Printing apparatus, information processing system, control method, and program

Abstract

This invention provides an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program that enable the display of notification images according to the usage status of the GUI mode of the information processing device. [Solution] The information processing device 100 includes a first acquisition means for acquiring mode information representing a set GUI mode, and a second acquisition means for performing notification information acquisition processing to acquire notification information provided by the service management server 200. Furthermore, it includes a display means for displaying a screen corresponding to the GUI mode and a notification image based on the notification information, a storage means for storing the notification information acquired by the acquisition means, and a control means for controlling the display means. The control means enables the display of the notification image by the display means when the notification information stored in the storage means corresponds to the set GUI mode, and does not display the notification image by the display means when the notification information does not correspond to the GUI mode represented by the mode information.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for causing an information processing apparatus to display information provided from a server.

Background Art

[0002] Currently, various information is provided to users by distributing contents such as advertisements and notifications regarding new functions from a server connected to a network to information processing apparatuses such as smartphones and printers. Among the information provided, there may be not only information useful to the user but also unnecessary information. For example, some information processing apparatuses have, as a GUI (Graphic User Interface) mode, a standard mode for displaying many functions and a basic mode for displaying only basic functions, and it is possible to selectively switch between and use these. Among the information provided from a server to this type of information processing apparatus, there may be information that cannot be used in the basic mode. For a user using the basic mode, information that cannot be used in the basic mode is unnecessary information, and when unnecessary information is displayed, the user may feel annoyed and confused.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for switching between displaying and not displaying notification information displayed on an information processing apparatus. Here, information is provided from a server to an information processing apparatus and displayed only when an account having administrator authority logs in to the server from the information processing apparatus.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 allows an administrator to switch between displaying and hiding notification information in an information processing device. In contrast, there is a need for a technology that enables the display of notification information according to the usage status of the GUI mode of the information processing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention relates to an information processing device capable of selectively setting a plurality of different GUI modes, comprising: a first acquisition means for acquiring mode information representing a GUI mode set by a user; a second acquisition means for performing notification information acquisition processing for acquiring notification information provided from a server system through communication with the server system; a display means for displaying a screen corresponding to the GUI mode and a notification image based on the notification information; a storage means for storing the notification information acquired by the acquisition means; and a control means for controlling the display means, wherein the control means enables the display means to display the notification image when the notification information stored in the storage means corresponds to a GUI mode represented by the mode information, and does not display the notification image when the notification information does not correspond to a GUI mode represented by the mode information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to display notification information according to the usage status of the GUI mode of the information processing device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is an overall diagram of the information processing system. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing an example of an MFP configuration. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing an example of the service management server's configuration. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing an example of a general configuration for a service provider server. [Figure 5]This figure shows an example of the home screen for standard mode. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a notification image based on notification information. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the home screen for Easy Mode. [Figure 8] This is a sequence diagram showing the process of acquiring and displaying notification information performed in an information processing system. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of a response sent by the service management server to the MFP. [Figure 10] This diagram illustrates the timing of displaying notification images stored in non-volatile memory. [Figure 11] This flowchart shows the check process performed by the MFP after the response analysis process. [Figure 12] This flowchart shows the process of displaying a notification image when the power is turned on. [Figure 13] This flowchart shows the process of displaying a notification image after the printing process is complete. [Figure 14] This flowchart shows the processes that are executed when the home screen is displayed. [Figure 15] This is a sequence diagram showing the process of acquiring notification information and displaying the notification image. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention as defined in the claims, and not all combinations of features described in these embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the present invention.

[0010] (First Embodiment) <System Configuration> FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an information processing system. The information processing system includes an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) 100 as an information processing device, a service management server 200, a service providing server group 400, and a communication network 300. The service providing server group 400 is a general term for service providing servers that provide each service. In the example of FIG. 1, the service providing server group 400 includes a first service providing server 420 that provides Service A, a second service providing server 430 that provides Service B, and a third service providing server 440 that provides Service C.

[0011] <Overview of the System> The outline of the processing performed in the information processing system according to this embodiment will be described. First, examples of the services provided by this system will be described. An example of a service is a firmware update service for the MFP 100 as an information processing device. This service provides the updated firmware and updates the firmware of the MFP 100 when improvements to the firmware of the MFP 100 are made or measures against failures are taken. Another example of a service is a consumable sales service such as ink for the MFP 100. The user of the MFP 100 can access the server that provides the service to order and purchase consumables. Another service is a print content providing service. The user of the MFP 100 can access the server that provides the service to download and print print content. Note that the above services are merely examples and are not limited thereto. Any service related to the MFP 100 may be provided.

[0012] In the system according to this embodiment, a process is performed to display a notification image based on notification information notified from the service providing server group 400 to the user of the MFP 100 on the screen of the MFP 100. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the MFP 100, the service management server 200, and the service providing server group 400 are communicably connected via the communication network 300. However, in this embodiment, the MFP 100 receives the services provided from the service providing server group 400 via the service management server 200. That is, the MFP 100 does not directly receive notification information from each of the service providing servers 420, 430, and 440, but such a form may be adopted.

