Information processing device, method for controlling the information processing device, and program

Abstract

To improve the usability of applications that operate devices on information processing equipment. [Solution] A program for an application that operates on an information processing device and performs a function on a specific device, characterized in that the information processing device functions as a receiving means for receiving instructions to change the arrangement of icons on a first screen on which icons indicating the functions of a first device, which is a specific device, are arranged, and a transmitting means for transmitting first information that associates information indicating the arrangement of the icons changed based on the instructions with identification information of the first device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, a control method for an information processing apparatus, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, an image forming apparatus has various functions such as a scan function, a print function, a copy function, or a FAX transmission / reception function. Images for using the above-mentioned respective functions are displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus, and a customization function that can switch the order of the respective functions or the display / non-display of the functions (hereinafter, customization information) is known. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for sharing customization information associated with an identifier of each user among image forming apparatuses.

[0003] In recent years, applications for operating devices such as image forming apparatuses using information processing apparatuses such as smartphones or PCs have become widespread.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] There is a demand for further improvement in usability in an application for operating a device on an information processing apparatus.

[0006] Therefore, the present disclosure aims to improve the usability in an application for operating a device on an information processing apparatus.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a program for an application that operates on an information processing device and performs a function in a specific device, characterized in that the information processing device functions as a receiving means for receiving instructions to change the arrangement of icons on a first screen on which icons indicating the function of a first device, which is the specific device, are arranged, and a transmitting means for transmitting first information that associates information indicating the arrangement of the icons changed based on the instructions with identification information of the first device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, the usability of applications for operating devices on an information processing device can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the hardware configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 3] This is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the software configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 5] This is a diagram showing the software configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 6] This is a diagram showing the basic UI of the application. [Figure 7] This diagram shows the UI for performing customization. [Figure 8] This diagram shows the UI for adding features when performing customization. [Figure 9] This diagram shows a UI for sending and receiving customization information. [Figure 10] This diagram shows a UI for directly sending customization information. [Figure 11] This diagram shows a UI for directly receiving customization information. [Figure 12]This is a diagram showing a UI for transmitting and receiving customization information by folder. [Figure 13] This is a flowchart showing the transmission process of customization information. [Figure 14] This is a flowchart showing the reception process of customization information. [Figure 15] This is a flowchart showing the reception guidance process of customization information.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, the best mode for implementing the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the disclosure according to the claims, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential for the solution means of the disclosure.

[0011] <Embodiment 1> First, Embodiment 1 will be described. In this embodiment, in a display screen in an application that operates a specific device such as an image forming apparatus using an information processing apparatus such as a smartphone or a PC, customization information indicating the arrangement status of functions and the like is shared with other information processing apparatuses. This can prevent the user from performing the same customization many times and is expected to improve usability. Specifically, it is possible to transmit customization information to other information processing apparatuses and the like, and to reflect the customization information set in other information processing apparatuses on the display screen of its own application by receiving it. Hereinafter, the configuration for managing and sharing customization information will be described.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system according to this embodiment. The information processing system 100 includes an information processing apparatus 101, a wireless LAN terminal 102, an image forming apparatus 104, and a cloud server 105, which are connected via a network 103.

[0013] The information processing device 101 may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone. Also, an operating system for a small terminal or a program for controlling calls and data communication may be running. Alternatively, it may be a personal computer that does not have functions such as voice control, position detection control, and mobile phone data communication. Further, the information processing device 101 is connected to the network 103 by the wireless LAN terminal 102. In this embodiment, the information processing device 101 will be described as a mobile terminal.

[0014] The wireless LAN terminal 102 is a master unit of a wireless LAN having a general network router function, and provides a wireless LAN through Wi-Fi within a home, an office, etc. The image forming apparatus 104 is a digital multi-function peripheral having various job execution functions such as a printer function, a copy function, a scanner function, a fax transmission function, etc. The user can instruct the image forming apparatus 104 to execute a job and execute various functions of the image forming apparatus 104 by operating the information processing device 101. In this embodiment, an application for operating the image forming apparatus 104 will be described, but actually it is not limited to this. For example, the embodiments described below may be applied to an application for operating an image processing apparatus having a scanner function. Also, it may be a form of operating a device different from the image forming apparatus or the image processing apparatus.

[0015] The cloud server 105 performs data management used in the information processing device 101 or the image forming apparatus 104, or extension processing of various functions, etc. via the network 103. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 104 and the cloud server 105 are in a form of being wired-connected to the network 103, but may be wirelessly connected using the wireless LAN terminal 102 similar to the information processing device 101.

[0016] Furthermore, the information processing device 101 and the image forming apparatus 104 are capable of short-range wireless communication via wireless signals such as NFC (Near Field Communication) and BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy). The image forming apparatus 104 has information (such as an IP address and MAC address) for wireless LAN connection with the image forming apparatus 104 in the NFC communication unit or BLE communication unit described later, and the information processing device 101 acquires the connection information via short-range wireless communication. Then, based on the acquired information, the information processing device 101 and the image forming apparatus 104 begin communication.

[0017] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the information processing device 101 according to this embodiment. The information processing device 101 has a controller unit 201. The controller unit 201 controls various communication units such as the NFC communication unit 210, the BLE communication unit 211, and the wireless LAN communication unit 212, as well as various UI units such as the microphone / speaker 213, the display 214, and the touch panel 215.

[0018] The controller unit 201 consists of a CPU 202, ROM 203, RAM 204, network I / F 205, audio control unit 206, display control unit 207, input control unit 208, and storage device 209, which are connected by a system bus 216.

[0019] The CPU 202 controls the entire information processing unit 101 system. The ROM 203 stores the operating system of the information processing unit 101 and applications that control calls and data communications, and the CPU 202 executes various programs.

