Image forming apparatus, screen display method and program for image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus that, for example, is convenient for a user when the user performs a returning operation on a content selection screen.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus (10) comprises an image forming unit (59) that performs printout according to content data, and makes a transition of screen display on a display (16) from a home screen (90) to a content selection screen (120) for selecting the content data. When a return button (142) is operated on the content selection screen, screen transition control units (54, 164) make a transition to a previous screen from the content selection screen. The screen transition control units make a transition to different previous screens depending on whether the transition to the content selection screen is made from the home screen according to a first procedure or the transition to the content selection screen is made according to a second procedure.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a screen display method in the image forming apparatus, and a program, and particularly, for example, to an image forming apparatus, a screen display method in the image forming apparatus, and a program that transition to a specific menu screen by reading a two-dimensional code.

Background Art

[0002] An example of the technology that is the background of this invention using a two-dimensional code is disclosed in Patent Document 1. In the image forming system disclosed in Patent Document 1, it accepts a document file designation stored in a server, displays a two-dimensional code indicating the URL of the designated document file on a mobile terminal, reads the two-dimensional code, and acquires and prints the corresponding document file from the server.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Conventionally, on the screen operated by the user, most are equipped with a button for returning to the previous screen, and when the return button is pressed, most can return to the previous screen and redo the operation.

[0005] For example, even when printing data is selected by reading a two-dimensional code on the home screen, if the user wants to perform printing other than the selected data, it is not user-friendly to return to the state of the home screen, which is the previous screen, by the return button.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a novel image forming apparatus, a screen display method in the image forming apparatus, and a program.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, a screen display method in the image forming apparatus, and a program that are easy to operate for the user by controlling the screen to return from the content selection screen when a return operation is performed on the content selection screen, for example.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention adopts the following configuration. The reference numerals and supplementary explanations in parentheses, etc., show the correspondence with the embodiments described to assist the understanding of the present invention, and do not limit the present invention in any way.

[0009] The first Example is Display unit , an operation unit, a two-dimensional code reader Unit, drawing image forming unit And a display control unit that switches between a plurality of operation screens and causes them to be displayed on the display unit An image forming apparatus comprising The display control unit displays a home screen including a first button for transitioning to a screen for selecting a print service and a first two-dimensional code button for transitioning to a screen for prompting reading of a two-dimensional code. When the first button is operated, a print service selection screen including a second button for transitioning to a screen for inputting a service number and a second two-dimensional code button for transitioning to a screen for prompting reading of a two-dimensional code is displayed. When the second button is operated, a service number input screen for inputting a service number is displayed. When the first two-dimensional code button or the second two-dimensional code button is operated, a two-dimensional code input screen for inputting a two-dimensional code is displayed. The image forming unit performs a print output based on the selected print service after a service number is input on the service number input screen or a two-dimensional code is read on the two-dimensional code input screen. is an image forming apparatus.

[0010] First Example In Not intended to be limiting reference numerals. The same shall apply hereinafter.) is Display unit (16), an operation unit (44), a two-dimensional code reader Unit (20), drawing image forming unit (59) And a display control unit (40) that switches between a plurality of operation screens and causes them to be displayed on the display unit comprises. The display control unit (40) displays a home screen (90) including a first button (94) for transitioning to a screen for selecting a print service and a first two-dimensional code button (146) for transitioning to a screen for prompting reading of a two-dimensional code. When the first button is operated on this home screen, the display control unit (40) displays a print service selection screen (96) including a second button (104) for transitioning to a screen for inputting a service number and a second two-dimensional code button (122) for transitioning to a screen for prompting reading of a two-dimensional code. When the second button is operated on this print service selection screen, the display control unit (40) displays a service number input screen (106) for inputting a service number. When the first two-dimensional code button or the second two-dimensional code button is operated on the home screen or the print service selection screen, the display control unit (40) displays a two-dimensional code input screen (126) for inputting a two-dimensional code. The image forming unit performs a print output based on the selected print service after a service number is input on the service number input screen or a two-dimensional code is read on the two-dimensional code input screen .

[0011] According to the first Example , Since the print service to be printed can be selected by either a service number or a two-dimensional code, an image forming apparatus that is easy to operate for the user can be obtained.

