keys formed by hardware. Typical examples thereof include a power switch and a reset switch (both not shown).

[0019] Furthermore, the MFP 100 includes a reading unit 107 and a communication IF 108.

[0020] In this embodiment, the reading unit 107 is a card reader that reads a card number from the card 200. As the card 200, in this embodiment, an IC card incorporating an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip is adopted. The reading unit 107 reads the card number in the IC chip by proximity wireless communication (NFC: Near Field Communication) in response to the approach or contact of the card 200. For this reason, the card number is stored in the IC chip. Note that, as long as it is information that can identify and distinguish the card 200, it may be any information such as the owner's ID, serial number, manufacturing number, etc., not limited to the card number.

[0021] The communication interface 108 connects the MFP100 to a communication network (not shown). In this embodiment, the communication network is assumed to be either a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network), so the communication interface 108 is either a LAN interface (Local Area Network Interface) or a WLAN interface (Wireless LAN Interface). Of course, it is also possible for both wired and wireless LANs to exist simultaneously, in which case the communication interface 108 includes both a LAN interface and a WLAN interface.

[0022] The communication IF108 also includes a FAXIF (Interface) that connects the MFP100 to a telephone line (or the internet in the case of Internet fax) for sending and receiving faxes.

[0023] The MFP100 also features an engine IF110. The IF110 is connected to a printing engine 111 and a reading engine 112.

[0024] The printing engine 111 is an engine for printing images onto a sheet, and employs methods such as electrophotography, inkjet, and thermal printing.

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

[0026] The engine IF110 is a control circuit for controlling the printing engine 111 and the reading engine 112, and the CPU 101 controls the printing engine 111 and the reading engine 112 via the engine IF110.

[0027] The engine IF 110 includes a first engine IF (not shown) for controlling the printing engine 111 and a second engine IF (not shown) for controlling the reading engine 112. The first engine IF performs actions such as outputting control signals to the printing engine 111 and outputting image data to the printing engine 111 based on commands from the CPU 101. The second engine IF performs actions such as outputting control signals to the reading engine 112 and receiving image data from the reading engine 112 based on commands from the CPU 101.

[0028] Furthermore, the MFP100 is equipped with an image processing circuit 120.

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

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

[0031] Figure 2 shows an example of a database (hereinafter abbreviated as "DB") created within NVRAM104. Figure 2(a) shows an example of a shortcut DB, and Figure 2(b) shows an example of an address book DB. The address book DB is a related database to the shortcut DB.

[0032] In this embodiment, shortcuts are icons that associate functions of the MFP100 with various settings within those functions. Shortcuts are displayed on panel 105, and when a user presses a shortcut, the CPU 101 executes the function and various settings of the MFP100 associated with the pressed shortcut, omitting a series of function selection operations and setting operations.

[0033] As shown in Figure 2(a), the shortcut database consists of records with attributes such as shortcut display name, registration number, function, function details, settings, OneTouch on / off status, and card number. In this embodiment, each record in the shortcut database is referred to as shortcut data. Note that "shortcut" refers to the icon displayed on panel 105 when shortcut data is shown, although the two terms are not always strictly distinguished.

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

[0035] The registration number is assigned in the order in which shortcut data is registered in the shortcut database.

[0036] Functions refer to the functions of the MFP100. Function details refer to the detailed functions when a function is divided into multiple detailed functions.

[0037] Settings refer to various settings for a function. Each setting item differs depending on the function. Specifically, for the fax function, examples include destination, resolution, and scan size. For the copy function, examples include quality, enlargement / reduction, page layout, 2-sided printing, and tray. Detailed explanations of each setting item are omitted.

[0038] Image quality (Resolution) more precisely refers to the resolution. Resolution: Fine is a setting that specifies high resolution (e.g., 400 dpi), Resolution: SuperFine is a setting that specifies the highest resolution (e.g., 600 dpi), and Resolution: Standard is a setting that specifies standard resolution (e.g., 300 dpi). The CPU 101 controls the reading engine 112, etc., according to the specified image quality (resolution) to acquire an image from the document.

