Image forming apparatus and control method

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus that can display a notification according to display contents.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises: a display that displays a display screen according to a mode; an acquisition unit that acquires the details of a notification according to the mode; and a control unit that controls to display the acquired details of the notification on the display screen together with display contents of the mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus and the like.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, image forming apparatuses that output images by an electrophotographic method, such as multifunction printers and printers, have been used. In addition, technologies for displaying information related to an image forming apparatus have also been proposed.

[0003] For example, there has been proposed an information processing apparatus that receives notification information transmitted from an external device, identifies a UI mode displayed on a screen of a specific display unit, and when the first UI mode is identified, displays the notification information on a display screen in the first UI mode, and when the second UI mode is identified, displays the notification information on a display screen in the second UI mode (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When a notification is displayed on an operation screen of an image forming apparatus, when a notification that has nothing to do with the situation of the image forming apparatus occurs, unnecessary notifications are displayed to the user. As a result, it is considered that the convenience of the image forming apparatus is impaired. Therefore, control for displaying the content of a notification according to the display content on the operation screen is required. However, in Patent Document 1, such control is not considered.

[0006] In view of the above problems, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an image forming apparatus and the like capable of displaying a notification according to the display content.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, an image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a display unit that displays a display screen according to a mode, an acquisition unit that acquires the content of a notification according to the mode, and a control unit that controls the display of the acquired content of the notification on the display screen together with the display content of the mode.

[0008] Also, a control method according to the present disclosure is a control method for an image forming apparatus including a display unit that displays a display screen according to a mode, the method including the steps of acquiring the content of a notification according to the mode, and displaying the acquired content of the notification on the display screen together with the display content of the mode.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it becomes possible to display a notification according to the display content.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

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[0011] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, one embodiment for carrying out the present disclosure will be described. Note that the following embodiments are examples for explaining the present disclosure, and the technical scope of the invention described in the claims is not limited to the following description.

[0012] [1. First Embodiment] [1.1 Functional Configuration] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0013] The image forming apparatus 10 is a digital multi-functional peripheral (MFP; Multi-Function Peripheral / Printer) having functions such as a copying function, a printing function, a scanner function, and a mail transmission function. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a control unit 100, an image input unit 120, an image forming unit 130, a display unit 140, an operation unit 150, a storage unit 160, a line communication unit 180, and a network communication unit 190.

[0014] The control unit 100 is a functional unit for controlling the entire image forming apparatus 10. The control unit 100 realizes various functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 160, and is configured by, for example, one or more arithmetic units (CPU (Central Processing Unit)).

[0015] The image input unit 120 inputs image data to the image forming apparatus 10. For example, the image input unit 120 is configured by a scanner device or the like that can read an image and generate image data. The scanner device converts an image into an electrical signal by an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CIS (Contact Image Sensor), and generates digital data by quantizing and encoding the electrical signal. Note that the image input unit 120 may be configured by an interface (terminal) for reading image data stored in a storage medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or an SD card. Further, the image input unit 120 may input image data from the other device via the network communication unit 190.

[0016] The image forming unit 130 forms (prints) an image on a recording medium such as recording paper. The image forming unit 130 is configured by a printing device such as a laser printer that uses, for example, the electrophotographic method. The image forming unit 130 feeds the recording paper from the paper feed tray 132 in FIG. 1, forms an image on the surface of the recording paper, and discharges the recording paper from the paper discharge tray 134.

[0017] The display unit 140 displays various information. The display unit 140 is configured by a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (electro-luminescence) panel, or a micro LED (Light Emitting Diode) display.

[0018] The operation unit 150 receives operation instructions from a user who uses the image forming apparatus 10. The operation unit 150 is configured by an input device such as various key switches and a touch sensor that detects input by contact (touch). The method of detecting input in the touch sensor may be a general detection method such as a resistive film method, an infrared method, an electromagnetic induction method, or a capacitance method. Note that the image forming apparatus 10 may be equipped with a touch panel in which the display unit 140 and the operation unit 150 are integrally formed.

[0019] The storage unit 160 stores various programs and various data necessary for the operation of the image forming apparatus 10. The storage unit 160 is configured by a storage device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) which is a semiconductor memory or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0020] The storage unit 160 stores the home screen information 162. Further, the storage unit 160 secures a screen information storage area 164 and a notification information storage area 166 as storage areas.

[0021] The home screen information 162 is information indicating the display content of the home screen. The home screen is a screen for allowing a user to select functions provided by the image forming apparatus 10. The home screen information 162 is, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, a table in which functions provided by the image forming apparatus 10 (e.g., "simple copy") and a display flag (e.g., "Yes") indicating whether or not to display a button for using the function are stored. In this case, the content of the display flag stored in the table may be modifiable (customizable) by an administrator or the like of the image forming apparatus 10. In addition, the home screen information 162 may store the layout, color scheme, and display elements of the home screen. The display elements are elements such as buttons, text, fields, and icons displayed on the screen.

[0022] The screen information storage area 164 is an area in which information (screen information) indicating the display content of a screen other than the home screen is stored. The screen information is, for example, information in which an operation mode and information of a screen (e.g., layout, color scheme, display elements, etc.) displayed in the operation mode are associated with each other. Note that the operation mode is a state held inside the image forming apparatus 10 in order to operate a specific function among the functions provided by the image forming apparatus 10.

