Processing device, processing system, processing method, program and storage medium

Abstract

Improve usability regarding settings. [Solution] The processing device includes: a receiving means for receiving a first operation to execute a specific process; a control means for transmitting an instruction to an information terminal to display a setting screen for the specific process based on the reception of the first operation, and controlling the information terminal to receive the setting contents set on the setting screen; and a processing means for performing the specific process with the received setting contents.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a processing device, a processing system, a processing method, a program, and a storage medium.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a processing device that performs a scanning process or the like with preset setting contents in response to an instruction from a user. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology related to push scanning. In this push scanning, scanning is started by instructing the start of scanning from the operation panel of an image reading device, and the read image data is transmitted to an external device such as an information terminal.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] It is an object to improve the usability regarding the setting of processing executed by a processing device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A processing device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a reception unit that receives a first operation for executing a specific process, a control unit that, based on receiving the first operation, transmits an instruction to display a setting screen related to the specific process to an information terminal and controls to receive setting contents set on the setting screen from the information terminal, and a processing unit that performs the specific process with the received setting contents.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] According to one aspect of this disclosure, usability can be improved with respect to settings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a processing system. [Figure 2] This block diagram shows an example of the hardware configuration of an information terminal. [Figure 3] This block diagram shows an example of a hardware configuration when the processing unit is an MFP (Multifunction Printer). [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing an example of the software function configuration for an image input application. [Figure 5] This is a sequence chart illustrating an example of a pseudo-push scan process performed between an MFP and an information terminal. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a scan waiting screen. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the scan details settings screen. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows an example of the processing steps performed in an MFP. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of a guide screen. [Figure 10] This flowchart shows the processing steps performed in an image input application. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of the scan detail settings screen according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] This flowchart shows the processing procedure performed in the image input application according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] This flowchart shows an example of a processing procedure performed in the MFP according to the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. The following embodiments are not limiting to the scope of this disclosure, and not all combinations of features described in the following embodiments are essential to the solutions of this disclosure. The same reference numerals are used for identical components, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0009] <First Embodiment> "overview" Traditionally, with push scanning, basic scan settings were performed from the image reader's control panel. However, detailed scan settings required the use of an image input application (image input APP) installed on an external device such as an information terminal. Therefore, the following describes an example where detailed scan settings can be easily performed without the user consciously launching an image input application.

[0010] 《Configuration of the processing system》 Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of processing system 1. Processing system 1 includes an information terminal 100, a processing unit 200, and a storage device 300. The processing unit 200 and the storage device 300 are peripheral devices of the information terminal 100 and are connected to the information terminal 100.

[0011] Information terminal 100 is an information terminal device such as a PC (personal computer), tablet device, or smartphone. Operating system (OS) 120 is installed on information terminal 100. Additionally, an image input application 121 for detailed scan settings is installed on information terminal 100. The image input application 121 runs on OS 120.

[0012] The processing device 200 is not particularly limited as long as it is a device that executes a process (function) whose settings can be changed. For example, the processing device 200 may be an MFP (Multi-Functional Peripheral) in which a plurality of functions are integrated, or may be a copier. Alternatively, the processing device 200 may be a facsimile machine, or may be a scanner. Alternatively, the processing device 200 may be a digital camera. In the present embodiment, the processing device 200 is an MFP. The processing device 200 is connected to the information terminal 100 so as to be capable of two-way communication via the interface 127. The interface 127 may be a network such as the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network), or may be a bus (signal line) such as a serial bus or a parallel bus.

[0013] The storage device 300 is not particularly limited as long as it can store data. The storage device 300 may be an auxiliary storage device or may be a RAM (Random Access Memory). Further, the storage device 300 may be built into the information terminal 100 or may be built into a server on the network or the like. The storage device 300 is connected to the information terminal 100 so as to be capable of two-way communication via the interface 128. The interface 128 may be a network or may be a bus (signal line).

[0014] 《Hardware Configuration of Information Terminal》 FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information terminal 100. The information terminal 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM 103, an auxiliary storage device 104, and a display unit 105. The information terminal 100 also includes a display unit I / F (interface) 106, an input unit 107, an input unit I / F 108, and a network I / F 109. The CPU 101, the ROM 102, the RAM 103, the auxiliary storage device 104, the display unit I / F 106, the input unit I / F 108, and the network I / F 109 are all connected to a bus 110 so as to be able to transmit and receive data to and from each other.

[0015] The CPU 101 is a processing unit for realizing various functions of the information terminal 100. The CPU 101 includes at least one processor. The CPU 101 performs various processes by executing a program (computer program) or by starting up hardware. The execution of the program is performed by expanding it in the RAM 103. The processes by the CPU 101 include control for causing the information terminal 100 to perform operations. The processes by the CPU 101 may be performed in cooperation with a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) not shown.

[0016] The ROM 102 stores various data. For example, the ROM 102 stores basic software such as BIOS (Basic Input Output System) used for controlling the information terminal 100. The ROM 102 also stores setting data that does not need to be changed, etc.

[0017] RAM 103 is a memory that has areas for storing data. For example, it contains computer programs and data loaded from ROM 102, auxiliary storage device 104, etc. Alternatively, it contains various computer programs and data received from the outside via network I / F 109. Furthermore, RAM 103 also has a work area used when the CPU 101 performs various processes. In this way, RAM 103 provides various areas as appropriate.

[0018] The auxiliary storage device 104 is a large-capacity information storage device, such as a hard disk drive. The auxiliary storage device 104 stores the OS 120 (Figure 1), various driver software, various application software, etc. One of the various application software is the image input application 121 (Figure 1).

