Image processing apparatus

Abstract

To provide an image processing device, screen display method and program which can improve the convenience of a user operation when a plurality of selection keys are associated with one identification information.SOLUTION: When a card number of an IC card is read in a state where a home screen 41 is displayed on an operation panel, a shortcut display screen 44 including a shortcut key 61 corresponding to the whole registration data associated with the read card number is displayed on the operation panel. When the card number of the IC card is read in a state where a copy mode screen 42, a scan mode screen 43 or a fax mode screen about a specific function is displayed on the operation panel, a function-limited shortcut display screen 46 including the shortcut key 61 corresponding to the registration data including the setting about the specific function is displayed on the operation panel.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus such as a multi-function peripheral (MFP), a screen display method executed by the image processing apparatus, and a program installed in a computer of the image processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, some image processing apparatuses such as scanners, printers, and multi-function peripherals have a shortcut function. In an image processing apparatus having a shortcut function, settings related to various functions such as scanning are registered in advance, and when a function is executed, the registered settings are called.

[0003] A configuration has been proposed in which a card storing identification information is used to call the setting information (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this configuration, settings related to functions are registered in association with identification information. When the identification information is read from the card by a card reader provided in the image processing apparatus, the settings associated with the identification information are called, and the function is executed according to the settings.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When the identification information of the card and the settings related to the function are associated one-to-one, when the identification information is read from the card, one setting associated with the identification information is read.

[0006] However, when multiple settings are associated with a single piece of identification information, when the identification information is read from the card, multiple settings are called. For example, it is necessary to display shortcut keys corresponding to each setting on a display and let the user select the setting to be used for executing a function. In this case, the larger the number of settings associated with a single piece of identification information, the more shortcut keys are displayed on the display. Therefore, it takes time for the user to select one desired shortcut key from among the multiple shortcut keys, and the convenience of the user's operation is poor.

[0007] According to the image processing apparatus described in the mode for carrying out the invention It is possible to improve the convenience of user operation when a plurality of selection keys are associated with a single piece of identification information it is.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0008] described in the mode for carrying out the invention An image processing apparatus is an image processing apparatus capable of executing a plurality of functions, and includes a function execution unit that selectively executes the plurality of functions, an information reading unit that reads identification information from an external medium, a display unit, a storage unit, and a control unit. The storage unit stores first display information related to a first screen including N (N: a positive integer of 2 or more) selection keys in association with the identification information, and second display information related to a second screen including M (M: a positive integer smaller than N) selection keys in association with the identification information. When the control unit determines that the display unit is displaying a standby screen when the information reading unit reads the identification information from the medium, the control unit causes the display unit to display the first screen based on the first display information stored in the storage unit in association with the identification information. When the control unit determines that the display unit is displaying a screen related to a specific function among the plurality of functions when the information reading unit reads the identification information from the medium, the control unit causes the display unit to display the second screen based on the second display information stored in the storage unit in association with the identification information.

[0009] According to this configuration, when the identification information of the medium is read while the standby screen is being displayed on the display unit, a first screen including N selection keys is displayed on the display unit based on the first display information associated with the read identification information. Further, when the identification information of the medium is read while a screen related to a specific function is being displayed on the display unit, a second screen including M selection keys, which is less than N, is displayed on the display unit based on the second display information associated with the read identification information.

[0010] When the standby screen was being displayed on the display unit when the identification information of the medium was read, a first screen including N selection keys, which is more than M, is displayed on the display unit, so the degree of freedom of selection of the selection keys by the user is high. On the other hand, when a screen related to a specific function was being displayed on the display unit when the identification information of the medium was read, a second screen including M selection keys, which is less than N, is displayed on the display unit, so it is easy for the user to select one selection key.

[0011] Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience of user operations when a plurality of selection keys are associated with one identification information.

[0012] When all of the N selection keys relate to the same function (for example, the copy function), as a result, there may be a case where M = N. The present invention does not exclude a form in which such a case can occur. That is, the present invention includes at least a case where a plurality of shortcuts are registered and all of the N selection keys do not relate to the same function, and is configured such that M < N.

[0013] The standby screen is a screen at a higher hierarchy than the first screen and the second screen.

[0014] Note that the present invention can be realized not only in the form of an image processing apparatus, but also, for example, in the form of a screen display method executed by an image processing apparatus and a program installed in a computer of the image processing apparatus.

Effects of the Invention

[0015] the image processing apparatus described in the mode for carrying out the invention According to this, it is possible to improve the convenience of user operations when a plurality of selection keys are associated with one piece of identification information.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016]

FIG. 1

FIG. 2A

FIG. 2B

FIG. 3

FIG. 4

FIG. 5

FIG. 6

FIG. 7

FIG. 8

FIG. 9

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0018] <Electrical Configuration of MFP> The MFP1 (an example of an image processing apparatus) shown in FIG. 1 has a plurality of functions. The plurality of functions are roughly classified into a printing function, a scanning function, a copying function, and a fax function. The printing function is a function of forming an image related to image data on a sheet. The scanning function is a function of reading an image and generating image data. The copying function is a function of reading an image and forming the image on a sheet. The fax function is a function of transmitting and receiving image data of an image formed on a sheet to and from an external device.

