Information processing device and display method

Abstract

For example, one of the objectives is to provide information processing devices that can appropriately guide users to external content. [Solution] The system comprises a short-range wireless communication unit that communicates with a terminal device, a display unit that displays a guidance screen for guiding the terminal device to external content, and a control unit, wherein the control unit displays the guidance screen which includes a first guidance display that displays guidance using the short-range wireless communication unit as a guidance means for guiding to the external content, and a first switching display that switches the external content.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus and the like. [Background Art]

[0002] For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is disclosed an image forming apparatus that displays an instruction manual or FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) by connecting a mobile terminal device to a support server via an NFC (Near Field Communication) tag provided in the image forming apparatus or a two-dimensional code displayed on the image forming apparatus. [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Literature]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020-072352 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is, for example, to provide an information processing apparatus and the like that can appropriately guide a user to external content. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0005] The information processing apparatus of the present disclosure includes: a near field communication unit that communicates with a terminal device; a display unit that displays a guidance screen for guiding the terminal device to external content; and a control unit, wherein the control unit displays the guidance screen including a first guidance display that displays guidance for using the near field communication unit as a guidance means for guiding to the external content, and a first switching display for switching the external content.

[0006] The display method of this disclosure includes a short-range wireless communication step for communicating with a terminal device, a first guidance display for displaying guidance on a guidance screen for guiding the terminal device to external content, which indicates that the short-range wireless communication step is used as a guidance means for guiding to the external content, and a first switching display for switching the external content. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, for example, it will be possible to provide an information processing device that can appropriately guide users to external content. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating the overview of the apparatus in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This diagram illustrates the hardware configuration of the device in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure illustrates (a) the software configuration of the device and (b) an example of external content information in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates the flow of the main processing in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates the flow of the NFC guidance screen display process in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure illustrates an example of operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This diagram illustrates the flow of the main processing in the second embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure illustrates an example of operation in the second embodiment. [Figure 9] This diagram illustrates the software configuration of the device in the third embodiment. [Figure 10] This diagram illustrates the flow of the main processing in the third embodiment. [Figure 11] This diagram illustrates the flow of the NFC guidance screen display process in the third embodiment. [Figure 12] This figure illustrates an example of operation in the third embodiment. [Figure 13] This figure illustrates an example of (a) the software configuration of the device and (b) the configuration information in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 14] This diagram illustrates the flow of the main processing in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] This diagram illustrates the flow of the NFC guidance screen display process in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] This diagram illustrates the flow of the display setting process in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 17] This figure illustrates an example of operation in the fourth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] For example, when a user wants to view an instruction manual, if the information processing device does not have the instruction manual data stored, it is necessary to have the user's terminal device access the latest instruction manual on the network to display it. In this case, one known method for obtaining the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) to access the external site where the user can view the instruction manual on their terminal device is to read a two-dimensional code displayed on the information processing device, obtain the URL from the two-dimensional code, and then access the external site containing the instruction manual.

[0010] In this method, the user needs to launch a QR code reading application (e.g., a camera application) and read the QR code displayed by the information processing device using the terminal device. At this time, the user needs to properly adjust the focus of the camera application to read the QR code.

[0011] However, if the brightness of the screen displaying the two-dimensional code is low, the camera application frequently fails to read the two-dimensional code. In this case, there has been a problem that it takes time and effort for the user to retry reading the two-dimensional code with the camera application after adjusting the brightness of the display screen of the information processing apparatus.

[0012] On the other hand, as a method for a terminal device to acquire a URL for accessing an external site, a method using NFC is known. However, when the user cannot read the two-dimensional code with a reading application, it is necessary to cancel the reading of the two-dimensional code to read it via NFC instead of the two-dimensional code. For this reason, there has been a problem that the user needs to cancel the display screen displaying the two-dimensional code presented by the information processing apparatus, and re-display the display screen for acquiring the URL from the NFC device on the terminal device.

[0013] Furthermore, in addition to an instruction manual (user's manual), the information processing apparatus may sometimes be provided with a plurality of contents such as frequently asked questions. For such a plurality of contents, for example, external content for a user's manual and external content for frequently asked questions can be separately prepared on a network such as an external site.

[0014] However, only one URL for a terminal device to access external content can be set in an NFC device. Therefore, when a plurality of external contents are provided, if a user cannot access the desired external content, the user has to once cancel the access to the external content and redo the operation, which causes a problem that the operation becomes complicated.

[0015] An information processing apparatus that solves such problems will be described in the following embodiments with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments describe the content recited in the claims by way of example, and the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the description of the following embodiments.

[0016] [1. First Embodiment] The first embodiment will be described below. In the first embodiment, the following will be described as an example. In the following embodiment, the case in which the information processing apparatus of the present disclosure is applied to an image forming apparatus will be described, but it can be applied to other information processing apparatuses. The information processing apparatus may be a display device such as a television, display, or electronic whiteboard, or a home appliance such as an air conditioner, vacuum cleaner, or refrigerator. In addition, the information processing apparatus can also be applied to other information processing apparatuses such as car navigation systems, game consoles, vending machines, automatic ticket vending machines, and automatic deposit and withdrawal machines.

[0017] [1.1 Overall Structure] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the overview of system 1, which includes an image forming apparatus 10 and a terminal device 20.

[0018] The image forming apparatus 10 is, for example, a device called a multifunction printer or an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral / Printer). For example, when the image forming apparatus 10 executes a job (print job), it can form an image on paper, which is a recording medium. The image forming apparatus 10 can execute jobs that have multiple functions, such as copying, faxing, scanning, and printing. In addition, the image forming apparatus 10 can send and receive data with external devices such as terminal devices via short-range wireless communication.