[0019] The driver software stored in the auxiliary storage device 104 includes, for example, display control driver software for controlling the display on the display unit 105 via the display unit I / F 106. The driver software stored in the auxiliary storage device 104 also includes keyboard driver software for controlling the keyboard of the input unit 107, and pointing device driver software for controlling the pointing device of the input unit 107. Furthermore, the driver software stored in the auxiliary storage device 104 includes a network driver for controlling communication via the network I / F 109. In addition, the driver software stored in the auxiliary storage device 104 also includes driver software for controlling the processing unit 200. Driver software for controlling the processing unit 200 includes, for example, a scanner driver and a FAX (facsimile) driver.

[0020] Furthermore, the auxiliary storage device 104 also stores computer programs and data that cause the CPU 101 to execute the various processes described later, which are to be performed by the information terminal 100. The computer programs and data stored in the auxiliary storage device 104 are loaded into the RAM 103 as appropriate according to the control of the CPU 101 and become the target of processing by the CPU 101.

[0021] The display unit 105 is a display device such as a CRT or liquid crystal display. The display unit 105 displays the processing results from the CPU 101 as images, characters, and other symbols. The display unit 105 may also be a projection device that projects images, characters, and other symbols. Examples of projection devices include projector devices. Alternatively, the display unit 105 may be a touch panel having display and user interface functions.

[0022] The input unit 107 is a user interface device (operation unit) for the operator (user) of the information terminal 100 to input various instructions to the CPU 101. Examples of this user interface device include a keyboard and a pointing device.

[0023] Network I / F109 is an interface for data communication with external devices. Examples of this interface include network boards.

[0024] 《MFP Hardware Configuration》 Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration when the processing unit 200 is an MFP. The MFP has a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a display unit 205, and a display unit interface 206. The MFP also has an operation unit 207, a network interface 209 as a communication unit, a printing unit 211, and a reading unit 212. The CPU 201, ROM 202, RAM 203, display unit interface 206, operation unit 207, network interface 209, printing unit 211, and reading unit 212 are all connected to a bus 210 so that they can send and receive data from each other.

[0025] CPU201 performs various processes by executing programs (computer programs). Program execution is carried out by loading the programs into RAM203. Processing by CPU101 includes control to cause the MFP to perform various operations.

[0026] ROM202 stores various types of data. For example, ROM202 stores computer programs and data that cause the CPU201 to execute or control each process performed by the MFP.

[0027] RAM203 is memory that has areas for storing data. For example, it may contain computer programs and data loaded from ROM202, or various computer programs and data received from external sources via the network interface209. Furthermore, RAM203 also has a work area used by CPU201 when it performs various processes. In this way, RAM203 provides various areas as needed.

[0028] The display unit 205 is a touch panel having a liquid crystal layer and a touch sensor layer. The display unit 205 is controlled by the display unit I / F 206. Through this control, the processing results from the CPU 201 are displayed on the liquid crystal layer as images, characters, and other symbols. Touch input is detected by the touch sensor layer, and the detection result is output to the CPU 201.

[0029] The control unit 207 consists of input devices such as hard keys. The network interface 209 handles data communication with external devices. The printing unit 211 records (prints) images, characters, and other symbols onto a recording medium such as paper based on the print data.

[0030] The reading unit 212 is a device capable of performing a scanning process to scan a document based on the control of the CPU 201. The reading unit 212 may consist of an optical unit including a CCD (Charged Couple Device), a reading light source, etc. When the reading unit 212 performs the scanning process, it generates image data showing the scanned document. The image data generated by the reading unit 212 is sent to the information terminal 100 via the network I / F 109.

[0031] In the example shown in Figure 3, the MFP has a configuration that includes a printer device (printing unit 211) and a scanner device (reading unit 212). However, if a fax device is included, it will also have a configuration for sending or receiving faxes.

[0032] Software Functionality Configuration of Information Terminals Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the software function configuration of the image input application 121. The image input application 121 includes an image reading unit 1211, a UI control unit 1212, a reading setting control unit 1213, and an image input device control unit 1214.

[0033] The image reading unit 1211 scans the image and generates image data representing the scanned image. The image reading unit 1211 also saves the generated image data to an auxiliary storage device 104 or the like.

[0034] The UI control unit 1212 displays a screen for detailed scan settings (scan detailed settings screen) on the display unit 105. The UI control unit 1212 can accept scan settings through the scan detailed settings screen.

[0035] The reading setting control unit 1213 determines the settings of the reading unit 212 provided in the MFP based on the scan settings received by the UI control unit 1212.

[0036] The image input device control unit 1214 transmits data including the settings of the reading unit 212 determined by the reading setting control unit 1213 and a scan start instruction to the MFP via the network I / F 109. Furthermore, the image input device control unit 1214 can monitor the MFP and receive data from it via the network I / F 109.

[0037] 《Pseudo-push scan processing》 Figure 5 is a sequence chart showing an example of a pseudo-push scan process performed between the MFP and the information terminal 100. The pseudo-push scan process is a process in which, after the MFP receives a scan command, the information terminal 100 sends scan settings to the MFP, and the MFP sends the image data obtained from the scan according to those scan settings back to the information terminal 100.

[0038] When the MFP receives a power-up command, it displays the home screen on the display unit 205 (A10). This home screen displays icons for operations such as scanning, copying, and faxing.

