Processing apparatus and display method

Abstract

The present invention provides a processing device that enables users to understand the importance of events they wish to be notified about. [Solution] A processing device comprising a display unit that displays an object corresponding to a specific function, and a control unit, wherein the control unit changes the display mode of the object according to the processing status related to the realization of the specific function.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a processing apparatus and the like. BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses that when firmware installed in a multifunction peripheral can be updated, a specific firmware warning icon indicating that the firmware can be updated is displayed on a portable terminal capable of wireless communication with the multifunction peripheral. PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0003] PATENT DOCUMENT 1 Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2017-211830 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a processing apparatus and the like that allow a user to grasp the importance of an event desired to be notified to the user. MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0005] To solve the above problem, a processing apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a display unit configured to display an object corresponding to a specific function, and a control unit, wherein the control unit changes a display mode of the object in accordance with a processing status related to implementation of the specific function.

[0006] A display method according to the present disclosure is a display method for displaying an object corresponding to a specific function, wherein a display mode of the object is changed in accordance with a processing status related to implementation of the specific function. EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0007] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a processing device, etc., that enables users to understand the importance of events they wish to be notified about. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is an external perspective view illustrating the overall configuration of the multifunction printer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This diagram illustrates the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] (a) This diagram illustrates the correspondence between the processing stages involved in a firmware update and the display of the icon as an object corresponding to the firmware update. (b) This diagram illustrates an example of how the icon is displayed as an animated video. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure illustrates an example of operation according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] This figure illustrates an example of operation according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a diagram illustrating the operation screen of a typical multifunction printer. [Figure 13] This diagram illustrates the correspondence between the display position of the icon display area within the system information button display area and the icons displayed in each area. [Figure 14] This diagram illustrates an example of the display configuration for the system information screen, which is displayed in response to a selection request from the system information button. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments are examples for illustrating this disclosure, and the technical content described in the claims is not limited to the following description.

[0010] Some processing devices, such as multifunction printers, notify users of events that need to be communicated by displaying an icon corresponding to the event in a designated area of ​​the operation screen or similar.

[0011] Figure 12 illustrates an example of the display configuration of a typical multifunction printer's operation screen (home screen). The home screen W50 shown in Figure 11 has a system information button B50 that receives a command to display the system information screen. The display area of ​​the system information button B50, as exemplified in Figure 12, can display icons as objects corresponding to events that the user wants to be notified about. The icons exemplified in Figure 12 represent five events, as explained in the next figure: LAN cable disconnected state, IR transfer error data, firmware update (update information available), USB device check, and keyboard character related events.

[0012] When displaying icons as objects corresponding to events to be notified to the user in the display area of ​​the system information button B50, it is possible to display up to 5 icons (A to E) simultaneously, as shown in Figure 13. Figure 13 shows the correspondence between the display positions of the 5 areas A to E in the display area of ​​the system information button B50 and the events displayed in each of the A to E areas. If there are 5 or more events (icons) that need to be displayed in the display area of ​​the system information button B50, the icons will be switched and displayed at regular intervals according to the rules shown below.

[0013] ·If events corresponding to icons to be displayed in the same area occur simultaneously, the icons are not displayed by switching alternately, and the icon with higher priority is displayed. For icons that cannot be displayed, if there is a vacant area, they are displayed in the vacant area in the order of A, B, C, D, and E. ·For an icon that was displayed in another area, the icon display is returned to its original area at the timing when the simultaneous occurrence is resolved. ·When icons are displayed in all areas from A to E and two or more events occur in the same area, cyclic display is performed in the order of priority of that area.

[0014] FIG. 14 shows an example of the display configuration of a system information screen W60 that is displayed in response to a selection instruction for the display area of the system information button B50 on which these icons are displayed. The system information screen W60 includes a notification display area R60. The notification display area R60 is an area that displays the content of events to be notified to the user by the icons displayed in the display area of the system information button B50, sorted by item. The notification display area R60 illustrated in FIG. 14 is an example displaying the content to be notified by the icon related to firmware update (There is a firmware update available.).