[0020] RAM 204 is memory for the CPU 202 to execute various programs and is a work memory area where applications execute programs. The storage device (storage unit) 209 is a non-volatile storage device that records various operating mode settings and operation logs that need to be retained even after the information processing device 101 is restarted. The network interface 205 is connected to the NFC communication unit 210, BLE communication unit 211, or wireless LAN communication unit 212 and performs various wireless communication control with the image forming apparatus 104 and the cloud server 105.

[0021] The audio control unit 206 controls the input and output of audio data via the microphone / speaker 213. The display control unit 207 controls the output of image data to be displayed on the display 214. The input control unit 208 controls the input of information instructed by the user via buttons or the touch panel 215. Various applications executed on the information processing device 101 are provided to the user using these components: the audio control unit 206, the display control unit 207, and the input control unit 208.

[0022] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 104 according to this embodiment. The image forming apparatus 104 includes a controller unit 301. The controller unit 301 controls various communication units, including an NFC communication unit 310, a BLE communication unit 311, and a wireless LAN communication unit 312, as well as an operation unit 307, a scanner 313, and a printer 314. When a user uses the copy function, the controller unit 301 controls the scanner 313 to acquire image data of the original document and controls the printer 314 to print the image onto paper and output it. When a user uses the scan function, the controller unit 301 controls the scanner 313 to acquire image data of the original document, converts it into code data, and transmits it via the network 103 to the information processing device 101 or the cloud server 105, etc. When a user uses the print function, the controller unit 301 receives image data (code data) via the network 103 to the information processing device 101 or the cloud server 105. The controller unit 301 then converts the received print data into image data and transmits it to the printer 314. The printer 314 prints the image onto paper based on the received image data. The image forming apparatus 104 also has a fax receiving function that receives data from ISDN, etc., and prints it, or a fax transmission function that sends scanned data to ISDN, etc. The execution instructions for each of these functions are called jobs, and the image forming apparatus 104 executes predetermined processes according to the jobs corresponding to each function.

[0023] The controller unit 301 consists of a CPU 302, RAM 303, ROM 304, HDD 305, control interface 306, network interface 308, and device interface 309, which are connected by a system bus 315.

[0024] The CPU 302 controls the entire system of the image forming apparatus 104. The RAM 303 is the system work memory for the operation of the CPU 302 and is image memory for temporarily storing image data. The RAM 303 also stores programs and data such as the operating system, system software, and application software. It also stores scanned image data read by the scanner 313 and print image data received from the information processing device 101 via the network 103. The ROM 304 stores the system boot program. The hard disk drive (HDD) 305 stores the operating system, system software, application software, image data, and configuration data.

[0025] The operation unit I / F 306 is the interface unit with the operation unit 307 and outputs information to be displayed on the operation unit 307. It also receives information input by the user from the operation unit 307. The network I / F 308 is connected to the NFC communication unit 310, the BLE communication unit 311, and the wireless LAN communication unit 312, and performs various wireless communication controls with the information processing device 101 and the cloud server 105. The wireless LAN communication unit 312 forms a wireless LAN with the information processing device 101 via the network 103. The NFC communication unit and the BLE communication unit 311 also form short-range wireless communication with the information processing device 101 via wireless signals. The image forming apparatus 104 sends and receives job setting information and image data with the information processing device 101 via the network I / F 308, and executes jobs by receiving execution commands for various functions of the image forming apparatus 104.

[0026] The device interface 309 connects the scanner 313 and printer 314, which perform image data reading and printing, to the controller unit 301, and performs image data input and output. Furthermore, the configuration of the scanner 313 and printer 314 differs depending on the image forming apparatus 104, and the image data that can be input and output differs depending on the configuration. For example, there are image forming apparatuses 104 equipped with a scanner 313 that can only accept documents in a horizontal orientation, and therefore only recognize horizontal documents as input. In contrast, an image forming apparatus 104 equipped with a scanner 313 that supports both horizontal and vertical documents can recognize both horizontal and vertical documents as input.

[0027] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the software configuration of the information processing device 101 according to this embodiment. Application 401 is software executed by the CPU 202 of the information processing device 101 and is stored in RAM 203. User interface (UI) control unit 402 receives job setting information entered by the user via the touch panel 215 and transmits it to the job setting management unit 405 via the input control unit 208. The UI control unit 402 also receives responses from the job setting management unit 405 and the job control unit 406 and outputs them to the display 214 via the display control unit 207.

[0028] The device connection unit 403 establishes NFC or BLE short-range wireless communication between the information processing device 101 and the image forming apparatus 104, as well as wireless LAN communication via the network 103. For example, in the case of NFC, the user brings the NFC communication unit 210 of the information processing device 101 and the NFC communication unit 310 of the image forming apparatus 104 close together and makes contact to start short-range wireless communication. In the case of BLE, the user brings the BLE communication unit 211 of the information processing device 101 and the BLE communication unit 311 of the image forming apparatus 104 close together, and the device connection unit 403 determines that the BLE signal strength is within a certain range, thereby starting short-range wireless communication. In this way, by the user bringing the NFC or BLE communication units of the information processing device 101 and the image forming apparatus 104 close together (referred to as a touch operation), the device connection unit 403 acquires device information of the image forming apparatus 104. From the acquired device information, it starts a wireless LAN connection with the image forming apparatus 104 via the network 103.

[0029] The network control unit 404 transmits job settings, job execution command instructions, image data, etc., to the image forming apparatus 104 via the network 103. Furthermore, the network control unit 404 receives job setting information stored in the image forming apparatus 104 via the network 103.