[0039] When the image input application 121 installed on the information terminal 100 is started (A20), the image input application 121 starts polling to monitor the status of the MFP's scan button (A21). The image input application 121 may be started by user operation or it may start automatically when the OS 120 starts. The MFP's scan button (scan button 602, described later) is a display item that appears on the display unit 205 after the operation to the scan item from the home screen is accepted, and it is an operation item that accepts a scan instruction from the user.

[0040] When the image input application 121 receives detailed scan settings as a scan setting via user input (A22), it stores the scan details (A23). The scan details indicate the settings configured in the detailed settings.

[0041] When the MFP receives a scan operation via an icon displayed on the home screen (A11), it displays a scan standby screen on the display unit 205 (A12). While the scan standby screen is displayed, the MFP can accept basic settings as scan settings via user operation. Once the basic settings are accepted (A13), the scan basic information is stored (A14). The scan basic information indicates the settings configured in the basic settings.

[0042] When the MFP receives a user action, such as pressing the scan button on the scan standby screen (A15), it sends a scan event, which is a scan event, to the information terminal 100 (A16).

[0043] The information terminal 100 receives a scan event transmitted from the MFP. The image input application 121 of the information terminal 100 detects that the scan button has been pressed on the MFP based on the received scan event (A24). In response to this detection, the image input application 121 sends a scan start command to the MFP (A25). Scan details may or may not be sent along with this scan start command.

[0044] When the MFP receives a scan start command transmitted from the information terminal 100, it starts the image reading process and controls the reading unit 212 (A16). In accordance with this control, the reading unit 212 reads the image. The MFP transmits image data indicating the image read by the reading unit 212 to the information terminal 100 (A17).

[0045] Scan waiting screen Figure 6 shows an example of the scan standby screen 600. As described above, the scan standby screen 600 is displayed on the MFP's display unit 205 when the MFP receives a scan operation from the user. The scan standby screen 600 is provided with display setting items 601 and a scan button 602.

[0046] Display setting item 601 is a setting item that allows you to set whether or not to display the scan details settings screen on the display unit 105 of the information terminal 100 in response to the press (touch) of the scan button 602. In other words, display setting item 601 allows you to set whether or not to display the scan details settings screen. In the example in Figure 6, the setting is configured to display the scan details settings screen on the display unit 105 of the information terminal 100 in response to the press of the scan button 602. In other words, in the example in Figure 6, the display of the scan details settings screen is set to ON. The scan button 602 is an operation icon (operation item) for receiving a scan execution command from the user.

[0047] Scan settings consist of basic settings and advanced settings. Basic settings are the default (standard) scan settings. Basic settings can be configured on both the information terminal 100 and the MFP. In other words, basic settings can be configured on the input unit 107 of the information terminal 100 and on the operation unit 207 of the MFP. Basic settings include settings such as document size settings and resolution settings. Document size settings are settings that allow you to set the size of the document to be scanned. Resolution settings are settings that allow you to set the scan resolution.

[0048] The advanced settings are scan settings other than the basic settings. The advanced settings can be configured on the information terminal 100 but not on the MFP. In other words, the advanced settings can be configured on the input unit 107 of the information terminal 100 but not on the operation unit 207 of the MFP. The advanced settings include setting items such as data format settings. The data format setting is a setting item that allows you to set the data format (file format) of the image data obtained by scanning.

[0049] The scan standby screen 600 displays the scan settings status. In the example in Figure 6, the data format setting is PDF, the document size setting is A4, and the resolution setting is 300 dpi.

[0050] In this embodiment, the data format setting is a detailed setting. Therefore, it can be changed on the information terminal 100, but not on the MFP. If a user wishes to change the detailed setting, they should set the display of the detailed setting screen to ON in the display setting item 601. Also, if a user wishes to change a setting other than the basic setting, unlike the data format setting, they should also set the display of the detailed setting screen to ON in the display setting item 601.

[0051] Since the document size setting and resolution setting are basic settings in this embodiment, they can be changed on either the information terminal 100 or the MFP. If the user wishes to change only the basic settings, or does not wish to change the scan settings, they can turn off the display of the detailed settings screen in the display setting item 601.

[0052] Scan Details Settings Screen Figure 7 shows an example of the scan details settings screen 700. This scan details settings screen 700 is displayed on the display unit 105 of the information terminal 100 when the display of the scan details settings screen is set to ON in the display setting item 601 (Figure 6) described above. The scan details settings screen 700 is never displayed on the display unit 205 of the MFP. The scan details settings screen 700 includes not only the basic settings that can be set on the MFP, but also detailed settings that are different from the basic settings. Furthermore, the scan details settings screen 700 contains more settings than the settings that can be set on the MFP.

[0053] In the example in Figure 7, in addition to the document size, resolution, and data format settings mentioned above, settings such as document type, color mode, image processing, save location, and compression ratio are included. The document type setting allows you to set the type of document to be scanned. The color mode setting allows you to set whether to scan the document in color or black and white. The image processing setting allows you to set the image processing details, such as edge enhancement, bleed-through reduction, moiré reduction, and tilt correction. The save location setting allows you to set where the image data obtained as a result of scanning will be saved. The compression ratio setting allows you to set the compression ratio of the image data obtained as a result of scanning.

[0054] The user can configure various scan settings using the input unit 107 on the scan details settings screen 700. In the example shown in Figure 7, the user can configure scan settings by checking the checkbox for the desired scan setting or by selecting the desired scan setting from the pull-down menu.

[0055] 《MFP Processing Procedure》 Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure performed in an MFP. The series of processes shown in the flowchart in Figure 8 are realized by the CPU 201 reading a program stored in ROM 202 or the like into RAM 203 and executing it. Note that some or all of the series of processes shown in the flowchart in Figure 8 may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC or electronic circuit. In the following description of the flowchart, the symbol "S" represents a step.