[0015] When the firmware update item in the notification display area R60 is selected, a dialog D60 that receives a selection instruction as to whether to execute the firmware update is displayed. When the user selects the OK button B60 indicating consent to execute the firmware update, the firmware update is started. Note that if the mode related to the firmware update is an automatic firmware update mode (also simply referred to as automatic mode) that automatically performs the update when a preset update start time is reached, the firmware update is automatically started after a certain period of time even if the dialog is left unattended without a selection instruction for the OK button B60 being issued. The cancel button B62 is a button that receives an instruction to cancel the firmware update.

[0016] As illustrated in Figure 12, the icons displayed in the display area of ​​the system information button B50 are uniformly displayed as static images, even when the notified event relates to the implementation of an important function such as performing a firmware update. Therefore, it was difficult for users to grasp the importance of the event notified by the icon just by looking at it.

[0017] In this disclosure, a processing device, etc., is realized in the following embodiment that can help users understand the importance of an event to be notified by changing the display manner of an icon as an object according to the processing status related to the realization of a specific function.

[0018] Here, the specific functions related to this disclosure refer to functions that, through multiple processing stages, implement measures essential for maintaining the processing device, such as firmware updates, replacement of consumables such as toner and fuser units, and network connection problems, as well as the resolution of events that cause failures or affect job execution. The processing status will be described as including these multiple processing stages. In the following embodiments, firmware updates will be described as an example of a specific function.

[0019] [1 First Embodiment] The first embodiment describes a configuration in which the display manner of an object (icon) corresponding to a firmware update as a specific function is changed according to the processing status related to the realization of the firmware update.

[0020] [1.1 Functional Configuration] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 as a processing device according to the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 is described as an example of a multifunction device, but the image forming apparatus 10 may be a printer, copier, fax machine, etc., with limited job functions for each type.

[0021] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 10. The image forming apparatus 10 comprises a control unit 11, a display unit 13, an operation input unit 15, a communication unit 17, a storage unit 19, and an image processing unit 21.

[0022] The control unit 11 comprehensively controls the image forming apparatus 10. The control unit 11 can be composed of one or more processing units (such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor)). The control unit 11 realizes the various functions performed by the image forming apparatus 10 by reading and executing various programs stored in the memory unit 19. The control unit 11 may be configured as a System on a Chip (SoC) having multiple functions from among those described below. Furthermore, the control unit 11 may be composed of one or more control circuits.

[0023] The display unit 13 can be configured with a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, a micro-LED display, or a mini-LED display, which can display various information to the user.

[0024] The operation input unit 15 receives input from users and other parties, including operations and information. The operation input unit 15 can be configured with various input devices such as operation keys (hard keys, software keys, etc.) and buttons. Alternatively, the operation input unit 15 can be configured as a touch panel display that allows input via the display unit 13. In this case, the input method to the touch panel display can be, for example, a resistive touch method, an infrared touch method, an electromagnetic induction method, or a capacitive touch method.

[0025] The communication unit 17 includes wired / wireless network communication interfaces for communicating with other terminal devices such as PCs via a network NW such as a LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), the Internet, telephone lines, or fax lines. The wireless network communication interface may include, for example, short-range wireless communication interfaces such as Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi®, or IrDA.

[0026] The memory unit 19 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 19 can be composed of storage devices such as RAM (Random Access Memory), SSD (Solid State Drive), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and ROM (Read Only Memory).

[0027] In the first embodiment, the storage unit 19 stores a control program 190, a display control program 191, a job program 192, and a processing status determination program 193, and reserves a job storage area 194, an object information storage area 195, and a firmware storage area 196.

[0028] The control program 190 is a program that the control unit 11 reads when comprehensively controlling the image forming apparatus 10. Upon reading the control program 190, the control unit 11 executes the firmware stored in the firmware storage area 196 to control the operation of hardware such as the display unit 13, operation input unit 15, communication unit 17, and image processing unit 21. This control program 190 includes a firmware management program 1901. Upon reading the firmware management program 1901, the control unit 11 manages the firmware stored in the firmware storage area 196 to ensure it is always up-to-date (version). For example, upon reading the firmware management program 1901, the control unit 11 periodically communicates with a server device (not shown) provided by the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus 10, and downloads any update firmware if available. Once the update firmware has been downloaded and preparations for the update are complete, the control unit 11 receives a firmware update trigger input and performs the firmware update.