[0023] The screen information is stored in the image forming apparatus 10 in advance. Also, the screen information may be modifiable (customizable) by an administrator or the like of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0024] The notification information storage area 166 is an area in which information related to notifications (notification information) is stored. The notification in the present embodiment refers to information indicating the state of the image forming apparatus 10 or information necessary for management, which is notified to a user using the image forming apparatus 10.

[0025] In the notification information, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, a notification content (e.g., "There is retention data.") and a corresponding operation mode (e.g., "simple copy") indicating an operation mode related to the notification content are stored.

[0026] The notification information may store notification content not associated with a specific operation mode. The notification content not associated with a specific operation mode is represented by, for example, notification information in which information on the specific operation mode is not stored in the corresponding operation mode, as shown in D100 of FIG. 4.

[0027] The line communication unit 180 communicates with an external device via a public line (e.g., a general telephone line). The line communication unit 180 is configured by, for example, a terminal or the like that can insert a cable connectable to the public line.

[0028] The network communication unit 190 communicates with an external device via a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network). The network communication unit 190 is configured by, for example, a communication device or a communication module such as a NIC (Network Interface Card) used in a wired / wireless LAN.

[0029] Further, the control unit 100 functions as an image processing unit 102 and a notification information management unit 104 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 160.

[0030] The image processing unit 102 performs processing on various images. For example, the image processing unit 102 executes a sharpening process and a tone conversion process on the image read by the image input unit 120.

[0031] The notification information management unit 104 manages the notification information by storing the notification information in the notification information storage area 166 or deleting the notification information stored in the notification information storage area 166.

[0032] For example, the notification information management unit 104 monitors whether the image forming apparatus 10 is in a normal state. Further, when the image forming apparatus 10 is not in a normal state, the notification information management unit 104 stores the notification information indicating that it is not in a normal state in the notification information storage area 166, and deletes the corresponding notification information from the notification information storage area 166 when it returns to the normal state.

[0033] The case where the image forming apparatus 10 is not in a normal state is, for example, the following cases. · When the cover of the ADF (Auto Document Feeder) or the cover of the toner cartridge housing unit is open · When a paper jam has occurred · When the paper has run out · When the toner has run out · When there is a network failure

[0034] Further, the notification information management unit 104 may store information based on the state of the image forming apparatus 10 in the notification information storage area 166 as notification information. The information based on the state of the image forming apparatus 10 is, for example, the following information. · When the toner is nearly out (toner near empty) · When the paper is nearly out (paper near end) · When a facsimile has been received

[0035] Furthermore, the notification information management unit 104 may store information regarding the usage status of the image forming apparatus 10 in the notification information storage area 166 as notification information. For example, the notification information management unit 104 may store information such as the operation method of the image forming apparatus 10 and an introduction of the functions provided by the image forming apparatus 10 as notification information in the notification information storage area 166 until a predetermined period has elapsed since the image forming apparatus 10 started being used. Also, the notification information management unit 104 may store information indicating that it is necessary to replace a component (for example, a photosensitive drum) of the image forming apparatus 10 as notification information in the notification information storage area 166 after a predetermined period has elapsed since the image forming apparatus 10 started being used.

[0036] Also, the notification information management unit 104 may receive information on the notification content and the operation mode corresponding to the notification content based on an operation by an administrator or the like of the image forming apparatus 10, and store the notification information based on the received information in the notification information storage area 166.

[0037] [1.2 Flow of processing] The main processes executed by the control unit 100 of the image forming apparatus 10 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7. The processes shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 are executed, for example, when the control unit 100 reads out a program stored in the storage unit 160.

[0038] Also, in this embodiment, when the power is turned on or when returning from the sleep mode or the low power mode, the control unit 100 will be described as switching the operation mode to the home screen display mode, which is the mode for displaying the home screen.

[0039] [1.2.1 Main Process] First, the main process shown in FIG. 5 will be described. The main process is a process executed by the control unit 100 when the operation mode is switched.

[0040] First, the control unit 100 determines whether the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 10 is the home screen display mode (step S100). When the control unit 100 determines that the operation mode is the home screen display mode, it executes the home screen display process, which is the process of displaying the home screen on the display unit 140 (step S100; Yes → step S102). The home screen display process will be described later.

[0041] On the other hand, when the control unit 100 determines that the operation mode is not the home screen display mode, it determines whether it is the selection operation mode, which is the mode for operating a predetermined function (step S100; No → step S104).

[0042] The selection operation mode is the operation mode selected by the user via the home screen. The selection operation mode includes, for example, the copy mode for operating the copy function, the fax mode for transmitting an image via the line communication unit 180, the scanner mode for transmitting the image read via the image input unit 120 to another device, and the like.

[0043] When the control unit 100 determines that the operation mode is the selection operation mode, it executes a selection operation mode screen display process, which is a process of displaying a screen capable of performing settings and the like for operating the functions corresponding to the operation mode (step S104; Yes → step S106). The selection operation mode screen display process will be described later.

[0044] Note that when the control unit 100 determines that the operation mode is not the selection operation mode, it ends the main process (step S104; No).