[0056] Figure 9 shows an example of the guide screen 900. The following describes the processes performed in the MFP using Figures 8 and 9. The series of processes shown in the flowchart in Figure 8 begin when the MFP is started.

[0057] In S801, the CPU 201 displays the home screen on the display unit 205. The process then proceeds to S802, where the CPU 201 determines whether or not a scan operation has been accepted. If no scan operation has been accepted, the process proceeds to S803. In S803, the CPU 201 determines whether or not an operation other than a scan operation has been accepted to perform one of the multiple functions of the MFP, such as a copy operation or a fax operation. If no other operation has been accepted, the process proceeds to S804. If another operation has been accepted, the process proceeds to S810, where the CPU 201 performs the copy operation corresponding to the copy operation or the fax operation corresponding to the fax operation, etc. The process then proceeds to S804.

[0058] In S804, CPU201 determines whether or not it has received a termination command to stop the MFP's operation. If the termination command is received, the series of processes ends; otherwise, the process returns to S802.

[0059] If a scan operation is received in S802, the process proceeds to S820. In S820, the CPU 201 displays the scan standby screen 600 (Figure 6) on the display unit 205. The process then proceeds to S821, where the CPU 201 determines whether or not it has received an operation to change the basic settings as a scan setting. If it has not received an operation to change the basic settings, the process proceeds to S822. If it has received an operation to change the basic settings, the process proceeds to S823, where the CPU 201 changes the basic settings. The process then proceeds to S822.

[0060] In S822, the CPU 201 determines whether the scan button 602 (Figure 6) has been pressed. If the scan button 602 has not been pressed, the process proceeds to S824. In S824, the CPU 201 determines whether it has received a user command to return to the home screen. If it has received a user command to return to the home screen, the process proceeds to S804. If it has not received a user command to return to the home screen, the process returns to S821.

[0061] If the scan button 602 is pressed in S822, the process proceeds to S825. In S825, the CPU 201 sends a scan event to the information terminal 100. The process then proceeds to S826.

[0062] In S826, the CPU 201 determines the setting received in the display setting item 601 (Figure 6) of the scan standby screen 600. That is, the CPU 201 determines whether the display setting for the scan details setting screen 700 (Figure 7) was received as ON or OFF. If the display setting for the scan details setting screen 700 was received as OFF, the process proceeds to S833. If the display setting for the scan details setting screen 700 was received as ON, the process proceeds to S827.

[0063] In S827, the CPU 201 instructs the image input application 121 running on the information terminal 100 to display the scan details settings screen 700. That is, it sends a request to the information terminal 100 to display the scan details settings screen 700. After that, the process proceeds to S828.

[0064] Furthermore, if the setting to display the scan details settings screen 700 is ON on the scan standby screen 600, the instruction to display the scan details settings screen 700 in S827 and the transmission of the scan event in S725 may be performed at the same time. In this case, for example, a packet containing both the scan event and the command to instruct the display of the scan details settings screen 700 will be sent to the information terminal 100. Also, if the setting to display the scan details settings screen 700 is ON on the scan standby screen 600, the process of sending the scan event in S725 does not need to be performed.

[0065] , In S828, the CPU 201 displays the guide screen 900 on the display unit 205. The process then proceeds to S829. The guide screen 900 is a screen that prompts the user to perform a setting change operation on the information terminal 100. The guide screen 900 is provided with an immediate execution button 901 and a guide message 902. The immediate execution button 901 is an operation item (display item) that accepts instructions from the user to perform a scan without changing the scan settings. In other words, the immediate execution button 901 is used when the display setting of the scan details setting screen 700 is ON but the scan settings are not changed. The guide message 902 displays a guide regarding the settings for the scan process. For example, a message prompting the user to perform a setting change operation on the information terminal 100 is displayed. Alternatively, an explanation of when to use the immediate execution button 901 is displayed.

[0066] In S829, the CPU 201 determines whether or not it has received a scan start command from the image input application 121. If a scan start command is received, the process proceeds to S833. If a scan start command is not received, the process proceeds to S830.

[0067] In S830, CPU201 determines whether or not the immediate execution button 901 has been pressed (touched). If the immediate execution button 901 has not been pressed, processing returns to S829. If the immediate execution button 901 has been pressed, processing proceeds to S831.

[0068] In S831, the CPU 201 issues a screen close command to the image input application 121, which is an instruction to close the scan details settings screen 700. That is, it sends a request to the information terminal 100 to end the display of the scan details settings screen 700. After that, the process proceeds to S832. In S832, the CPU 201 determines whether or not it has received a scan start command from the image input application 121 (information terminal 100). If a scan start command has not been received, the process remains at S832. If a scan start command is received, the process proceeds to S833.

[0069] In step S833, the CPU 201 executes the scan process according to the settings instructed by the image input application 121. In this case, the CPU 201 controls the reading unit 212 to execute the scan according to the settings instructed by the image input application 121. The CPU 201 sends the image data obtained by the reading unit 212 through the scan process to the image input application 121. After that, the process returns to step S821.

[0070] Furthermore, if the image input application 121 receives a screen close command for the scan details settings screen 700 in response to the press of the immediate execution button 901, it sends the default settings along with the scan start command. In this case, the CPU 201 executes the scan process with the default settings. The default settings may be the settings used when the previous scan process was performed. On the other hand, if the image input application 121 (information terminal 100) has not received a screen close command for the scan details settings screen 700, it sends the settings configured on the scan details settings screen 700 along with the scan start command. In this case, the CPU 201 executes the scan process with the settings configured on the scan details settings screen 700.