[0012] The second Example is subordinate to the first Example An image forming apparatus , The first two-dimensional code button and the second two-dimensional code button have the same shape. .

[0014] The third Example is subordinate to the first or second Example and An image forming apparatus , The two-dimensional code reading unit is provided within the range in the width direction of the display unit and at a position lower than the display unit in the vertical direction.

[0016] The fourth Example is subordinate to the third Example and An image forming apparatus , The two-dimensional code reading unit is provided on the front side of the display unit. .

[0018] The fifth Example is a screen display program executable by a computer of an image forming apparatus including an operation unit, a two-dimensional code reading unit, and an image forming unit that performs print output. The screen display program Display unit , and Based on the selected print service is the screen display program. A home screen including a first button for transitioning to a screen for selecting a print service and a first two-dimensional code button for transitioning to a screen for prompting the reading of a two-dimensional code is displayed. When the first button is operated, a print service selection screen including a second button for transitioning to a screen for inputting a service number and a second two-dimensional code button for transitioning to a screen for prompting the reading of a two-dimensional code is displayed. When the second button is operated, a service number input screen for inputting a service number is displayed. The print service to be printed by the image forming unit is selected after a service number is input on the service number input screen or a two-dimensional code is read on the two-dimensional code input screen.

Advantages of the Invention

[0020] According to this invention, when a return operation is performed on a specific menu screen, for example, a content selection screen, by controlling the screen transition returning from the content selection screen, an image forming apparatus with good operability for the user can be obtained.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

[0022] Referring to FIG. 1, the multifunction machine 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed in a public space such as a convenience store or a supermarket, assuming that it is used by an unspecified number of people.

[0023] The multifunction machine 10 has a plurality of functions such as a copying function, a printer function, an image scanner function, and a facsimile function. The multifunction machine 10 having these functions is an image forming apparatus and can provide various services such as a print service, a fax service, a scan service, and an administrative service.

[0024] In the copy service, the image of the original can be read and the read image can be formed (printed) on a sheet of paper as an image recording medium. That is, the image of the original can be copied onto the paper. Examples of the paper here include plain paper, glossy paper, and photographic paper. Also, in this copy service, various functions are provided, such as copying the front and back sides of a card such as a license on one sheet of paper.

[0025] The printing services include PDF printing service, photo printing service, network printing service, and content printing service.

[0026] In the PDF printing service, an image based on a PDF file stored in a medium as an external storage medium can be formed on paper. The media mentioned here include semiconductor memory type media such as USB memory and SD memory cards, and disk type media such as CDs and DVDs.

[0027] In the photo printing service, a photo image based on an image file in a predetermined format stored in the aforementioned medium can be formed on paper, that is, the image file can be printed.

[0028] In the network printing service, files pre-registered on a dedicated website can be printed. The files that can be registered on the dedicated website mentioned here include PDF files, image files in a predetermined format, and files created by predetermined application software such as predetermined document creation software and predetermined spreadsheet software.

[0029] In the content printing service, various contents such as newspapers, magazines, bromides, and musical scores provided by a content provider accessible by the multifunction machine 10 can be printed.

[0030] In the fax service, fax transmission can be performed by digitizing the image of the original manuscript and sending it to an arbitrary facsimile device.

[0031] In the scanner service, the image of the original manuscript can be digitized and stored in a USB memory as a PDF file or an image file in a predetermined format.

[0032] In administrative services, it is possible to issue prescribed public certificates such as copies of household registers and certificates of seal registration. When receiving this administrative service, a card-type storage medium, such as a basic resident register card or a personal identification number card, is required.

[0033] To realize the provision of such various services, the multifunction machine 10 includes an application box 12 as a user interface device and a multifunction machine main body 14 as a main device. A user who operates this multifunction machine 10 generally stands in front of the multifunction machine 10 and performs operations.

[0034] The application box 12 includes a display 16 with a touch panel 18, a two-dimensional code reader 20, an external storage medium mounting part 22, an infrared communication part 24, a short-range communication part 26, a currency processing part 28, and a photo printer 30.