[0045] [1.2.2 Home screen display process] Referring to FIG. 6, the home screen display process will be described. First, the control unit 100 acquires home screen information 162 from the storage unit 160 (step S140). Further, the control unit 100 reads the notification information storage area 166 of the storage unit 160 to acquire all the notification information stored in the notification information storage area 166 (step S142).

[0046] Subsequently, the control unit 100 secures an information area within the display area of the display unit 140 (step S144). The information area is an area for displaying the notification content included in the notification information.

[0047] Here, since the operation mode is the home screen display mode for displaying the home screen, the control unit 100 secures the information area according to the screen displayed on the home screen. For example, when the home screen includes an area for displaying a button (operation mode button) selected by the user to switch the operation mode, the control unit 100 secures a region of a predetermined size as the information area within the area for displaying the operation mode button. In this case, the information area secured by the control unit 100 may be sized according to the number of notification information acquired in step S142 and the number of characters (display amount) of the notification content, or may have a fixed size.

[0048] Subsequently, the control unit 100 displays the content of the notification stored in the notification information acquired in step S142 in the information area secured in step S144 (step S146). Further, the control unit 100 displays the home screen on the display unit 140 based on the home screen information 162 acquired in step S140 (step S148). Thereby, display elements such as operation mode buttons, text, and icons are displayed on the display unit 140. At this time, when the control unit 100 has secured an information area, it displays a home screen corresponding to the secured information area. For example, when an information area is secured within the area where the operation mode button is to be displayed, the control unit 100 displays the operation mode button in the area where the operation mode button is to be displayed and which is not the information area. Thereby, the operation mode button and the content of the notification are displayed side by side on the home screen.

[0049] By executing the processes from step S100 to step S148, the control unit 100 can display the display content of the home screen (for example, display elements such as operation mode buttons) and the content of the notification on the display unit 140.

[0050] Subsequently, the control unit 100 determines whether the operation mode button has been selected by the user (step S150). For example, when an operation of touching the area where the operation mode button is displayed is input via the operation unit 150, the control unit 100 determines that the operation mode button has been selected.

[0051] When the control unit 100 determines that the operation mode button has been selected, it switches to the operation mode corresponding to the selected operation mode button (step S150; Yes → step S152).

[0052] [1.2.3 Select Operation Mode Screen Display Process] Referring to FIG. 7, the selection operation mode screen display process will be described. First, the control unit 100 acquires screen information corresponding to the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the screen information storage area 164 of the storage unit 160 (step S170).

[0053] Subsequently, the control unit 100 acquires notification information based on the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 10 (step S172). For example, the control unit 100 acquires the following notification information from the notification information storage area 166 of the storage unit 160. (1) Notification information indicating that the corresponding operation mode matches the current operation mode (2) Notification information not associated with a specific operation mode

[0054] Subsequently, the control unit 100 secures an information area (step S174). Here, in step S174, the operation mode is an operation mode for operating a predetermined function provided in the image forming apparatus 10. Therefore, the control unit 100 displays a screen for receiving an instruction to change the setting of the function or an instruction to execute a process, which is different from a screen displaying operation mode buttons such as a home screen.

[0055] For example, when the control unit 100 displays a screen based on the screen information acquired in step S170, it secures an area where elements such as buttons for setting are displayed (arranged), instead of the area where the operation mode buttons are displayed. Therefore, when the control unit 100 displays a screen based on the screen information acquired in step S170, it secures the information area at a location different from the area where elements such as buttons are displayed (arranged). For example, the control unit 100 secures the information area above the area where elements such as buttons are displayed (arranged).

[0056] Subsequently, the control unit 100 displays the content of the notification stored in the notification information acquired in step S172 in the information area secured in step S174 (step S176).

[0057] Further, based on the screen information acquired in step S170, the control unit 100 displays an operation mode screen on the display unit 140 (step S178). For example, the control unit 100 arranges display elements based on the layout information and decorates the display elements based on the color scheme information.

[0058] By executing the processes from step S170 to step S178, the control unit 100 can display on the display unit 140 the display content (for example, display elements such as buttons for setting) of the operation mode (selected operation mode) corresponding to the function selected by the user and the content of the notification. Further, in step S174, the control unit 100 can display the notification at an appropriate position in order to secure an information area according to the display screen corresponding to the selected operation mode.

[0059] Subsequently, the control unit 100 displays a home button for switching to the home screen display mode on the display unit 140 (step S180). Further, when it is determined that the home button has been selected by the user, the control unit 100 switches the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 10 to the home screen display mode (step S182; Yes → step S184).

[0060] [1.3 Operation Example] Subsequently, with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10, an operation example in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a home screen W100 displayed on the display unit 140. The home screen W100 includes a status area E100 for displaying the current operation mode and the status of the image forming apparatus 10, and an area E102 for displaying operation mode buttons.

[0061] Temporary information based on the status of the image forming apparatus 10 may be displayed in the status area E100. The information displayed in the status area E100 is, for example, the number and type of jobs scheduled to be executed and the content of the jobs that have been completed.

[0062] Also, when all operation mode buttons cannot be fully displayed in area E102, the operation mode buttons displayed in area E102 may be switched. For example, a button B100 for switching the display of the operation mode buttons displayed on the display unit 140 may be included in the home screen W100.