[0013] In this way, by providing the service management server 200, various types of notification information from the service providing server group 400 can be aggregated by the service management server 200. Then, the service management server 200 transmits and receives information to and from each of the service providing servers 420 to 440 that provide various services. As a result, the MFP 100 does not need to directly transmit and receive information to and from the service providing server, and can efficiently acquire information.

[0014] The transmission and reception of information between the service management server 200 and the first to third service providing servers 420 to 440 are performed when the usage conditions of each service are satisfied. Examples of the usage conditions include a registration process for making a service available between each of the service providing servers 420 to 440 and the user. When the usage conditions of the service are satisfied, each of the service providing servers 420 to 440 transmits and receives information to and from the service management server 200 and provides notification information. For each communication, communication control is performed according to HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol), XMPP (Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol), or the like. However, other protocols may be used for the communication control protocol.

[0015] The server system in this embodiment is configured by the above service - providing server group 400 and service - management server 200. Each of the service - providing servers 420 to 440 and the service - management server 200 can be configured by one or more server devices.

[0016] <Configuration of MFP> FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration example of the MFP 100 in this embodiment. The MFP 100 is an electronic device having information - processing functions such as generation, storage, transmission, and display of device information including log information and status information. Further, the MFP 100 has an image - forming function of forming an image on a recording medium by a recording control unit 113 and a recording unit 114 described later.

[0017] The MFP 100 includes a CPU 101, a ROM 102, a RAM 103, an image memory 104, a data conversion unit 105, a reading control unit 106, a reading unit 107, an operation display unit 108, an LCD 109, a communication control unit 110, and a resolution conversion unit 111. Further, the MFP 100 includes a code decoding unit 112, a recording control unit 113, a recording unit 114, a USB function control unit 115, a USB host control unit 116, a bus 117, and a non - volatile memory 118.

[0018] The CPU 101 functions as a control means that comprehensively controls each part of the MFP 100. The ROM 102 is a non-volatile memory that stores fixed data such as control programs executed by the CPU 101, data tables, and the embedded operating system (OS). In this embodiment, each control program stored in the ROM 102 is subject to software execution control such as scheduling, task switching, and interrupt handling under the management of the embedded OS stored in the ROM 102. The ROM 102 stores information indicating whether or not it is authorized to provide device information to the outside. The RAM 103 is composed of an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) or the like that requires a backup power supply, and power to the RAM 103 is guaranteed by a primary battery for data backup (not shown). Program control variables and the like are stored in the RAM 103. The image memory 104 is composed of a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or the like that and can store image data. In addition, a part of the area of ​​the image memory 104 is reserved as a work area for executing software processing. The data conversion unit 105 can perform image data conversions, such as analyzing Page Description Language (PDL) and developing character data into Computer Graphics (CG).

[0019] The reading unit 107 optically reads the document using a Contact Image Sensor (CIS) and converts it into an electrical image signal. The reading control unit 106 applies various image processing, such as binarization and halftone processing, to this image signal and outputs high-resolution image data. The method for optically reading the document may be either a sheet reading control method, in which the document is read by a fixed CIS, or a book reading control method, in which a document fixed to the document tray is read by a moving CIS.

[0020] The operation display unit 108 consists of a minimum set of keys, such as numerical input keys, mode setting keys, confirm keys, and cancel keys, and display means such as LEDs (light-emitting diodes) and a 7-segment display unit. In this embodiment, the above-mentioned keys are implemented as so-called soft keys displayed on the LCD 109, and can accept operations from the user. If the user does not operate the LCD 109 for a certain period of time, the LCD 109's backlight is switched OFF to reduce power consumption.

[0021] The communication control unit 110 controls communication between the MFP 100 and the communication network 300, and handles connection to the Internet service provider and the exchange of various data with the service management server 200. In this embodiment, the communication control unit 110 functions as a second acquisition means for acquiring notification information and notification image data, etc., as described later. The communication control unit 110 can also determine whether the MFP 100 is connected to the Internet or only to the LAN. The connection between the communication control unit 110 and the communication network 300 shall be made by a known method such as HTTP or XMPP.

[0022] The resolution conversion unit 111 performs resolution conversion processing, such as mutual conversion between millimeter-scale image data and inch-scale image data. The resolution conversion unit 111 can also perform scaling processing on image data. The code decoding unit 112 performs code decoding processing and scaling processing on image data handled by the MFP 100. Image data handled by the MFP 100 includes uncompressed image data as well as compressed data in formats such as MH, MR, MMR, JBIG, and JPEG. The recording control unit 113 performs various image processing on the image data to be printed, such as smoothing, recording density correction, and color correction, to convert it into high-resolution image data and output it to the recording unit 114. The recording control unit 113 also plays a role in periodically acquiring status information data of the recording unit 114. The recording unit 114 is composed of a laser beam printer or an inkjet printer, and prints the image data generated by the recording control unit 113 onto a recording medium such as paper.