[0019] The terminal device 20 has, for example, an NFC communication unit capable of short-range wireless communication. The terminal device 20 can receive data from the image forming apparatus 10 by holding its NFC communication unit over the NFC communication unit 12 of the image forming apparatus 10. The terminal device 20 also has a camera unit. The terminal device 20 can acquire data by using the camera unit to photograph a 2D code displayed on the display 14 of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0020] [1.2 Hardware Configuration] The hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described below with reference to the figures. Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10. The image forming apparatus 10 also has general functions as needed.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a control unit 100, a storage device (storage unit) consisting of a storage 112, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 114, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 116, a display unit 140, an operation unit 150, an image forming unit 160, an image reading unit 165, a communication unit 170, and a short-range wireless communication unit 180.

[0022] The control unit 100 controls the entire image forming apparatus 10. The control unit 100 realizes various functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 110 (for example, storage 112 or ROM 114). The control unit 100 may be implemented by one or more control devices / arithmetic units (CPU (Central Processing Unit), SoC (System on a Chip)). Alternatively, the control unit 100 may be composed of one or more control circuits.

[0023] The memory unit 110 is one or more storage devices that store various programs and data necessary for the operation of the image forming apparatus 10. The memory unit 110 is composed of, for example, a storage device 112, a ROM 114, and a RAM 116.

[0024] Storage 112 is a non-volatile storage device capable of storing programs and data. For example, it may consist of one or more storage devices such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). Alternatively, storage 112 may be an external device such as a USB memory stick that can be connected to the image forming apparatus 10. Furthermore, storage 112 may be, for example, a storage area located in the cloud.

[0025] ROM114 is one or more non-volatile memories that can retain programs and data even when the power is turned off.

[0026] RAM116 is the main memory primarily used by the control unit 100 during processing. RAM116 is one or more rewritable memories that temporarily hold data including programs read from storage 112 and ROM 114, as well as execution results.

[0027] The display unit 140 is a display device capable of displaying various information and various screens such as execution screens. The display unit 140 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic electroluminescence (OLED) display, or an electrophoretic display. The display unit 140 also includes an interface to which a display device can be connected. For example, it may consist of an external display device connected via HDMI® (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), DVI (Digital Visual Interface), or DisplayPort. For example, the display unit 140 is the display 14 in Figure 1.

[0028] The operation unit 150 is an operating device capable of receiving user input. For example, it may be software keys displayed on a touch panel integrated with the display unit 140, or hardware keys such as operation buttons. Alternatively, the operation unit 150 may be an operating device such as a keyboard or mouse. Furthermore, the operation unit 150 may include an interface (e.g., USB) to which an operating device can be connected. For example, the image forming apparatus 10 may connect different operating devices (keyboards, mice, etc.) via an interface.

[0029] The image forming unit 160 forms an image, for example, on recording paper. The image forming unit 160 includes, for example, an image carrier, forms a toner image on the image carrier, and forms an image by transferring the toner image on the image carrier onto the recording paper. The image forming unit 160 may be configured as an image forming device such as a printer. Alternatively, the image forming unit 160 may form an image electronically as an image file.

[0030] The image reading unit 165 reads the original document (image) and outputs it as image data. The image reading unit 165 may be, for example, a scanner, or a reading device utilizing a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), CIS (Contact Image Sensor), or CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) image sensor.

[0031] The communication unit 170 is a communication interface for communicating with other devices. For example, it may be a network interface capable of providing wired or wireless connections. In this embodiment, it is possible to communicate with other devices via a network (NW).

[0032] The network (NW) to which the image forming apparatus 10 is connected can be any communication line or communication system. For example, it may use a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network), VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network), the Internet, a public telephone network, or a mobile communication system (e.g., 4G / 5G / 6G mobile communication), or a next-generation telephone network.

[0033] The near-field wireless communication unit 180 is an interface for data communication with various external devices that support NFC. The near-field wireless communication unit 180 may communicate with various external devices, for example, using NFC tags. The near-field wireless communication unit 180 may have a storage unit separate from the storage unit 110. For example, the near-field wireless communication unit 180 is the NFC communication unit 12 in Figure 1. In this embodiment, the near-field wireless communication unit uses NFC tags, but other RF tags such as UHF tags may be used, or Bluetooth® may be used, as long as communication with various external devices is possible via short-range radio frequencies.

[0034] The terminal device 20 may have a control unit, a storage unit, a display unit, an operation unit, a shooting unit, a short-range wireless communication unit, and a communication unit as needed. Since the configuration of each unit is substantially the same as that of the image forming apparatus 10, a detailed explanation is omitted. The shooting unit, for example, is composed of a camera device.

[0035] [1.3 Software Configuration] The main software configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 included in this disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 3(a). Note that the software configuration shown in Figure 3(a) mainly describes the configuration necessary for this embodiment, and other configurations are omitted.

[0036] For example, the control unit 100 reads and executes a program stored in the memory unit 110 (storage 112, ROM 114).

[0037] Furthermore, the control unit 100 may function as a connection destination information generation unit 1010 by reading and executing a program stored in the storage unit 110. The connection destination information generation unit 1010 generates corresponding connection destination information when, for example, external content is selected.

[0038] Furthermore, the storage unit 110 reserves an external content information storage area 1110 for storing external content information. The external content information is information related to the external content of the image forming apparatus 10, and in this embodiment, it may be a manual for the image forming apparatus 10. The manual is a manual that users and administrators refer to when operating or setting up the apparatus, such as an instruction manual, operation manual, or installation manual. The manual may consist of electronic files such as PDF (Portable Document Format), EPUB, or HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language), or it may be built on a website.

[0039] Furthermore, in this embodiment, "external content" refers to content that is not stored in the image forming apparatus 10. In other words, it refers to external content that is stored "outside" of the image forming apparatus 10. In this embodiment, when simply referred to as "content," it means external content.

[0040] Here, an example of external content information stored in the external content information storage area 1110 will be explained with reference to Figure 3(b). The external content information stores the content name that identifies the external content (for example, "User's Manual") and the external content storage location where the external content is located (for example, "http: / / xxx.xxx.jp / manual / "). The external content storage location is the base location where the external content is stored, and may be stored as a URL or an IP address, for example.