[0019] In addition to the normal scanning function of transmitting image data generated by reading an image to an external device such as a PC (personal computer) or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) device as a detailed function of the scanning function, the scanning function includes a scan-mail function of attaching the image data to an e-mail and transmitting it to an external device. The copying function includes, as its detailed functions, a color copying function of reading an image in color and forming a color image on a sheet, and a monochrome copying function of reading an image in monochrome and forming a monochrome image on a sheet. Further, the copying function includes an aggregated copying function of reading a plurality of images and aggregating and forming the plurality of images on a sheet. The fax function includes, as its detailed functions, a normal fax function of transmitting and receiving image data to and from an external device via a public telephone line, and an Internet fax function of attaching the image data to an e-mail and transmitting and receiving it to and from an external device.

[0020] In order to execute these various functions, the MFP1 includes an image forming unit 11 (an example of a function execution unit), an image reading unit 12 (an example of a function execution unit), a LAN (Local Area Network) interface 13, a FAX interface 14 (an example of a function execution unit), and a USB interface 15.

[0021] The image forming unit 11 is a mechanism for forming an image on a sheet conveyed through a conveyance path in a housing forming the outer shell of the MFP1. The method of image formation by the image forming unit 11 may be an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method.

[0022] The image reading unit 12 is a mechanism that reads a document on a contact glass supported by the housing with an image sensor and generates image data of the document. The image reading method by the image reading unit 12 may be a method of reading a document passing on the contact glass, or may be a method of reading a stationary document on the contact glass.

[0023] The LAN interface 13 includes a circuit for network communication via the LAN 3. The LAN 3 may be composed of a wired LAN or a wireless LAN, or may be composed of both a wired LAN and a wireless LAN. The LAN 3 is connected to the Internet 4, and the MFP 1 can communicate with a server 5 placed on the Internet 4 via the LAN 3 and the Internet 4.

[0024] The FAX interface 14 is an interface for connection to a public telephone line used in the normal fax function, and includes a modem with a built-in NCU (Network Control Unit) and the like.

[0025] The USB interface 15 is an interface for data communication with a USB device.

[0026] Also, the MFP 1 includes an operation panel 16 (an example of a display unit) and an NFC (Near Field Communication) interface 17 (an example of an information reading unit).

[0027] The operation panel 16 is a touch panel and is arranged facing the outside of the housing so that the user can operate and view it. Various information, images of buttons, etc. are displayed on the operation panel 16. When the user presses a button displayed on the operation panel 16, the press operation is received by the operation panel 16, and a signal corresponding to the press operation is output from the operation panel 16.

[0028] The NFC interface 17 is an interface for wireless communication via NFC. NFC is a wireless communication technology compliant with international standards such as ISO / IEC 14443 and ISO / IEC 18092, and uses a communication frequency in the 13.56 MHz band. The NFC interface 17 has a touch portion disposed facing the outside of the housing. When an IC card 6 (an example of a medium) having a wireless communication function via NFC touches (proximity or contact) the touch portion, NFC communication is established between the IC card 6 and the NFC interface 17, enabling data communication.

[0029] The MFP 1 includes an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 21, a non-volatile memory 22 (an example of a storage unit) such as a flash memory or an E2PROM capable of rewriting data, and a volatile memory 23 such as an SDRAM. The image forming unit 11, the image reading unit 12, the LAN interface 13, the FAX interface 14, the USB interface 15, the operation panel 16, the NFC interface 17, the ASIC 21, the non-volatile memory 22, and the volatile memory 23 are connected via a bus 24 so as to enable data communication.

[0030] The ASIC 21 incorporates a CPU 25 (an example of a control unit). The CPU 25 executes a program for various processes based on signals input to the ASIC 21, thereby controlling each unit such as the image forming unit 11, the image reading unit 12, the LAN interface 13, the FAX interface 14, the USB interface 15, the operation panel 16, and the NFC interface 17.

[0031] The non-volatile memory 22 stores programs executed by the CPU 25 and various data.

[0032] The volatile memory 23 is used as a work area when the CPU 25 executes a program.

[0033] <Shortcut Registration> MFP1 has a shortcut function. Therefore, the user can register in advance in the non-volatile memory 22 the settings related to various functions such as the scan function (hereinafter referred to as "shortcut registration"), and can call the settings registered by the shortcut when executing the function. The shortcut registration can be performed, for example, on the website of the server (EWS: Embedded Web Server) incorporated in MFP1 using the web browser of a user terminal such as a PC (Personal Computer) or a tablet.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the registered data registered by the shortcut is stored in the non-volatile memory 22 in association with the card number of the IC card 6 used by the user. The card number is a number unique to the IC card 6 and is the identification information of the IC card 6.

