Processing device, method for controlling the processing device, and computer program

Abstract

Display documents related to computer program updates appropriately. [Solution] A processing device comprising a storage unit and a control unit. The control unit has an update function to update computer programs stored in the storage unit, and controls the display of documents related to the computer programs depending on whether the update function is enabled or not.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Some processing apparatuses have an update function for updating a computer program executed by the processing apparatus, and display a document related to the update of the computer program. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique related to the present disclosure.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present disclosure is to appropriately display a document related to the update of a computer program.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0005] The present disclosure provides a processing apparatus comprising a storage unit and a control unit, wherein the control unit has an update function for updating a computer program stored in the storage unit, and controls display of a document related to the computer program in accordance with whether the update function is valid or not.

[0006] Further, the present disclosure provides a control method for a processing apparatus including a storage unit, the control method having an update function for updating a computer program stored in the storage unit, and controlling display of a document related to the computer program in accordance with whether the update function is valid or not.

[0007] Furthermore, this disclosure provides a computer program that enables a computer to implement an update function for updating a computer program stored in a memory unit, and a function for controlling the display of documents related to the computer program depending on whether the update function is enabled or not. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, documents related to computer program updates can be displayed appropriately. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a conceptual schematic diagram of the system related to this disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram of the image forming apparatus relating to this disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram of the control unit of the image forming apparatus relating to this disclosure. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram of the storage unit of the image forming apparatus relating to this disclosure. [Figure 5] This is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit during the operation mode setting process for a typical firmware update of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 6] This is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit during the operation mode setting process for a typical firmware update of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 7] This is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit during the operation mode setting of a general firmware update process for an image forming apparatus, or during the operation mode setting related to this disclosure. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart for explaining the operating mode settings for the firmware update process of the image forming apparatus related to this disclosure. [Figure 9] This is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit in Operation Example 1 of the image forming apparatus according to this disclosure. [Figure 10] This is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit in Operation Example 1 of the image forming apparatus according to this disclosure. [Figure 11]This is an example of a screen displayed on a display unit in Operation Example 1 of the image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure. [Figure 12] This is an example of a screen displayed on a display unit in Operation Example 1 of the image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure. [Figure 13] This is an example of a screen displayed on a display unit in Operation Example 2 of the image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure. [Figure 14] This is an example of a screen displayed on a display unit in Operation Example 2 of the image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure. [Figure 15] This is an example of a screen displayed on a display unit in Operation Example 3 of the image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure. [Figure 16] This is an example of a screen displayed on a display unit in Operation Example 4 of the image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure. [Figure 17] This is an example of a screen displayed on a display unit in Operation Example 4 of the image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure. [Figure 18] This is an example of a screen displayed on a display unit in Operation Example 5 of the image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure. [Figure 19] This is an example of a screen displayed on a display unit in Operation Example 5 of the image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0010] The present disclosure provides a UI (User Interface) that is easy for users to understand by controlling the display method of a screen related to a document according to the usage status of a computer program update function. Various computer programs can be the targets of update, but the following description will be given taking firmware as an example.

[0011] Some processing apparatuses such as image forming apparatuses have a function of updating the firmware of the main body via a network. Here, the image forming apparatus may be, for example, an apparatus that forms images such as a printer, a scanner, or a facsimile machine, or may be an apparatus called a multifunction peripheral having a plurality of these functions.

[0012] In a general image forming apparatus, regarding the operation of the firmware update function (hereinafter simply referred to as the update function), an administrator (hereinafter also referred to as a user) sets the update method in the system settings. The method by which the update function updates the firmware is also called an operation mode.

[0013] The operation modes include, for example, disable, automatic mode, and administrator confirmation mode, and normally, the update function updates the firmware in accordance with the operation mode preset by the administrator. When the operation mode is disable, the update function is disabled. In this case, in order to update the firmware, an administrator or the like needs to access a distribution server that distributes firmware, download new firmware, and personally perform operations for applying the firmware to the image forming apparatus. In the automatic mode, for example, the image forming apparatus automatically accesses the distribution server in accordance with a preset timing and frequency, and if there is a firmware update, downloads and applies the new firmware. In the administrator confirmation mode, the image forming apparatus automatically accesses the distribution server in accordance with a preset timing and frequency, and if there is a firmware update, downloads the new firmware, but application of the firmware requires permission from the administrator, and the firmware update is executed in accordance with an update execution instruction operation manually performed by the administrator or the like.

[0014] In general image forming apparatuses, the terms of service can be checked at any time regardless of the setting state of the operation mode. For this reason, the terms of service may be displayed even in situations where confirmation is originally unnecessary. Furthermore, when the operation mode is changed, there are cases where confirmation of the terms of service is required and cases where it is not required, but in general image forming apparatuses, the terms of service may be displayed in both cases.

[0015] In contrast, in the image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure, the display state of the terms of service and consent confirmation is appropriately switched in accordance with the change content of the firmware update method (disable / automatic mode / administrator confirmation mode).