[0041] The short-range wireless communication unit 180 has a connection destination information storage area 1810 that stores connection destination information. The connection destination information is information that the terminal device 20 can acquire via short-range wireless communication through the short-range wireless communication unit 180. Based on the acquired connection destination information, the terminal device 20 connects to a connection destination from which to acquire external content.

[0042] The connection destination information may store a URL for the terminal device 20 to connect to external content on an external site. The connection destination information stored in the connection destination information storage area 1810 may be the same as the connection destination information stored in the external content information storage area 1110, or it may store information with query parameters added.

[0043] Here, the connection destination information generation unit 1010 generates connection destination information based on the external content storage location. The following are some possible methods for the connection destination information generation unit 1010 to generate the connection destination information.

[0044] (1) The connection destination information generation unit 1010 reads the external content storage location and generates it as connection destination information. In this case, the connection destination information matches the external content storage location stored in the external content information storage area 1110.

[0045] (2) The connection destination information generation unit 1010 reads the external content storage location and adds model information (for example, the device name of the image forming apparatus 10, software version, model series, option status, etc.) as query parameters to the external content storage location to generate connection destination information. This allows, for example, the display of information from the instruction manual for each model of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0046] (3) The connection destination information generation unit 1010 reads the external content storage location and adds the error details (e.g., toner out, paper jam, etc.) and user operations (e.g., terms the user wants to know) as query parameters to the external content storage location to generate connection destination information. This allows, for example, when an error occurs in the image forming apparatus 10, information from the instruction manual corresponding to the error can be displayed.

[0047] (4) The connection destination information generation unit 1010 generates a string that includes, for example, model information and error details, as new connection destination information based on the external content storage location. This makes it possible to indicate a static URL (location) for the connection destination information, rather than a URL with information appended in query format.

[0048] [1.4 Processing Flow] The processing flow in this embodiment will be explained below using Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the main processing flow, and Figure 5 is a diagram showing the NFC guidance screen display processing flow.

[0049] [1.4.1 Main Processing Flow] First, the control unit 100 determines whether or not there is a request for external content (S102). The following methods can be considered for determining whether or not there is a request for external content.

[0050] The first method is to determine whether the user has performed an action to instruct the display of external content on the home screen.

[0051] The second method is to determine if the user has performed an operation to instruct the display of external content on a screen other than the home screen (for example, an error screen).

[0052] If the control unit 100 determines that there is a request for external content, it generates connection destination information corresponding to the external content (S102; Yes → S104).

[0053] On the other hand, if the control unit 100 determines that there is no request for external content, it repeats the determination in S102 until it determines that there is a request (S102; No).

[0054] Next, the control unit 100 executes the NFC guidance screen display process (S108). The NFC guidance screen display process is the process of displaying a near-field communication (NFC) guidance screen when the guidance means for guiding the user to external content is communication via NFC between the near-field communication unit 180 and the terminal device.

[0055] Here, the guidance screen is a display screen that includes guidance displays (instructional displays) related to the display of external content using the terminal device 20, as shown in Figures 6(b) and 6(c) described later. The guidance screen contains one or more messages and may also include a switching display.

[0056] On the guidance screen, one or more messages are displayed, and an area is reserved for the guidance display and the toggle display. Displaying the guidance screen includes not only actually displaying the guidance screen, but also reserving an area on the guidance screen that is capable of displaying the guidance display and the toggle display while the guidance screen is being displayed. For example, in this embodiment, the guidance display and the toggle display may be displayed on the guidance screen at the timing when an area capable of displaying the guidance display and the toggle display is reserved on the guidance screen while the guidance screen described later is being displayed. The NFC guidance screen display process will be described later.

[0057] The control unit 100 determines whether or not to terminate the display of the guidance screen (S110). If it determines that the guidance screen should not be terminated, it executes the NFC guidance screen display process (S110; No → S108). On the other hand, if the control unit 100 determines that the guidance screen should be terminated, it terminates the display of the guidance screen (S110; Yes → S112).

[0058] Furthermore, if the control unit 100 has finished displaying the guidance screen, it may erase the connection destination information stored in the connection destination information storage area 1810 if it has stored that information.

[0059] [1.4.2 Flow of NFC guidance screen display process] The NFC guidance screen display process will be explained with reference to Figure 5. The control unit 100 determines whether or not destination information is already stored in the destination information storage area 1810 (S142). If destination information is not stored in the destination information storage area 1810, the control unit 100 stores the destination information in the destination information storage area 1810 (S142; No → S144).

[0060] Next, the control unit 100 reserves a display area for the NFC guidance display on the guidance screen as the first guidance display (S146). Furthermore, even if connection destination information is already stored in the connection destination information storage area 1810, the control unit 100 reserves a display area for the NFC guidance display on the guidance screen as the first guidance display (S142; Yes → S146).

[0061] For example, the NFC guidance display may be a guidance display that prompts the user to hold the terminal device over the near-field communication unit 180.

[0062] Next, the control unit 100 reserves a display area for the content switching display on the guidance screen as a switching display (S148).

[0063] Here, for example, the content switching display to be displayed in the reserved content switching display area may be displayed as an icon, a select box displaying options, or a display explaining the key operations for switching.

[0064] Here, "icon" refers to various data and processing functions displayed on the screen, such as pictures, emojis, symbols, or characters. When the user selects an icon, the control unit 100 can execute the process set for that icon.

[0065] Furthermore, the control unit 100 may sequentially display different external content on the guidance screen each time external content is switched, or it may display external content switching buttons and switch the destination external content displayed on the guidance screen each time a switching button is selected by the user.

[0066] Next, the control unit 100 displays a guidance screen on the display unit 140, which has an area that can display both the guidance display and the switching display (S149).

[0067] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether or not there has been a switch in external content (S150). For example, it may determine that there has been a content switch if the user selects the content switching display.