[0071] Furthermore, if the image input application 121 receives a command to close the scan details settings screen 700 in response to the press of the immediate execution button 901, it does not need to send the default settings. In this case, the CPU 201 executes the scan process without changing the settings.

[0072] Processing procedure for image input applications Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the processing steps performed in the image input application 121. The series of processes shown in the flowchart in Figure 10 are realized when the CPU 101 of the information terminal 100 reads the program code of the image input application 121 stored in the auxiliary storage device 104 into the RAM 103 and executes (starts) it. Note that some or all of the series of processes shown in the flowchart in Figure 10 may be implemented by hardware such as an ASIC or electronic circuit.

[0073] The series of processes shown in the flowchart in Figure 10 begins when the program code for the image input application 121 is read into RAM 103 and executed (started) on the OS 120 of the information terminal 100. The image input application 121 may be started in response to user operation. Alternatively, the image input application 121 may be started automatically when the OS 120 starts.

[0074] In S1001, the CPU 101 determines whether or not it has received a command from the user to terminate the image input application 121. If a termination command is received, the CPU 101 terminates the image input application 121, and the series of processes shown in the flowchart in Figure 10 ends. If no termination command is received, the process proceeds to S1002.

[0075] In S1002, the CPU 101 determines whether or not it has received a scan event from the MFP. If it has not received a scan event, the process returns to S1001. If it has received a scan event, the process proceeds to S1003. As mentioned above, if the MFP does not perform the process of sending the scan event in S725, the process in S1002 is not performed. In other words, the process in S1002 is excluded from the flowchart shown in Figure 10.

[0076] In S1003, the CPU 101 determines whether it has received an instruction from the MFP to display the scan details settings screen 700 (Figure 7). If the MFP sends the scan event and the instruction to display the scan details settings screen 700 separately, the CPU 101 determines whether it received the instruction to display the scan details settings screen 700 within a predetermined time after receiving the scan event. If the MFP sends the scan event and the instruction to display the scan details settings screen 700 at the same time, the CPU 101 determines whether the information including the scan event also includes the instruction to display the scan details settings screen 700. If the instruction to display the scan details settings screen 700 has not been received, the process proceeds to S1008. If the instruction to display the scan details settings screen 700 has been received, the process proceeds to S1004.

[0077] In S1004, the CPU 101 displays the scan details settings screen 700. Then, the process proceeds to S1005. In S1005, the CPU 101 determines whether or not it has received a screen close command for the scan details settings screen 700 from the MFP. If it has not received a screen close command, the process proceeds to S1006. If it has received a screen close command, the process proceeds to S1007.

[0078] In S1006, the CPU 101 waits for a user to close the scan details settings screen 700. Upon receiving a user operation to close the scan details settings screen 700, the CPU 101 determines the settings for the reading unit 212. For example, the CPU 101 determines the scan settings specified in the various setting items of the scan details settings screen 700 as the settings for the reading unit 212. After that, the process proceeds to S1008.

[0079] In S1007, the CPU 101 closes the scan details settings screen 700. The CPU 101 also determines the settings for the reading unit 212 when it receives a screen close command from the MFP. For example, the CPU 101 determines that the settings for the reading unit 212 are the same as the settings for the previous scan. In this case, the MFP performs the scan process without changing any settings.

[0080] In S1008, the CPU 101 sends data including the settings for the reading unit 212 determined in S1006 or S1007 and a scan start instruction to the MFP via the network I / F 109. The process then proceeds to S1009.

[0081] In S1009, the CPU 101 waits to receive image data transmitted from the MFP. When the CPU 101 receives the image data, it stores the received image data in the auxiliary storage device 104. After that, processing returns to S1001.

[0082] As described in detail above, this embodiment improves usability. For example, the CPU 201 of the MFP, acting as a control means, receives a first operation, the press of the scan button 602, and sends a display instruction for the scan detail settings screen 700 to the information terminal 100. The CPU 201 also receives the settings configured on the scan detail settings screen 700 from the information terminal 100. Subsequently, the CPU 201, acting as a processing means, controls the reading unit 212 to execute a specific process (scanning process) based on the settings configured on the scan detail settings screen 700. This allows the scan detail settings screen 700 to be displayed on the information terminal 100 without the user having to explicitly launch the image input application 121 installed on the information terminal 100. Furthermore, even if it is difficult to display or operate the scan detail settings screen 700 on the MFP's display unit 205, the MFP settings can be configured on the information terminal 100's display unit 105. In addition, the MFP allows the user to configure whether or not to display the scan detail settings screen 700 in response to the operation of the scan button 602. This allows users who only use the basic settings to choose not to display the scan detailed settings screen 700, thus maintaining convenience.

[0083] <Second Embodiment> "overview" In this embodiment, a scan detail settings screen different from the scan detail settings screen 700 is used, and whether or not to display this scan detail settings screen can be set not only on the MFP but also on the information terminal 100. In the following, explanations of content common to the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate, and the differences will be explained mainly.

[0084] Scan Details Settings Screen Figure 11 shows an example of the scan detail settings screen 1100 according to the second embodiment. In the scan detail settings screen 1100 of this embodiment, in addition to the scan detail settings screen 700 of the first embodiment, a display setting item 1101 is provided. The display setting item 1101 is a setting item that allows setting whether or not to display the scan detail settings screen 1100 on the information terminal 100. In the example of Figure 11, whether or not to display the scan detail settings screen 1100 on the information terminal 100 can be set by a checkbox, but it is not limited to this.