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

[0040] In the function details section of Figure 2, "Normal Fax" and "Internet Fax" are settings that specify the means by which image data acquired by scanning is sent externally. When "Normal Fax" is selected, the CPU 101 sends the image data related to the image read by the scanning engine 112 externally via the telephone line.

[0041] If InternetFax is specified, the CPU 101 transmits the image data related to the image read by the reading engine 112 to an external source via the internet connection.

[0042] OneTouch is a function that, when a user presses a shortcut button or holds card 200 over the reader 107 to retrieve shortcut data, the CPU 101 immediately executes the function and various settings associated with the shortcut, i.e., the function of the shortcut data. OneTouch:ON means that the OneTouch function is enabled, and OneTouch:OFF means that the OneTouch function is disabled.

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

[0044] As shown in Figure 2(b), the address book database consists of records with attributes such as an address book number, a recipient display name, and a recipient address. Each record in the address book database is referred to as recipient data.

[0045] The address book number is a number assigned in the order that recipient data is registered in the address book database. This address book number is set as the recipient (Destination) in the settings included in the shortcut data for executing the fax function, which is registered in the shortcut database. In other words, each recipient data in the address book database is associated with the shortcut data for executing the fax function in the shortcut database via the address book number. For this reason, as described above, the address book database is an associated database for the shortcut database.

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

[0047] The recipient address is usually a phone number, but since email addresses may be registered (in the case of internet fax), the attribute name is "Recipient Address".

[0048] Figures 3 to 6 show the transitions between display screens on panel 105. The transitions between the display screens shown in Figures 3 to 6 will be described later.

[0049] Next, the control processes performed by the MFP100, particularly the CPU101, will be described in detail with reference to Figures 3 to 10. Hereafter, in the description of each process, the step will be denoted as "S".

[0050] Figure 7 shows the procedure of the main routine executed by CPU 101. When the user presses the power switch or reset switch included in key 106, CPU 101 starts the main routine after booting.

[0051] In Figure 7, the CPU 101 first determines whether or not the card number of card 200 has been read by the reading unit 107 (S1). Although not shown in the illustration, before the determination in S1, the CPU 101 displays an initial screen on the panel 105. Figure 3(a) shows an example of the initial screen (hereinafter referred to as the "HOME screen") 150.

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

[0053] Next, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a function is currently running (S3). Function execution means that the MFP 100 is performing a function, such as printing, scanning, copying, or faxing. Specifically, for example, when the printing function is running, the CPU 101 controls the print engine 111 to perform the printing process, which forms an image on the sheet. Similarly, when the scanning function is running, the CPU 101 controls the reading engine 112 to perform the reading process, which reads an image from the document. The reason for determining whether or not a function is running in this way is that the CPU 101 does not perform any shortcut-related processing when a function is running.

[0054] If S3 determines that the function is not currently running (S3:NO), CPU101 executes the shortcut process (S4) and then returns to the process described in S1. Details of the shortcut process will be described later using Figure 8.

[0055] On the other hand, if S3 determines that a function is currently running (S3:YES), CPU 101 sets the running flag to ON (S5) and then returns to processing as described in S1. The running flag is used to instruct CPU 101 to execute the processing corresponding to the reading of the card number of card 200 after the function execution is complete, in the event that the card number of card 200 is read while the function is running.

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

[0057] In the judgment of S6, if it is determined that a button press on the screen has been detected (S6:YES), the CPU 101 determines whether the button press is for a setting other than the default (S7). Here, "default" refers to at least one of the following: the state of the setting values ​​that are loaded as the initial settings when the MFP100 is powered on or restarted, and the state of the setting values ​​when transitioning from another screen to the initial screen.

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

[0059] Furthermore, if the user presses the “2-sided Copy” button 152a in the CopyMode screen 152 shown in Figure 4(a), the CPU 101 displays the double-sided copy setting pop-up window 154 shown in Figure 4(c) on the panel 105. In the double-sided copy setting pop-up window 154, the double-sided copy setting is off, i.e., the default setting. In other words, pressing the “2-sided Copy” button 152a in the CopyMode screen 152 is not pressing a button to change the setting to something other than the default. In contrast, pressing the “2-sided ⇒ 2-sided” button 154a in the double-sided copy setting pop-up window 154 is pressing a button to change the setting to something other than the default.