[0016] The following embodiments are described as examples of the invention described in the claims, and the technical scope of this disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. Furthermore, the following embodiments describe the case in which the processing apparatus of this disclosure is applied to an image forming apparatus, but the processing apparatus is not limited to an image forming apparatus. For example, this disclosure is applicable to various information processing apparatuses that display documents when updating computer programs such as installed operating systems, driver programs, and application programs, specifically desktop computers, laptop computers, servers, workstations, tablets, smartphones, etc.

[0017] [1. Overall Structure] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of System 1 according to this disclosure. System 1 comprises an image forming apparatus 10 and a server 20, which are connected via a network NW. The image forming apparatus 10 is an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral / Printer), also known as a multifunction device. 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 for multiple processes, such as copying, faxing, scanning, and printing.

[0018] Server 20 is a device to which the image forming apparatus 10 can be connected. In addition to hardware, Server 20 may also utilize services provided on the cloud (such as SaaS (Software as a Service), PaaS (Platform as a Service), IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service), etc.).

[0019] Server 20 is a server that distributes the latest firmware. Network NW is a data communication network, which can be a wired network, a wireless network, or a mixture of wired and wireless networks. Examples include LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), and the Internet. Network NW may also consist of multiple networks. Network NW may also include a mobile communication network.

[0020] Here, System 1 may have one or more image forming apparatus 10 and servers 20, and the functions described in this disclosure may be distributed and executed by multiple servers.

[0021] [2. Hardware Configuration] Figure 2 shows an example of the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 10. The image forming apparatus 10 is an image processing device or information processing device, also called a multifunction device, and typically includes a copy function, an image scanner function, a facsimile function, and a printer function. The image forming apparatus 10 may also include other functions, such as an email sending and receiving function and a file server function.

[0022] The control unit 100 controls the entire image forming apparatus 10. The control unit 100 realizes various functions by reading and executing various computer programs stored in the memory unit 110 (for example, ROM 110A or storage 110C). The control unit 100 may be realized 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] Furthermore, the control unit 100 may control each part of the image forming apparatus 10 described below in accordance with the firmware stored in the firmware storage area 110-1, which will be described later.

[0024] The memory unit 110 stores various computer programs and data necessary for the operation of the image forming apparatus 10. The memory unit 110 may be composed of a ROM (Read Only Memory) 110A, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 110B, a storage device 110C, etc. The ROM 110A is a non-volatile memory that can retain computer programs and data even when the power is turned off, and may store, for example, a BIOS (Basic Input / Output) or firmware. The ROM 110A is also used as the main memory of the control unit 100. The RAM 110B may be a storage device capable of temporary storage, such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0025] Storage 110C is a non-volatile storage device capable of storing computer programs and data. For example, storage 110C may be a non-temporary storage device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) made of semiconductor memory or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) made of magnetic disks. The storage unit 110 may include one or more ROM 110A, RAM 110B, and storage 110C. Although the storage unit 110 is shown as a single configuration for the sake of explanation, it may also be configured as separate devices for each purpose, such as an area used for executing computer programs (main memory area), an area for storing computer programs and data (auxiliary storage area), and an area used for caching.

[0026] The display unit 120 is a display device capable of displaying various information and execution screens. The display unit 120 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) panel. The display unit 120 may be a standalone display device or may include an externally connected display device.

[0027] The operation unit 130 is an operating device that receives operation input from the user. For example, the operation unit 130 may implement hardware keys. The operation unit 130 may also include operation keys such as task keys for instructing the execution of tasks such as sending a fax or reading an image, and a cancel key for instructing the user to cancel an operation.

[0028] Furthermore, the operation unit 130 can be configured using a touch panel that allows input via the display unit 120. When the operation unit 130 is configured as a touch panel, software keys may be implemented via the display unit 120. The operation unit 130 may also detect user touch, tap, swipe operations on displayed objects and acquire coordinate position and pressure information of the touch panel. In this case, common input methods such as resistive touch, infrared touch, electromagnetic induction touch, and capacitive touch can be used as the input method for the touch panel.

[0029] The communication unit 140 is a communication device that connects to a network. The communication unit 140 is composed of interfaces that can connect to, for example, a wired LAN (Local Area Network), a wireless LAN, or an LTE (Long Term Evolution) network. By connecting the communication unit 140 to a network, it becomes connected to other devices and external networks. In addition, the communication unit 140 may also have interfaces that perform short-range wireless communication, such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0030] The connection section 150 is an interface for connecting the image forming apparatus 10 to other devices. For example, the connection section 150 is a USB interface, and a USB memory stick or the like is connected to it. In addition to a USB interface, the connection section 150 may also be an interface such as HDMI (registered trademark).

[0031] The image input unit 160 reads an image (document) and outputs it as image data. The image input unit 160 may be configured as a general scanner (image input device). The image input unit 160 may also input image data from an external storage medium such as a USB memory stick, or it may receive images via a network.

[0032] The image forming unit 170 forms (prints) an image on a medium such as copy paper based on image data. The image forming unit 170, for example, includes an image carrier, forms a toner image on the image carrier, and transfers the image on the image carrier onto recording paper to form an image. The image forming unit 170 may be configured as an image forming device such as a printer. Alternatively, the image forming unit 170 may form an image electronically as an image file. Furthermore, the printing method of the image forming unit 170 is arbitrary; for example, it may be a laser method, an inkjet method, a thermal transfer method, etc. Also, the image forming unit 170 may be a monochrome printer or a color printer.