[0063] FIG. 9(a) is a diagram showing an example of the screen of the home screen W110 displayed on the display unit 140 when the content of the notification is displayed. In the home screen W110, in addition to the area E110 for displaying the operation mode buttons, an information area E112 is secured. In the information area E112, the content of all the notifications stored in the image forming apparatus 10 is displayed.

[0064] Note that when the content of all the notifications cannot be displayed on the home screen W110, the information area E112 may be made a scrollable area, and the content of the notifications may be displayed according to the user's scroll operation. Also, the content of the notifications displayed in the information area E112 may be switched.

[0065] Also, when the information area E112 is secured, the number of operation mode buttons that can be displayed on the home screen W110 may decrease. For example, in the home screen W100 shown in FIG. 8, eight operation mode buttons are displayed in the area E102. On the other hand, in the home screen W110 shown in FIG. 9(a), four operation mode buttons are displayed in the area E110. In this case, the operation mode buttons that are no longer displayed in the area E110 may be displayed by a button B110 for switching the display of the operation mode buttons displayed in the area E110. That is, the operation mode buttons displayed on the home screen may be switched based on the user's operation.

[0066] Here, the operation mode buttons that are no longer displayed due to the securing of the information area E112 are automatically determined by the image forming apparatus 10 (control unit 100), for example, in accordance with the display order of the operation mode buttons. Note that the home screen information 162 may store the priority for each function, and the operation mode buttons corresponding to the functions with higher priorities may be preferentially displayed even when the information area E112 is secured. In this case, in order to display the operation mode buttons corresponding to the functions with lower priorities, an operation by the user is required.

[0067] FIG. 9(b) is an example screen of the home screen W120 displayed on the display unit 140 when the button B110 for switching the display of the operation mode buttons in FIG. 9(a) is selected. In this way, the page of the operation mode buttons displayed on the home screen is switched.

[0068] Note that the information area E122 may remain secured even when the page is switched, or may be released at the timing when the page is switched. Also, the information area E122 may not be secured after the second page, or may be an area smaller than the size of the first page.

[0069] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example screen of the screen W130 displayed on the display unit 140 after an operation mode button is selected by the user. The screen W130 is a screen of an operation mode called the simple copy mode. The user can perform settings related to the function of simple copy via the screen W130.

[0070] Also, as shown in FIG. 10, the information area E130 is secured above the portion where buttons for making settings and the like are displayed. In this way, the information area E130 is secured so as not to impair the operation of setting the operation mode.

[0071] In the information area E130, the content of the notification corresponding to the simple copy mode is displayed. In this way, on the screen corresponding to a specific operation mode, only the content of the notification related to the operation mode continues to be displayed compared to the home screen.

[0072] Note that the display mode of the content of the notification displayed in the information area E130 may be appropriately changed according to the number of the notified content and the operations by the user. For example, when all the content of the notification corresponding to the operation mode cannot be displayed in the information area E130, the display mode of the information area E130 or the content of the notification displayed in the information area E130 may be switched by the user's operation. For example, the information area E130 may be temporarily enlarged and displayed (overlay displayed on buttons for setting the operation mode, etc.) in response to the user's operation (for example, touch operation or pinch-out operation). In this case, the content of a larger number of notifications than the number of the content of the notifications displayed before the enlargement may be displayed in the enlarged information area E130. Further, the content of the notification may be divided into a plurality of pages, and buttons for switching pages may be displayed in the information area E130. In this case, the content of the notification displayed in the information area E130 is switched according to the user's operation on the buttons for switching pages.

[0073] Note that the content of the notification displayed in the information area E130 may be automatically switched each time a certain period of time elapses. Further, the information area E130 may be a scrollable area.

[0074] Further, the information area E130 does not have to be secured in the upper part of the screen W130, and may be secured, for example, in the right part, left part, or lower part of the screen W130.

[0075] As described above, when the home screen is switched to the screen of the operation mode selected by the user, the content of the notification may be displayed at the same position on the home screen and the screen of the operation mode, or may be displayed at another location. When the content of the notification is displayed at a location different from the home screen on the screen of the operation mode, the notification is displayed at a position where the user's operation cannot be received on the screen of the operation mode.

[0076] In addition, when the same content notification is displayed on the home screen and the screen of the operation mode selected by the user, the content of the notification may be displayed in the same display mode by being displayed on a figure with the same background color or shape, or by displaying the same icon. In this way, by displaying the same notification content in the same manner on the home screen and the screen after transition, the user can be made to recognize that the same information is being displayed.

[0077] [1.4 Modifications of this Embodiment] Next, as a modification of this embodiment, an example will be described in which a priority is set for the content of the notification, and the content of the notification is displayed according to the priority.

[0078] First, an example of setting a display level for each type of notification content will be described. In this example, as shown in FIG. 11(a), a table (display level table) in which the type of notification content (for example, "notification that there is no retention data") and the display level (for example, "display (emphasis)") are associated is stored in the storage unit 160.

[0079] The display level stores, for example, any one of "display (emphasis)", "display", and "do not display". The display level is set by an administrator or the like of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0080] In addition, the control unit 100 displays the content of the notification according to the display level table in step S146 of the home screen display process and step S176 of the selected operation mode screen display process.