[0023] The USB function control unit 115 performs protocol control according to the USB communication standard. The USB host control unit 116 is a control unit for communication using the protocol defined in the USB communication standard. This USB communication standard is a standard for bidirectional high-speed data communication, and according to this USB communication standard, multiple hubs or functions (slaves) can be connected to one host (master). In other words, the USB host control unit 116 provides the function of a host in USB communication. The components other than the reading unit 107 and LCD 109 are interconnected via the bus 117.

[0024] The non-volatile memory 118 is composed of devices such as EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) and flash memory. The non-volatile memory 118 needs to retain data even when power is not supplied. This non-volatile memory 118 is used as a storage means to store notification function flags, GUI mode flags, image URLs, display timing data, etc. The notification function flag indicates whether the information notification function for notifying (displaying) notification images transmitted from the service provision server group 400 via the service management server 200 via the operation display unit 108 of the MFP 100 is enabled or disabled. The GUI mode flag indicates the currently set GUI mode among the GUI modes that can be set in the MFP 100. In this embodiment, standard mode and simple mode are given as examples of GUI modes that can be set in the MFP 100. Therefore, the GUI mode flag indicates which of these modes is set in the MFP 100. The information indicated by these flags is acquired by the CPU 101, which functions as the first acquisition means. In this embodiment, "Easy Mode" refers to a mode that restricts the display of the home screen so that only basic functions that can be used with simple operations can be executed from the home screen displayed in Standard Mode. In other words, the number of functions that can be executed from the home screen displayed in Easy Mode is less than the number of functions that can be executed from the home screen displayed in Standard Mode.

[0025] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration example of the service management server 200 in this embodiment. The service management server 200 includes a CPU 201, ROM 202, RAM 203, internal storage device 204, external storage device 205, operation unit 207, display unit 208, and communication unit 209.

[0026] The CPU 201 comprehensively controls the operation of the entire service management server 200 according to programs read from the ROM 202, RAM 203, internal storage device 204, or external storage device 205 from the external storage medium 206. The ROM 202 stores the control program for the CPU 201, etc. The RAM 203 temporarily stores programs and various data, enabling high-speed processing of the service management server 200. The internal storage device 204 stores the operating system, various application programs, and various data. The internal storage device 204 also has application software installed for sending and receiving various control commands and data. The operation unit 207 is an input device such as a keyboard or mouse, and receives instruction input from the operator of the service management server 200. The display unit 208 displays various information to the operator. The communication unit 209 is connected to the communication network 300. This communication unit 209 connects to the Internet service provider and communicates various types of data with the MFP 100 and the service servers 420-440 included in the service server group 400. The connection to the communication network 300 shall be made using a known method such as HTTP or XMPP.

[0027] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration example of each service provider server that constitutes the service provider server group 400 included in the service provider server group 400 in this embodiment. Specifically, the configuration examples of the first service provider server 420, the second service provider server 430, and the third service provider server 440 are shown in Figure 4. The configuration of each server is the same. Each service provider server includes a CPU 401, ROM 402, RAM 403, internal storage device 404, external storage device 405, operation unit 407, display unit 408, and communication unit 409.

[0028] Furthermore, the service provision servers 420, 430, and 440 have the same configuration as the service management server 200 in Figure 3, except for the internal storage device 404 and the communication unit 409, so their explanation is omitted here. The internal storage device 404 stores the operating system, various application programs, and various data. The internal storage device 404 also has application software installed for sending and receiving various control commands and data to and from the service management server 200. The communication unit 409 is connected to the communication network 300 and communicates various data with the Internet service provider and the service management server 200.

[0029] <Display screen> Figures 5 and 6 show examples of screens displayed on the LCD 109 of the MFP100. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the home screen 500 for standard mode, which displays all the functions of the MFP100. The home screen 500 for standard mode shown in Figure 5 displays as display elements several buttons (first to fourth functions 501 to 504) for executing several functions that can be executed on the MFP100, an information button 511, a GUI mode switching button 512, and a settings button 515. The GUI mode switching button 512 is a button for switching between several GUI modes displayed on the LCD 109. The first to fourth functions 501 to 504 displayed as buttons for executing functions are just examples, and the number and content of buttons for executing functions are not particularly limited. In addition, other buttons for executing functions that can be executed on the MFP100 may be newly displayed, for example, by scrolling the home screen 500.

[0030] When the GUI mode switching button 512 is pressed, the GUI mode flag (mode information) stored in the non-volatile memory 118 is updated from the flag indicating standard mode to the flag indicating easy mode, and the screen is switched to the easy mode home screen 600 shown in Figure 7. In this embodiment, two types of GUI modes are exemplified: standard mode, which displays the home screen 500 shown in Figure 5, and easy mode, which displays the screen 600 shown in Figure 7. However, the types of GUI modes are not limited to these. It is also possible to provide GUI modes other than standard mode and easy mode as GUI modes that can be switched using the GUI mode switching button 512.