[0033] [3. Software Configuration] Figure 3 is a block diagram of the control unit 100 of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this disclosure. The control unit 100 includes a firmware update processing unit 100A and a display control unit 100B.

[0034] The firmware update processing unit 100A performs firmware update processing. For example, when the server 20 starts distributing new firmware, the firmware update processing unit 100A may obtain the firmware via the network NW using the communication unit 140. Alternatively, the firmware update processing unit 100A may obtain the firmware via an external storage device such as a USB memory. The firmware update processing unit 100A performs firmware update processing according to the operating mode stored in the operating mode storage area 110-3.

[0035] Furthermore, the firmware update processing unit 100A executes a process to update the firmware currently stored in the firmware storage area 110-1 with the acquired firmware. Hereinafter, the process performed in relation to firmware updates will be referred to as the firmware update process. Also, hereafter, firmware updates will be referred to as firmware updates.

[0036] The display control unit 100B controls the display unit 120 to display a user interface screen related to the firmware update process. Alternatively, the display control unit 100B may, for example, control the display of the user interface screen by providing a web screen to an externally connected terminal device when such a device is connected.

[0037] Figure 4 is a block diagram of the storage unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this disclosure. For example, the storage unit 110 has storage areas for a firmware storage area 110-1, an operating mode storage area 110-3, and a user consent storage area 110-5.

[0038] The firmware storage area 110-1 is an area for storing the firmware of the image forming apparatus 10. Preferably, the firmware is stored in an area that cannot be rewritten unless certain conditions are met. For example, it is preferable that the firmware is stored in a rewritable ROM (EEPROM, flash ROM).

[0039] The operation mode storage area 110-3 is an area for storing data related to the operation mode of the firmware update process. In this embodiment, the operation modes of the firmware update process include "disabled mode," "automatic mode," and "administrator confirmation mode." A detailed explanation of each operation mode will be given later.

[0040] User consent memory area 110-5 is an area that stores when a user agrees to the terms of service. For example, user consent memory area 110-5 stores the user's identification information and time information indicating the time of consent, assuming that the user has given their consent. If the terms of service for automatic mode and administrator verification mode are different, user identification information and time information indicating the time of consent are stored for both automatic mode and administrator verification mode, assuming that the user has given their consent.

[0041] Here, user consent means that the user has reviewed and agreed (including acceptance, etc.) to the terms of service. The control unit 100 obtains that the user has given consent when the user performs a predetermined operation.

[0042] [4. How to set the operating mode for general firmware update processes] Before describing the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this disclosure, an example of the screen displayed on the display unit 120 when the image forming apparatus 10 performs a general firmware update process operation mode setting method will be described.

[0043] There are two operating modes for the firmware update process of the image forming apparatus 10 related to this disclosure: "enabled mode" and "disabled mode." Furthermore, "enabled mode" may include "automatic mode" and "administrator confirmation mode." The "disabled mode," "automatic mode," and "administrator confirmation mode" will be described below.

[0044] When the operating mode is "disabled mode," the firmware update process does not function. If the operating mode is "disabled mode," even if the communication unit 140 receives a notification from the server 20 that the distribution of the latest firmware has begun, the control unit 100 will not execute the firmware update process.

[0045] When the operating mode is set to "automatic mode," the control unit 100 begins downloading the firmware from the server 20 when the communication unit 140 receives a notification from the server 20 that the distribution of the latest firmware has begun. Once the firmware download is complete, the control unit 100 updates the currently running firmware with the received firmware.

[0046] Furthermore, when the operating mode is "automatic mode," the control unit 100 may control the restart of the image forming apparatus 10 if a restart of the image forming apparatus 10 is necessary for firmware application. For example, the control unit 100 may automatically restart the image forming apparatus 10 as needed. Also, when the operating mode is "automatic mode," the control unit 100 may update the image forming apparatus 10 with the received firmware the next time it restarts. In addition, the control unit 100 may allow the user to choose whether or not to restart.

[0047] When the operating mode is "administrator confirmation mode," the control unit 100 begins downloading the firmware from the server 20 when the communication unit 140 receives a notification from the server 20 that the distribution of the latest firmware has begun. Once the firmware download is complete, the control unit 100 may notify the administrator or other relevant party by displaying on the display unit 120 that the firmware is ready to be updated. When the administrator or other relevant party issues an instruction and confirmation to perform the update, the control unit 100 updates the currently running firmware with the received firmware. The control unit 100 may also control the restart of the image forming apparatus 10, similar to the "automatic mode."

[0048] Furthermore, when the operating mode is "administrator confirmation mode," the control unit 100 may send a notification when the communication unit 140 receives a notification from the server 20 that the distribution of the latest firmware has begun. The control unit 100 may then receive the firmware after the administrator has confirmed it.

[0049] Screen D1 in Figure 5 is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 120 when the image forming apparatus 10 sets the operating mode for a general firmware update process. Screen D1 is an example of a screen displayed when the operating mode is set to disabled (disabled mode).