[0030] The job setting management unit 405 stores job setting information entered by the user via the UI control unit 402, and job setting information received from the image forming apparatus 104 and the cloud server 105 via the network control unit 404, in the RAM 204 and storage device 209. At this time, the job setting management unit 405 manages this job setting information as "favorites" as settings that the user frequently uses. The job setting management unit 405 also manages custom job settings stored in the RAM 204 and storage device 209 during the installation of the application 401 as "presets". The job control unit 406 generates job execution instruction information from the "favorites" and "presets" job settings registered by the job setting management unit 405, and sends a job execution request to the image forming apparatus 104 via the network 103. The job control unit 406 also obtains the job execution status and the operating status of the scanner 313 and printer 314 devices from the image forming apparatus 104 via the network 103, and sends it to the UI control unit 402.

[0031] The customization information management unit 408 stores the display / hide status and order of each function, such as the print function and scan function, displayed on the display 214 by the UI control unit 402, in RAM 204 or storage device 209, associating them with the identifier of the image forming apparatus 104. At this time, the customization information management unit 408 manages the display / hide status and order of each function as "customization information". The customization information is acquired by the UI control unit 402 from the edited content entered by the user on the display 214, or received from the image forming apparatus 104 or cloud server 105 by the network control unit 404. The customization information management unit 408 also transmits the customization information to other information processing devices 101 or cloud server 105 via the network control unit 404. In other words, in this embodiment, the information processing device 101 is configured to be able to transmit customization information in an application that operates a specific device, and to be able to receive customization information from an external device that has an application that operates a specific device.

[0032] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the software configuration of the image forming apparatus 104 according to this embodiment. Application 501 is software executed by the CPU 302 of the image forming apparatus 104 and is stored in RAM 303. The user interface (UI) control unit 502 receives job setting information entered by the user via the operation unit 307 and transmits it to the job execution management unit 505. The UI control unit 502 also receives a response from the job execution management unit 505 or the job control unit 506 and outputs it to the operation unit 307.

[0033] The device connection unit 503 performs a handover via short-range wireless communication between the information processing device 101 and the image forming apparatus 104, establishing wireless LAN communication via the network 103. The network control unit 504 receives job settings, job execution command instructions, image data, etc., from the information processing device 101 via the network 103. Furthermore, the network control unit 504 transmits the job setting information stored in the image forming apparatus 104 to the information processing device 101 via the network 103.

[0034] The job execution management unit 505 stores job setting information entered by the user via the UI control unit 502, and job setting information received from the information processing device 101 and the cloud server 105 via the network control unit 504, in the RAM 203 and HDD 305. At this time, the job execution management unit 505 manages this job setting information as "favorites" for settings frequently used by the user. In addition, the job setting management unit 405 manages custom job settings stored in the RAM 204 and storage device 209 during the installation of the application 401 as "presets". It also manages job settings executed in the image forming apparatus 104 as "history".

[0035] The job control unit 506 controls the scanning processing unit 511, the copying processing unit 512, the printing processing unit 513, and the fax processing unit 514 according to the received job settings, and executes various jobs. At this time, the job control unit 506 executes various jobs from job settings set by the user on the operation unit 307, or from "favorite" or "preset" job settings registered in the job execution management unit 505. Furthermore, the job control unit 506 receives job execution requests received from the information processing unit 101 via the network 103, and executes various jobs according to the received job settings and job execution instructions. The job control unit 506 also transmits the job execution status and the operating status of the scanner 313 and printer 314 devices to the information processing unit 101 via the network 103.

[0036] Figure 6 shows the display screen of application 401 as shown by the information processing device 101. The home screen, function list screen, printer list screen, and menu screen of application 401 will be explained using Figure 6.

[0037] The home screen shown in Figure 6(a) is displayed when application 401 is launched and consists of a printer display area 601, a function display area 604, and a tab area 610. The printer display area 601 is an area that displays information about the image forming apparatus 104 registered via the device connection unit 403. Display 602 is a mark indicating the image forming apparatus 104. The image forming apparatus label 603 is a text area that displays the name of the image forming apparatus 104. The function display area 604 is an area that displays a list of functions linked to the image forming apparatus 104. When the print icon 605 is pressed, the user transitions to a screen for executing print using the image forming apparatus 104. An icon refers to a symbol displayed on the function display area 604 that, when pressed, can receive instructions to execute the function in question. As shown in Figure 6(a), the icon may display only the text of the function, or it may display an image that represents the function. In this embodiment, the function display area 604 is configured to allow one or more icons to be placed there.

[0038] When the scan icon 606 is pressed, the screen transitions to a screen for performing a scan using the image forming apparatus 104. When the copy icon 607 is pressed, the screen transitions to a screen for performing a copy using the image forming apparatus 104. When the capture icon 608 is pressed, the screen transitions to a screen for taking a photograph with the information processing device 101 and then performing printing using the image forming apparatus 104. When the customize button 609 is pressed, the screen transitions to the customize screen shown in Figure 7(a). The tab area 610 consists of the home tab 611, the function list tab 612, the printer list tab 613, and the menu tab 614. When the home tab 611 is pressed, the screen transitions to the home screen shown in Figure 6(a), regardless of which screen is displayed. When the function list tab 612 is pressed, the screen transitions to the function list screen shown in Figure 6(b). When the printer list tab 613 is pressed, the screen transitions to the printer list screen shown in Figure 6(c). When menu tab 614 is pressed, the screen transitions to the menu screen shown in Figure 6(d).

[0039] The function list screen shown in Figure 6(b) displays all functions available to the selected image forming apparatus 104 in a list format. The cloud button 615, when pressed, provides functions related to the cloud server in conjunction with the image forming apparatus 104. The New Year's card printing button 616, when pressed, allows the user to print New Year's cards using the image forming apparatus 104. Other functions displayed on the function list screen shown in Figure 6(b) are executed when pressed, similar to the home screen.