[0031] The information button 511 is a button used to display a notification image based on the notification information received by the MFP100. The icon representing this information button 511 changes its display depending on whether or not the MFP100 has received new notification information. Figure 5(a) shows the display of the icon representing the information button 511 when no new notification information has been received by the MFP100. Figure 5(b) shows the display of the icon representing the information button 511 when new notification information has been received by the MFP100. The settings button 515 is a button used to configure various settings of the MFP100.

[0032] When the standard mode home screen 500 shown in Figure 5(b) is displayed, the GUI mode flag stored in the non-volatile memory 118 indicates standard mode. Furthermore, in the state shown in Figure 5(b), the flag indicating whether the information notification function for notifying notification information sent from the service management server 200 is enabled or disabled (hereinafter referred to as the notification function flag) is enabled. In this state, when the information button 511 is pressed, the screen displayed on the LCD 109 of the MFP 100 switches to the notification screen shown in Figure 6, which is based on new notification information. Subsequently, if the user provides input indicating that they have confirmed the notification screen, the notification screen switches to a screen showing device information (ink level, usage history, system information, etc.). Note that if the information button 511 is pressed while the screen shown in Figure 5(a) is displayed, the LCD 109 display screen switches to the screen showing device information without switching to the notification screen.

[0033] The notification screen may also be displayed based on conditions other than the pressing of the information button 511. Specifically, for example, the notification screen may be displayed based on the fact that the MFP100 has been powered on or that printing or scanning by the MFP100 has been completed.

[0034] Figure 6 schematically shows an example of a notification screen 700 displayed on the LCD 109 of the MFP 100 when the GUI mode flag stored in the non-volatile memory 118 indicates standard mode and the notification function flag is enabled. The display elements include a notification image 701 obtained from the server and a close button 703. When the close button 703 is pressed, the notification screen is hidden and the screen that was displayed immediately before the notification screen is displayed is shown. Note that the system is not limited to this configuration; it may also always return to the standard mode home screen 500.

[0035] Figure 7 schematically shows the home screen 600 for the easy mode. This home screen 600 for the easy mode is displayed on the LCD 109 of the MFP 100. In this embodiment, the home screen 600 for the easy mode displays the first function 501 and the second function 502, which are the basic functions of the MFP 100, and the GUI mode switching button 512 as display elements. When the GUI mode switching button 512 is pressed, the GUI mode flag stored in the non-volatile memory 118 is updated to the flag indicating the standard mode, and the screen displayed on the LCD 109 is switched to the screen shown in Figure 5(a). The first function 501 and the second function 502 displayed as buttons to execute functions are just examples, and the number and content of buttons to execute functions are not particularly limited. In addition, other buttons for executing functions that can be executed on the MFP 100 may be newly displayed, for example, by scrolling the home screen 600. Furthermore, in this embodiment, unlike the home screen 500 in standard mode, the home screen 600 for easy mode does not display information buttons for displaying notification screens.

[0036] In this embodiment, functions that can be executed in standard mode but cannot be executed in easy mode (hereinafter referred to as standard functions) include, for example, the network setting function of the MFP100. In other words, functions that can be executed in standard mode but cannot be executed in easy mode are functions for which a button is displayed on the home screen 500 but not on the home screen 600. Specifically, the network setting function is, for example, a function that connects the MFP100 to an external access point. Other standard functions include, for example, the cloud printing function, the scanning function, the standard form printing function, and the image data transfer function. The scanning function is a function that acquires and saves image data by scanning a document set in the MFP100. Specifically, the cloud printing function is, for example, a function that executes a web application startup process, acquires an image on the web application, and prints that image. Specifically, the standard form printing function is, for example, a function that prints standard forms that the MFP100 has in reserve, such as graph paper, report paper, manuscript paper, and musical staff paper. The image data transfer function is a function that transfers image data obtained by the MFP100 through scanning, or image data stored in memory (such as an SD card) attached to the MFP100, to an external terminal device of the MFP100. In this embodiment, functions that can be executed in both standard mode and easy mode (i.e., basic functions that can be used with simple operation) include, for example, the copy function, the memory printing function, and the maintenance function. Specifically, the copy function is a function that prints image data obtained by the MFP100 through scanning. Specifically, the memory printing function is a function that prints image data stored in memory (such as an SD card) attached to the MFP100. Specifically, the maintenance function is a function that performs maintenance on ink cartridges and print heads.

[0037] As mentioned above, the functions that can be executed by user operation on the home screen of each mode are as described above. For example, the printing function, which is executed by sending a print job to the MFP100 from a terminal device connected to the MFP100, can be executed in each mode.

[0038] <Sequence> Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing the process of acquiring and displaying notification information performed in the information processing system of this embodiment. In the following description, the letter S attached to the process number of each process shown in Figures 8 and 11 to 15 means step.