[0060] In Figure 4(a), the button used to determine whether or not a button to change the setting to something other than the default has been pressed was explained using the "2-sided Copy" button 152a, which is displayed within the CopyMode screen 152, as an example. However, this target button may also be a button that is not displayed within the CopyMode screen 152, specifically a button that appears in the pull-down menu when the user presses the "Options" button 152b.

[0061] The reason why S7 is configured to determine whether or not a button to change the setting to something other than the default has been pressed is to differentiate the processing based on whether this determination is affirmative (S7:YES) or negative (S7:NO) when reading the card number.

[0062] In S7, if it is determined that the button press is for changing the setting to something other than the default (S7: YES), the CPU 101 stores the selected setting in RAM 103 (S8). Then, the CPU 101 sets the setting change flag to ON (S9) and returns to the process described in S1. The setting change flag is a flag set up to differentiate the processing in the shortcut process shown in Figure 8 later, depending on whether the card number is read.

[0063] On the other hand, if S7 determines that the button press is not a button that changes the setting to something other than the default (S7:NO), the CPU 101 updates the screen to the screen corresponding to the pressed button and performs internal processing (S10). For example, as described above, when the user presses the copy icon 150f on the HOME screen 150 in Figure 3(a), the CPU 101 updates the screen from the HOME screen 150 to the Copy Mode screen 152 and performs internal processing such as making various settings to enable the copy function to be executed.

[0064] Next, the CPU 101 determines whether or not to transition to the HOME screen 150 based on the screen update (S11). Although not shown in the illustration, the Copy Mode screen 152 has a button to transition from the Copy Mode screen 152 to the HOME screen 150, so the user can transition to the HOME screen 150 by pressing that button.

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

[0066] On the other hand, if the judgment in S6 determines that no button press on the screen was detected (S6:NO), the CPU 101 determines whether a function is not currently being executed and whether the execution flag is ON (S13). As mentioned above, this determination is made so that if the card number of card 200 is read while a function is being executed, the CPU 101 will execute the processing corresponding to the reading of the card number after the function execution is complete.

[0067] In the judgment of S13, if it is determined that the function is not currently running and the running flag is ON (S13: YES), the CPU 101 executes the shortcut registration process (S14). Then, the CPU 101 sets the running flag to OFF (S15) and returns the process to S1. Details of the shortcut registration process will be described later using Figure 10.

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

[0069] Figure 8 shows the detailed procedure for the shortcut process in S4 described above.

[0070] In Figure 8, the CPU 101 first determines which mode screen is displayed on the panel 105 (S21, S23, S25, S27).

[0071] If it is determined that the CopyMode screen 152 is displayed on panel 105 (S21: YES), the CPU 101 sets the recall function to "Copy" (S22). The "recall function" is an area reserved by the CPU 101 in RAM 103. As described later, when the CPU 101 recalls shortcut data, it recalls shortcut data for the function corresponding to the mode of the displayed screen. Since the mode of the displayed screen is necessary for this process, the CPU 101 has set up a "recall function" area in RAM 103 to store the mode of the displayed screen.

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

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

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

[0075] Next, CPU 101 proceeds to S29. In S29, CPU 101 determines whether the setting change flag is in the OFF state. If it is determined that the setting change flag is in the OFF state (S29: YES), CPU 101 executes the shortcut call process (S30) and then terminates the shortcut process (returns). Details of the shortcut call process will be described later using Figure 9.

[0076] On the other hand, if the S29 decision determines that the setting change flag is in the ON state (S29: NO), the CPU 101 sets the call function to "none" (S31), executes the shortcut registration process (S32), and then terminates the shortcut process (returns). Details of the shortcut registration process will be described later using Figure 10.

[0077] Figure 9 shows the detailed procedure for the shortcut call process in S30 described above.