[0085] Processing procedure for image input applications Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the processing steps performed in the image input application 121 according to the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the processing step S1201 is newly added to the flowchart shown in Figure 10.

[0086] The process in S1201 is performed after S1003, S1006, or S1007. In S1201, the CPU 101 checks the setting of display setting item 1101. If the setting of display setting item 1101 is to display the scan details setting screen 1100 on the information terminal 100, the CPU 101 sends a setting instruction to the MFP to make the same setting. After that, the process proceeds to 1008.

[0087] In the MFP, when the above setting instruction is received from the information terminal 100, the CPU 201 turns ON the setting of display setting item 601 on the scan standby screen 600 (Figure 6) if it is OFF.

[0088] As described above, according to this embodiment, the setting of whether or not to display the scan details setting screen 1100 on the information terminal 100 can be performed not only on the MFP but also on the information terminal 100. This enhances user convenience.

[0089] <Third Embodiment> "overview" In this embodiment, even if the scan detail settings screen 700 is set to be displayed on the information terminal 100, the MFP can perform an operation to not change the scan settings. In the following, explanations of content common to the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate, and the differences will be explained mainly.

[0090] 《MFP Processing Procedure》 Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure performed in the MFP according to the third embodiment. In this embodiment, the process of S1301 is newly added to the flowchart shown in Figure 8.

[0091] The process in S1301 is performed after S829. In S1301, the CPU 201 determines whether a cancel operation has been performed to cancel the scan settings set on the scan details settings screen 700. For example, the CPU 201 determines whether the scan button 602 on the scan standby screen 600 (Figure 6) has been pressed (long-pressed) for a certain period of time. This period of time is set to, for example, 3 seconds. This period of time may be changed by user operation.

[0092] If the scan button 602 is not pressed for a certain period of time, the CPU 201 determines that no cancellation operation has been performed. In this case, the process proceeds to S830. On the other hand, if the scan button 602 is pressed for a certain period of time, the CPU 201 determines that a cancellation operation has been performed. In this case, the process proceeds to S831.

[0093] As described above, according to this embodiment, in response to a second operation (cancel operation) being received by long-pressing the scan button 602, the scan process can be executed without changing the scan settings. This improves user convenience. Note that the second operation may be an operation other than long-pressing the button. For example, the second operation may be an operation that can be distinguished from a normal press of the scan button 602, such as a double-click of the button.

[0094] Furthermore, if a certain amount of time has elapsed since the guide screen 900 was displayed in S829, the CPU 201 may consider that the immediate execution button 901 has been pressed. In this case, the CPU 201 performs the scan process without changing any settings (i.e., without any setting change operations performed on the information terminal 100). Also, after a certain amount of time has elapsed, the CPU 201 sends a request to the information terminal 100 to terminate the display of the scan details setting screen 700, similar to S831. This may be applied to the first or second embodiment.

[0095] Alternatively, if a certain amount of time has elapsed since the guide screen 900 was displayed in S829, the CPU 201 may issue a warning, and if a certain amount of time has elapsed since the warning, it may be considered that the immediate execution button 901 has been pressed. In this case, the CPU 201 performs the scan process without changing any settings (i.e., without any setting change operations performed on the information terminal 100). The CPU 201 also sends a request to the information terminal 100 to terminate the display of the scan details setting screen 700, depending on the amount of time that has elapsed since the warning. This may be applied to the first or second embodiment. The warning may be an audible sound, or it may be displayed on the display unit 205 or the guide screen 900. Alternatively, the warning may be a flashing of at least a part of the display unit 205 or the guide screen 900. Alternatively, the warning may be a vibration of the operation unit 207, etc.

[0096] <About this disclosure> This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0097] 《Application to cameras》 The processing unit 200 can use a camera instead of an MFP. For example, one embodiment is one in which a settings screen for configuring various camera settings is displayed on a smartphone, which is an information terminal 100. This settings screen allows for the configuration of settings that can be set by the camera, as well as settings that cannot be set by the camera.

[0098] When the camera's CPU 201 receives a shooting command in response to a first operation by the user, such as pressing the shutter button, it instructs the smartphone to display the settings screen. The user changes the camera's shooting settings through the settings screen displayed on the smartphone. The smartphone's CPU 101 sends a shooting start command to the camera along with the settings set on the settings screen. When the camera's CPU 201 receives the settings set on the settings screen and the shooting start command, it executes a specific process (shooting process) with those settings. The camera's CPU 201 also transfers the image data obtained by executing the specific process (shooting process) to the smartphone. The camera has an immediate execution button, and when this is operated, the camera's CPU 201 executes a specific process (shooting process) with default settings without waiting for a shooting start command from the smartphone. The immediate execution button may be a soft key, a hard key, or both.

[0099] In this way, settings that are difficult to display on the camera's operation screen can be handled on the screen of an information terminal 100 such as a smartphone, thereby improving user convenience. In other words, this disclosure shows that even when a camera is used as the processing device 200, usability can be improved in the same way as when an MFP is used as the processing device 200.

[0100] Application to robotic vacuum cleaners The processing unit 200 can be adapted to use a robotic vacuum cleaner instead of an MFP. For example, one embodiment is one in which a settings screen for configuring various settings of the robotic vacuum cleaner is displayed on a smartphone, which serves as an information terminal 100. This settings screen allows for the configuration of settings that can be configured on the robotic vacuum cleaner, as well as settings that cannot be configured on the robotic vacuum cleaner.