[0081] For example, the control unit 100 performs control to display only the content of the notification corresponding to the type of notification for which the display level is set to "display (emphasis)" or "display". Further, the control unit 100 may display the content of the notification corresponding to the type of notification for which the display level is set to "display (emphasis)" in a more prominent manner than the content of the notification corresponding to the type of notification for which the display level is set to "display". Furthermore, the control unit 100 may preferentially display the content of the notification corresponding to the type of notification for which the display level is set to "display (emphasis)".

[0082] FIG. 11(b) is a diagram showing an example of the screen of the home screen W140 when the content of the notification is displayed on the display unit 140 based on the display level table. An information area E140 is secured on the home screen W140, and the content of the notification corresponding to the type of notification for which the display level is set to "display (emphasis)" or "display" is displayed.

[0083] Also, depending on the display level, the content of the notification is displayed with emphasis or the content of the notification is rearranged and displayed. As a result, the content of the notification corresponding to the type of notification for which the display level is set to "display (emphasis)" is displayed in a manner that is easily visible to the user.

[0084] In this way, the administrator or the like of the image forming apparatus 10 can control the display level of the notification according to the type of notification. For example, the administrator or the like of the image forming apparatus 10 can make the notification that needs to be particularly seen by the user be displayed prominently.

[0085] Next, as another example, an example of setting a priority for each content of the notification will be described. In this example, as shown in FIG. 12(a), in addition to the content of the notification and the corresponding operation mode, the type (for example, "information") and the priority (for example, "20") are stored in the notification information.

[0086] The type is information indicating the type of the content of the notification, and for example, information such as "error", "information", and "guidance" is stored. Also, a numerical value is stored for the priority. In the example of FIG. 12(a), it indicates that the lower the numerical value, the higher the priority. The priority may be set by the administrator of the image forming apparatus 10 or the like, may be automatically set corresponding to the type, or may be automatically set according to the content of the notification.

[0087] Further, the control unit 100 displays the content of the notification according to the type and priority in step S146 of the home screen display process and step S176 of the selection operation mode screen display process.

[0088] FIG. 12(b) is a diagram showing an example of the screen of the home screen W150 in which the content of the notification is displayed on the display unit 140 based on the display level table. An information area E150 is secured on the home screen W150, and the content of the notification is displayed according to the type and priority.

[0089] For example, the content of the notification with a higher priority is preferentially displayed, or the content of the notification is displayed in a display mode corresponding to the type. Also, the content of the notification may be sorted and displayed for each type.

[0090] Note that in this embodiment, it has been described that the information area is automatically secured, but the information area may be secured by another method. For example, a widget for displaying the content of the notification can be arranged on the home screen of the image forming apparatus 10 or the screen of a predetermined operation mode. In this case, the image forming apparatus 10 secures the area where the widget for displaying the content of the notification is arranged as the information area. By doing so, the user can freely set the position and size where the content of the notification is displayed.

[0091] In this way, according to this embodiment, in the screen displayed when the home screen or a predetermined function is used, it is possible to display the content of the notification related to the displayed screen at an appropriate position.

[0092] In particular, on the home screen, all the contents of the notifications are displayed, but on the screen corresponding to a predetermined function, only the notifications related to that function are displayed, and other notifications are made non-displayed. Thereby, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment can direct the user's attention only to the information to be noted without giving unnecessary information to the user. As a result, the user can clarify the necessary responses and procedures and can reduce the operations that cause malfunction.

[0093] For example, in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, when the copy function is used and the network function cannot be used, a notification indicating that the network function cannot be used is made non-displayed. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the user from being misunderstood that it is necessary to consider the network state in order to use the copy function, and to reduce the possibility of work delay and incorrect operation.

[0094] Also, since the content of the notification related to the function is displayed on the screen corresponding to the predetermined function, the user can notice the notification when using the selected function even if the user overlooks the content of the notification displayed on the home screen.

[0095] On the other hand, on the screen corresponding to the predetermined function, the content of the notification not related to the function is not displayed. Therefore, when the user uses the predetermined function, it is not necessary for the user to determine whether the content of the notification is related to the function to be used.

[0096] In this way, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment can appropriately display the content of the notification according to the screen displayed on the display unit.

[0097] [2. Second Embodiment] Next, the second embodiment will be described. Unlike the first embodiment, the second embodiment is an embodiment in which the content of the notification is displayed according to the operation mode and the user. In this embodiment, FIG. 2 of the first embodiment is replaced with FIG. 13, and FIG. 5 of the first embodiment is replaced with FIG. 16. Note that the same functional units and processes are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0098] [2.1 Functional Configuration] Referring to FIG. 13, the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 12 in this embodiment will be described. Unlike the image forming apparatus 10 in the first embodiment, in the storage unit 160 of the image forming apparatus 12, a user information storage area 168 is further secured.

[0099] The user information storage area 168 is an area in which information (user information) of the user who uses the image forming apparatus 12 is stored. As shown in FIG. 14, for example, the user information includes a login name (for example, "userA") which is information for identifying the user, a password (for example, "abc123"), a user name (for example, "John Smith"), and a user type (for example, "general user").

[0100] In this embodiment, it is described that either "general user" or "administrator" information is stored in the user type. Note that information other than "general user" or "administrator" may be stored in the user type.