[0029] The display control program 191 is a program that the control unit 11 reads when controlling the output of the screen displayed on the display unit 13 or the operation input unit 15 configured as a touch panel display. The control unit 11, having read the display control program 191, controls the display of the operation screen (for example, the home screen, job setting screen, system information screen, etc.) displayed on the display unit 13 (operation input unit 15), and the display of objects displayed in predetermined display areas of each operation screen. Here, the objects in this disclosure refer to objects that can be displayed on the operation screen, and such objects include icons, operation buttons, dialogs, pointers, input boxes that accept input and selection of various information, selection menus, etc.

[0030] The job program 192 is a program that the control unit 11 reads when executing various jobs, such as print jobs, copy jobs, scan jobs, fax transmission jobs, or email transmission jobs. Upon reading the job program 192, the control unit 11 switches the device mode of the image forming apparatus 10 to the job mode for executing each job and executes the job for which it has received an execution instruction.

[0031] The processing status determination program 193 is a program that the control unit 11 reads when determining the processing status related to the implementation of a specific function. For example, if the specific function is related to firmware updates, the control unit 11, after reading the processing status determination program 193, determines that the processing status related to firmware updates is at least: (1) During the firmware update download stage, (2) When the firmware update is ready after the download is complete, and (3) Completion of firmware update The control unit 11 determines which of the following processing statuses is in place. The control unit 11 changes the display mode of the icon as an object corresponding to the firmware update according to the determined processing status. Note that the change in the display mode of the icon according to this disclosure includes not only a change in the display form of the icon, but also a change in the icon itself or a part thereof.

[0032] Here, Figure 3(a) is a diagram illustrating the correspondence between the processing stages related to firmware updates and the display manner of the icon as an object corresponding to the firmware update.

[0033] During the firmware update download phase, the icon is displayed as a static image that does not stand out. However, once the firmware download is complete and the update is ready, the icon display is changed to an animated display (sometimes referred to as an animated video) to make it stand out more, as it is necessary to attract the user's attention. At this time, the animated video of the icon may be based on a different image than the static image displayed during the firmware update download phase, or it may be based on the same image. Finally, once the firmware update is complete, the animated video of the icon is terminated, and the icon display returns to a static image.

[0034] Figure 3(b) illustrates an example of how icons are displayed using animation. Figure 3(b) shows an example of how a still image icon represented as "State 1" (Firmware Update (Function Enabled) - see Figure 12) and an animated video icon represented as "State 2" (Firmware Update (Update Information Available) - see Figure 12) are displayed. The icon represented as "State 1" is an example of an icon displayed during the firmware download stage and the firmware update completion stage. On the other hand, the icon represented as "State 2" is an example of an icon displayed during the firmware update preparation stage. In Figure 3(b), the icon related to "State 2" is shown as an animation in which a part of an icon with an "i" representing information enclosed in a circle ([i] mark) blinks. Figure 3(b) shows how the icon display changes from "State 1" → "State 2" → "State 1" depending on the firmware update processing status. For example, after the firmware update preparation is complete, the animation video related to "State 2" may be displayed continuously from the input of the firmware update start trigger until the firmware update is completed, or the icon display may be changed to a still image ("State 2A") with the animation removed from the animation video. Furthermore, if an error occurs, such as a failure in firmware download or firmware update, an icon with a triangular [i] mark, as exemplified in "State 2B," may be displayed as a warning icon to alert the user.

[0035] For example, if the firmware update setting is "Administrator confirmation mode (manual mode) where administrator permission is required when a firmware update is available, and the administrator manually initiates the update," then if the update start trigger is not entered even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the firmware download was completed, • Change the color of the [i] mark on the icon related to "State 2". • Change the blinking frequency of the [i] mark on the "State 2" icon, and change the type of icon. You may change the display size of the icons, etc. Furthermore, you can also change the display location of the icons at this time.