[0101] When the robot vacuum cleaner's CPU 201 receives a cleaning start command in response to a first action by the user, such as pressing the start button, it instructs the smartphone to display the settings screen. The user changes the robot vacuum cleaner's settings through the settings screen displayed on the smartphone. The smartphone's CPU 101 sends the cleaning start command along with the settings set on the settings screen to the robot vacuum cleaner. When the robot vacuum cleaner's CPU 201 receives the cleaning start command along with the settings set on the settings screen, it executes a specific process (cleaning process) with those settings. The robot vacuum cleaner has an immediate execution button, and when this is operated, the robot vacuum cleaner's CPU 201 executes a specific process (cleaning process) with the default settings without waiting for a cleaning start command from the smartphone. The immediate execution button may be a soft key, a hard key, or both.

[0102] In this way, settings that are difficult to display on the operation screen of the robot vacuum cleaner itself can be handled on the screen of an information terminal 100 such as a smartphone, thereby improving user convenience. In other words, this disclosure shows that even when a robot is used as the processing unit 200, usability can be improved in the same way as when an MFP is used as the processing unit 200.

[0103] "others" Furthermore, the various controls described above, which are performed by CPU 101 or CPU 201, may be performed by a single piece of hardware, or multiple pieces of hardware (for example, multiple processors or circuits) may share the processing to control the entire device. For example, at least a portion of CPU 201, which functions as a reception means (first reception means), control means, processing means, setting reception means, display control means, etc., may be made up of hardware. Alternatively, at least a portion of CPU 101, which functions as a display control means, second reception means, transmission means, etc., may be made up of hardware.

[0104] Furthermore, while this disclosure has been described in detail based on its preferred embodiments, this disclosure is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms are also included within this disclosure without departing from the gist of this disclosure. Moreover, each of the embodiments described above is merely one example of this disclosure, and it is possible to combine each embodiment as appropriate.

[0105] Furthermore, while the embodiments described above used examples of applying the processing unit 200 to an MFP, camera, and robot vacuum cleaner, this disclosure is not limited to these examples. This disclosure is broadly applicable as the processing unit 200 to any device having a process (function) whose settings can be changed. This disclosure is useful when the display screen of the display unit 205 provided in the processing unit 200 is smaller than the display screen of the display unit 105 provided in the information terminal 100 that displays the settings screen for the processing unit 200. Alternatively, this disclosure is useful as the processing unit 200 to an image input / output device having a process (function) that handles images. In addition to the MFP, camera, and robot vacuum cleaner described above, specific examples of the processing unit 200 applicable in this disclosure include the following devices (electronic devices): For example, air conditioners, heating equipment, washing machines, refrigerators, dryers, rice cookers, lighting equipment, beauty equipment, health equipment, etc. Alternatively, there are photographic devices, recording and playback devices, projection devices, sound devices, security cameras, drive recorders, navigation devices, etc. Alternatively, these include personal computers, PDAs, mobile phones, portable image viewers, printers with displays, digital photo frames, music players, game consoles, and e-book readers.

[0106] This disclosure can also be realized by performing the following process: supplying software (programs) that realize the functions of the embodiments described above to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and having the computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of that system or device read and execute the program code. In this case, the program and the storage medium storing the program constitute this disclosure.

[0107] The disclosure of this embodiment includes configurations represented by the following examples of processing devices, processing systems, processing methods, programs, and storage media.

[0108] (Composition 1) A receiving means for receiving a first operation to perform a specific process, Based on the acceptance of the first operation, a control means sends an instruction to the information terminal to display a settings screen for the specific process, and controls the information terminal to receive the settings configured on the settings screen. Processing means that perform the specific processing based on the received settings, A processing apparatus characterized by having

[0109] (Configuration 2) The processing apparatus according to configuration 1, characterized in that the number of setting items provided on the setting screen is greater than the number of setting items that can be set for a specific process on the operation unit of the processing apparatus.

[0110] (Composition 3) The apparatus according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the setting screen includes setting items different from the setting items that can be set for the specific process in the operation unit of the apparatus.

[0111] (Composition 4) The apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that the setting screen includes setting items that cannot be set on the operation unit of the apparatus.

[0112] (Composition 5) The processing apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the aforementioned specific process is a scanning process for scanning a document.

[0113] (Composition 6) The information terminal further includes a setting reception means for receiving a setting on whether or not to display the setting screen, The processing apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that, if the setting received by the setting receiving means results in the information terminal being configured not to display the setting screen, the control means does not send an instruction to the information terminal to display the setting screen, and the processing means performs the specific processing without changing the settings.

[0114] (Composition 7) The processing apparatus according to configuration 6, characterized in that, if the settings received by the setting receiving means result in the information terminal being configured not to display the setting screen, the control means transmits an event to the information terminal for performing the specific processing without transmitting an instruction to the information terminal to display the setting screen.

[0115] (Composition 8) The processing apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, further comprising display control means for controlling the display unit of the processing apparatus to display a guide screen prompting the user to perform a setting change operation on the information terminal based on the acceptance of the first operation.

[0116] (Composition 9) The aforementioned guide screen displays the operation items. The processing apparatus according to configuration 8, characterized in that, in response to an operation on the operation item, the control means controls the information terminal to send an instruction to close the settings screen.

[0117] (Composition 10) The processing device according to configuration 8 or 9, characterized in that the processing means performs the specific processing without changing the settings when a certain amount of time has elapsed since the guide screen was displayed.