[0050] For example, screen D1 may display a registration button D101, an update button D103, a terms of service display button D105, and an operation mode change button D107. The registration button D101 is a button that allows a user, such as the administrator of the image forming apparatus 10, to register the values ​​entered as firmware update settings on screen D1 to the image forming apparatus 10. The update button D103 is a reload button, which updates the display state of screen D1 to the latest state, for example. The terms of service display button D105 is a button that displays the terms of service for the firmware, and is a button that displays screen D5 in Figure 7, which will be described later.

[0051] The operation mode change button D107 can display the current operation mode of the image forming apparatus 10. The operation mode change button D107 may also allow the user to change the operation mode.

[0052] The operation mode change button D107 may be displayed as a pull-down menu, for example, and depending on the operation of the operation mode change button D107, a menu (not shown) including other operation modes such as "automatic mode" and "administrator confirmation mode" may be displayed.

[0053] Screen D3 in Figure 6 is an example of another screen displayed on the display unit 120 when the image forming apparatus 10 sets the operating mode for a general firmware update process. Screen D3 is an example of a screen displayed when the operating mode is set to automatic mode. Screen D3 is similar to screen D1 in that it has a registration button D101, an update button D103, and a terms of service display button D105, but it differs in that the operating mode change button D107 has become the operating mode change button D301. The operating mode change button D301 is the state after the operating mode change button D107 has been operated and "automatic mode" has been selected in the pull-down menu, and is essentially the same button.

[0054] Screen D5 in Figure 7 is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 120 during the operation mode setting of a general firmware update process for the image forming apparatus 10 or the operation mode setting according to this disclosure. When the terms of service display button D105 is operated on screen D1, screen D5 is displayed. Alternatively, screen D5 may be displayed when the terms of service display button D105 is operated on screen D3.

[0055] Screen D5 has a back button D501, a terms of service display area D503, and a scroll bar D505. The back button D501 is used to return from screen D5 to the screen that was displayed immediately before it. For example, if the user transitions from screen D1 to screen D5 due to the operation of the terms of service display button D105 on screen D1, screen D1 will be displayed in response to the operation of the back button D501. Similarly, if the user transitions to screen D5 due to the operation of the terms of service display button D105 on screen D3, screen D3 may be displayed in response to the operation of the back button D501. The terms of service display area D503 is a field for displaying documents related to the firmware (in this case, the text of the terms of service for the firmware update service). The scroll bar D505 is used to scroll the terms of service display area D503 up and down. If the text of the terms of service does not fit in the terms of service display area D503, the entire text can be read by operating the scroll bar D505 up and down. Furthermore, screen D5 does not include any display elements (such as a checkbox or button to indicate agreement) for the user to input their consent to the terms of service.

[0056] In the typical firmware update process's operating mode settings, the Terms of Service display button D105 is displayed on screen D1, where the operating mode is disabled, and on screen D3, where the operating mode is set to automatic mode. However, when the operating mode is disabled, the firmware update service is not used, so the user of the image forming apparatus 10 does not need to check its terms of service. Even though there is no need to display the Terms of Service display button D105 on screen D1, where the operating mode is disabled, the Terms of Service display button D105 is still provided. As a result, screen D1 presents the user with unnecessary options.

[0057] Furthermore, when the operating mode is set to automatic mode, the firmware update service is used, so administrators of the image forming apparatus 10 are required to check the terms of service. However, some users do not operate the terms of service display button D105 to display the terms of service display area D503. As a result, there are cases where the firmware update service is used without the terms of service being checked.

[0058] Furthermore, in the standard firmware update process's operating mode settings, as mentioned above, the screen displaying the terms of service text did not include a display element for the user to indicate their agreement to the terms of service.

[0059] [5. Processing Flow] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the firmware update setting process for the image forming apparatus 10 according to this disclosure. While it is preferable that any of the configurations described in Figure 3 perform the following processes as appropriate, for the sake of explanation, these processes will be described as being performed by the control unit 100.

[0060] Initially, the operating mode of the firmware update function is stored as disabled mode in the operating mode memory area 110-3. In other words, the firmware update function is "disabled" in the image forming apparatus 10.

[0061] The control unit 100 determines whether it has received an operation from the user via the operation unit 130 to change the operating mode from disabled mode (S1). If the control unit 100 does not receive an operation from the user to change the operating mode, it waits until it receives an operation from the user to change the operating mode (S1, no). In other words, in S1, the control unit 100 determines whether the firmware update function of the image forming apparatus 10 has been enabled from disabled.

[0062] Next, if the control unit 100 receives a request from the user to change the operating mode from disabled mode (S1, yes), the control unit 100 displays the terms of service on the display unit 120 (S3). The control unit 100 may display the terms of service in a scrollable state, or it may display them on a different screen (for example, a pop-up screen).

[0063] Furthermore, the control unit 100 may display, along with the terms of use, a display element on the display unit 120 for inputting an agreement to the terms of use. Hereinafter, the display element for indicating agreement to the terms of use will be referred to as the agreement display element. The agreement display element is a display element for responding to (agreeing to) the terms of use (document). Various forms of agreement display elements are conceivable, such as checkboxes, radio buttons, and text input fields.