[0036] Furthermore, for example, if the firmware update setting is "automatic mode that automatically updates without administrator permission when a pre-set update start time is reached," and the update is repeatedly postponed more than a predetermined number of times after the firmware download is complete, • Change the color of the [i] mark on the icon related to "State 2". • Change the blinking frequency of the [i] mark on the "State 2" icon, and change the type of icon. You may change the display size of the icons, etc. Furthermore, you can also change the display location of the icons at this time.

[0037] Returning to Figure 2, the job storage area 194 is a storage area that stores information necessary for the image forming apparatus 100 to execute various jobs such as print jobs, copy jobs, scan jobs, fax transmission jobs, or email transmission jobs.

[0038] The object information storage area 195 is a storage area that stores image information such as still images related to objects such as icons, operation buttons, and dialogs, as well as video (moving image) information such as animations.

[0039] The firmware storage area 196 is a storage area that stores the firmware that the control unit 11, which has read the control program 190, executes to control the hardware. The firmware storage area 196 may also store update firmware downloaded from a server device. Furthermore, the firmware storage area 196 may be located in a storage area other than the storage unit 19, in a more secure environment.

[0040] The image processing unit 21 includes an image forming unit 211 and an image input unit 213. The image forming unit 211 feeds paper from the paper feeding unit 25, forms an image on the paper based on image data, and then discharges the paper with the formed image to the paper discharge unit 27. The image forming unit 211 can be configured, for example, by a laser printer employing an electrophotographic method. In this case, the image forming unit 211 performs image formation using toner supplied from a toner cartridge (not shown) corresponding to toner colors (e.g., cyan, magenta, yellow, black).

[0041] The image input unit 213 generates image data by scanning a document. The image input unit 213 can be configured as a scanner device equipped with an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CIS (Contact Image Sensor), as well as an automatic document feeder (ADF) and a flatbed for placing and scanning documents. The configuration of the image input unit 213 is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of reading the reflected light image from the document image with the image sensor. The image input unit 213 can also be configured as an interface capable of acquiring image data stored on a storage medium such as a USB memory or image data transmitted from a terminal device (not shown). The image processing unit 21 may generate image data for image transmission by applying, for example, shading correction or density correction to the image data input from the image input unit 213.

[0042] [1.2 Processing Flow] Next, the processing flow according to the first embodiment will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 4. The processing described in Figure 4 will be explained as processing executed by the control unit 11 by reading the control program 190 (firmware management program 1901), display control program 191, job program 192, processing status determination program 193, etc.

[0043] The control unit 11 checks whether or not an update firmware exists (step S10). The check for the existence of an update firmware is performed, for example, by communicating with a server device (not shown).

[0044] If the existence of the firmware update is confirmed, the control unit 11 determines that the processing status related to the firmware update is at the download stage of the firmware update, and displays a still image icon corresponding to the firmware update (Figure 3(b) "State 1"). (Step S10; Yes → Step S12). On the other hand, if the existence of the firmware update cannot be confirmed, the control unit 11 waits until the existence of the firmware update is confirmed (Step S10; No).

[0045] Next, the control unit 11 starts downloading the firmware update (step S14).

[0046] The control unit 11 then determines whether the download of the firmware update is complete (step S16). If it determines that the download of the firmware update is complete, the control unit 11 determines that the processing status related to the firmware update is at the stage where the downloaded firmware is ready for update, and changes the display mode of the icon from a still image to an animated video (Figure 3(b) "State 2") (step S16; Yes → step S18). On the other hand, if the download of the firmware update is not complete, the control unit 11 continues the download (step S16; No).

[0047] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not it has received the firmware update start trigger input (step S20). In this case, the control unit 11 can determine that it has received the firmware update start trigger input if it has received a firmware update start instruction from the user, or if a certain amount of time has elapsed since the completion of the download of the update firmware.

[0048] When the control unit 11 determines that it has received input for the firmware update start trigger, it determines whether there are any jobs to be executed, such as print jobs, copy jobs, scan jobs, fax transmission jobs, or email transmission jobs (step S20; Yes → step S22). Examples of jobs to be executed include print jobs in spool, jobs currently running, and reserved (standby) jobs. If there is at least one such job among these, it may be determined that there are jobs to be executed, or if there is at least one such job in spool or currently running, it may be determined that there are jobs to be executed. If it is determined that there are jobs to be executed, the control unit 11 temporarily suspends the firmware update (step S22; Yes → step S24). If it is determined that there are no jobs to be executed, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S30 (step S22; No → step S30).