[0035] The display 16 with a touch panel 18 is arranged at the upper part of the application box 12. The display 16 is an example of a display means having a rectangular display surface and is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD). Note that the display 16 constitutes a display unit 42 described later. And a rectangular touch panel 18 is provided so as to overlap the screen display surface of the display 16. This touch panel 18 is an example of an operation reception means that forms an operation reception surface for receiving user operations on the screen display surface of the display 16, and this touch panel 18 constitutes an operation unit 44 described later.

[0036] The two-dimensional code reader 20 reads, for example, a QR code (product name) displayed on a user's mobile terminal when using, for example, a print service.

[0037] The external storage medium mounting part 22 is an example of a storage medium mounting means on which the aforementioned media are mounted and includes, for example, a memory slot and a disk drive. And the external storage medium mounting part 22 performs data reading processing or writing processing with the mounted media.

[0038] The infrared communication unit 24 has an infrared communication circuit including an infrared light emitting element and an infrared light receiving element, and performs infrared communication processing with a mobile terminal or the like in accordance with an infrared communication standard such as IrDA.

[0039] The short-distance communication unit 26 is an example of a storage medium holding means that holds the aforementioned resident basic register card and personal identification number card, which are non-contact IC cards, and performs short-distance wireless communication with these IC cards.

[0040] The currency processing unit 28 is an example of a payment receiving means that receives payment of fees necessary for using the multifunction machine 10 in cash, and has a currency insertion unit 32 and a coin return port 34.

[0041] The photo printer 30 is, for example, a sublimation printer or an inkjet printer, and prints a photo image on photo paper. The photo paper after printing by this photo printer 30, that is, a so-called photo, is discharged to the discharge unit 36.

[0042] Here, referring to FIG. 2, the electrical configuration of the application box 12 will be described. The application box 12 includes a control unit 40. This control unit 40 is an example of a control means that controls the overall operation of the application box 12. Therefore, the control unit 40 is connected to the aforementioned two-dimensional code reader 20, external storage medium mounting unit 22, infrared communication unit 24, short-distance communication unit 26, currency processing unit 28, and photo printer 30 via the bus 38.

[0043] Also, as described above, the display 16 constitutes a display unit 42, and the touch panel 18 constitutes an operation unit 44. Similarly, these display unit 42 and operation unit 44 are also connected to the control unit 40 via the bus 38. The display unit 42 has appropriate light emitting elements such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) (not shown) in addition to the display 16. Also, the operation unit 44 has appropriate hardware switches such as push button switches in addition to the touch panel 18.

[0044] Further, an auxiliary storage unit 46, a communication unit 48, and an audio processing unit 50 are also connected to the control unit 40 via a bus 38.

[0045] The control unit 40 includes a computer (CPU) 54 as control execution means. The control unit 40 also includes a main memory unit 56 as main memory means directly accessible by the computer 54. The main memory unit 56 includes, for example, a ROM and a RAM. A control program (firmware) for controlling the operation of the computer 54 is stored in the ROM among these. And the RAM constitutes a work area and a buffer area when the computer 54 executes processing based on the control program.

[0046] The auxiliary storage unit 46 is an example of auxiliary storage means including a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk or a flash memory. Various data are stored in the auxiliary storage unit 46 in accordance with the control by the computer 54.

[0047] The communication unit 48 is an example of communication means responsible for two-way communication processing via a network. The network mentioned here is, for example, the Internet. Also, this network includes not only a wired method but also a wireless method. The communication unit 48 executes two-way communication processing by wireless LAN with a mobile terminal, and further, the communication unit 48 executes two-way communication processing with a communication unit 76 (to be described later) of the multifunction machine main body 14.

[0048] The audio processing unit 50 is an example of audio processing means for outputting, from a speaker 52, audio guidance related to the handling instructions of the multifunction machine 10 and audio messages for warnings (to be described later).

[0049] Returning to FIG. 1, the multifunction machine main body 14 is installed near the application box 12. The multifunction machine main body 14 includes an image reading unit 58, an image forming unit 59, a paper feeding unit 60, and a paper discharge tray 61.

[0050] The image reading unit 58 includes a document table formed of a transparent material such as glass and is provided above the multifunction machine main body 14. Above the document table, a document pressing cover 62 is attached via a hinge or the like so as to be openable and closable. This image reading unit 58 is an example of image reading means that reads an image of a document set (placed) on the document table and performs an image reading process for outputting two-dimensional image data corresponding to the image.