[0068] If the control unit 100 determines that there is a content switch, it generates connection destination information for the switched external content (S150; Yes → S152). The control unit 100 then stores the generated connection destination information, reserves a display area for the NFC guidance display on the guidance screen as the first guidance display, reserves a display area for the content switch display on the guidance screen as the switch display, and redisplays the guidance screen with the updated guidance display and switch display (S152 → S144 → S146 → S148 → S149). If the control unit 100 determines that there is no content switch, it terminates the NFC guidance screen display process (S150; No).

[0069] [1.5 Example of Operation] Figure 6 shows an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 in this embodiment. Figure 6 shows an example of the display screen displayed on the display unit 140 of the image forming apparatus 10 when there is a "User's Manual" as the first external content and "Frequently Asked Questions" as the second external content.

[0070] Figure 6(a) shows the operation of the home screen of the image forming apparatus 10, and Figures 6(b) and 6(c) show the operation of the guidance screen displayed on the display unit 140 of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0071] The display screen W100 in Figure 6(a) displays various buttons for executing different functions and a display button B100 for instructing the display of the first external content, serving as the home screen of the image forming apparatus 10. When the display button B100 is selected, the control unit 100 displays the display screen W102 in Figure 6(b) on the display unit 140.

[0072] In Figure 6(b), the display screen W102 shows the message M100, which reads, "You can view the 'User's Manual' by holding your tablet or smartphone over the NFC and accessing the displayed URL." The display screen W102 also shows a warning message M102, which reads, "Your device must be connected to the internet to view the website," and a display button B102, which serves as a toggle indicator for switching to a second external content.

[0073] Furthermore, the display screen W102 shows the NFC guidance display R100 as the first guidance display.

[0074] Here, when the user holds the terminal device 20 over the NFC communication unit 12 in accordance with the content displayed by the NFC guidance display, the terminal device 20 receives connection destination information for the first external content via NFC. The control unit 100 then terminates the display of the guidance screen and displays, for example, the display screen W100 in Figure 6(a) as the home screen.

[0075] On the other hand, when the user selects the display button B102 to switch to the second external content, which is a toggle display, the control unit 100 transitions the display screen W102 in Figure 6(b) to the display screen W104 in Figure 6(c).

[0076] In Figure 6(c), the display screen W104 shows the message M104, which reads, "You can view the 'Frequently Asked Questions' by holding your tablet or smartphone over the NFC and accessing the displayed URL." The display screen W104 also shows the NFC guidance display R102 as the first guidance display, and the display button B104 as a switching display to receive instructions to switch to the first external content.

[0077] At this time, when the user holds the terminal device 20 over the NFC communication unit 12, the terminal device 20 receives connection destination information for the second external content.

[0078] [1.6 Effects, etc.] According to this embodiment, it becomes possible to appropriately guide users to external content. For example, if connection destination information for connecting to multiple external content sources is read by a terminal device via near-field wireless communication using NFC, the user can easily switch between external content.

[0079] Furthermore, the guidance screen can display the switching between multiple external content. Here, only one piece of connection information (a URL in this embodiment) can be stored in the connection information storage area 1810. Even if two pieces of external content are provided on an external site, such as a page for the user manual and a page for frequently asked questions, and the terminal device 20 needs to switch the connection information it receives, the user can easily switch between the external content without canceling the operation on the guidance screen. Thus, according to this embodiment, the appropriate connection information can be set to NFC on the guidance screen for the external content. In addition, each guidance screen displays appropriate guidance, enabling the user to perform the appropriate operation.

[0080] [2. Second Embodiment] The second embodiment will now be described. The second embodiment is an embodiment that can display an external content selection screen before displaying the guidance screen.

[0081] The second embodiment will omit explanations of parts where the hardware and software configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, and will focus on explaining the differences from the first embodiment.

[0082] [2.1 Processing Flow] The following describes the processing flow in this embodiment. Figure 7 is a diagram showing the main processing flow. Figure 7 is a replacement for Figure 4 of the first embodiment, and S202 to S206 are executed between S102 and S106.

[0083] First, if the control unit 100 determines that there is a request for external content, it determines whether there are multiple external content items (S102; Yes → S202). If the control unit 100 determines that there are multiple external content items, it displays the external content selection screen on the display unit 140 (S202; Yes → S204).

[0084] Here, the external content selection screen refers to the display screen that shows a list of external content to be guided to, as shown in Figure 8 below.

[0085] Next, the control unit 100 generates connection destination information based on the external content selected by the user from the external content selection screen (S206). On the other hand, if the control unit 100 determines that there is only one external content (and not multiple external content), it generates connection destination information corresponding to the external content (S202; No → S104).

[0086] [2.2 Example of Operation] Figure 8 shows an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 in this embodiment. Figure 8 shows an example of the display screen displayed on the display unit 140 of the image forming apparatus 10 when there are multiple external contents, for example, when the first external content is "User's Manual" and the second external content is "Frequently Asked Questions".

[0087] The display screen W200 in Figure 8 shows a message M200 that reads "Please select content," a display button B200 as a toggle for switching to the first external content, and a display button B202 as a toggle for switching to the second external content. If the user selects display button B200, the control unit 100 displays display screen W102 on the display unit 140 as a screen guiding the user to the "User's Manual" in Figure 6(b). On the other hand, if the user selects display button B202, the control unit 100 displays display screen W104 on the display unit 140 as a screen guiding the user to the "Frequently Asked Questions" in Figure 6(c).

[0088] In this way, when allowing access to multiple external contents via NFC, a content selection screen can be displayed before the guidance screen. The user can then select the desired external content from the list displayed on the selection screen, thereby displaying the guidance screen for that content. This allows users to be appropriately guided to external content without having to switch screens.

[0089] [3. Third Embodiment] The third embodiment will now be described. The third embodiment is an embodiment in which an NFC guidance display and a two-dimensional code can be switched and displayed by a guidance means.