[0078] In Figure 9, the CPU 101 first searches the shortcut database for shortcut data that matches the card number and call function (S41). The search process in S41 will be explained in detail below based on the shortcut database in Figure 2(a).

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

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

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

[0082] On the other hand, if the S44 decision determines that one-touch calling is set to OFF (S44: NO), the CPU 101 displays the shortcut data function start screen (not shown) on the panel 105 (S46), and then terminates the shortcut calling process (returns).

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

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

[0085] On the other hand, Figure 3(b) shows the shortcut data list screen 151 displayed on panel 105 after reading card number "1001" from card 200 while the HOME screen 150 is being displayed. In this case, as described above, the CPU 101 retrieves six shortcut data from the shortcut DB, excluding two shortcut data with display names "TO_TOM" and "MY_COPY". Based on these six shortcut data, it generates the list screen 151 and displays it on panel 105.

[0086] Figure 10 shows the detailed procedure for the shortcut registration process described in S14 and S32 above.

[0087] In Figure 10, the CPU 101 first displays a confirmation screen of the current settings on the panel 105 and accepts the user pressing the OK button (S51).

[0088] Figure 5(a) shows the CopyMode screen 155, which is accessed from the CopyMode screen 152 when the button to change the setting to something other than the default is pressed. More specifically, the CopyMode screen 155 in Figure 5(a) is accessed from the CopyMode screen 152 in Figure 4(a) when the user presses the “1-sided ⇒ 2-sided” button 154b in the double-sided copy setting popup window 154 in Figure 4(c).

[0089] Figure 5(b) shows an example of the current settings confirmation screen 156. This confirmation screen 156 is accessed when the card number is read from the card 200 while the copy mode screen 155 shown in Figure 5(a) is displayed on the panel 105. The OK button in S51 corresponds to the OK button 156a on the copy mode screen 155.

[0090] Next, CPU 101 determines whether or not there is shortcut data for the same set of settings as the current set of settings, that is, shortcut data that has the same set of settings as the current set of settings as an attribute value (S52). If it is determined in this determination that there is no shortcut data for the same set of settings as the current set of settings (S52: YES), CPU 101 proceeds to S53. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is shortcut data for the same set of settings as the current set of settings (S52: NO), CPU 101 proceeds to S55.

[0091] In S53, CPU101 registers the current settings as new shortcut data in the shortcut database. In the following S54, CPU101 stores the card number, that is, the card number stored in RAM103 in S2, within the card number attribute of the shortcut data. After that, CPU101 terminates the shortcut registration process (returns). This associates the new shortcut data with the card number of card 200.

[0092] Figure 5(c) shows an example of the new shortcut data registration screen 157. In the example shown, the shortcut representing the new shortcut data is newly registered in the unregistered shortcut area (+) within the area selected by the “Custom1” button 157a.

[0093] Figure 6(a) shows an example of the shortcut name registration screen 158. This shortcut name registration screen 158 is accessed, for example, when a user clicks the unregistered shortcut area 157b within the new shortcut data registration screen 157.

[0094] Figure 6(b) shows screen 159, where the user has entered a shortcut name by pressing the software keyboard 158b in the input field 158a of the shortcut name registration screen 158. When the OK button on this screen 159 is pressed, a shortcut indicating the new shortcut data is registered in the unregistered shortcut area 157b of the new shortcut data registration screen 157 with the entered shortcut name.

[0095] In S55, the CPU 101 displays a warning screen on panel 105 indicating that there is an existing shortcut data with the same set of settings. In the following S56, the CPU 101 adds the card number to the card number attribute of the existing shortcut data and stores it. After that, the CPU 101 terminates the shortcut registration process (returns).

[0096] As described above, the MFP100 of this embodiment includes a panel 105, a reading unit 107 that reads the card number from the card 200, an NVRAM 104 that stores shortcut data, and a CPU 101 that executes processing based on the retrieved shortcut data.