[0051] Therefore, as is well known, the image reading unit 58 includes an image reading unit including a light source, a plurality of mirrors, an imaging lens, a line sensor, etc., and a drive mechanism for moving this image reading unit. The image reading unit 58 has a document sensor 64 described later for detecting whether a document is set on the document table.

[0052] The image forming unit 59 is provided below the image reading unit 58. This image forming unit 59 is an example of image forming means that performs an image forming process for forming an image on a sheet conveyed from the paper feeding unit 60 by an electrophotographic method. Therefore, as is well known, the image forming unit 59 includes a photoreceptor, a charging device, an exposure device, a developing device, a transfer device, a fixing device, etc. After the image is formed by this image forming unit 59, the sheet is discharged to the paper discharge tray 61. Note that if the paper discharge tray 61 is of an in-body type, for example, it is provided between the image reading unit 58 and the image forming unit 59. Further, the paper discharge tray 61 is provided with a printed matter sensor 66 described later for detecting the presence or absence of a printed matter in the paper discharge tray 61.

[0053] Here, referring to FIG. 3, the electrical configuration of the multifunction machine main body 14 will be described. This multifunction machine main body 14 also includes a control unit 70. The control unit 70 is control means on the side of the multifunction machine main body 14 that controls the overall operation of the multifunction machine main body 14. Therefore, the aforementioned image reading unit 58, image forming unit 59, and paper feeding unit 60 are connected to the control unit 70 via the bus 68. Also As described above, the paper discharge tray 61 is provided with a printed matter sensor 66, and this printed matter sensor 66 constitutes a printed matter detection unit 74. And this printed matter detection unit 74 is also connected to the control unit 70 via the bus 68. Further, an auxiliary storage unit 74 and a communication unit 76 are also connected to the control unit 70 via the bus 68.

[0054] The control unit 70 has a CPU 78 as control execution means on the multifunction machine main body 14 side. In addition, the control unit 70 has a main storage unit 80 as main storage means on the multifunction machine main body 14 side that can be directly accessed by the CPU 78. This main storage unit 80 includes, for example, a ROM and a RAM. A control program for the multifunction machine main body 14 for controlling the operation of the CPU 78 is stored in the ROM among these. And the RAM constitutes a work area and a buffer area when the CPU 78 executes processing based on the control program.

[0055] The auxiliary storage unit 74 is an example of auxiliary storage means on the multifunction machine main body 14 side including non-volatile memories such as a hard disk and a flash memory. Various data are stored in this auxiliary storage unit 74 in accordance with the control by the CPU 78.

[0056] The communication unit 76 is an example of communication means on the multifunction machine main body 14 side that undertakes two-way communication processing with the communication unit 48 on the application box 12 side. The communication processing performed between the communication unit 76 on the multifunction machine main body 14 side and the communication unit 48 on the application box 12 side may be performed by a wired method or a wireless method.

[0057] On the home screen 90 displayed on the touch display 16 of the application box 12 shown in FIG. 4, a job selection button group 92 including a plurality of operation buttons for selecting a job desired by the user among the jobs briefly described above is displayed.

[0058] To the right of the job selection button group 92, a print button 94 for selecting a print service is provided separately from the buttons of the button group 92. Here, the print service is a type of content service that prints and provides to the user, for example, content available from an external source uniquely for the convenience store where the multifunction machine 10 of this embodiment is installed, such as articles and pages of newspapers and magazines, maps, character photos, etc.

[0059] When this print button 94 is touched (operated), the screen display of the display 16 transitions to the content service selection screen 96 shown in FIG. 5. On this content service selection screen 96, a message 98 prompting the user to select the desired content, such as "Please select the service you want.", and a content selection button group 100 are displayed below it. This content selection button group 100 includes, for example, a newspaper button 102a for selecting the printing of a newspaper article or page, a timetable button 102b for selecting the printing of a timetable, a map button 102c for selecting the printing of a map,.... In the following description, the case of selecting the printing of a newspaper will be described, but it should be pointed out in advance that the same applies to other print services.

[0060] For each content that can be selected by each button of this content selection button group 100, a service-assigned number is assigned in advance, so the desired content can also be selected by inputting that service number.