[0049] Next, the control unit 11 executes the execution job (step S26). While the job is running, the control unit 11 may continue to display the animation video related to "State 2". Then, the control unit 11 determines whether the execution job has finished (step S28). If it determines that the execution job has finished, the control unit 11 performs a firmware update (step S28; Yes → step S30). If any error occurs after the firmware update has started, the control unit 11 may display the (Caution) icon exemplified in "State 2B" in Figure 3(b). If it determines that the execution job has not finished, the control unit 11 continues to execute the execution job (step S28; No).

[0050] After the firmware update, the control unit 11 returns the icon display to a still image icon (Figure 3(b) "State 1") and terminates the process (step S32). In this case, the display of the icon related to the firmware update may also be terminated.

[0051] [1.3 Example of Operation] Next, an example of operation according to the first embodiment will be described. Figures 5 to 7 illustrate an example of the display configuration of the home screen W10 according to the first embodiment. Figure 5 shows the display of a still image icon I10 related to "State 1" on the home screen W10 when the firmware update process is in the download stage for the update firmware.

[0052] The home screen W10 is the basic screen that is displayed on the display unit 13, for example, when the power is turned on, when in standby mode, or when recovering from sleep mode, and accepts user instructions and operation inputs. The home screen W10 includes a system information button B10, a job status button B12, a mode selection area R10, a device status display area R12, and a function selection area R14.

[0053] The system information button B10 is an operation object that receives a command to display the system information screen, which will be described later. The system information button B10 is displayed in a predetermined display area on the home screen W10. When the control unit 11 receives a selection command for the system information button B10, it displays the system information screen, which is an aggregated screen that consolidates system information such as information related to device maintenance, such as paper shortages or firmware updates, and device information related to communication settings.

[0054] The system information button B10 functions as a display area having a rectangular display surface capable of displaying text, graphics, etc., related to notification information for the user, if such notification information exists. The system information button B10 illustrated in Figure 5 is an example of a display area that displays the text "System Information," which indicates that the button accepts a command to display the system information screen, and a still image icon I10 of "State 1," which indicates the firmware update processing status (download stage of the update firmware).

[0055] The Job Status button B12 is a button that receives a command to display a job status screen (not shown). When the command to select Job Status button B12 is received, the control unit 11 displays a job status screen that shows jobs that are currently running or waiting using text or icons.

[0056] The mode selection area R10 is a display area that displays shortcut keys for receiving instructions to transition to various setting screens related to the modes and functions that the image forming apparatus 10 can implement. Figure 5 is an example in which the mode selection area R10 displays shortcut keys for "Simple Copy," "Simple Fax," and "Simple Scan," as well as a shortcut key for "Recent Jobs."

[0057] The device status display area R12 is a display area that displays the device status of the image forming apparatus 10. Figure 5 is an example in which the toner level is displayed in the device status display area R12.

[0058] The function selection area R14 is a display area that displays various buttons that accept change instructions, reference instructions, etc., related to the function settings of the image forming apparatus 10. For example, when the “Large Font Mode” button is selected, a check mark appears in the upper right corner of the button, and the font size on the screen increases. Also, when the “Total Pages Used Display” button is selected, a display screen showing the total number of pages used and the remaining toner (displayed as a percentage) is displayed. The “Settings” button accepts instructions to display a system settings screen (not shown).

[0059] Figure 6 shows the animation icon I10 displayed on the home screen W10 when the firmware update process has reached the stage where the downloaded firmware is ready for update.

[0060] The system information button B10 shown in Figure 6 is an example of a display area that functions as an animated video representing icon I10, which contains the string "System Information" indicating that the button accepts a command to display the system information screen, and "State 2" indicating the firmware update processing status (the stage where the firmware update preparation is complete after the download is finished).

[0061] Figure 7 shows the status of the firmware update process, specifically when the firmware update is complete, and displays a still image icon I10 related to "Status 1" on the home screen W10. This is the same as Figure 5.