[0097] Then, in the first state in which the CPU 101 executes processing based on default setting information, when the reading unit 107 reads the card number from the card 200, it performs a call process (S30) to call shortcut data associated with the read card number, and in the second state in which setting information other than the default setting information is called, when the reading unit 107 reads the card number from the card 200, it performs a storage process (S32) to associate the called shortcut data with the read card number and store it in the NVRAM 104.

[0098] Thus, in this embodiment, the MFP100 makes it possible to easily switch between the process of associating and storing shortcut data with the card number of card 200, and the process of retrieving shortcut data.

[0099] Incidentally, in this embodiment, MFP100 is an example of an "information processing device". Panel 105 is an example of a "reception unit". Card 200 is an example of a "medium". Card number is an example of "identification information". Shortcut data is an example of "setting information". NVRAM104 is an example of a "storage unit". CPU101 is an example of a "control unit".

[0100] Furthermore, the MFP100 is equipped with a panel 105, and the CPU 101 displays information related to items to be displayed from the shortcut data on the panel 105, while not displaying information related to items not to be displayed on the panel 105. The second state includes a state in which only the items not to be displayed from the called shortcut data differ from the items not to be displayed in the default settings information.

[0101] This is convenient because, even if the only items excluded from display among the called shortcut data are changed to a state different from the default excluded items in the settings information, the shortcut data can still be stored in association with the card number.

[0102] Incidentally, panel 105 is an example of a "display unit".

[0103] Furthermore, in the memory processing, if the same shortcut data to be stored is already stored in the NVRAM 104, the CPU 101 associates the read card number with the already stored shortcut data (S56). If the same shortcut data to be stored is not yet stored in the NVRAM 104, the CPU 101 associates the shortcut data to be stored with the read card number and stores it in the NVRAM 104 (S54).

[0104] This eliminates the need to store the same shortcut data twice, thus reducing the storage capacity of NVRAM104.

[0105] Furthermore, the MFP100 is equipped with a print engine 111 for printing images onto a sheet, and the shortcut data includes shortcut data related to printing by the print engine 111.

[0106] Furthermore, when the CPU 101 controls the print engine 111 to perform a printing process that forms an image on the sheet, and the reading unit 107 reads the card number from the card 200, the CPU 101 determines whether the state of the MFP 100 is the first state or the second state depending on the completion of the printing process (S13:YES). If it determines that the state of the MFP 100 is the first state, it performs a call process, and if it determines that the state of the MFP 100 is the second state, it performs a storage process (S32).

[0107] As a result, the retrieval or storage process is not canceled and is performed after the printing process is complete, so the user does not have to perform the operation to read the card number from card 200 again.

[0108] The shortcut data also includes settings related to at least one of the following: sheet paper size, image quality, and layout.

[0109] Furthermore, the MFP100 is equipped with a reading engine 112 that reads images from the document, and the shortcut data includes shortcut data related to the reading by the reading engine 112.

[0110] Furthermore, when the CPU 101 controls the reading engine 112 to perform a reading process to read an image from the document, if the reading unit 107 reads the card number from the card 200, it performs a storage process (S32) in accordance with the completion of the reading process (S13:YES).

[0111] As a result, the call or storage process is not canceled and is performed after the reading process is complete, so the user does not have to perform the operation to read the card number from card 200 again.

[0112] Furthermore, the shortcut data includes settings related to at least one of the following: document size and image quality.

[0113] The reading unit 107 also reads the card number from the card 200 via wireless communication.

[0114] This makes it convenient for users, as they don't need to connect the card 200 directly to the MFP100; they only need to bring it close to the MFP100.

[0115] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0116] (1) In the above embodiment, when registering a shortcut indicating new shortcut data in the unregistered shortcut area 157b of the new shortcut data registration screen 157, the user is shown to register it manually. However, the user is not limited to this, and registration may be performed automatically. In this case, the shortcut name will be assigned automatically.

[0117] (2) In the above embodiment, an MFP100 was used as an example of an information processing device, but the information processing device is not limited to the MFP100 and may be a standalone printer, scanner, or copier.