[0061] Therefore, below the content selection button group 100 on the content service selection screen 96, a number input button 104 for instructing the input of the service number is provided.

[0062] When the user touches (operates) this number input button 104, the screen of the display 16 transitions to the service number input screen 106 shown in FIG. 6.

[0063] On the service number input screen 106, a message 108 prompting the input of the service number, such as "Please enter the service number and press [Next]", is displayed. Below it, a number confirmation field 110 is formed, and further below it, input keys 112 including numeric keys from "0" to "9" and alphabet keys from "A" to "Z" are provided. These are of course touch keys.

[0064] On the service number input screen 106, a "Next" button 114 as suggested by the above message 108 is provided. Further, on the service number input screen 106, a back button 116 and an end button 118 are provided.

[0065] When the Next button 114 is touched (operated), the screen display on the display 16 transitions to a content selection screen 120 shown in FIG. 7 for selecting specific content included in the service indicated by the service number input with the input keys 112, for example, "Newspaper Print".

[0066] Returning to FIG. 5, on the content service selection screen 96, to the right of the number input button 104 below the content selection button group 100, a QR code button 122 is provided to enable the selection of content by reading a QR code (product name), which is one of the two-dimensional codes. When this QR code button 122 is touched (operated), the screen display on the display 16 transitions to a QR code input screen 126 shown in FIG. 8.

[0067] Note that on the content service selection screen 96 in FIG. 5, an end button 124 is further provided in the upper right corner. When this end button 124 is operated, it returns to the previous home screen 90 (FIG. 4).

[0068] On the QR code input screen 126 (Fig. 8), a message 128 prompting the input of a QR code, such as "Please hold the QR code up," is displayed, and below it, an explanatory illustration 130 including the two-dimensional code reader 20 shown in Fig. 1 is displayed. In this explanatory illustration 130, for example, an illustration is displayed showing that the QR code 132, such as the one displayed on a smartphone, can be read by holding it over the two-dimensional code reader 20. The QR code to be read here has information such as the URL of the content service written in it, and when the reading is complete, the screen display of the display 16 transitions to the content selection screen shown in Fig. 7.

[0069] On the QR code input screen 126, further, below the above-mentioned explanatory illustration 130, a back button 134 is displayed, and an end button 136 is provided in the upper right.

[0070] As described above, in this embodiment, the case where "Newspaper Print" is selected as the content service will be described. However, on the content selection screen 120 shown in Fig. 7, which is transitioned from the service number input screen 106 in Fig. 6 or the QR code input screen 126 in Fig. 8, a message 138 prompting the selection of content, such as "Please select the newspaper you wish," is displayed, and below it, for example, six selection buttons 140a - 140f for content selection are provided. In this embodiment, all of these selection buttons 140a - 140f are buttons for specifying or selecting newspaper articles or pages.

[0071] For example, when the selection button 140b is operated, the screen display of the display 16 transitions to a screen (not shown) for printing the articles or pages of the ○○ Newspaper, and printing is started by the image forming unit 59 of the multifunction machine main body 14 shown in Fig. 1.

[0072] Also, on this content selection screen 120, a back button 142 and an end button 144 are provided in the upper right.

[0073] When the back button 116 is pressed on the service number input screen 106 shown in FIG. 6, the screen returns to the previous content service selection screen 96 (FIG. 5). However, when the back button 142 is operated on the content selection screen 120 (FIG. 7) that has transitioned from the service number input screen 106, the screen returns to the previous service number input screen 106 (FIG. 6).

[0074] Also, when the back button 134 is pressed on the QR code input screen 126 in FIG. 8, the screen returns to the previous content service selection screen 96 (FIG. 5). When the back button 142 is operated on the content selection screen 120 that has transitioned from the QR code input screen 126, the screen returns to the previous QR code input screen 126 (FIG. 8).

[0075] In this embodiment, a QR code button 146 is provided on the home screen 90 shown in FIG. 4. In this case, when the QR code button 146 is touched (operated), the screen display on the display 16 transitions to the QR code input screen 126 in FIG. 8. As described above, for example, the QR code 132 displayed on the smartphone is held in front of the two-dimensional code reader 20 (FIG. 1). Since information such as the URL of the content service is written in the QR code to be read here, the screen display on the display 16 transitions to the content selection screen 120 shown in FIG. 7 without going through the content service selection screen 96 in FIG. 5. Then, on the content selection screen 120, when, for example, the selection button 140b is operated, the screen display on the display 16 transitions to a screen for printing an article or page of the ○○ Newspaper (not shown), and printing is started by the image forming unit 59 of the multifunction machine main body 14 shown in FIG. 1.