[0090] The third embodiment will omit explanations of parts where the hardware and software configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, and will focus on explaining the differences from the first embodiment.

[0091] [3.1 Software Configuration] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the main software configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 in this embodiment. For example, the control unit 100 can further realize the two-dimensional code generation unit 1020 by reading and executing a program stored in the storage unit 110 (storage 112, ROM 114).

[0092] The two-dimensional code generation unit 1020 generates a two-dimensional code based on connection destination information, for example, as encoded information.

[0093] Here, the encoded information may be a graphic or a string of characters (where a string is a string of one or more characters, and the characters may include one or more numbers, English letters, kana, hiragana, kanji, symbols, etc.). When the encoded information is a graphic, it may be a one-dimensional code such as a barcode (e.g., EAN code, JAN code, Cobabar, CODE128, etc.) or a two-dimensional code. The two-dimensional code may be a stack-type two-dimensional code (e.g., PDF417, CODE49, etc.) or a matrix-type two-dimensional code (e.g., Quick Response Code (QR Code®), DataMatrix, VeriCode, Aztec, etc.). In this embodiment, the Quick Response Code (QR Code) will be used as an example.

[0094] [3.2 Processing Flow] The processing flow in this embodiment will be explained below using Figures 10 and 11. Figure 10 is a diagram showing the NFC guidance screen display processing flow, and Figure 11 is a diagram showing the main processing flow.

[0095] [3.2.1 Flow of NFC guidance screen display process] Here, Figure 10 replaces Figure 5 of the first embodiment, and S342 is executed between S146 and S148.

[0096] First, the control unit 100 reserves a display area for the two-dimensional code switching display on the guidance screen (S342). The two-dimensional code switching display refers to a display that switches the NFC guidance display shown on the guidance screen to a two-dimensional code guidance display as a second guidance display, and may be displayed as an icon, for example, or as a display showing how to perform the switching operation.

[0097] [3.2.2 Main Processing Flow] Here, Figure 11 replaces Figure 4 of the first embodiment, and S302 to S312 are executed between S108 and S110.

[0098] First, the control unit 100 determines whether or not to connect using a two-dimensional code (S302). For example, if the user selects the two-dimensional code switching display, it may determine to connect using a two-dimensional code.

[0099] If the control unit 100 determines that a connection should be made using a two-dimensional code, it generates a two-dimensional code based on the connection destination information (S302; Yes → S304). The control unit 100 may generate multiple two-dimensional codes based on multiple connection destination information, or it may generate a two-dimensional code that includes multiple connection destination information. Next, the control unit 100 reserves a display area for the two-dimensional code guidance display on the guidance screen (S308).

[0100] For example, the two-dimensional code guidance display may include guidance that at least displays the generated two-dimensional code and prompts the user to scan the two-dimensional code with the camera application of the terminal device 20.

[0101] In this embodiment, the control unit 100 executes the NFC guidance screen display process S108 and displays the guidance screen on the display unit 140. Here, the control unit 100 deletes the display area of ​​the NFC guidance display from the guidance screen and updates the NFC guidance display with a two-dimensional code guidance display that includes the generated two-dimensional code.

[0102] Next, the control unit 100 reserves a display area for the NFC switching display on the guidance screen (S310). Here, the NFC switching display refers to a display for switching from a guidance screen including a two-dimensional code guidance display to a guidance screen including an NFC guidance display. The NFC switching display may be displayed as an icon, for example, or it may be a display explaining the key operation for switching.

[0103] In this embodiment, the control unit 100 displays the two-dimensional code switching display on the guidance screen. Here, the control unit 100 removes the display area for the two-dimensional code switching display from the guidance screen and updates the NFC switching display from the two-dimensional code switching display to display the NFC switching display.

[0104] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether or not to connect via NFC (S312). For example, if the user selects the NFC switching display, it may determine to connect via NFC.

[0105] If the control unit 100 determines that a connection will be made via NFC, it executes the process of displaying the NFC guidance screen (S312; Yes → S108). On the other hand, if it determines that a connection will not be made via NFC (S312; No), or if a connection will not be made via a two-dimensional code (S302; No), it determines whether or not to end the display of the guidance screen (S110).

[0106] The above-described operation flow is merely an example, and some different processing may be performed. In this embodiment, for example, the NFC guidance screen display process S108 is executed first to display the guidance screen including the NFC guidance display, but the process S304 may be executed first to display the guidance screen including the two-dimensional code guidance display first.

[0107] [3.3 Example of Operation] Figure 12 shows an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 in this embodiment. Figure 12(a) shows the operation of the guidance screen, including the NFC guidance display, displayed on the display unit 140 of the image forming apparatus 10. Figure 12(b) shows the operation of the guidance screen, including the two-dimensional code guidance display, displayed on the display unit 140 of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0108] The display screen W300 in Figure 12(a) shows the message M300, which reads, "You can view the 'User's Manual' by holding your tablet or smartphone over the NFC and accessing the displayed URL." Furthermore, the display screen W300 also shows the NFC guidance display R300 as the first guidance display. In addition, the display screen W300 shows the display button B300 as the first switching display for switching from external content to second external content, and the display button B302 as the second switching display for switching the means of guidance to the first external content to a two-dimensional code.

[0109] First, on the display screen W300, when the user holds their terminal device 20 over the NFC communication unit 12 in accordance with the notified instructions, the terminal device 20 receives connection destination information for the first external content via NFC. The control unit 100 then terminates the display of the guidance screen and displays, for example, the display screen W100 shown in Figure 6(a) as the home screen.

[0110] Next, when the user selects the display button B300 on the display screen W300, the control unit 100 transitions the display screen W300 to a guidance screen for guiding the user to a second external content. Furthermore, when the user selects the display button B302 on the display screen W300, the control unit 100 transitions the display screen W300 to the display screen W302 shown in Figure 12(b).