[0040] The printer list screen shown in Figure 6(c) consists of a list of printer areas 621, each of which is comprised of a mark and name of an image forming apparatus 104 registered in application 401. When a printer area 621 is pressed, the image forming apparatus 104 associated with that pressed printer area 621 changes to a selected state. This also displays a check mark 624 on the pressed printer area 621 to indicate that it is selected.

[0041] The menu screen shown in Figure 6(d) allows users to execute functions and edit settings related to application 401. The application information button 631, when pressed, displays information related to application 401. The customization information send button 632, when pressed, transitions to the customization information send screen shown in Figure 9(a), described later. The customization information receive button 633, when pressed, transitions to the customization information receive screen shown in Figure 9(c), described later.

[0042] Figure 7 shows the customization screen for application 401 displayed by the information processing device 101. The customization screen shown in Figure 7(a) accepts operations such as showing or hiding functions displayed on the home screen shown in Figure 6(a), or changing their order. The print button 701, scan button 702, copy button 703, or capture button 704 can be moved by dragging when pressed and held, and their order can be changed by moving them to the location where other buttons are located. Also, pressing the function hide button 705 hides the corresponding button (i.e., removes it from the home screen shown in Figure 6(a)). Figure 7(b) shows the screen where the capture button 704 is hidden because the function hide button 705 corresponding to the capture button 704 has been pressed. Also, Figure 7(c) shows the screen where the order of the copy button and scan button has been swapped due to the movement of the copy button 703. When the function add button 706 is pressed, the user is redirected to the function add screen shown in Figure 8(a), which will be described later. When the Cancel button 707 is pressed, it reverts the current customization information to its pre-edit state and transitions to the home screen shown in Figure 6(a). When the Complete button 708 is pressed, it saves the current customization information via the customization information management unit 408 and transitions to the home screen shown in Figure 6(a) to reflect the saved customization information.

[0043] Figure 8 illustrates an example of adding a function to application 401 displayed by the information processing device 101. The addition of a function will be explained using Figure 8. The function addition screen shown in Figure 8(a) is accessible from the customization screen shown in Figure 7(a), and is used to add functions that are not visible on the home screen. In this explanation, it is assumed that the cloud button 801, the New Year's card printing button 802, and the copy button 803 are displayed as addable function buttons. Once any function button is selected, the pressed function becomes selected, and pressing the button again deselects it. When selected, an icon such as a checkmark is displayed on the selection status icon 804. The back button 805, when pressed, transitions to the customization screen shown in Figure 7(a) without adding a function. The complete button 806, when pressed, transitions to the customization screen shown in Figure 7(a), and adds the function button that was selected on the function addition screen in Figure 8(a) to the customization screen. The customization screen (after function addition) shown in Figure 8(b) is the screen displayed when the Cloud button 801 is selected on the function addition screen and the complete button 806 is pressed, thereby adding the Cloud button 811. Note that if the function addition button 813 is pressed on the customization screen shown in Figure 8(b), the user will be redirected back to the function addition screen shown in Figure 8(a). Furthermore, if the complete button 812 is pressed on the customization screen (after function addition) shown in Figure 8(b), the customization information is saved via the customization information management unit 408, and the Cloud button 821 is displayed as shown on the home screen (after function addition) in Figure 8(c).

[0044] Figure 9 illustrates the screens for sending and receiving customization information in the application 400 displayed by the information processing device 101. The customization information transmission screen shown in Figure 9(a) allows the user to select the customization information to send to another information processing device 101. Pressing any of the customization information buttons 901, 902, or 903 transitions the user to the transmission method selection screen shown in Figure 9(b), which is used to send the selected customization information and the associated identification information. The identification information refers to information used to identify the image forming apparatus 104, such as its serial number, MAC address, and name. The customization information and the associated identification information are collectively referred to as the primary information. The transmission method selection screen shown in Figure 9(b) determines how to send the primary information (identification information and customization information) to another information processing device 101. Pressing the direct transmission button 911 transitions the user to the customization information transmission waiting screen shown in Figure 10(a). When the file save button 912 is pressed, the user transitions to the save location selection screen shown in Figure 12(a) below. The customization information reception screen shown in Figure 9(c) is a screen for determining how to receive printer information and customization information from other information processing devices 101. When the direct receive button 921 is pressed, the user transitions to the customization information receiving screen shown in Figure 11(a) below. When the file acquisition button 922 is pressed, the user transitions to the read location selection screen shown in Figure 12(b) below.

[0045] Figure 10 illustrates the screen related to the transmission of customization information in the application 400 displayed by the information processing device 101. The customization information transmission waiting screen shown in Figure 10(a) is a screen that waits until the information processing device 101 to receive the information is ready. When the cancel button 1001 is pressed, the transmission waiting state is released and the system transitions to the customization information transmission screen shown in Figure 9(b). When the OK button 1002 is pressed, the system transitions to the customization information transmission screen shown in Figure 10(b). The customization information transmission screen is a screen that is displayed while printer information and customization information are being transmitted to the information processing device 101 to receive the information. A transmission dialog 1011 indicating that transmission is in progress is displayed, and when the cancel button 1012 is pressed, the transmission is canceled and the system transitions to the customization information transmission waiting screen shown in Figure 10(a).

[0046] The customization information transmission completion screen shown in Figure 10(c) is displayed when the transmission of printer information and customization information is complete. The transmission completion dialog 1021 displays a message indicating that the transmission is complete, and when the OK button 1022 is pressed, the screen transitions to the menu screen shown in Figure 6(c). The customization information transmission failure screen shown in Figure 10(d) is displayed when the transmission of printer information and customization information fails. The transmission failure dialog 1031 displays a message indicating that the transmission failed, and when the OK button 1032 is pressed, the screen transitions to the customization information transmission waiting screen shown in Figure 10(a).