[0039] The MFP100 queries the service management server 200 at predetermined intervals to determine whether new notification information has been provided from the service provision server group 400. These predetermined intervals include, for example, when the MFP100 is started up, or when a predetermined time interval has elapsed since the last query. When querying for notification information, the MFP100 checks whether the notification function flag stored in the non-volatile memory 118 is enabled or disabled (S1010). The notification function is a function that displays a notification screen, and the user can enable or disable the notification function for the MFP100. The enable / disable status of the notification function flag corresponds to the enable / disable status of the notification function. If the notification function flag is disabled as a result of the check, the MFP100 does not execute the process of querying for notification information. Furthermore, if the information notification function is enabled, the MFP100 determines whether the GUI mode flag stored in the non-volatile memory 118 is in simple mode. If the system determines that it is not in easy mode (in this example, in standard mode), the MFP100 in S1020 queries the service management server 200 for notification information. If it determines that it is in easy mode, it does not query for notification information. Consequently, if the MFP100 determines that it is in easy mode, it does not execute the process of displaying a notification screen based on the notification information in easy mode.

[0040] As described above, in S1020, the MFP100 sends a query request to the service management server 200. Then, in S1030, the service management server 200 sends a response to the MFP100 that includes the content of the notification information and timing information indicating when the notification screen will be displayed. Upon receiving the response, the MFP100 analyzes the response in S1040 and updates the notification information stored in the non-volatile memory 118 from the past to the newest.

[0041] The display timing can be set to predetermined times, such as when the MFP100 is powered on, when printing is completed, or when the information button is pressed. The display timing will vary depending on the content of the notification.

[0042] In other words, the content notified by the notification information is the content displayed on the notification screen corresponding to the notification information. In this embodiment, the content notified by the notification information is, for example, an advertisement for recording materials (ink and toner) and recording media (paper) used by the MFP100 for printing (image formation) (hereinafter referred to as Content A). It is also, for example, content related to web applications that can be used by the MFP100 (hereinafter referred to as Content B). The web applications that can be used by the MFP100 are, for example, web applications that can provide image content and document content to the MFP100 and cause the MFP100 to print said image content and document content. Specifically, the content related to web applications that can be used by the MFP100 is, for example, content that notifies the user that a new web application that can be used by the MFP100 has been added, or content that encourages the user to use the web application. The content notified by the notification information may also be content that prompts a firmware update for the MFP100 (hereinafter referred to as Content C) or content related to printing services provided by the service provider server (hereinafter referred to as Content D). This printing service is, for example, a service where users of the MFP100 accumulate points that can be used by the MFP100 based on the number of pages printed using the MFP100. This service becomes available when, for example, a user registers for the printing service between their terminal device, such as a smartphone, and the service provider server. Therefore, screens related to the printing service are screens that prompt users to use the printing service or screens that prompt users to perform the registration process for using the printing service.

[0043] Furthermore, if the content notified by the notification information is content A, the timing indicated by the timing information corresponding to that content is when the power is turned on, when printing is completed, and when the information button is pressed. Also, if the content notified by the notification information is content B or content D, the timing indicated by the timing information corresponding to that content is when printing is completed and when the information button is pressed. Also, if the content notified by the notification information is content C, the timing indicated by the timing information corresponding to that content is when the power is turned on and when the information button is pressed. However, the system is not limited to this form, and the timings corresponding to each content may be arbitrary. For example, in this embodiment, three display timings (when the power is turned on, when printing is completed, and when the information button is pressed) are defined as display timings, but the number of display timings defined and their content are not particularly limited. Furthermore, the content notified by the notification information may be other than those described above.

[0044] When the display timing indicated by the timing information occurs (when the power is turned on, when printing is completed, or when the information button is pressed), in S1050, the MFP100 checks whether the notification function flag stored in the non-volatile memory 118 is enabled or disabled. If the result of the check is that the notification function flag is disabled, the MFP100 does not execute the process to display the notification screen. If the notification function flag is enabled, the MFP100 determines whether the GUI mode flag stored in the non-volatile memory 118 is in easy mode or not. If it is determined that it is not in easy mode, the MFP100 sends an image acquisition request to the service management server 200 in S1060. Upon receiving the image acquisition request, the service management server 200 sends the image data to the MFP100 in S1070. After acquiring the image data, the MFP100 displays a notification screen based on the notification information on the LCD 109 in S1080, informing the user of the content of the notification information. On the other hand, if the system determines that it is in easy mode, the MFP100 will not send an image acquisition request, thereby preventing the display of a notification screen based on the notification information. This configuration allows the system to prevent the display of notification screens based on notification information received and saved in standard mode from occurring in easy mode.

[0045] <Example response> Figure 9 shows an example of a response sent by the service management server 200 to the MFP100 in the aforementioned S1030. The response in this example is a text file written in JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) format. The format of the response will be explained using the illustrated example.

[0046] Figure 9(a) shows the response to important firmware update notification information. The key "url" indicates the URL of the image file containing the notification information, and takes the URL string as its value. The S1060 request is made by specifying this URL.