[0064] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether consent has been received from the user (S5). For example, the control unit 100 may determine that consent has been received from the user if it receives an operation from the user via the operation unit 130 indicating that the user agrees to the terms of service. If no operation indicating agreement to the terms of service is received (S5, No), the control unit 100 may wait until an operation indicating consent is received. The control unit 100 may also terminate the firmware update process if no consent operation is received within a predetermined time, or if the user cancels the process.

[0065] If the user agrees to the terms of service (S5, Yes), the control unit 100 stores the fact that the user has agreed in the user consent storage area 110-5. Here, the control unit 100 stores information indicating that consent has been given, for example, it may also store the time when consent was given. Furthermore, if the terms of service differ depending on the operating mode, the control unit 100 may also store information regarding the operating mode to which consent was given. The control unit 100 may also store information regarding the user who gave consent.

[0066] Then, the control unit 100 terminates the display of the terms of service upon the user's consent (S7). If the user requests to redisplay the terms of service via the operation unit 130 (S9, yes), the control unit 100 can display the terms of service again (S11).

[0067] Here, since the user has already agreed to the terms of service, it is preferable that the control unit 100 does not display the consent indicator element in S11, unlike the display of the terms of service in S3. For example, when displaying the terms of service, the control unit 100 may refer to the information stored in the user consent storage area 110-5 and determine whether or not to display the consent indicator element based on whether or not information indicating that the user has given consent is stored there.

[0068] In Figure 8, the control unit 100 explained an example of not displaying the consent indicator element by showing the second display of the terms of service (re-display of the terms of service). However, the consent indicator element does not need to be displayed in other cases, such as those listed below.

[0069] (1) When there is already information stored in the user consent memory area 110-5 For example, if the information based on the environment in which the terms of service are currently being displayed is already stored in the user consent storage area 110-5, the control unit 100 may omit (hide) the display of the consent display elements. For example, if the terms of service are the same as those displayed last time, if the operating mode is the same as when the terms of service were displayed last time, or if it is the same user as when the terms of service were displayed last time, the consent display elements do not need to be displayed.

[0070] (2) When it is within the specified time from the time of the previous agreement For example, the control unit 100 may omit displaying the consent indicator if the elapsed time since the time of consent stored in the previous user consent storage area 110-5 is within a predetermined time. For example, if the elapsed time since the time of previous consent is within 10 seconds or 30 seconds, it is highly likely that the consent is for the same terms of use, so the control unit 100 does not need to display the consent indicator.

[0071] If the user does not respond to the operation to redisplay the terms of service (S9, No), the control unit 100 terminates the process. For example, if the user does not select to redisplay the terms of service and instead navigates to another menu, the control unit 100 terminates the update process.

[0072] [6. Example of Operation] [6.1 Example of Operation 1] Screens D7 to D13 in Figures 9 to 12 are examples of firmware update setting screens displayed on the display unit 120 in Operation Example 1 of the image forming apparatus according to this disclosure. In Operation Example 1, the firmware update function is initially set to disabled. Furthermore, the terms of use are the same whether the firmware update function is in automatic mode or administrator confirmation mode.

[0073] Screen D7 is an example of the screen displayed on S1. Initially, the firmware update function's operating mode is set to disabled, so the operating mode change button D107 displays "Disabled".

[0074] As indicated on the operation mode change button D107, the firmware update function is currently disabled, and therefore there is no need to display the terms of service to the user. Consequently, screen D7 does not have the terms of service display button D105 or the terms of service display field D901, which will be described later. Furthermore, since there is no need to ask the user to agree to the terms of service, screen D7 does not have an agreement display element.

[0075] Screen D9 is an example of a screen displayed in S3. In screen D7, the operation mode change button D107 is operated via the operation unit 130 to change the operation mode from disabled to automatic mode. After this, the control unit 100 transitions the display on the display unit 120 from screen D7 to screen D9. While screen D7 showed the operation mode change button D107, screen D9 shows the operation mode change button D301, and the operation mode display shows automatic mode.

[0076] Screen D9 also includes a terms of service display area D901, a scroll bar D903, and an agreement checkbox (CB) D905.

[0077] The Terms of Use display field D901 is a field for displaying the text of the Terms of Use. The text displayed in the Terms of Use display field D901 in Figure 10 is a schematic illustration of the concept, and the content of the Terms of Use text is arbitrary.

[0078] The scroll bar D903 is a display element for scrolling the display of the Terms of Service display field D901 up and down when the entire text cannot be displayed within the area of ​​the Terms of Service display field D901. When the scroll bar D903 is operated up and down via the operation unit 130, the control unit 100 scrolls the text displayed in the Terms of Service display field D901 up and down in accordance with that operation.

[0079] The consent CB D905 is a type of consent indicator element. If the user agrees to the terms of use, they may register the input content indicating that the user has agreed to the terms of use in the image forming apparatus 10 by checking the consent CB D905 via the operation unit 130 and operating the registration button D101.