[0047] Figure 11 illustrates a screen in the application 400 displayed by the information processing device 101 that directly receives printer information and customization information from another information processing device 101. The customization information receiving screen shown in Figure 11(a) is displayed while receiving printer information and customization information from another information processing device 101. This screen is accessed when the direct receive button 921 is pressed on the customization information receiving screen shown in Figure 9(c). The customization information receiving screen shown in Figure 11(a) indicates that reception is in progress, and when the cancel button 1101 is pressed, reception is canceled and the customization information receiving screen is displayed. The customization information reception complete screen shown in Figure 11(b) is displayed when the reception of printer information and customization information from the other information processing device 101 is complete. It indicates that reception is complete and saves the printer information and customization information via the customization information management unit 408. Furthermore, when the OK button 1111 is pressed, the system transitions to the home screen shown in Figure 6(a), and displays the home screen shown in Figure 11(d) (after receiving customization information), reflecting the saved printer information and customization information. The customization information reception failure screen (error screen) shown in Figure 11(c) is displayed when the reception of customization information fails. Pressing the OK button 1121 will transition to the customization information reception screen. In this embodiment, one case of reception failure is when customization information for a printer not registered in application 401 is received. Also, in the reception waiting screen shown in Figure 11(a), if there is no reception from other information processing devices for a certain period of time, it may be determined that reception has failed. Furthermore, in this embodiment, if, for example, the direct receive button 921 is selected on the customization information receiving screen shown in Figure 9(c), the subsequent screen for selecting which printer's customization information to receive is not displayed. That is, when customization information is received, the system determines whether a printer is registered on the terminal based on the accompanying printer information, and displays either an error screen or a success screen. However, the system is not limited to this, and when the direct receive button 921 is selected, a screen for selecting the printer to receive information next may be displayed. In this case, if customization information for the selected printer is received, a success screen will be displayed, and if any other information is received, an error screen will be displayed.

[0048] Figure 12 illustrates the screens used by the information processing device 101 to save and load printer information and customization information from the device itself or a cloud server in the application 400. Figure 12(a) is the screen for determining where to save printer information and customization information. When the "Save on device" button 1201 is pressed, it displays folders on the device. When the "Save to cloud" button 1202 is pressed, it displays a list of cloud servers where the information can be stored. When the "Cancel" button 1203 is pressed, it cancels the selection of the save location and transitions to the customization information transmission screen shown in Figure 9(a). When the "Save" button 1204 is pressed, it saves the printer information and customization information to the selected folder on the device or a cloud server and transitions to the menu screen shown in Figure 6(c). Figure 12(b) is the screen for determining where to retrieve printer information and customization information. When the "Load on device" button 1211 is pressed, it displays folders on the device. When the "Load to cloud" button 1212 is pressed, it displays a list of cloud servers where the information can be loaded. A file containing printer information and customization information (hereinafter referred to as the customization information file) is selected from a folder on the terminal and the cloud server. When the Cancel button 1213 is pressed, the selection of the reading location is canceled and the screen transitions to the customization information reception screen shown in Figure 9(c). When the Read button 1214 is pressed, the selected customization information file is read. The customization information reading guidance screen shown in Figure 12(c) is a screen that guides the user to read the customization information. The customization information reading guidance dialog 1221 displays a message indicating that the settings information will be read from another terminal, and when the Cancel button 1222 is pressed, the customization information reading guidance dialog 1221 is closed. When the OK button 1223 is pressed, the screen transitions to the customization information reception screen shown in Figure 9(c).

[0049] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the process of transmitting printer information and customization information from the information processing device 101. The series of processes shown in this flowchart are performed by the CPU 202 of the information processing device 101 loading the program code stored in the ROM 203 into the RAM 204 and executing it. In the following descriptions of each process, "S" indicates a step in the flowchart, and the same applies to subsequent embodiments. The process in this flowchart is started when the user customizes the home screen.

[0050] In S1300, CPU202 performs customization based on user operations. Customization refers to operations such as hiding functions by pressing the function hide button 705 on the customization screen shown in Figure 7(a), rearranging function buttons by dragging and dropping, or adding functions by selecting function buttons on the function addition screen. In S1301, CPU202 saves printer information and customization information via the customization information management unit 408.

[0051] In S1302, the CPU 202 accepts the selection of printer information and customization information to be sent to the information processing device 101 on the customization information transmission screen shown in Figure 9(a). The customization information transmission screen is displayed by the CPU 202 when the customization information transmission button 632 is pressed on the menu screen shown in Figure 6(d). In S1303, the CPU 202 accepts the transmission method for the customization information on the transmission method selection screen shown in Figure 9(b). The selection of the transmission method is accepted based on user operation.

[0052] In S1304, CPU202 determines whether to send the customization information directly to another terminal. This determination depends on the result of the user operation in S1303. If it is determined that the user has selected to send the printer information and customization information directly by pressing the direct send button 911, CPU202 proceeds to 1305. On the other hand, if it is determined that the user has not selected to send the printer information and customization information directly, the process proceeds to S1309.

[0053] In S1305, CPU202 waits until the destination information processing device is ready to receive. During this waiting period, it displays the customized information transmission waiting screen shown in Figure 10(a). When the destination information processing device is ready to receive, the user presses the OK button 1002.

[0054] In S1306, the CPU 202 displays a transmission dialog 1011 and transmits printer information and customization information to the target information processing device using short-range wireless communication such as BLE or NFC. Although short-range wireless communication is used above, other means such as Wi-Fi connection via an access point may also be used. In S1307, the CPU 202 determines whether the transmission of printer information and customization information was successful. If it is determined to be successful, the CPU 202 terminates the processing of this flowchart. It also displays a transmission complete dialog 1021, and when it detects that the OK button 1022 is pressed, it transitions to the menu screen shown in Figure 6(c). If it is determined that the transmission of printer information and customization information failed, it proceeds to S1308 and displays the customization information transmission failure screen shown in Figure 10(d). When it detects that the OK button 1032 is pressed on the customization information transmission failure screen, it transitions to the customization information transmission waiting screen shown in Figure 10(a). After that, the CPU 202 terminates the processing of this flowchart.