[0101] Next, referring to FIG. 15, the notification information in this embodiment will be described. Unlike the notification information in the first embodiment, the notification information in this embodiment further stores the target user (for example, "administrator"). In this embodiment, either the user type or the login name is stored in the target user.

[0102] [2.2 Processing Flow] [2.2.1 Main Processing] The main processes executed by the control unit 100 of the image forming apparatus 12 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. In this embodiment, when returning from the sleep mode or the low power mode, the control unit 100 will be described as switching the operation mode to the login screen display mode, which is the mode for displaying the login screen.

[0103] First, the main process shown in FIG. 16 will be described. In this embodiment, the control unit 100 determines whether it is in the login screen display mode (step S200). When the control unit 100 determines that the operation mode is the login screen display mode, it executes the login screen display process, which is a process of displaying the login screen on the display unit 140 (step S200; Yes → step S202). The login screen display process will be described later.

[0104] Also, when the user performs a logout operation, the control unit 100 executes a process of logging out the user, and further switches the operation mode to the login screen display mode (step S204; Yes → step S206 → step S208).

[0105] [2.2.2 Login Screen Display Process] With reference to FIG. 17, the login screen display process will be described. First, the control unit 100 reads the notification information storage area 166 of the storage unit 160 to acquire all the notification information stored in the notification information storage area 166 (step S220).

[0106] Next, the control unit 100 secures an information area within the display area of the display unit 140 (step S222). In step S222, the operation mode is the login screen display mode for displaying the login screen. Therefore, the control unit 100 secures an area for displaying an input field for inputting information used for authentication (e.g., login name and password) instead of an area for displaying the operation mode button or an area for displaying buttons for receiving instructions to change function settings, etc. Thus, the control unit 100 secures the information area at a location different from the area for displaying the input field for inputting information used for authentication. For example, the control unit 100 secures the area for displaying the input field on the left side of the display area of the display unit 140 and secures the information area on the right side of the display area of the display unit 140. Thereby, the control unit 100 can display the input field and the content of the notification side by side horizontally.

[0107] Next, the control unit 100 displays the content of the notification stored in the notification information acquired in step S220 in the information area secured in step S222 (step S224).

[0108] Next, the control unit 100 displays an input field for inputting information used for authentication (e.g., login name and password) and an authentication button used for executing authentication within the display area of the display unit 140 (step S226).

[0109] Next, when the authentication button is selected by the user, the control unit 100 performs authentication based on the information input in the input field and determines whether the authentication is successful (step S228). For example, the control unit 100 determines whether the login name and password input by the user match any of the user information stored in the user information storage area 168. If it is determined that the login name and password input by the user match any of the user information stored in the user information storage area 168, the control unit 100 determines that the authentication is successful.

[0110] Subsequently, the control unit 100 executes a process for logging in the authenticated user (step S228; Yes → step S230). Further, the control unit 100 switches the operation mode to the home screen display mode (step S232).

[0111] [2.2.3 Home Screen Display Process and Select Operation Mode Screen Display Process] In the present embodiment, in step S142 of the home screen display process described in the first embodiment, a process of acquiring notification information related to the logged-in user among the notification information stored in the notification information storage area 166 is executed.

[0112] The notification information related to the logged-in user is the following notification information. (1) When the user type of the logged-in user is an administrator: all notification information (2) When the user type of the logged-in user is a general user: notification information whose user type is "general user" and notification information in which the same login name as the login name of the logged-in user is stored

[0113] Also, in the present embodiment, in step S172 of the select operation mode display process described in the first embodiment, among the notification information stored in the notification information storage area 166, notification information related to the logged-in user and based on the operation mode is acquired.

[0114] By executing the above-described process, on the home screen and the screen of the operation mode selected by the user, the content of the notification related to the user is displayed.

[0115] [2.3 Operation Example] Next, with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19, an operation example in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a login screen W200 displayed on the display unit 140. The login screen W200 includes a region E200 where an input field and an authentication button are displayed, and an information region E202. Thus, when the user performs an authentication operation, the user can check the content of the notification.

[0116] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a home screen displayed on the display unit 140. FIG. 19(a) is an example of the display of a home screen W210 displayed when a user whose user type is "administrator" logs in. An information region E210 is secured on the home screen W210. On the other hand, FIG. 19(b) is an example of the display of a home screen W220 displayed when a user whose user type is "general user" logs in. An information region E220 is secured on the home screen W220.

[0117] Here, in the information region E210, the content of all the notifications stored in the image forming apparatus 12 is displayed. Therefore, the administrator of the image forming apparatus 12 can grasp all the content notified to the users. On the other hand, in the information region E220, only the content of the notifications related to the authenticated user among all the content of the notifications stored in the image forming apparatus 12 is displayed. Therefore, a general user who uses the image forming apparatus 12 can grasp only the content related to the user.

[0118] Note that the image forming apparatus 12 may be switched between enabling and disabling the user authentication function. When the user authentication function is enabled, the image forming apparatus 12 executes the processing described in the second embodiment, and when the user authentication function is disabled, the image forming apparatus 12 may execute the processing described in the first embodiment.

[0119] Also, in this embodiment, it has been described that the image forming apparatus 12 performs user authentication, but the user authentication may be performed by a device (for example, an authentication server) connected to the image forming apparatus 12.