[0111] The display screen W302 in Figure 12(b) shows the message M302, which reads, "The 'User's Manual' and 'Frequently Asked Questions' can be viewed by scanning the following QR code with your tablet or smartphone and accessing the displayed URL." The display screen W302 also shows a two-dimensional code guidance display R302 and a display button B304 as a second switching indicator for switching the means of guiding to the second external content to NFC.

[0112] The two-dimensional code guidance display R302 displays QR codes as two-dimensional codes for accessing the first external content and the second external content, as well as guidance on how to read the two-dimensional code and display the external content. In this embodiment, multiple QR codes are displayed as an example, but it is also possible to display only one QR code for accessing multiple external contents.

[0113] First, when the user reads the QR code displayed on the display screen W302 with the terminal device 20, the connection destination information for the external content is read into the terminal device 20. Next, when the user selects the display button B304 on the display screen W302, the control unit 100 transitions the display screen W302 to the display screen W300 shown in Figure 12(a).

[0114] [3.4 Effects, etc.] According to this embodiment, users can access external content using either NFC or a two-dimensional code, whichever is more convenient. If the two-dimensional code is difficult to read, NFC can be used as a method for accessing external content. When using NFC, users can obtain a URL simply by holding the terminal device 20 over an NFC reader (NFC communication unit 12), without having to perform cumbersome operations such as adjusting the focus or screen brightness to read the two-dimensional code, and can easily switch and access external content.

[0115] [4. Fourth Embodiment] The fourth embodiment will now be described. The fourth embodiment is an embodiment in which the user can pre-set how the guidance screen is displayed.

[0116] The fourth embodiment will omit explanations of parts where the hardware and software configuration is the same as that of the first and third embodiments, and will focus on explaining the differences from the first embodiment.

[0117] [4.1 Software Configuration] Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating the main software configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 in this embodiment.

[0118] The memory unit 110 reserves a setting information storage area 1120 for storing setting information. Here, the setting information refers to setting information related to the display of the guidance screen of the image forming apparatus 10. An example of setting information stored in the setting information storage area 1120 will be explained with reference to Figure 13(b). The setting information stores the setting item displayed on the guidance screen (for example, "Display setting") and the value of the setting item (for example, "Automatic").

[0119] Here, the items may include, for example, a display setting as a first setting. The display setting is an item for setting the operation of displaying the guidance screen of the image forming apparatus 10. The values ​​of the display setting may store, for example, "NFC", "QR code", and "Automatic" as needed. Here, the value of "NFC" means a setting to display the guidance screen with the guidance means fixed to NFC, and the value of "QR code" means a setting to display the guidance screen with the guidance means fixed to a two-dimensional code. On the other hand, "Automatic" means a setting to display a second switching display on the guidance screen.

[0120] Furthermore, the item may include a display priority as a second setting. The display priority item is an item whose setting is effective when "Automatic" is stored in the display settings. The display priority value may store, for example, "NFC" and "QR code". Here, the value of "NFC" in the display priority means that the guidance screen is displayed prioritizing the NFC guidance method, and the value of "QR code" means that the guidance screen is displayed prioritizing the two-dimensional code guidance method.

[0121] [4.2 Processing Flow] The processing flow in this embodiment will be explained below using Figures 14, 15, and 16. Figure 14 shows the main processing flow, Figure 15 shows the NFC guidance screen display processing flow, and Figure 16 shows the display setting processing flow.

[0122] [4.2.1 Main Processing Flow] Figure 14 replaces Figure 11 of the third embodiment, where S402 is executed between S104 and S108, S404 is executed after S108, S406 is executed after S308, and S408 and S410 are executed after S310.

[0123] The control unit 100 determines whether the display setting value of the setting information is NFC, or whether the display priority is NFC (S402). If the display setting value is "NFC", or if the display setting value is "Automatic" and the display priority value is "NFC", the control unit 100 determines that the display setting value of the setting information is NFC, or the display priority is NFC, and executes the NFC guidance screen display process (S402; Yes → S108).

[0124] On the other hand, if the display setting value is set to "QR code", or if the display setting value is set to "automatic" and the display priority value is set to "QR code", the control unit 100 determines that the display setting value of the setting information is NFC, or that the display priority is not NFC, and generates a two-dimensional code based on the connection destination information (S402; No → S304).

[0125] Furthermore, after executing the NFC guidance screen display process, the control unit 100 determines whether the two-dimensional code switching display currently displayed on the guidance screen has been selected (S404). If the two-dimensional code switching display is displayed and the two-dimensional code switching display has been selected, the control unit 100 generates a two-dimensional code (S404; Yes → S304). On the other hand, if the two-dimensional code switching display is not displayed on the guidance screen or the user has not selected the two-dimensional code switching display, the control unit 100 determines whether the display has ended (S404; No → S110).

[0126] Furthermore, after the control unit 100 executes the process of reserving a display area for the two-dimensional code guidance display on the guidance screen, it determines whether the display setting is "automatic" or not (S406). If the display setting value is "automatic", the control unit 100 reserves a display area for the NFC switching display on the guidance screen (S406; Yes → S310).

[0127] On the other hand, if the display setting value is not "automatic", the control unit 100 displays a guidance screen with a reserved display area for the two-dimensional code guidance on the display unit 140 (S406; No → S408). Furthermore, even after executing the process in S310, the control unit 100 displays a guidance screen with a reserved display area for the two-dimensional code guidance on the display unit 140 (S408).

[0128] Here, the process in S408 is the same as in S149, which is the process of displaying a guidance screen in which an area has been reserved to display both the guidance display and the switching display. Note that if the guidance screen is displayed on the display unit 140, the guidance display for which the display area was reserved in the process in S308 and the switching display for which the display area was reserved in the process in S310 may be updated and displayed together in the process in S408, rather than being updated and displayed in each process.