[0047] The key "timing" indicates the display timing of the notification information and takes one of the values "startup", "jobend", or "info". In the example shown in Fig. 9(a), the value of the key "timing" is "startup", which indicates the time when the power is turned on. Note that the value "jobend" indicates the display timing after the printing is completed, and the value "info" indicates the time when the information button 511 is pressed.

[0048] Fig. 9(b) shows the response regarding the notification information of the ink purchase site. The key is "timing" as in Fig. 9(a), and the value corresponding to the key "timing" is "jobend", which indicates after the printing is completed.

[0049] Fig. 9(c) shows the response of the notification information of the downloaded content. The key is "timing" as in Fig. 9(a), and the value corresponding to the key "timing" is "info", which indicates the time when the information button 511 is pressed.

[0050] In the analysis process of S1040 described above, the value corresponding to the key "timing" is determined as the display timing of the notification. That is, when the value is "startup", it is determined as the state when the power is turned on; when the value is "jobend", it is determined as the state after the printing is completed; and when the value is "info", it is determined as the state when the information button 511 is pressed.

[0051] <Display timing> Fig. 10 is a diagram for explaining the display timing of the notification image based on the notification information stored in the non-volatile memory 118. In Fig. 10, "when the power is turned on" refers to the idle state during which the startup operation process is completed. "When the printing is completed" refers to the idle state during which the printing process is completed. "When the information button is pressed" refers to the state after the information button 511 displayed on the home screen 500 for the standard mode is pressed.

[0052] <MFP processing procedure> Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the check process performed by the MFP100 after the response analysis process in S1040 described above is completed. First, in S2010, it is checked whether the information notification function is enabled or disabled based on the notification function flag stored in the non-volatile memory 118. If it is confirmed that the information notification function is enabled, in S2020 the process proceeds to S2030. If it is confirmed that the information notification function is disabled, the process is terminated.

[0053] Next, in S2030, the system checks whether the current GUI mode set on the MFP100 is Easy Mode or not, based on the GUI mode flag stored in the non-volatile memory 118. If it is confirmed that Easy Mode is not set, the process proceeds to S2050 in S2040. If it is confirmed that Easy Mode is set, the process terminates. In this embodiment, there are two types of GUI modes that can be set on the MFP100: Easy Mode and Standard Mode. Therefore, if it is determined that it is not Easy Mode, it means that Standard Mode is set.

[0054] Next, in step S2050, it checks whether the notification information to be displayed on the MFP100's LCD109 exists in the non-volatile memory 118. Specifically, it checks whether the image URL and display timing data sent from the service management server 200 exist in the non-volatile memory 118. If it is confirmed that the notification information exists, S2060 proceeds to S2070. If it is not confirmed that the notification information exists, the process terminates. In step S2070, a notification screen based on the notification information is displayed on the MFP100's LCD109 according to the display timing stored in the non-volatile memory 118.

[0055] Figures 12 to 14 are flowcharts showing the processes performed by the CPU 101 of the MFP 100 when displaying a notification screen based on notification information in the S1080 process described above. The processes shown in Figures 12 to 14 are executed according to the display timing determined by the response analysis process of S1040 described above. Specifically, if the value corresponding to the response key "timing" is "startup", the display process shown in Figures 12 to 14 is executed when the power is turned on; if it is "jobend", it is executed after printing is completed; and if it is "info", it is executed when the information button 511 is pressed.

[0056] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the process of displaying a notification image based on notification information when the MFP100 is powered on, based on the analysis process in S1040 described above, which determines that the display timing is "startup". When it is detected in S3010 that the MFP100 has been powered on, the check process shown in Figure 11 is executed in S3020. If the existence of notification information is confirmed as a result of the check process, the process proceeds to S3040 in S3030. If the existence of notification information is not confirmed, the process is terminated.

[0057] In S3040, a notification screen 700 based on notification information, as shown in Figure 6, is displayed on the LCD 109 of the MFP100. This notification screen 700 has a button 703 to close the screen. In S4050, it is determined whether or not the close button 703 has been pressed by the user. If the close button 703 has been pressed, in S4060 the notification screen 700 with the notification information is closed, and the screen that was displayed before the notification screen was displayed or the home screen is displayed on the LCD 109.

[0058] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the process of displaying a notification image based on notification information after the completion of the printing process, when the analysis process in S1040 determines that the display timing is "jobend". In S4010, when it is detected that the MFP100 has finished printing, the check process shown in Figure 9 is executed in S4020. If the check process confirms the existence of notification information to be notified, the process proceeds to S4040 in S4030.

[0059] In S4040, a notification screen 700 based on notification information is displayed on the LCD 109 of the MFP100. In S4050, it is determined whether or not the close button 703 has been pressed by the user. If the close button 703 has been pressed, in S4060 the notification screen 700 based on notification information is closed, and the screen that was displayed before the notification screen was displayed or the home screen is displayed on the LCD 109.