[0062] By the way, the display control of icons according to the processing status of firmware updates can be performed not only on the home screen W10 as exemplified in Figures 5 to 7, but also on the system information screen displayed by selecting the system information button B10.

[0063] For example, Figure 8 shows an example of the display configuration of the system information screen W20 that the control unit 11 displays in response to a selection instruction from the system information button B10 on the home screen W10 as illustrated in Figures 5 to 7.

[0064] The system information screen W20 includes the device status display area R12, the function selection area R14, the notification display area R16, the machine information display area R18, the paper feed tray display area R20, the close button B14, and the job status button B12. Note that components identical to those described in Figures 5 to 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0065] The notification display area R16 is a display area that displays notifications to the user (error information, event information such as toner depletion or firmware update availability, maintenance information, etc.). The notification display area R16 displays relatively urgent information that the user must respond to quickly in order for the job to continue running. Figure 8 shows an example where the notification content is "There is a firmware update available," along with the still image icon I10 exemplified in "Status 2A" in Figure 3(b). Note that the display of the icon here may be linked to the display in the display area of ​​the system information button B10.

[0066] When the firmware update item is selected in the notification display area R16, a dialog box is displayed to accept an instruction to select whether or not to proceed with the firmware update, similar to the example in Figure 13. When the user selects the "OK" button in the dialog box, the control unit 11 starts the firmware update.

[0067] The machine information display area R18 is a display area that displays information related to the machine status (e.g., communication settings, communication status, etc.). Figure 8 shows an example in which machine information such as IP address, Wi-Fi Direct for connecting devices without a wireless router, remote operation for remotely controlling the image forming apparatus 10, and fax reception settings are displayed in the machine information display area R18. When the firmware update function is enabled, the machine information display area R18 displays an icon and its text related to the firmware update, as well as an [i] button. When the user selects the [i] button, the control unit 11 displays a dialog message corresponding to the processing status of the firmware update. In this case, the control unit 11 can display the same dialog message as when the user selects the firmware update item in the notification display area R16.

[0068] The paper feed tray display area R20 is a display area that displays information about the paper feed tray installed in the image forming apparatus 10, the paper contained in the paper feed tray (paper size, paper type), the remaining amount of paper, etc. In the paper feed tray display area R20, the paper feed tray that is currently feeding paper (operating) may be displayed in a way that allows it to be distinguished from other paper feed trays.

[0069] The close button B14 is a modified version of the system information button B10, which appears when the system information screen W20 is displayed. This button accepts the instruction to end the display of the system information screen W20.

[0070] In the notification display area R16 and machine information display area R18 of the system information screen W20, by controlling the display of icons according to the content of the notification, along with the notification to the user, it is possible to better attract the user's attention.

[0071] As described above, according to the first embodiment, by changing the display manner of the icon corresponding to a firmware update as a specific function according to the processing status related to the realization of the firmware update, it is possible to clearly make the user aware of notifications regarding firmware updates that the user wants to be notified about.

[0072] [2 Second Embodiment] In the second embodiment, when the setting to turn off the operation screen is enabled in a low power consumption mode such as a preheating mode in which the temperature of the fixing unit is lowered and the unit is in standby mode, instead of turning off the operation screen, the device applies scrim to objects other than icons to make the icons stand out.

[0073] The functional configuration and processing flow of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment can be the same as those of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment, so a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0074] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the operation input unit 15 of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment. The operation input unit 15 includes a touch panel display 131, a fax reception / data lamp L10, and a power saving button B16.

[0075] The touch panel display 131 is a display device that can accept touch input from the user. The touch panel display 131 displays various operation screens, such as the home screen, job setting screen, and system information screen, as previously described. Figure 9 shows the home screen W30, with scrim applied to objects other than the icon I10, displayed on the touch panel display 131.

[0076] The fax reception / data lamp L10 is a light-emitting device that indicates the status of the image forming apparatus 10 by using different light emission patterns (on, blinking, off, etc.) depending on the reception of fax data or the job being executed.