[0129] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether the NFC switching display shown on the guidance screen has been selected (S410). If the NFC switching display is not displayed on the guidance screen or if the NFC switching display shown on the guidance screen has not been selected by the user, the control unit 100 determines whether to terminate the display (S410; No → S110). On the other hand, if the NFC switching display shown on the guidance screen has been selected, the control unit 100 executes the NFC guidance screen display process (S410; Yes → S108).

[0130] [4.2.2 Flow of NFC guidance screen display process] Figure 15 replaces Figure 10 of the third embodiment, and S442 is executed between S146 and S342.

[0131] After the control unit 100 executes the process of reserving a display area for the NFC guidance display on the guidance screen, it determines whether the display setting is "automatic" or not (S442). If the display setting value is "automatic", the control unit 100 reserves a display area for the 2D code switching display on the guidance screen (S442; Yes → S342). On the other hand, if the display setting value is not "automatic", the control unit 100 reserves a display area for the content switching display on the guidance screen (S442; No → S148).

[0132] [4.2.3 Flow of Display Settings Processing] First, the control unit 100 displays a settings screen (guidance screen settings screen) for setting the display of the guidance screen (S462). Here, the control unit 100 may display a display screen on the display unit 140 as the guidance screen settings screen, for example, a display screen on which the user can select and set display settings and display priority.

[0133] Next, the control unit 100 stores the display settings and display priority values ​​selected by the user on the guidance screen settings screen in the corresponding values ​​in the setting information storage area 1120 (S464).

[0134] [4.3 Example of Operation] Figure 17 shows an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 in this embodiment. Figure 17(a) shows the operation of the guidance screen setting screen displayed on the display unit 140 of the image forming apparatus 10. Figure 17(b) shows the operation of the guidance screen, including the two-dimensional code guidance display, displayed on the display unit 140 of the image forming apparatus 10 when the display setting value is "QR code".

[0135] In Figure 17(a), the display screen W400 shows the message M400, which reads "Means for redirecting to an external site." Furthermore, the display screen W400 has a display setting selection area R400 for selecting display settings.

[0136] In this display setting selection area R400, there are three display buttons: B400 for selecting "Automatic" as the display setting, B406 for selecting "NFC" as the display setting, and B408 for selecting "QR Code" as the display setting.

[0137] Furthermore, the display setting selection area R400 includes a display priority selection area R402 for selecting the display priority. In this area, the display priority selection area R402 displays a display button B402 for selecting "NFC" as the display priority, and a display button B404 for selecting "QR code" as the display priority.

[0138] In this embodiment, the display buttons on the settings screen display the options "Automatic," "NFC," and "QR Code" as radio buttons, but the options may also be displayed as icons for selection. Furthermore, if the user has selected a value other than "Automatic," such as "NFC" or "QR Code," as the display setting value, the control unit 100 may make the option related to the display priority faintly identifiable (faintly displayed) to disable selection.

[0139] If the user selects "Automatic" for the display settings, the control unit 100 may disable the identification display (faint display), switch to a selectable display priority, and allow the user to choose between "NFC" and "QR code." The guidance screen settings screen may also be displayed as being configurable only by the administrator.

[0140] When the user selects display settings and display priority in the display settings selection area R400 of the display screen W400, the guidance screen will be displayed as follows.

[0141] The first pattern involves selecting a display setting that prioritizes displaying the NFC guidance display. First, on the settings screen, the user selects the display button B400 to select "Automatic" and also selects the display button B402 to select "NFC". Next, when the user finishes the settings and, for example, selects the display button B100 to instruct the display of the first external content on the display screen W100 in Figure 6(a), the control unit 100 displays the display screen W300 in Figure 12(a). Here, the display screen W300 shows the NFC guidance display (R300) and the second switching display (B302) to switch the means of guiding to the external content to a QR code.

[0142] The second pattern involves selecting a display setting that prioritizes the display of the two-dimensional code guidance display. First, on the settings screen, the user selects the display button B400 to select "Automatic" and also selects the display button B404 to select "QR Code". Next, when the user finishes the settings and, for example, selects the display button B100 to instruct the display of the first external content on the display screen W100 in Figure 6(a), the control unit 100 displays the display screen W302 in Figure 12(b). Here, the display screen W302 shows the two-dimensional code guidance display (R302) and the second switching display (B304) to switch the means of guidance to the external content to NFC.

[0143] The third pattern involves selecting a display setting that fixes the means of guiding to external content to NFC and displays a guidance screen. First, on the settings screen, the user selects the display button B406 to select NFC. Next, when the user finishes the settings and, for example, selects the display button B100 to instruct the display of the first external content on the display screen W100 in Figure 6(a), the control unit 100 displays the display screen W102 in Figure 6(b). Here, the NFC guidance display (R100) is displayed on the display screen W102, and the second switching display for switching the means of guiding to external content to a QR code is not displayed and is suppressed.

[0144] The fourth pattern involves selecting a display setting that fixes the means of guiding users to external content to a QR code and displays a guidance screen. First, on the settings screen, the user selects the display button B408 to select a QR code. Next, when the user finishes the settings and, for example, selects the display button B100 to instruct the display of the first external content on the display screen W100 in Figure 6(a), the control unit 100 displays the display screen W402 in Figure 17(b).

[0145] In Figure 17(b), the display screen W402 shows the message M402, which reads, "The 'User's Manual' and 'Frequently Asked Questions' can be viewed by scanning the following QR code with your tablet or smartphone and accessing the displayed URL." The display screen W402 also shows a two-dimensional code guidance display R404. The two-dimensional code guidance display R404 shows a QR code as a two-dimensional code for accessing the first external content and the second external content, along with instructions on how to scan the QR code and display the external content.

[0146] When a user scans the QR code displayed on the display screen W402 with the terminal device 20, the destination information for the external content is read into the terminal device 20. At this point, the two-dimensional code guidance display (R404) is displayed on the display screen W402, and the second switching display for switching the guidance method to NFC is not displayed and is suppressed.