[0076] When transitioning from the home screen 90 to the content selection screen 120 via the QR code input screen 126, when the back button 142 on the content selection screen 120 is operated, the screen returns to the content service selection screen 96 shown in FIG. 5 instead of the previous home screen 90.

[0077] In this embodiment where a QR code button is provided on the home screen 90, when the return button 142 is operated on the content selection screen 120 for selecting data to be printed by reading a two-dimensional code or the like from the home screen 90, returning to the previous screen, which is the same as in the case of other operations, i.e., the home screen 90, results in poor operability. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the return button 142 is operated on the content selection screen 120, the operability is improved by transitioning to a screen closer to the screen for selecting content.

[0078] Here, FIG. 9 shows a memory map 150 conceptually representing the configuration in the RAM of the main memory unit 56 of the application box 12.

[0079] As shown in this memory map 150, the RAM has a program storage area 152 and a data storage area 154. The control program described above is stored in the program storage area 152 among these. Specifically, the control program includes a display control program 156, an operation detection program 158, a communication control program 160, a two-dimensional code reading program 162, a screen transition control program 164, and the like.

[0080] The display control program 156 is a program for generating display screen data necessary to display various screens including the above-described home screen 90 on the screen display surface of the display 16. The operation detection program 158 is a program for detecting the operation state of the touch panel 18 by the user. The communication control program 1160 is a program for controlling the infrared communication unit 24, the short-range communication unit 26, and the communication unit 48.

[0081] The program storage area 152 further includes a two-dimensional code reading program 162 and a screen transition control program 164.

[0082] The two-dimensional code reading program 162 is a program for reading the QR code 132 of a QR code presentation medium such as a smartphone that the user holds in front of the two-dimensional code reader 20 on the QR code input screen 126 of FIG. 8.

[0083] The screen transition control program 164 controls the transition of each screen from the home screen 90 shown in FIG. 4 to the content selection screen 120 shown in FIG. 7, such as the content service selection screen 96 in FIG. 5, the service number input screen 106 in FIG. 6, and the QR code input screen 126 in FIG. 8. As described above, after reading the QR code and transitioning, for example, when the return button 142 is operated on the content selection screen 120, depending on how the screen 120 was transitioned to, that is, depending on the screen passed through, it is a program for controlling the screen transition so as to return to a different screen.

[0084] On the other hand, various data is stored in the data storage area 154. Such various data includes display image generation data 166, operation data 168, internal transmission / reception data 170, external transmission / reception data 172, multifunction machine processing data 174, and the like.

[0085] The display image generation data 166 is data such as polygon data and texture data used for generating display screen data based on the aforementioned display control program 156. The operation data 168 is data representing the operation state with respect to the touch panel 18, and specifically includes time-series data representing the touch position (coordinates) of the user with respect to the touch panel 18, data of the QR code read according to the two-dimensional code reading program 162, and the like.

[0086] The internal transmission / reception data 170 is data transmitted and received between the control unit 40 and each component other than the control unit 40 via the bus 38. The external transmission / reception data 172 is data transmitted and received between the communication unit 48 and an external device (not shown). For example, it includes data received from a corresponding URL to acquire content selected by the selection buttons 140a - 140f of the content selection screen 120 shown in FIG. 7.

[0087] The multifunction device processing data 174 is data transmitted and received between the multifunction device main body 14, that is, data to be used for processing by the multifunction device main body 14 and data after being processed by the multifunction device main body 14. Although this multifunction device processing data 174 can be regarded as part of the external transmission / reception data 172, here it is treated as data separate from the external transmission / reception data 172. For example, it includes data for causing the image forming unit 59 to print the data received from the above URL.

[0088] The screen transition history data 176 is further stored in the data storage area 154. This screen transition history data 176 is data indicating how the screen display of the display 16 has transitioned through what kind of history. At least, it stores data indicating what kind of screen transitions have occurred in the process of transitioning from the home screen 90 (FIG. 4) to the content selection screen 120 (FIG. 7).