[0055] This section explains the case where, in S1304, direct transmission is not selected by the user, and the file save button 912 is pressed. In S1309, the CPU 202 determines whether the file save button 912 was pressed. If it determines that the file save button 912 was pressed, the CPU 202 proceeds to S1310. If it determines that the file save button 912 was not pressed, the process of this flowchart ends.

[0056] In S1310, CPU202 saves printer information and customization information to a designated folder. Customization information can be saved either on the terminal or to a cloud server, as shown in the save location selection screen in Figure 12(a). Upon detecting the press of the save button 1204, the printer information and customization information are saved to the selected folder on the terminal or to the cloud server, and the system transitions to the menu screen shown in Figure 6(d). This concludes the explanation of sending printer information and customization information.

[0057] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the process of receiving printer information and customization information. The series of processes shown in this flowchart are performed by the CPU 202 of the information processing device 101 loading the program code stored in the ROM 203 into the RAM 204 and executing it. The process in this flowchart is started when the user performs an operation to receive customization information on the menu screen shown in Figure 6(d).

[0058] In S1400, the CPU 202 selects a method for receiving printer information and customization information based on user operation. In S1401, the CPU 202 determines whether to directly receive printer information and customization information from another terminal. That is, it determines whether the direct receive button 921 was pressed on the customization information receiving screen shown in Figure 9(c) by user operation. If it determines that printer information and customization information will be received directly, the CPU 202 proceeds to S1402. If it determines that printer information and customization information will not be received directly, the CPU 202 proceeds to S1409.

[0059] In S1402, the CPU 202 receives printer information and customization information from another information processing device using short-range wireless communication such as BLE or NFC. During reception, it displays the customization information reception screen shown in Figure 11(a). In S1403, the CPU 202 determines whether it succeeded in receiving the printer information and customization information. If it determines that it succeeded in receiving the printer information and customization information, the CPU 202 proceeds to S1404. If it determines that it failed to receive the printer information and customization information, it proceeds to S1408.

[0060] In S1404, the CPU 202 displays the customization information reception completion screen shown in Figure 11(c) and saves the printer information and customization information via the customization information management unit 408. When the OK button 1111 is detected pressed on the customization information reception completion screen shown in Figure 11(c), the system transitions to the home screen shown in Figure 6(a). In S1405, the CPU 202 determines whether there are any functions in the received customization information that cannot be used by the application 401 of the information processing device 101. The application 401 has a table that lists the availability of each function for each information processing device 101, and uses this table to determine the availability of functions. If it is determined that there are functions that cannot be used, the system proceeds to S1406; if it is determined that there are no functions that cannot be used, the system proceeds to S1407.

[0061] In S1406, CPU202 updates the customization information by hiding unavailable functions. For example, if the capture function requires a camera, but a desktop PC without a camera receives customization information to display the capture function, CPU202 hides the capture function according to its own table. In S1407, CPU202 reflects the received printer information and customization information on the home screen shown in Figure 6(a).

[0062] If the reception of customization information fails in S1403, the CPU 202 displays the customization information reception failure screen shown in Figure 11(c) in S1408. When the OK button 1121 is detected to be pressed on the customization information reception failure screen, the CPU 202 terminates the processing of this flowchart.

[0063] If, in S1401, the CPU 202 determines that it will not directly receive customization information from another information processing device 101, then in S1409, the CPU 202 determines whether to read printer information and customization information from a file. This determination is made based on whether the file acquisition button 922 is pressed by the user on the customization information reception screen shown in Figure 9(c). If it is determined that printer information and customization information will be read from a file, the CPU 202 proceeds to S1410. If it is determined that the information will not be read from a file due to reasons such as cancellation, the CPU 202 terminates the processing of this flowchart. In S1410, the CPU 202 reads the specified file. The file to be read is selected by the user from the read location selection screen shown in Figure 12(b), and reading begins when the read button 1214 is pressed. The subsequent processing is the same as when receiving directly from another terminal, so it is omitted from the description. The above is an explanation of receiving printer information and customization information.

[0064] As described above, this embodiment improves the usability of applications that operate an image forming apparatus on an information processing device. Specifically, by sending application customization information created by the user on the application to other information processing devices, it becomes possible to reflect the customization information in those other information processing devices as well. Furthermore, it is also possible to receive customization information from other information processing devices and reflect that content in one's own application. This eliminates the effort required for the user to perform customization on each information device, thereby improving usability.

[0065] <Embodiment 2> Embodiment 1 described a method for sharing customized information when the user selects to send and receive customized information. However, with the method described above, there is a risk that when a user operates the app for the first time, they may not realize that it is possible to share customized information from other information processing devices and may perform the customization from scratch.

[0066] Therefore, in this embodiment, we will describe a process that guides the user to receive printer information and customization information from another information processing device when the printer is not registered when the application is launched.

[0067] Figure 15 is a flowchart for guiding the transfer of customization information. The series of processes shown in this flowchart are performed by the CPU 202 of the information processing device 101 loading the program code stored in ROM 203 into RAM 204 and executing it. The processes in this flowchart begin when the user launches the application.

[0068] In S1500, when the CPU 202 starts application 401, it displays the home screen shown in Figure 6(a). In S1501, the CPU 202 determines whether an image forming apparatus 104 registered in application 401 exists. If it exists, the CPU 202 terminates the processing of this flowchart. If it determines that it does not exist, the CPU 202 proceeds to S1502.