[0147] Thus, if a user selects "QR code" in the settings screen, a fixed guidance screen for "QR code" can be displayed. On the other hand, if a user selects "NFC" in the settings screen, a fixed guidance screen for "NFC" can be displayed.

[0148] Furthermore, when "Automatic" is selected as a means of directing users to instructions on external websites, it is possible to set the display priority to either "QR code" or "NFC". If "NFC" is prioritized, a guidance screen will be displayed that includes a button to switch to QR code and prompts the user to hold the device over the NFC sensor. On the other hand, if "QR code" is prioritized, a guidance screen will be displayed that includes a button to switch to NFC and a QR code that the device can read.

[0149] If "Automatic" is selected, the system will automatically select the user's preferred method of guidance (QR code or NFC) to access external content.

[0150] [5. Variant] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible. In other words, embodiments obtained by combining technical means that are appropriately modified within the scope of this disclosure are also included in the technical scope.

[0151] Furthermore, although the embodiments described above are explained separately for the sake of explanation, they can be combined and implemented to the extent possible. In addition, we intend to obtain rights to any of the technologies described in this specification through amendments or divisional applications.

[0152] Furthermore, in each embodiment, the program that operates in each device is a program that controls the CPU, etc. (a program that makes the computer function) in order to realize the functions of the embodiments described above. The information handled by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (for example, RAM) during processing, and then stored in a storage device such as various ROMs or HDDs, and read, modified, and written by the CPU as needed.

[0153] Here, the recording medium for storing the program may be any of the following: semiconductor media (e.g., ROM or non-volatile memory card), optical recording medium or magneto-optical recording medium (e.g., DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), CD (Compact Disc), BD (Blu-ray® Disc)), magnetic recording medium (e.g., magnetic tape, flexible disk), etc.

[0154] Furthermore, when distributing the program to the market, it can be stored on a portable recording medium and distributed, or transferred to a server computer connected via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the storage device of the server device is, of course, also included in this disclosure.

[0155] Furthermore, the data mentioned above may not be stored within the device itself, but rather stored on an external device and retrieved as needed. For example, the data may be stored on a NAS (Network Attached Storage) or on the cloud.

[0156] Furthermore, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the configurations explicitly described in the specification, but also includes combinations of the technologies disclosed herein. While the configurations for which patent protection is sought are described in the attached claims, there is no intention to exclude them from the technical scope simply because they are not described in the claims.

[0157] Furthermore, the phrases "in the case of..." and "when..." in the above-mentioned specification are explained as examples only, and do not represent a configuration limited to those described. Even for configurations other than those described, we disclose information that would be obvious to a person skilled in the art, and we intend to acquire rights to such information.

[0158] Furthermore, the descriptions of the processes and data flows described in the specification are not limited to the order in which they are described. For example, configurations in which parts of the process are deleted or the order is rearranged are also disclosed, and the company intends to acquire rights to them.

[0159] Furthermore, although the functions described in the embodiments are explained as being performed by each device, they may also be implemented by a single device or by utilizing an external server.

[0160] Furthermore, each functional block or feature of the apparatus used in the embodiments described above may be implemented or executed by an electrical circuit, such as an integrated circuit or a plurality of integrated circuits. An electrical circuit designed to perform the functions described herein may include a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gates or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or a combination thereof. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, a conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The aforementioned electrical circuit may consist of digital circuits or analog circuits. Also, if advances in semiconductor technology lead to the emergence of integrated circuit technologies that replace current integrated circuits, one or more aspects of this disclosure may use new integrated circuits based on such technologies. [Explanation of symbols]

[0161] 10 Image forming apparatus 20 Terminal devices 100 Control Unit 110 Storage section 112 storage 114 ROM 116 RAM 140 Display section 150 Operation section 160 Image forming unit 165 Image reading unit 170 Communications Department 180 Near Field Communication Department

Claims

1. A short-range wireless communication unit that communicates with the terminal device, A display unit that displays a guidance screen to direct the terminal device to external content, It comprises a control unit and, The control unit displays a guidance screen that includes a first guidance display that shows guidance using the short-range wireless communication unit as a guidance means for guiding to the external content, and a first switching display that switches the external content. Information processing device.

2. The system further includes a storage unit that stores connection destination information for the aforementioned external content. The control unit, The external content selection screen is displayed on the display unit. The connection destination information corresponding to the selected external content is stored in the storage unit. The guidance screen is displayed with the external content switched based on the connection destination information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. It further includes a two-dimensional code generation unit that generates two-dimensional codes, The control unit, A second switching display for switching the guidance means is further displayed on the guidance screen. If the second switching display is selected, a second guidance display will be displayed on the guidance screen, which will show guidance using the two-dimensional code as a means of guiding users to the external content. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. It further includes a two-dimensional code generation unit that generates two-dimensional codes, The system further includes a storage unit that stores a first setting for determining whether to use the short-range wireless communication unit or the two-dimensional code as a guidance means for directing users to the external content. The control unit, If the first setting is configured to use the short-range wireless communication unit, the first guidance display is displayed on the guidance screen. If the first setting is configured to use the two-dimensional code, a second guidance display showing instructions on using the two-dimensional code will be displayed on the guidance screen. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The memory unit further stores a second setting that determines whether to prioritize the use of the short-range wireless communication unit or the two-dimensional code as guidance means for guiding to the external content. The control unit, If the second setting is configured to prioritize the use of the short-range wireless communication unit, the first guidance display and the second switching display for switching the guidance means are displayed on the guidance screen. If the second setting is configured to prioritize the use of the two-dimensional code, the second guidance display and the second switching display will be displayed on the guidance screen. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

6. A short-range wireless communication step that communicates with a terminal device, A display step that displays, on a guidance screen for guiding the terminal device to external content, a first guidance display that shows guidance using the short-range wireless communication step as a guidance means for guiding to the external content, and a first switching display that switches the external content, Display methods that include this.

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