[0118] (3) In the above embodiment, a CPU 101 was given as an example of a control unit, but the control unit may have a CPU and a dedicated circuit. Examples of dedicated circuits include an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) and an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0119] (4) In the above embodiment, a card reader that reads the ID in the card 200 using NFC was given as an example of the reading unit, but the invention is not limited to this, and a Bluetooth® interface or the like may be used as the communication interface. Alternatively, SDIO (Secure Digital Input / Output) may be used as the communication interface. In these cases, the external storage device will be a device having an interface corresponding to the adopted communication interface. Furthermore, a two-dimensional code reader may be used as the reading unit. Two-dimensional codes include barcodes and QR codes®, etc. In this case, the medium will be a card or sheet on which a two-dimensional code is printed on the surface. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 100 MFP 101 CPU 102 ROM 103 RAM 104 NVRAM 105 panels 107 Reading Unit 110 Engine IF 111 Printing Engine 112 Reading Engine 120 Image Processing Circuit 200 cards

Claims

1. Reception desk and, A reading unit that reads identification information from the medium, A memory unit that stores configuration information, A control unit that performs processing based on the aforementioned setting information, Equipped with, The control unit, In a first state in which the control unit performs processing based on default setting information, when the reading unit reads the identification information from the medium, a call process is performed to retrieve the setting information associated with the read identification information. In the second state in which setting information other than the default setting information is retrieved, when the reading unit reads the identification information from the medium, a storage process is performed to associate the retrieved setting information with the read identification information and store it in the storage unit. Execute Information processing device.

2. The aforementioned information processing device further, Display section Equipped with, The control unit, Of the aforementioned setting information, the information relating to the items to be displayed will be displayed on the display unit, while the information relating to the items not to be displayed will not be displayed on the display unit. The second state described above is, Among the retrieved setting information, the items excluded from display include a state in which the items excluded from display differ from the items excluded from display in the default setting information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The control unit, In the aforementioned storage process, If the same setting information to be stored is already stored in the storage unit, the read identification information is associated with the already stored setting information. If the same setting information to be stored is not yet stored in the storage unit, the setting information to be stored and the read identification information are associated and stored in the storage unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The aforementioned information processing device further, Printing engine for printing images onto sheets Equipped with, The aforementioned setting information includes setting information related to printing of the print engine, The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The control unit, When the printing process is being performed to control the printing engine and form an image on a sheet, and the reading unit reads the identification information from the medium, Upon completion of the printing process, the storage process is executed. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The aforementioned setting information includes settings relating to at least one of the paper size, image quality, and layout of the sheet. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4 or 5.

7. The aforementioned information processing device further, Image reading engine that extracts images from a document Equipped with, The aforementioned setting information includes setting information related to reading by the reading engine. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The control unit, When the reading engine is controlled to perform a reading process that reads an image from a document, and the reading unit reads the identification information from the medium, Upon completion of the reading process, it is determined whether the state of the information processing device is in the first state or the second state. When it is determined that the state of the information processing device is the first state, the call process is executed. If it is determined that the state of the information processing device is the second state, the storage process is executed. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7.

9. The aforementioned setting information includes a setting relating to at least one of the document size and image quality. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7 or 8.

10. The reading unit reads the identification information from the medium via wireless communication. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. In the first state, where processing is performed based on default configuration information, when the reading unit of the information processing device reads identification information from the medium, the configuration information associated with the read identification information is retrieved. In the second state in which setting information other than the default setting information is retrieved, when the reading unit reads the identification information from the medium, the retrieved setting information and the read identification information are associated and stored in the storage unit of the information processing device. Information processing methods.

12. Reception desk and, A reading unit that reads identification information from the medium, An information processing device comprising a storage unit for storing configuration information, In a first state in which processing is performed based on default configuration information, when the reading unit reads the identification information from the medium, a call process is performed to retrieve the configuration information associated with the read identification information, In the second state in which setting information other than the default setting information is retrieved, when the reading unit reads the identification information from the medium, a storage process is performed to associate the retrieved setting information with the read identification information and store it in the storage unit. To execute Information processing program.

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