[0080] The control unit 100 may control whether the consent CB D905 is in a state where it can accept check input (active state) or not (inactive state). The control unit 100 may notify the user of the status of the consent CB D905 by graying it out when it is in an inactive state, and by displaying it normally when it is in an active state.

[0081] Before the full text of the terms of service is displayed in the terms of service display area D901 by interacting with the scroll bar D903, the consent CB D905 may be displayed in an inactive state and not accept any interaction with it. However, after the full text is displayed, the consent CB D905 may be displayed in an active state and accept any interaction with it. This allows the user to be prompted to review the full text.

[0082] Alternatively, regardless of whether the full text is displayed in the Terms of Service display field D901, the consent form D905 may be displayed in an active state, and the system may accept actions on the consent form D905.

[0083] If the registration button D101 is operated while the consent CB D905 is not checked (i.e., no input indicating agreement to the terms of service has been made in the consent display element), the control unit 100 may display a message prompting the user to check the consent CB D905. The message may be, for example, "Please review the firmware update service terms of service and check [I agree to the terms of service]."

[0084] Screen D11 is an example of a screen displayed in S7. When the consent CB D905 is checked and the registration button D101 is operated via the operation unit 130 on screen D9, the control unit 100 transitions the display on the display unit 120 from screen D9 to D11. On screen D11, the terms of service display button D105 is displayed instead of the terms of service display field D901, while the scroll bar D903 and consent CB D905 are hidden.

[0085] In S5, the user has already agreed to the terms of service, so there is no need to display the terms of service in S7. However, a button D105 to display the terms of service is provided on screen D11 so that the user can review the terms of service again. Similarly, in S5, the user has already agreed to the terms of service, so the agreement button D905 is hidden on screen D11.

[0086] Screen D13 is an example of a screen displayed in screen D11 when the user operates the operation mode change button D301 to change the operation mode from automatic mode to administrator confirmation mode. In response to the operation of the operation mode change button D301, the control unit 100 changes the operation mode change button D301 to the operation mode change button D1301.

[0087] In Operation Example 1, the terms of service are the same in both automatic mode and administrator confirmation mode. Also, screen D13 is displayed after agreeing to the terms of service in S5. For this reason, on screen D13, similar to screen D11, the terms of service display field D901 is hidden, and instead the terms of service display button D105 is displayed. Depending on the user's actions on the terms of service display button D105, the screen transitions to screen D5, allowing the user to reconfirm the terms of service as needed. Also, similar to screen D11, since agreement to the terms of service has already been confirmed, the agreement CB D905 is hidden on screen D13.

[0088] As shown in Operation Example 1 above, when the operation mode is disabled, the Terms of Service display field D901 and the consent CB D905 are hidden, while when the operation mode is changed from disabled to automatic mode, the Terms of Service display field D901 and the consent CB D905 are displayed. This allows the display of the Terms of Service to be controlled according to the operation mode.

[0089] Furthermore, according to Operation Example 1, after the consent CB D905 is checked and consent to the terms of service is registered, the terms of service display button D105 is displayed instead of the terms of service display field D901, and the consent CB D905 is hidden. This allows the display of the terms of service and consent display elements to be controlled depending on whether or not the terms of service have been agreed to.

[0090] [6.2 Example of Operation 2] In Operation Example 2, the terms of use differ depending on whether the firmware update function is in automatic mode or administrator confirmation mode. Screens D15 and D17 in Figures 13 and 14 are examples of screens displayed on the display unit 120 in Operation Example 2 of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this disclosure.

[0091] Screen D15 corresponds to screen D13 in Operation Example 1, and is an example of the screen displayed when the user changes the operation mode from automatic mode to administrator confirmation mode by operating the operation mode change button D301 on screen D11. In Operation Example 1, the terms of service for automatic mode and administrator confirmation mode were the same, so even when the operation mode was changed from automatic mode to administrator confirmation mode by operating the operation mode change button D301 on screen D11, it was not necessary to ask the user to agree to the terms of service again. In contrast, in Operation Example 2, the terms of service for automatic mode and administrator confirmation mode are different, so it is necessary to ask the user to agree again. For this reason, unlike screen D13, screen D15 has a terms of service display field D901, a scroll bar D903, and an agreement CB D905.

[0092] To make it easier for users to recognize the differences between the terms of service for automatic mode and administrator-approved mode, it is preferable that the terms of service display field D901 displays the terms of service for administrator-approved mode in a way that highlights the differences from the terms of service for automatic mode. For example, the control unit 100 may display the terms of service in a scrolled-out state so that the differences from the terms of service for automatic mode are displayed as the first line of the terms of service display field D901. Alternatively, the control unit 100 may highlight the strings that differ from the terms of service for automatic mode in a different color (e.g., red) from other strings to draw the user's attention, or it may highlight the different strings with a marker (color the background of the strings), or it may underline the different strings, or a combination of these methods may be applied.

[0093] Screen D17 is an example of the screen displayed when the registration button D101 is operated after the consent check box D905 on screen D15 has been checked. Since the user's consent has been registered, as with screen D13, the terms of service display button D105 is displayed on screen D17 instead of the terms of service display field D901. Also, the consent check box D905 is hidden on screen D17.