[0120] According to the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, since the content of the notification is displayed on the login screen, the user can grasp the state of the image forming apparatus before logging in. Further, the user can perform an appropriate operation based on the content of the notification. For example, when the paper runs out, the user can replenish the paper and then log in. Also, when the network state is poor, the user can report it to the administrator of the image forming apparatus.

[0121] Further, according to the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, when the display is switched from the login screen to the home screen, only the content of the notification corresponding to the logged-in user is displayed, and the content of the notification not related to the user becomes non-displayed. As a result, the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment can direct the user's attention only to the information to be noted without giving unnecessary information to the user. As a result, the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment can clarify the necessary responses and procedures for the user and reduce the operations that cause malfunction.

[0122] For example, when update information of an application or firmware is displayed on the login screen, when the logged-in user is not an administrator, the update information of the application or the like is not displayed. Thereby, the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment prevents the user from misunderstanding that the functions of the image forming apparatus cannot be used unless the application or the like is updated, and can reduce the possibility of work delay and misoperation.

[0123] [3. Third Embodiment] Next, the third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment is an embodiment in which the information area is secured in a place where the user's operation cannot be accepted (blocked). This embodiment can be applied to both the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

[0124] In this embodiment, when a predetermined function is unavailable, an information area is secured over a display element selected for using the function. Further, the content of a notification including the cause of the unavailability of the function and a countermeasure is displayed in the information area.

[0125] Specifically, in step S144 of the home screen display process, the control unit 100 determines whether the content of the notification stored in the notification information acquired in step S142 indicates that a predetermined function is unavailable. Then, when the content of the notification indicates that a predetermined function is unavailable, the control unit 100 secures an information area so as to overlap with the location where the display element selected for using the predetermined function is displayed. Further, in step S146, the control unit 100 displays the content of the notification indicating that a predetermined function is unavailable in the information area secured in step S144.

[0126] Note that the control unit 100 also executes the same process as the above-described process in steps S174 to S176 of the selection operation mode screen display process.

[0127] Next, with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21, an example in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 20(a) is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a home screen W300 displayed on the display unit 140 when an information area E300 (a widget for displaying the content of a notification) is secured at a position overlapping an operation mode button.

[0128] For example, when the simple copy function is unavailable (for example, when software update is in progress or when paper is out), an information area is secured over the operation mode button for simple copy. As a result, the user cannot select the operation mode button for simple copy. Consequently, the image forming apparatus 10 or the image forming apparatus 12 cannot shift to the mode for using the simple copy function.

[0129] Note that, as shown in Fig. 20(a), two or more information areas may be secured. For example, apart from the information area E300 secured on the operation mode button, an information area E302 may be secured at a position that does not overlap with the operation mode button. In this case, the content of a notification that does not require receiving a user operation is displayed in the information area E302.

[0130] Further, the image forming apparatus 12 may display the content of the notification at a position where it does not prevent receiving a user operation on the home screen, and may display the content of the notification at a position where it prevents receiving a user operation on the screen of the operation mode selected by the user.

[0131] For example, when the cyan toner is out, on the home screen, a button for using the copy function (for example, the operation mode button for simple copy) is displayed as usual, and a notification that the cyan toner is out is displayed at a position different from the button. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 20(b), on the screen W310 corresponding to the simple copy operation mode displayed on the display unit 140, an information area E310 is secured on the start button for color copy. Thereby, the user cannot execute the color copy function. Further, the user can grasp that the cyan toner is out by checking the notification on the start button.

[0132] Fig. 21 is an example of a screen showing the home screen W320 displayed on the display unit 140 when the image forming apparatus 10 or the image forming apparatus 12 that cannot newly send a fax without performing a predetermined operation when receiving a fax. As shown in Fig. 21(a), on the home screen W320, an information area E320 is secured on the operation mode button for sending a fax. Thereby, a user using the image forming apparatus 10 or the image forming apparatus 12 cannot newly send a fax unless a predetermined operation such as an operation of receiving a fax is performed.

[0133] Also, in the image forming apparatus 10 or 12 that cannot newly transmit a fax unless a predetermined operation is performed when a fax is received, when a fax is received, an information area may be secured across the entire home screen. In this case, as the home screen displayed on the display unit 140, a home screen W330 as shown in FIG. 21(b) is displayed. As a result, the user who uses the image forming apparatus 12 cannot use functions other than fax transmission. In this way, the image forming apparatus 10 or 12 may execute a process of causing the user to confirm the content of the notification by disabling all functions for the user until a predetermined operation is performed.

[0134] Note that the information area may be secured based on the content of the notification for a specific user. For example, in the image forming apparatus 12 that cannot newly transmit a fax unless a predetermined operation is performed when a fax is received, as the home screen of the user who has received a fax, the home screen W320 in FIG. 21(a) or the home screen W330 in FIG. 21(b) may be displayed. On the other hand, as the home screen of a user who has not received a fax, a normal home screen, that is, a home screen in which no information area is secured above the operation mode button for transmitting a fax may be displayed.

[0135] Also, when the login screen is displayed, depending on the content of the notification, the content of the notification may be displayed at a position where the user's login operation is intentionally made unacceptable.

[0136] According to the present embodiment, it is possible to clearly show the causal relationship between the state of the image forming apparatus and the external input situation and the operation that the user is about to perform.