[0089] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operations executed by the computer of the control unit of the application box in the embodiment. The flowcharts of this FIG. 10 (and FIG. 11) are repeatedly executed, for example, at a frame period.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 10, when the application box 12 is operated by the user, the CPU or computer 54 of the control unit 40, in the first step S1, displays the home screen 90 shown in FIG. 4 according to the display control program 156.

[0091] In the next step S3, the computer 54 refers to the operation data 168 (FIG. 9) and determines whether any job selection button in the job selection button group 92 on the home screen 90 has been operated. If it is determined as "NO" in this step S3, the computer 54 refers to the operation data 168 (FIG. 9) in step S5 and determines whether the QR code button 146 has been operated on the home screen 90 and whether a QR code has been input from the QR code input screen 126 in FIG. 8. If it is "NO" in step S5, it returns to the previous step S3.

[0092] If it is determined as "YES" in step S3, the computer 54 determines in step S7 whether any service selection button in the content service button group 100 on the content service selection screen 96 shown in FIG. 5 has been operated. If it is "NO" in step S7, the computer 54 further determines in step S9 whether the service number input button 104 has been operated on the content service selection screen 96 in FIG. 5. If it is "NO" in step S9, the computer 54 further determines in step S11 whether the QR code button 122 has been operated on the content service selection screen 96 in FIG. 5. If it is "NO" in step S11, it returns to the previous step S7.

[0093] When it is determined as "YES" in step S7, or when it is determined as "YES" in step S9 or when a QR code is input as described above in step S11, or when a QR code is read through the QR code input screen 126 (FIG. 8) from the home screen 90, the computer 54 displays the content selection screen 120 shown in FIG. 7 according to the display control program 156 under the control of the screen transition control program 164.

[0094] Thereafter, in step S15, the computer 54 determines whether the end button 144 on the content selection screen 120 has been operated. If it is "YES" in this step S15, the computer 54 causes the screen display of the display 16 to transition to a service end screen (not shown).

[0095] When it is determined as "NO" in step S15, the computer 54 determines whether any of the content buttons 140a-140f has been operated, for example, whether content for which a print service is desired has been selected. When it is determined as "YES" in this step S19, the computer 54 causes the screen display on the display 16 to transition to a screen (not shown) for printing the content, which was described above.

[0096] When it is determined as "NO" in step S19, in step S23, it is determined whether the return button 142 on the content selection screen 120 has been operated. When it is determined as "NO" in step S23, the processing of the computer 54 returns to the previous step S15.

[0097] When it is determined as "YES" in step S23, in step S25, the computer 54 determines whether the content selection screen 120 (FIG. 7) has transitioned from the home screen 90 according to the screen transition history data 176 (FIG. 9).

[0098] Determining as "YES" in this step S27 means that the QR code button 146 on the home screen 90 has been operated, and as a result, the screen has transitioned to the content selection screen 120, and at that stage, the return button 142 has been operated. In this case, the computer 54 causes the screen to transition to the content service selection screen 96 shown in FIG. 5 as described above according to the screen transition control program 164.

[0099] When it is determined as "NO" in step S25, the computer 54 refers to the screen transition history data 176 and determines whether the content selection screen 120 at that time has transitioned as a result of entering a service number on the service number input screen 106 shown in FIG. 6. When it is determined as "YES" in this step S29, as described above, the computer 54 causes the screen to transition to the service number input screen 106 shown in FIG. 6 according to the screen transition control program 164.

[0100] When the computer 54 determines "NO" in step S29, in this case, the computer 54 refers to the screen transition history data 176 and determines that the content selection screen 120 at that time has transitioned as a result of entering a QR code on the QR code input screen 126 in FIG. 8. Therefore, when the computer 54 determines "NO" in step S29, the computer 54 causes a transition to the QR code input screen 126 shown in FIG. 8.

[0101] As described above, in this embodiment, when the operation of the back button 142 is detected in step S23, depending on the route by which the content selection screen 120 is reached, such as in steps S27, S31, or S33, a transition is made back to a different previous screen.