[0069] In S1502, CPU202 displays the customization information loading guidance screen shown in Figure 12(c) to guide the user to load the customization information. In S1503, CPU202 determines whether the user has selected to receive the customization information. That is, it determines whether it has detected the OK button 1223 being pressed in the customization information loading guidance dialog 1221. If it determines that the user has selected to receive the customization information, CPU202 proceeds to S1504. If it determines that the user has not selected to receive the customization information (i.e., the user has detected the Cancel button 1222 being pressed and the reception of the customization information has been canceled), CPU202 closes the customization information loading guidance screen shown in Figure 12(c). After that, CPU202 terminates the processing of this flowchart.

[0070] In S1504, the CPU 202 receives the customization information. Details of the receiving process are as described in the above embodiment, so the explanation is omitted. After that, the CPU 202 terminates the processing of this flowchart.

[0071] In the above explanation, after determining whether the image forming apparatus 104 is unregistered, the user is guided to receive customization information each time. However, the application 401 can be set to an upper limit on the number of times guidance is performed, and guidance may not be performed if the upper limit is exceeded.

[0072] As described above, according to this embodiment, when the printer is not registered, the user can be made aware of the function for sharing customization information by being guided to receive customization information, thereby improving usability.

[0073] <Other Embodiments> This disclosure can also be implemented by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be implemented by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0074] Furthermore, this disclosure includes the following components. (Composition 1) An application program that operates on an information processing device and performs a function in a specific device, wherein the information processing device A first screen on which icons indicating the functions of the first device, which is a specific device, are arranged, includes a receiving means for receiving instructions to change the arrangement of the icons, A transmission means for transmitting first information which associates information indicating the arrangement of the icons changed based on the instructions with identification information of the first device, A program characterized by being designed to function as such. (Configuration 2) The program according to configuration 1, characterized in that the receiving means receives instructions to add, delete, or rearrange the icons on the first screen. (Composition 3) The program according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the transmission means transmits the program to an external device having the application. (Composition 4) The program according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that the transmission means transmits using NFC, BLE, or wireless LAN. (Composition 5) The aforementioned information processing device The program according to configuration 1, further characterized by being configured as an output means that outputs an instruction to save the first information to the storage unit of the information processing device or to a cloud server. (Composition 6) The program according to configuration 5, characterized in that the output means outputs the first information on a device selected by the user. (Composition 7) The program according to configuration 6, characterized in that the selected device is a device registered in the application. (Composition 8) The program according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, characterized in that the first device is an image processing device. (Composition 9) An application program that operates on an information processing device and performs a function in a specific device, wherein the information processing device Receiving means for receiving second information which associates information indicating the arrangement of icons representing the functions of the second device, which is the aforementioned specific device, with identification information of the second device. A display control means that displays a display screen for the second device, which has an icon that reflects the received second information, A program characterized by being designed to function as such. (Composition 10) The program according to configuration 9, characterized in that the receiving means receives the second information from a cloud server or an external device having the application. (Composition 11) The program according to configuration 9, characterized in that the display control means displays a display screen for the second device such that, if the information indicating the arrangement status included in the second information received by the receiving means includes a function that is unavailable in the information processing device, the icon for the unavailable function is hidden. (Composition 12) The program according to any one of configurations 9 to 11, characterized in that the receiving means receives the program using NFC, BLE, or wireless LAN. (Composition 13) The program according to configuration 9, characterized in that, if the receiving means determines that the second device indicated by the received second information is a device not registered in the application, the display control means displays an error screen instead of displaying a display screen for the second device. (Composition 14) The program according to configuration 13, characterized in that, when the application is started, if the specific device is not registered with the application, the display control means displays a second display screen prompting the reception of the second information. (Composition 15) The program according to configuration 14, characterized in that the display control means controls the program so as not to display the second display screen if the number of times the second display screen has been displayed exceeds a predetermined value, even if the specific device is not registered when the application is started. (Composition 16) The program according to any one of configurations 10 to 15, characterized in that the external device includes a PC or a mobile terminal. (Composition 17) An application program that operates on an information processing device and performs a function in a specific device, wherein the information processing device A first screen on which icons indicating the functions of the first device, which is a specific device, are arranged, includes a receiving means for receiving instructions to change the arrangement of the icons, A transmission means for transmitting first information which associates information indicating the arrangement of the icons changed based on the instructions with identification information of the first device, Receiving means for receiving second information which associates information indicating the arrangement of icons representing the functions of the second device, which is the aforementioned specific device, with identification information of the second device. A display control means that reflects and displays the received second information on the display screen of the second device, A program characterized by being designed to function as such. (Composition 18) A first screen on which icons indicating the functions of the first device are arranged includes a reception means for receiving instructions to change the arrangement of the icons, A transmission means for transmitting first information which associates information indicating the arrangement of the icons changed based on the instructions with identification information of the first device, An information processing device characterized by comprising: (Composition 19) A first screen on which icons indicating the functions of the first device are arranged includes a reception step that receives instructions to change the arrangement of the icons, A transmission step of transmitting first information which associates information showing the arrangement of the icons changed based on the instructions with identification information of the first device, A control method for an information processing device, characterized by comprising the following: (Composition 20) A receiving means for receiving second information which associates information indicating the arrangement of icons representing the functions of the second device on a second screen with identification information of the second device, A display control means that displays a display screen for the second device, which has an icon that reflects the received second information, An information processing device characterized by comprising: (Composition 21) A receiving step of receiving second information which associates information indicating the arrangement of icons representing functions of the second device on a second screen with identification information of the second device, A display control step of displaying a display screen for the second device which has an icon that reflects the received second information, A control method for an information processing device, characterized by comprising the following: (Composition 22) A first screen on which icons indicating the functions of the first device are arranged includes a reception means for receiving instructions to change the arrangement of the icons, A transmission means for transmitting first information which associates information indicating the arrangement of the icons changed based on the instructions with identification information of the first device, A receiving means for receiving second information which associates information indicating the arrangement of icons representing the functions of the second device on a second screen with identification information of the second device, A display control means that reflects and displays the received second information on the display screen of the second device, An information processing device characterized by comprising: (Composition 23) A first screen on which icons indicating the functions of the first device are arranged includes a reception step that receives instructions to change the arrangement of the icons, A transmission step of transmitting first information which associates information showing the arrangement of the icons changed based on the instructions with identification information of the first device, A receiving step of receiving second information which associates information indicating the arrangement of icons representing functions of the second device on a second screen with identification information of the second device, A display control step which involves reflecting the received second information on the display screen of the second device and displaying it, A control method for an information processing device, characterized by comprising the following:

Claims

1. An application program that operates on an information processing device and performs a function in a specific device, wherein the information processing device A first screen on which icons indicating the functions of the first device, which is the aforementioned specific device, are arranged, includes a receiving means for receiving instructions to change the arrangement of the icons, A transmission means for transmitting first information which associates information indicating the arrangement of the icons changed based on the instructions with identification information of the first device, A program characterized by being designed to function as such.

2. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that the receiving means receives instructions to add, delete, or rearrange the icons on the first screen.

3. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that the transmission means transmits the program to an external device having the application.

4. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that the transmission means transmits using NFC, BLE, or wireless LAN.

5. The aforementioned information processing device The program according to claim 1, further characterized in that it functions as an output means that outputs an instruction to save the first information to the storage unit of the information processing device or to a cloud server.

6. The program according to claim 5, characterized in that the output means outputs the first information on a device selected by the user.

7. The program according to claim 6, characterized in that the selected device is a device registered in the application.

8. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that the first device is an image processing device.

9. An application program that operates on an information processing device and performs a function in a specific device, wherein the information processing device Receiving means for receiving second information which associates information indicating the arrangement of icons representing the functions of the second device, which is the aforementioned specific device, with identification information of the second device. A display control means that displays a display screen for the second device, which has icons that reflect the received second information arranged on it, A program characterized by being designed to function as such.

10. The program according to claim 9, characterized in that the receiving means receives the second information from a cloud server or an external device having the application.

11. The program according to claim 9, wherein the display control means displays a display screen for the second device such that, if the information indicating the arrangement status included in the second information received by the receiving means includes a function that is unavailable in the information processing device, the icon for the unavailable function is hidden.

12. The program according to claim 9, characterized in that the receiving means receives using NFC, BLE, or wireless LAN.

13. The program according to claim 9, characterized in that, if the receiving means determines that the second device indicated by the received second information is a device not registered in the application, the display control means displays an error screen instead of displaying a display screen for the second device.

14. The program according to claim 13, characterized in that, when the application is started, if the specific device is not registered with the application, the display control means displays a second display screen prompting the reception of the second information.

15. The program according to claim 14, characterized in that the display control means controls the program so as not to display the second display screen if the number of times the second display screen has been displayed exceeds a predetermined value, even if the specific device is not registered when the application is started.

16. The program according to claim 10, characterized in that the external device includes a PC or a mobile terminal.

17. An application program that operates on an information processing device and performs a function in a specific device, wherein the information processing device A first screen on which icons indicating the functions of the first device, which is the aforementioned specific device, are arranged, includes a receiving means for receiving instructions to change the arrangement of the icons, A transmission means for transmitting first information which associates information indicating the arrangement of the icons changed based on the instructions with identification information of the first device, Receiving means for receiving second information which associates information indicating the arrangement of icons representing the functions of the second device, which is the aforementioned specific device, with identification information of the second device. A display control means that reflects and displays the received second information on the display screen of the second device, A program characterized by being designed to function as such.

18. A first screen on which icons indicating the functions of the first device are arranged includes a receiving means for receiving instructions to change the arrangement of the icons, A transmission means for transmitting first information which associates information indicating the arrangement of the icons changed based on the instructions with identification information of the first device, An information processing device characterized by comprising:

19. A first screen on which icons indicating the functions of the first device are arranged includes a reception step that receives instructions to change the arrangement of the icons, A transmission step of transmitting first information which associates information showing the arrangement of the icons changed based on the instructions with the identification information of the first device, A control method for an information processing device, characterized by comprising the following:

20. A receiving means for receiving second information which associates information indicating the arrangement of icons representing the functions of the second device on a second screen with identification information of the second device, A display control means that displays a display screen for the second device, which has icons that reflect the received second information arranged on it, An information processing device characterized by comprising:

21. A receiving step of receiving second information which associates information indicating the arrangement of icons representing the functions of the second device on a second screen with identification information of the second device, A display control step of displaying a display screen for the second device which has an icon that reflects the received second information, A control method for an information processing device, characterized by comprising the following:

22. A first screen on which icons indicating the functions of the first device are arranged includes a receiving means for receiving instructions to change the arrangement of the icons, A transmission means for transmitting first information which associates information indicating the arrangement of the icons changed based on the instructions with identification information of the first device, A receiving means for receiving second information which associates information indicating the arrangement of icons representing the functions of the second device on a second screen with identification information of the second device, A display control means that reflects and displays the received second information on the display screen of the second device, An information processing device characterized by comprising:

23. A first screen on which icons indicating the functions of the first device are arranged includes a reception step that receives instructions to change the arrangement of the icons, A transmission step of transmitting first information which associates information showing the arrangement of the icons changed based on the instructions with the identification information of the first device, A receiving step of receiving second information which associates information indicating the arrangement of icons representing the functions of the second device on a second screen with identification information of the second device, A display control step which involves reflecting the received second information on the display screen of the second device and displaying it, A control method for an information processing device, characterized by comprising the following:

Images