[0094] According to Operation Example 2, the same effect as in Operation Example 1 can be obtained. Furthermore, according to Operation Example 2, if the terms of service for automatic mode and administrator verification mode are different, even after the user has registered their agreement to the terms of service for automatic mode, the user can be asked to agree to the terms of service for administrator verification mode again. Note that while Operation Example 2 describes the case of changing from automatic mode to administrator verification mode, the same applies to the case of changing from administrator verification mode to automatic mode.

[0095] [6.3 Example of Operation 3] In Operation Example 3, the screen displayed in S3 is different from that in Operation Example 1. In Operation Example 1, screen D9 was displayed in S3, but in Operation Example 3, screen D19 in Figure 15 is displayed. The arrangement of the terms of service display area D901, scroll bar D903, and consent CB D905 is different between screen D9 and screen D19.

[0096] In screen D9, the consent form D905 was placed below the terms of service display area D901 and the scroll bar D903. Therefore, there is a risk that users may not notice the consent form D905. In contrast, in screen D19, the consent form D905 is placed above the terms of service display area D901 and the scroll bar D903. Therefore, according to screen D19, users are more likely to notice the consent form D905.

[0097] Furthermore, in order to make the consent CB D905 more noticeable to users, in addition to placing the consent CB D905 near the center of the screen as shown in screen D19, you may also apply methods such as increasing the font size of the text accompanying the consent CB D905, changing the text color, underlining it, or making it blink, or you may apply a combination of these methods.

[0098] [6.4 Operation Example 4] In Operation Example 4, the screen displayed in S3 differs from that in Operation Example 1. In Operation Example 1, screen D9 was displayed in S3, but in Operation Example 3, screen D21 in Figure 16 is displayed, and screen D23 in Figure 17 is displayed in response to the operation of the registration button D101. The difference between screen D9 and screen D21 is the presence or absence of the consent CB D905. Also, the operation in response to the operation of the registration button D101 differs between screen D9 and screen D21.

[0099] In Operation Example 1, when the registration button D101 is operated with the consent CB D905 checked on screen D9, the user's consent input is registered in the image forming apparatus 10. In contrast, in Operation Example 4, when the registration button D101 is operated on screen D21, the control unit 100 transitions the display on the display unit 120 from screen D21 to screen 23 in response to this operation.

[0100] Screen D23 is a screen in which dialog D2301 is overlaid on screen D21. Dialog D2301 has a terms of service display area D2303, a scroll bar D2305, an agree button D2307, and a disagree button D2309.

[0101] The Terms of Service display field D2303 is a field for displaying the text of the Terms of Service. The scroll bar D2305 is a scroll bar for scrolling up and down the text displayed in the Terms of Service display field D2303.

[0102] The consent button D2307 is an example of a consent display element and is a button for receiving input indicating that the user has agreed to the terms of service displayed in the terms of service display field D2303. When the consent button D2307 is operated via the operation unit 130, the control unit 100 stores the fact that the user has agreed to the terms of service in the user consent storage area 110-5, proceeds to S7, and displays screen D11 on the display unit 120.

[0103] The Disagree button D2309 is a button that accepts input from the user indicating that they do not agree to the terms of service displayed in the terms of service display area D2303. When the Agreement button D2307 is operated via the Operation Unit 130, the Control Unit 100 transitions the display on the Display Unit 120 from screen D23 to screen D21. In this case, the Control Unit 100 does not store the user's agreement in the user agreement storage area 110-5.

[0104] According to Operation Example 4, the terms of service are displayed in the terms of service display field D901 on screen D21, and then the terms of service are displayed again in the terms of service display field D2303 within the dialog box D2301 overlaid on screen D23, while the consent button D2307 is displayed. By displaying the terms of service in a dialog box in this way, the user is more strongly required to acknowledge the terms of service, and then the user's consent can be requested through the consent button D2307 in the same dialog box. Note that in the above example, the terms of service display fields D901 and D2303 are provided on both screens D21 and D23, but they may be provided on only one of them.

[0105] [6.5 Example of Operation 5] In Operation Example 5, as in Operation Example 2, the terms of use differ depending on whether the firmware update function is in automatic mode or administrator confirmation mode. Screens D25 and D27 in Figures 18 and 19 are examples of screens displayed on the display unit 120 in Operation Example 5 of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this disclosure.

[0106] Similar to Operation Example 2, in Operation Example 5, the terms of service differ between automatic mode and administrator confirmation mode, so it is necessary to ask the user to agree to the terms of service again. However, on screen D25, instead of providing a terms of service display field D901, a scroll bar D903, and an agreement CB D905, the behavior in response to operation on the registration button D101 is changed.

[0107] When the registration button D101 is operated via the operation unit 130, the control unit 100 transitions the display on the display unit 120 from screen D25 to screen D27.

[0108] Screen D27 is a screen with dialog D2601 overlaid on screen D25. Dialog D2601 has a terms of service display area D2603, a scroll bar D2605, an agree button D2607, a disagree button D2609, and a highlighting D2611. The terms of service display area D2603, scroll bar D2605, agree button D2607, and disagree button D2609 are the same as the terms of service display area D2303, scroll bar D2305, agree button D2307, and disagree button D2309 in operation example 4, respectively.