[0102] As described above, in the above-described embodiment, there are two cases for the transition from the home screen 90 in FIG. 4 to the content selection screen 120 in FIG. 7: following the first procedure and following the second procedure. The first procedure is a procedure in which, by operating the touch panel 18 of the operation unit 44, the user proceeds from the home screen 90 through, for example, the content service selection screen 96 in FIG. 5 and the service number input screen 106 in FIG. 6 to reach the content selection screen 120. In contrast, the second procedure is a procedure in which, from the home screen 90, the user enters a two-dimensional code (in the embodiment, the QR code 132) using the two-dimensional code reader 20 to reach the content selection screen 120.

[0103] The computer 54 of the control unit 40 that controls the screen display of the display 16 to transition from the home screen 90 to the content selection screen 120 in the first procedure constitutes the first transition unit. The computer 54 of the control unit 40 that controls the screen display of the display 16 to transition from the home screen 90 to the content selection screen 120 in the second procedure constitutes the second transition unit.

[0104] The computer 54 of the control unit 40 that executes the screen transition control program 164 (Fig. 9) functions as a screen transition control unit. This screen transition control unit refers to, for example, the screen transition history data 176 (Fig. 9) and causes the content selection screen 120 to transition to different screens according to whether the content selection screen 120 is transitioned by the first transition unit or the second transition unit.

[0105] Note that the transition control unit causes a screen transition from the content selection screen 120 when a detection unit (corresponding to the computer 54 that executes step S23 in Fig. 10) detects a return operation such as the return button 142 on the content selection screen 120 being operated.

[0106] In the above-described embodiment, when a QR code is input on the QR code input screen 126 from the home screen 90, the content selection screen 120 is transitioned. However, since the QR code 132 includes information (URL) of a desired content, it may be configured to directly transition to the next screen after the content is selected on the content selection screen 120, that is, the print screen.

[0107] In the embodiment, the medium that presents the QR code is a smartphone. However, for example, a paper medium with a QR code printed thereon, such as a newspaper or a magazine, may also be used.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0108] 10... Multifunction device 12... Application box 14... Multifunction device main body 16... Display 20... Two-dimensional code reader 54... Computer 59... Image forming unit 90... Home screen 96... Content service selection screen 106... Service number input screen 120... Content selection screen 126... QR code input screen 116, 134, 142... Return button

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus comprising a display unit, an operation unit, a two-dimensional code reading unit, an image forming unit, and a display control unit that switches between a plurality of operation screens and displays them on the display unit, The display control unit is displaying a home screen including a first button for transitioning to a screen for selecting a print service and a first two-dimensional code button for transitioning to a screen for prompting reading of the two-dimensional code; When the first button is operated, a print service selection screen is displayed, the screen including a second button for transitioning to a screen for inputting a service number and a second two-dimensional code button for transitioning to a screen for prompting reading of a two-dimensional code; When the second button is operated, a service number input screen for inputting a service number is displayed, When the first two-dimensional code button or the second two-dimensional code button is operated, a two-dimensional code input screen for inputting a two-dimensional code is displayed; The image forming device, wherein the image forming unit performs print output based on a selected print service after a service number is input on the service number input screen or a two-dimensional code is read on the two-dimensional code input screen.

2. An image forming device as described in claim 1, wherein the first two-dimensional code button and the second two-dimensional code button have the same shape.

3. An image forming device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the two-dimensional code reading unit is provided within the width direction of the display unit and at a lower position than the display unit in the vertical direction.

4. An image forming device as described in claim 3, wherein the two-dimensional code reading unit is provided in front of the display unit.

5. A screen display program executable by a computer of an image forming apparatus including a display unit, an operation unit, a two-dimensional code reader, and an image forming unit that performs print output based on a selected print service, The screen display program is displaying a home screen including a first button for transitioning to a screen for selecting a print service and a first two-dimensional code button for transitioning to a screen for prompting reading of the two-dimensional code; When the first button is operated, a print service selection screen is displayed, the screen including a second button for transitioning to a screen for inputting a service number and a second two-dimensional code button for transitioning to a screen for prompting reading of a two-dimensional code; When the second button is operated, a service number input screen for inputting a service number is displayed, A screen display program in which a print service to be printed out by an image forming unit is selected after a service number is input on a service number input screen or a two-dimensional code is read on a two-dimensional code input screen.

Images