[0137] [4. Fourth Embodiment] Next, the fourth embodiment will be described. The fourth embodiment is an embodiment that determines an operation mode or a user related to the content of the notification using a machine learning method. This embodiment can be applied to any of the first to third embodiments.

[0138] In this embodiment, as notification information, only the content of the notification is stored. Instead, in this embodiment, the storage unit 160 further stores a learned model in which the relationship between the content of the notification and the corresponding operation mode is learned.

[0139] Also, in this embodiment, the control unit 100 acquires all the contents of the notifications stored in the notification information storage area 166 in step S172 of the selection operation mode screen display process.

[0140] Furthermore, in step S176, the control unit 100 uses the learned model to determine the corresponding operation mode for each content of the notification, and displays the content of the notification whose determined corresponding operation mode matches the current operation mode in the information area.

[0141] In this way, the control unit 100 can determine the operation mode (corresponding operation mode) corresponding to the content of the notification using the learned model. Note that, by the same method, the control unit 100 may determine the type of user corresponding to the content of the notification. In this case, the storage unit 160 stores a learned model in which the relationship between the content of the notification and the user type is learned (for example, a learned model in which the content of the notification and whether the content of the notification is a notification for a general user is learned). Also, when displaying the content of the notification, the control unit 100 makes a determination such as whether the content of the notification is for a general user using the learned model, and determines whether the content of the notification is related to the logged-in user.

[0142] In this way, by using the method of machine learning to determine the operation mode etc. corresponding to the content of the notification, it is not necessary to prepare in advance a table associating the content of the notification with the corresponding operation mode. Also, even when an administrator or the like adds unique content of a notification, it is not necessary to specify the operation mode.

[0143] [5. Modification Example] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible. That is, embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means modified within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0144] Also, although the above-described embodiments have parts that are separately described for convenience of explanation, it goes without saying that they may be combined and executed within a technically possible range.

[0145] In addition, the program that operates in each device in the embodiment is a program (a program that functions a computer) that controls a CPU or the like so as to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments. And the information handled by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (for example, RAM) during its processing, and then stored in a storage device such as various ROMs (Read Only Memory) and HDDs, and read out by the CPU as necessary for correction and writing.

[0146] Here, as the recording medium for storing the program, any of a semiconductor medium (for example, ROM, non-volatile memory card, etc.), an optical recording medium or a magneto-optical recording medium (for example, DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), MO (Magneto Optical Disc), MD (Mini Disc), CD (Compact Disc), BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disk), etc.), a magnetic recording medium (for example, magnetic tape, flexible disk, etc.) may be used. Also, by executing the loaded program, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but in some cases, the functions of the present invention are realized by processing in cooperation with an operating system or other application programs based on the instructions of the program.

[0147] When distributing it on the market, the program can be stored in a portable recording medium for distribution, or transferred to a server computer connected via a network such as the Internet. In this case, it goes without saying that the storage device of the server computer is also included in the present invention.

Explanation of Signs

[0148] 10, 12 Image forming apparatus 100 Control unit 102 Image processing unit 104 Notification information management unit 120 Image input unit 130 Image forming unit 140 Display unit 150 Operation unit 160 Storage unit 162 Home screen information 164 Screen information storage area 166 Notification information storage area 168 User information storage area 180 Line communication unit 190 Network communication unit

Claims

1. A display unit that displays a display screen according to a mode; An acquisition unit that acquires the content of a notification according to the mode; A control unit that controls display of the acquired content of the notification on the display screen together with the display content of the mode, and includes: The mode includes a mode for displaying a home screen and a mode for displaying a screen of an operation mode corresponding to a function selected from the home screen; The control unit: When the content of the notification is to be displayed on the home screen, the display content of the home screen and the content of the notification related to all the modes are arranged and displayed; when the content of the notification is to be displayed on a screen of an operation mode corresponding to a function selected from the home screen, the content of the notification related to the operation mode is displayed. An image forming apparatus characterized by this.

2. The control unit secures a region for displaying the content of the notification according to the mode, and displays the content of the notification in the region. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by this.

3. The control unit displays the content of the notification in place of a part of the display content, and based on a user operation, performs control to display the part of the display content. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by this.

4. At least a part of the content of the notification to be displayed in the mode for displaying the home screen is displayed in the mode for displaying the screen of the operation mode. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, characterized by this.

5. The control unit authenticates a user, and displays the content of the notification related to the authenticated user among the acquired content of the notification. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by this.

6. When the control unit controls display of a screen for authenticating the user, it acquires all the content of the notification, and controls display of part or all of the acquired content of the notification. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, characterized by this.

7. The control unit displays the content of the notification overlaid on the display content. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by this.

8. A control method for an image forming apparatus including a display unit that displays a display screen according to a mode, the method including: A step of acquiring the content of a notification according to the mode; A step of displaying the acquired content of the notification on the display screen together with the display content of the mode. The modes include a mode for displaying a home screen and a mode for displaying a screen of an operation mode corresponding to a function selected from the home screen. When the content of the notification is displayed on the home screen, the display content of the home screen and the content of the notification related to all the modes are displayed side by side. When the content of the notification is displayed on a screen of an operation mode corresponding to a function selected from the home screen, the content of the notification related to the operation mode is displayed. A control method characterized by this.

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