[0109] Highlight D2611 highlights the differences in the terms of service between automatic mode and administrator-approved mode, and the areas filled with diagonal lines in the diagram are colored with a yellow marker. In highlight D2611, a yellow marker is used to highlight the display, but other methods may be used. Other methods include changing the font size, changing the font type, underlining, blinking, or changing the font color. These methods may also be applied in combination.

[0110] According to Operation Example 5, the same effect as in Operation Example 2 can be obtained. In addition, according to Operation Example 5, the highlighting D2611 makes it easier for users to recognize differences in the terms of service. Note that while Operation Example 5 describes the case of changing from automatic mode to administrator confirmation mode, the same applies to the case of changing from administrator confirmation mode to automatic mode.

[0111] [6.6 Example of Operation 6] Examples 1-5 above illustrate how the operation mode changes from disabled to enabled (automatic mode or administrator confirmation mode). Example 6 illustrates how the operation mode changes from enabled to disabled mode.

[0112] Initially, the firmware update function operates in either automatic mode or administrator-approved mode. In automatic mode, for example, screen D11 in Figure 11 is displayed. In administrator-approved mode, for example, screen D13 in Figure 12 is displayed. Both screens D11 and D13 have a terms of service display button D105.

[0113] Now, let's assume that the operation mode change button D301 on screen D11, or the operation mode change button D1301 on screen D13, is operated, and the operation mode is changed to disabled mode. At this time, the control unit 100 transitions the screen displayed on the display unit 120 from screen D11 / D13 to screen D7 in Figure 9. As shown in Figure 9, screen D7 does not have the terms of service display button D105.

[0114] According to example 6, when the operating mode is changed from automatic mode or administrator confirmation mode to disabled mode (i.e., the update function is changed from enabled to disabled), the Terms of Service display button D105, which was displayed on screens D11 and D13 before the change, becomes hidden on screen D7 after the change.

[0115] In addition, in Operation Example 6, on screens D11 and D13, at least a portion of the Terms of Service text may be displayed instead of the Terms of Service display button D105. Also, in Operation Example 6, on screens D11 and D13, an agreement indicator element such as the agreement checkbox (CB) D905 may be displayed along with the Terms of Service display button D105 or at least a portion of the Terms of Service text. In this case, on screen D7 after the operation mode has been changed from enabled to disabled, not only the Terms of Service display button D105 but also the Terms of Service text and the agreement indicator element may be hidden.

[0116] [7. Variant] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and variations 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. The configurations for which patent is sought in this disclosure are described in the attached claims, but there is no intention to exclude them from the technical scope on the grounds that they are not described in the claims.

[0117] In the embodiments described above, the display of firmware terms of use related to firmware updates for the image forming apparatus 10 was used as an example, but the method of this disclosure can be similarly applied to the display of documents related to computer programs for other processing devices. For example, the method of this disclosure can be applied to the display of documents related to updates to the OS, driver programs, and application programs of desktop computers and laptop computers.

[0118] 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.

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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.

[0121] In the embodiments, the computer program running in each device is a program that controls the CPU and other components (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 (e.g., RAM) during processing, and then stored in various storage devices such as ROM (Read Only Memory), HDD, SSD (Solid State Drive), etc., and read, modified, and written by the CPU as needed.

[0122] Here, the recording medium for storing the computer program may be any of the following: semiconductor media (e.g., ROM, non-volatile memory cards, 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.). Furthermore, the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized not only by executing the loaded computer program, but also by processing in cooperation with the operating system or other application programs based on the instructions of the computer program.

[0123] Furthermore, when distributing the software to the market, the computer program 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. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 1 System 10 Image forming apparatus 20 servers 100 Control Unit 100A Firmware Update Processing Unit 100B Display Control Unit 110 Storage section 110-1 Firmware storage area 110-3 Operating Mode Memory Area 110-5 User Consent Storage Area 110A ROM 110B RAM 110C Storage 120 Display section 130 Operation section 140 Communications Department 150 connection part 160 Image Input Section 170 Image forming unit

Claims

1. It comprises a memory unit and a control unit, The control unit, The memory unit has an update function to update the computer program stored in the memory unit, Depending on whether the update function is enabled or not, the display of the document related to the computer program is controlled. Processing device.

2. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, which controls whether or not to display a display element for responding to the document depending on whether or not the update function is enabled.

3. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit hides the document when the update function is changed from enabled to disabled.

4. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit displays the document when the update function is changed from disabled to enabled.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the update function has multiple operating modes.

6. The processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein when the operating mode of the update function is changed from one operating mode to another, the control unit displays a display element for responding to the document without displaying the document.

7. The processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control unit displays different documents depending on the operating mode.

8. In a control method for a processing device equipped with a memory unit, The memory unit has an update function to update the computer program stored in the memory unit, Depending on whether the update function is enabled or not, the display of the document related to the computer program is controlled. A method for controlling a processing unit.

9. An update function that updates computer programs stored in the memory unit, A function to control the display of documents related to the computer program depending on whether the update function is enabled or not, A computer program that enables a computer to realize something.

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