[0118] (Composition 11) The processing device according to configuration 8 or 9, characterized in that the processing means issues a warning when a certain period of time has elapsed since the guide screen was displayed, and performs the specific processing without changing the settings when a certain period of time has elapsed since the warning.

[0119] (Composition 12) The processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, characterized in that, when the processing means receives a second operation after an instruction to display the setting screen has been transmitted, it performs the specific processing without changing the settings.

[0120] (Composition 13) The processing apparatus according to configuration 12, characterized in that the second operation is a long press of a button capable of accepting the first operation.

[0121] (Composition 14) The processing apparatus according to configuration 12, characterized in that the second operation is a double-click of a button capable of accepting the first operation.

[0122] (Composition 15) The processing apparatus according to configuration 6 or 7, characterized in that whether or not to display the settings screen on the information terminal can also be set on the information terminal.

[0123] (Composition 16) A processing system in which an information terminal and a processing device are connected in a communicative manner, The aforementioned processing apparatus is A first receiving means that accepts a first operation for executing a specific process, Based on the acceptance of the first operation, a control means sends an instruction to the information terminal to display a settings screen for the specific process, and controls the information terminal to receive the settings configured on the settings screen. Processing means that perform the specific processing based on the received settings, It has, The aforementioned information terminal is A display control means that controls the display of the settings screen based on the receipt of the instruction from the processing device, A second receiving means for receiving setting change operations related to the specific process on the settings screen, A transmission means that transmits the setting content set on the specific screen based on the setting change operation received by the second reception means to the processing device, A processing system characterized by having the following features.

[0124] (Composition 17) A reception step that accepts a first operation to perform a specific process, A control step in which, based on the acceptance of the first operation, an instruction is sent to the information terminal to display a settings screen for the specific process, and the settings configured on the settings screen are received from the information terminal, A processing step which involves performing the specific processing based on the received settings, A processing method performed by a processing device characterized by having the following features.

[0125] (Composition 18) A program for causing a computer to function as one of the means of the processing apparatus described in any one of claims 1 to 15.

[0126] (Composition 19) A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as one of the means of the processing apparatus described in any one of claims 1 to 15.

Claims

1. A receiving means for receiving a first operation to perform a specific process, Based on the acceptance of the first operation, a control means sends an instruction to the information terminal to display a settings screen for the specific process, and controls the information terminal to receive the settings set on the settings screen. Processing means that perform the specific processing based on the received settings, A processing apparatus characterized by having

2. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the number of setting items provided on the setting screen is greater than the number of setting items that can be set for a specific process on the operation unit of the processing apparatus.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the setting screen includes setting items different from the setting items that can be set for the specific process in the operation unit of the apparatus.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the setting screen includes setting items that cannot be set on the operation unit of the apparatus.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the aforementioned specific process is a scanning process for scanning a document.

6. The information terminal further includes a setting reception means for receiving a setting on whether or not to display the setting screen, The processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, if the settings received by the setting receiving means result in the information terminal being configured not to display the setting screen, the control means does not send an instruction to the information terminal to display the setting screen, and the processing means performs the specific processing without changing the settings.

7. The processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, if the settings received by the setting receiving means result in the information terminal being configured not to display the setting screen, the control means transmits an event to the information terminal for performing the specific processing without transmitting an instruction to the information terminal to display the setting screen.

8. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display control means for controlling the display unit of the processing apparatus to display a guide screen prompting the user to perform a setting change operation on the information terminal based on the acceptance of the first operation.

9. The aforementioned guide screen displays the operation items. The processing apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, in response to an operation on the operation item, the control means controls the information terminal to send an instruction to close the settings screen.

10. The processing means is characterized in that, when a certain amount of time has elapsed since the guide screen was displayed, the processing means performs the specific processing without changing the settings, as described in claim 8.

11. The processing means is characterized in that it issues a warning when a certain period of time has elapsed since the guide screen was displayed, and performs the specific processing without changing the settings when a certain period of time has elapsed since the warning.

12. The processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the processing means receives a second operation after an instruction to display the settings screen has been transmitted, it performs the specific processing without changing the settings.

13. The processing apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the second operation is a long press of a button capable of accepting the first operation.

14. The processing apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the second operation is a double-click of a button capable of accepting the first operation.

15. The processing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that whether or not to display the settings screen on the information terminal can also be set on the information terminal.

16. A processing system in which an information terminal and a processing device are connected in a communicative manner, The aforementioned processing apparatus is A first receiving means that accepts a first operation for executing a specific process, Based on the acceptance of the first operation, a control means transmits an instruction to the information terminal to display a settings screen for the specific process, and controls the information terminal to receive the settings configured on the settings screen. Processing means that perform the specific processing based on the received settings, It has, The aforementioned information terminal is A display control means that controls the display of the settings screen based on the receipt of the instruction from the processing device, A second receiving means for receiving setting change operations related to the specific process on the setting screen, A transmission means that transmits the setting content set on the specific screen based on the setting change operation received by the second reception means to the processing device, A processing system characterized by having the following features.

17. A reception step that accepts a first operation to perform a specific process, A control step in which, based on the acceptance of the first operation, an instruction is sent to the information terminal to display a settings screen for the specific process, and the settings set on the settings screen are received from the information terminal, A processing step which involves performing the specific processing based on the received settings, A processing method performed by a processing device characterized by having the following features.

18. A program for causing a computer to function as one of the means of the processing apparatus described in any one of claims 1 to 15.

19. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as one of the means of the processing apparatus described in any one of claims 1 to 15.

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