[0077] The power saving button B16 is a button that receives a switching instruction to switch the operating mode of the image forming apparatus 10 to auto power shut-off mode. Here, auto power shut-off mode is a type of low power consumption mode in which the power to the operation screen and the fuser unit is turned off, and the device remains in standby mode with the lowest power consumption. When the control unit 11 receives a selection instruction from the user for the power saving button B16, it switches the operating mode of the image forming apparatus 10 to auto power shut-off mode. While the image forming apparatus 10 is in auto power shut-off mode, the operation screen is turned off, and the power saving button B16 blinks. If the blinking power saving button B16 is selected by the user, or if print data or fax data is received, the auto power shut-off mode is deactivated.

[0078] On the other hand, the preheating mode is a type of low-power mode in which the temperature of the fixing unit is lowered and the device remains in a low-power standby state. Although the power saving rate is lower than that of the auto power shut-off mode, the recovery time is faster than that of the auto power shut-off mode. In the preheating mode, it is possible to set whether or not to turn off the operation screen during standby. In the second embodiment, when the setting to turn off the operation screen is enabled in a low-power mode such as the preheating mode, instead of turning off the operation screen, display control is performed by applying scrim to objects other than the icon corresponding to the firmware update. As with the case where the operation screen is turned off, the preheating mode can be deactivated by the user touching the scrimmed operation screen.

[0079] As shown in Figure 9, objects other than the icon I10 corresponding to the firmware update are displayed as a scrimmed operation screen, making the icon I10 stand out even more. On the other hand, display control that scrims the operation screen may be performed only when the icon I10 is an animated video. In the second embodiment, as a means of notifying the status of the firmware update process, for example, a notification sound may be emitted using an audio output device (not shown), or the status of the firmware update process may be notified by a light-emitting device such as a fax receiver / data lamp L10.

[0080] As described above, according to the second embodiment, even when the image forming apparatus 10 is operating in a low power consumption mode such as a preheating mode, the user can be clearly informed of the events that need to be notified.

[0081] [3 Third Embodiment] The third embodiment is an improved version of the dialog box that accepts the selection instruction to enable or disable the firmware update, as described in Figures 8 and 13. Components identical to those described in Figures 8 and 13 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0082] Figure 10 illustrates an example of the display configuration of dialog D10 according to the third embodiment. Dialog D10, as illustrated in Figure 10, is a screen that is automatically displayed when the firmware update setting is in automatic firmware update mode and the update is available. After dialog D10 is displayed, if there is no user activity for a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes), the update will start automatically.

[0083] In the third embodiment, the OK button B60 in the dialog D60 of Figure 14 is changed to the button name "Update Now" button B20, and the Cancel button B62 is changed to the button name "Do Later" button B22. If the user selects the "Do Later" button B22, the control unit 11 closes the dialog D10 and redisplays the dialog D10 after a predetermined time has elapsed (for example, 30 minutes). On the other hand, if the user selects the "Update Now" button B20, the control unit 11 displays the dialog D12, which will be explained in the next figure.

[0084] If the firmware update setting is in manual mode, a dialog box similar to dialog box D10 will be displayed, except that the cancel button B62 is changed to a "close" button. This dialog box will be displayed in response to selection instructions for the firmware update item in the notification display area R16 or the [i] button related to firmware updates in the machine information display area R18. If the user selects the "close" button, the control unit 11 will close the dialog box and will not display the dialog box again until it receives selection instructions for the firmware update item in the notification display area R16 or the [i] button related to firmware updates in the machine information display area R18. On the other hand, the operation when the user selects the "update now" button is the same as in automatic mode.

[0085] Figure 11 illustrates an example of the display configuration of dialog D12, which is displayed by the control unit 11 in response to the selection instruction of the “Update Now” button B20 in dialog D10. Dialog D12 includes an administrator password input box Bx10, an “Execute” button B24, and a “Cancel” button B26.

[0086] The administrator password input box Bx10 is an input box that accepts the password of the administrator (user) who approves the firmware update. The “Execute” button B24 is a button that accepts the administrator (user)'s instruction to execute the firmware update. The “Cancel” button B26 is a button that accepts the instruction to cancel the firmware update.