[0060] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the processes performed when the home screen is displayed, which are executed when the S1040 analysis process determines that the display timing is "info". In this flowchart, the process of changing the display form of the information button 511 icon on the home screen and the process of displaying a notification image based on the notification information when the information button 511 is pressed are executed according to the following procedure.

[0061] In S5010, an inquiry is made to determine whether or not there is notification information. Then, in S5020, the check process shown in Figure 11 is executed. If the check process confirms the existence of notification information in S5030, in S5040 the display form of the icon of the information button 511 is changed, for example, as shown in Figure 5(b). In S5050, it is determined whether or not the information button 511 has been pressed by the user. If the information button 511 has been pressed, in S5060 a notification screen based on the notification information is displayed on the LCD 109 of the MFP 100. In S5070, it is determined whether or not the close button 703 has been pressed by the user. If the close button 703 has been pressed, in S5080 the notification screen 700 based on the notification information is closed and the screen that was displayed before the notification screen was displayed or the home screen is displayed on the LCD 109.

[0062] As described above, in this embodiment, it is possible to switch the display and hiding of notification information depending on the usage status of the GUI mode of the information processing device. Specifically, when the user uses the standard mode, notification images based on notification information provided from the service provision server group 400 via the service management server 200 can be displayed. When the user uses the simple mode, notification images are hidden, and only the functions to be used are displayed. Therefore, users using the simple mode are freed from the annoyance of having unnecessary information displayed, and the usability of the information processing device is improved.

[0063] In the above embodiment, the decision of whether or not to display the notification image based on the notification information was made at the display timing in the response of S1030. However, when switching the GUI mode from a simple mode that hides the notification image based on the notification information to a standard mode that displays the notification image related to the notification information, the same processing as the check process in S1050 may be performed. This allows the check in S1050 to be performed without waiting for the timing specified in the response of S1030, making it possible to display the notification image of the notification information at a more appropriate timing. Also, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the image URL obtained in S1030 is accessed and the image data is obtained in S1070, but the image information obtained in S1030 may also be the path to the image folder.

[0064] (Second Embodiment) In the first embodiment described above, an example was shown in which, when an opportunity to query notification information arises, the MFP100 queries the service management server 200 for notification information if the GUI mode information flag is not in simple mode. In contrast, in the information processing system of the second embodiment of the present invention, the MFP100 performs notification information acquisition and display processing when an opportunity to query notification information arises, regardless of the GUI mode. The processing performed in the second embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figure 14.

[0065] <Sequence> Figure 15 is a sequence diagram showing the process of acquiring notification information and displaying notification images as performed in this embodiment. This embodiment also includes the same configuration as shown in Figures 1 to 4.

[0066] When an opportunity arises to query notification information, S6010 checks whether the notification function flag stored in non-volatile memory 118 is enabled or disabled. If it is disabled, no processing is performed. If the notification function is enabled, MFP100 queries the service management server 200 for notification information. Opportunities to query notification information occur at predetermined timings. For example, it may be done periodically at regular intervals, or it may be done when MFP100 starts up.

[0067] In S6020, the MFP100 sends a query request to the service management server 200. In response to this request, the service management server 200 sends a response to the MFP100 including the content of the notification information and the display timing (S6030). Upon receiving the response, the MFP100 analyzes the response in S6040, regardless of whether the GUI mode is in simple mode or standard mode. Based on the analysis results, it then saves and updates the image URL and display timing stored in the non-volatile memory 118. This allows the notification information based on the notification information to be displayed instantly when the GUI mode is switched.

[0068] (Other embodiments) In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which not all notification information sent from the service provision server group 400 to the service management server 200 is not notified in the easy mode, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, if the notification information sent from the service management server 200 includes notification information corresponding to functions used in the easy mode, only the corresponding notification information may be displayed in the easy mode. For example, the information button 511 shown in Figure 5 may be displayed in the easy mode as well, and if there is notification information corresponding to the functions of the easy mode, the display form of the information button 511 is changed to inform the user of the existence of the notification information. Then, by pressing the information button 511, only the information corresponding to the easy mode is displayed. This makes it possible to notify the user of necessary information even in the easy mode, and the convenience of the information processing device is further improved.

[0069] In the above, the Easy Mode was described as a mode that does not display the notification screen, but it is not limited to this form, and other modes may also be used. Specifically, for example, it may be a Work-from-Home Mode. Specifically, Work-from-Home Mode is a mode that restricts the display so that only functions that are frequently used when working from home among the functions that can be executed in Standard Mode can be executed. In other words, the number of functions that can be executed on the home screen displayed in Work-from-Home Mode is less than the number of functions that can be executed on the home screen displayed in Standard Mode. Functions that can be executed in Standard Mode but not in Work-from-Home Mode are, for example, the MFP100's network setting function, memory printing function, maintenance function, and scan function. Functions that can be executed in both Standard Mode and Work-from-Home Mode (i.e., functions that are frequently used when working from home) are the cloud printing function, copy function, standard form printing function, and image data transfer function. For example, the MFP100 may be able to operate in three modes: Standard Mode, Easy Mode, and Work-from-Home Mode.