[0087] When the control unit 11 receives a password input in the administrator password input box Bx10 and the user selects the "Execute" button B24, it verifies the correctness of the entered password. If the control unit 11 determines that the entered password is correct, it starts the firmware update. On the other hand, if it determines that the entered password is incorrect, the control unit 11 prompts the user to enter the correct password.

[0088] By the way, the display time for dialog box D10 can be changed as needed. For example, if the current display interval for dialog box D10 is 10 minutes, it is possible to make this interval longer or shorter.

[0089] As illustrated in Figure 10, changing the button name makes it easier to clearly and unambiguously inform users that the firmware update has been postponed. Furthermore, changing the button name helps users understand that this notification, unlike other notifications, concerns an important event.

[0090] As described above, according to the third embodiment, in addition to controlling the display of icons as objects, by changing the button names of the operation buttons in the displayed dialog, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, it is possible to make it clearer to the user that the notification related to the dialog concerns an important event.

[0091] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible. That is, embodiments obtained by combining technical means that are appropriately modified without departing from the gist of this disclosure are also included in the technical scope of this disclosure.

[0092] Furthermore, although the embodiments described above are explained separately for the sake of explanation, it goes without saying that they may be combined and implemented to the extent that is technically possible.

[0093] Furthermore, in the embodiments, the programs that run in each device are programs that control the CPU and the like (programs that make 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 storage devices such as various ROMs (Read Only Memory) and HDDs, and read, modified, and written by the CPU as needed.

[0094] Here, the computer-readable, non-transient recording medium on which the program in the information processing device is recorded may be any of the following: semiconductor media (e.g., ROM, non-volatile memory card, etc.), optical recording media / magneto-optical recording media (e.g., DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), MO (Magneto Optical Disc), MD (Mini Disc), CD (Compact Disc), BD (Blu-ray® Disc, etc.)), magnetic recording media (e.g., magnetic tape, flexible disk, etc.). In this case, the program recorded on the recording medium is read by the computer of the information processing device and executed by the computer, thereby realizing the functions of the embodiments described above. Furthermore, the functions of this disclosure are realized by processing in cooperation with the operating system or other application programs, etc., based on the instructions of the program.

[0095] Furthermore, when distributing the program to the market, it can be stored on a portable storage 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 computer is, of course, also included in this disclosure.

[0096] Furthermore, each functional block or feature of the apparatus used in the embodiments described above can also be implemented and executed by an electrical circuit, such as an integrated circuit or a plurality of integrated circuits. An electrical circuit designed to realize 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 devices, 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]

[0097] 10 Image forming apparatus 11 Control Unit 13 Display section 15 Operation Input Section 17 Communications Department 19 Memory section 190 Control Program 1901 Firmware Management Program 191 Display control program 192 Job Programs 193 Processing Status Determination Program 194 Job storage area 195 Object Information Storage Area 196 Firmware storage area 21 Image Processing Unit 211 Image forming unit 213 Image Input Section

Claims

1. A display unit that displays objects corresponding to specific functions, It includes a control unit, The control unit, A processing apparatus characterized by changing the display mode of the object according to the processing status related to the realization of the aforementioned specific function.

2. The aforementioned processing status includes multiple processing stages, The processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit changes the display mode of the object for each processing step.

3. The processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the control unit changes the display manner of the object by switching and displaying an image or video corresponding to the specific function at each processing step.

4. The aforementioned specific function is a function related to firmware updates, The processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit changes the display mode of the object for each processing step, at least for each step: the step of downloading the firmware for update, the step of the firmware being ready for update after the download is complete, and the step of the firmware being updated after the download is complete.

5. The processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the control unit displays the object as a still image during the download phase, displays the object as an animated image different from the still image during the update preparation completion phase, and displays the object as a still image during the update completion phase.

6. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit displays the object in a predetermined area of ​​the operation screen of the processing apparatus.

7. The processing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the control unit displays the object in the predetermined area as an operation object that receives a display instruction for a summary screen that aggregates the system information of the processing apparatus.

8. A method of displaying objects corresponding to specific functions, A display method characterized by changing the display mode of the object according to the processing status related to the realization of the specific function.

Images