[0070] Furthermore, although the above embodiment uses an MFP100 as an example of an information processing device, the present invention is also applicable to information processing devices other than MFPs. For example, the present invention is applicable to photocopiers, printers, portable information terminals, personal computers, scanners, or facsimile machines. In any of these information processing devices, as in the above embodiment, it is possible to control whether or not notification information provided from the server system is sent, depending on the GUI mode used, thereby improving the usability of the information processing device.

[0071] The present invention can also be realized 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 realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0072] 100 Information Processing Devices 101 CPU 108 Operation display section 110 Communication Control Unit 118 Non-volatile memory 200 Service Management Servers 400 service provider servers

Claims

1. An information processing device capable of selectively setting multiple different GUI modes, A first acquisition means for acquiring mode information representing the GUI mode set by the user, A second acquisition means that performs the process of acquiring notification information provided from the server system through communication with the server system, A display means for displaying a screen corresponding to the GUI mode, Storage means for storing the notification information acquired by the second acquisition means, The system comprises control means for controlling the display means, The control means enables the display means to display a notification image based on the notification information when the notification information stored in the storage means corresponds to a GUI mode represented by the mode information, and does not display the notification image by the display means when the notification information does not correspond to a GUI mode represented by the mode information.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the second acquisition means performs the notification information acquisition process when the GUI mode represented by the mode information acquired by the first acquisition means is a predetermined GUI mode.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the second acquisition means performs the acquisition process regardless of the GUI mode represented by the mode information acquired by the first acquisition means.

4. The process for obtaining the aforementioned notification information is as follows: A process of sending a request to the server system to inquire whether the notification information exists, A process for obtaining the notification information included in the response sent from the server system in response to the request, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by including the following:

5. The notification information includes image information based on the notification image and information indicating the display timing. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the control means performs the display processing of the notification image in accordance with the information indicating the display timing.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the display process includes the process of sending an image acquisition request including the image information to the server system when the set GUI mode is a predetermined GUI mode, the process of acquiring the notification image sent from the server system in response to the image acquisition request, and the process of displaying the notification image on the display means.

7. The information processing device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the image information is a URL for accessing the server system holding the notification image, or a path to an image folder.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 6, wherein the predetermined GUI mode is a mode in which all functions that can be executed by the information processing apparatus are displayed as display elements.

9. The plurality of GUI modes include a standard mode that displays all of the plurality of executable functions on the display means, and a basic mode that displays some of the plurality of executable functions on the display means. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the control means enables the display means to display all notification images based on the notification information that can be stored in the storage means when the standard mode is set, and prevents the display means from displaying notification images based on the notification information that does not correspond to the basic mode among the notification information that can be stored in the storage means when the basic mode is set.

10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the control means does not display the notification image based on the notification information on the display means when the GUI mode is set to the basic mode.

11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the control means performs the display processing of the notification image in accordance with the timing at which the GUI mode is switched from the basic mode to the standard mode.

12. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the control means displays at least an executable function, an information button that instructs to display the notification information, and a GUI mode switching button for switching GUI modes in the standard mode, and displays at least an executable function and a GUI mode switching button for switching GUI modes in the basic mode.

13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the control means and the information button change their display mode when notification information exists.

14. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the information processing device is an MFP, a copier, a printer, a portable information terminal, a personal computer, a scanner, or a facsimile device.

15. An information processing system comprising an information processing device capable of selectively setting multiple different GUI modes, and a server system capable of communicating with the information processing device, The aforementioned information processing device is A first acquisition means for acquiring mode information representing the GUI mode set by the user, A second acquisition means that performs the process of acquiring notification information provided from the server system through communication with the server system, A display means for displaying a screen corresponding to the GUI mode, Storage means for storing the notification information acquired by the first acquisition means, The system comprises control means for controlling the display means, The control means enables the display means to display a notification image based on the notification information when the notification information stored in the storage means corresponds to a GUI mode represented by the mode information, and does not display the notification image by the display means when the notification information does not correspond to a GUI mode represented by the mode information.

16. The information processing system according to claim 15, characterized in that the server system is comprised of one or more server devices capable of communicating with the information processing device.

17. The information processing system according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the server system comprises a service provision server consisting of at least one server device that provides the notification information, and a service management server that receives the notification information provided by the service provision server and transmits the notification information to the information processing device.

18. A first acquisition step involves obtaining mode information representing the GUI mode set by the user, A second acquisition step involves performing a process to acquire notification information provided from the server system through communication with the server system, A storage step of storing the notification information acquired by the second acquisition step in a storage means, The process includes enabling the display means to display a notification image based on the notification information if the notification information stored in the storage means corresponds to a GUI mode represented by the mode information, and controlling the display means so that the display means does not display the notification image if the notification information does not correspond to a GUI mode represented by the mode information. An information processing method characterized by comprising:

19. A program for causing a computer to execute each step of the information processing method described in claim 18.

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