[0035] In the example shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, as the registered data of the registration number "1", in association with the card number "1001", the settings related to the normal fax function of the fax function, the display name "To_ALEX" displayed on the operation panel 16 together with the shortcut key 61 (see FIG. 4), and the setting of "off" for the one-touch call are stored in the non-volatile memory 22. The setting of the one-touch call is a setting as to whether the function is executed without pressing the start key 71 (see FIG. 4) when executing the function with the settings registered by the shortcut. If it is set to "on", the function is executed without pressing the start key 71, and if it is set to "off", a press operation of the start key 71 is required to execute the function.

[0036] Also, as the registered data of the registration number "2", in association with the card number "1001", the settings related to the Internet fax function of the fax function, the display name "To_BOB" displayed on the operation panel 16 together with the shortcut key 61, and the setting of "off" for the one-touch call are stored in the non-volatile memory 22.

[0037] As registration data with registration number "3", in association with card number "1001", the settings related to the color copying function of the copying function, the display name "COLOR" displayed on the operation panel 16 together with the shortcut key 61, and the setting of "on" for one-touch calling are stored in the non-volatile memory 22.

[0038] As registration data with registration number "4", in association with card number "1001", the settings related to the monochrome copying function of the copying function, the display name "2SIDE" displayed on the operation panel 16 together with the shortcut key 61, and the setting of "off" for one-touch calling are stored in the non-volatile memory 22. The settings related to this monochrome copying function include the setting to form images on both sides of the sheet.

[0039] As registration data with registration number "5", in association with card number "1001", the settings related to the scan-mail function of the scan function, the display name "To_ME" displayed on the operation panel 16 together with the shortcut key 61, and the setting of "off" for one-touch calling are stored in the non-volatile memory 22.

[0040] As registration data with registration number "6", in association with card number "1001", the settings related to the combined copying function of the copying function, the display name "2IN1" displayed on the operation panel 16 together with the shortcut key 61, and the setting of "off" for one-touch calling are stored in the non-volatile memory 22. The settings related to this combined copying function include the setting to combine and form images of two originals on one side of the sheet.

[0041] As registration data with registration number "7", in association with card number "1002", the settings related to the scan-mail function of the scan function, the display name "EMAIL_To_ME" displayed on the operation panel 16 together with the shortcut key 61, and the setting of "off" for one-touch calling are stored in the non-volatile memory 22.

[0042] As registration data with registration number "8", in association with card number "1002", the settings related to the scan mail function of the scan function, the display name "EMAIL_To_ALEX" displayed on the operation panel 16 together with the shortcut key 61, and the setting of "off" for one-touch call are stored in the non-volatile memory 22.

[0043] As registration data with registration number "9", in association with card number "1003", the settings related to the color copy function of the copy function, the display name "MY_COPY" displayed on the operation panel 16 together with the shortcut key 61, and the setting of "on" for one-touch call are stored in the non-volatile memory 22.

[0044] <Priority Registration> In MFP1, when a plurality of registration data are shortcut registered in association with the card number of one IC card 6, the registration data to be preferentially used can be set in advance. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 3, for card number "1001" and card number "1003", the registration data to be preferentially used is not set, and for card number "1002", the setting is made to preferentially use the registration data with registration number "7".

[0045] <Screen Transition> As shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of screens are displayed in a switching manner on the operation panel 16. The screens displayed on the operation panel 16 include a home screen 41 (an example of a standby screen), a copy mode screen 42 (an example of a screen related to a specific function), a scan mode screen 43 (an example of a screen related to a specific function), a shortcut display screen 44 (an example of a first screen), a setting content display screen 45 (an example of an execution screen), and a function-limited shortcut display screen 46 (an example of a second screen).

[0046] On the home screen 41, a function key 51 corresponding to each broadly classified function such as a scan function, a copy function, and a fax function, and a setting key 52 that is pressed when setting the main body of the MFP1 are each displayed in the form of an icon. On the home screen 41, a shortcut key 61 arbitrarily selected by the user can also be displayed. At the lower end of the home screen 41, a plurality of basic keys 53 and a plurality of custom keys 54 are displayed side by side. When the basic key 53 is pressed, the function key 51 and the setting key 52 set at the time of factory shipment of the MFP1 are displayed on the home screen 41. When the custom key 54 is pressed, a list of shortcut keys 61 corresponding to all registered data registered as shortcuts is displayed. When the shortcut keys 61 corresponding to all registered data span multiple screens, the screen can be switched by selectively pressing the custom key 54.

[0047] The copy mode screen 42 is a screen displayed in response to the function key 51 corresponding to the copy function being pressed on the home screen 41. On the copy mode screen 42, items that can be set by the copy function are displayed, and the user can set each item.

[0048] The scan mode screen 43 is a screen displayed in response to the function key 51 corresponding to the scan function being pressed on the home screen 41. On the scan mode screen 43, items that can be set by the scan function are displayed, and the user can set each item.

[0049] Although not shown, when the function key 51 corresponding to the fax function is pressed on the home screen 41, the display screen of the operation panel 16 switches from the home screen 41 to a fax mode screen on which items that can be set by the fax function are displayed.

[0050] The shortcut display screen 44 is a screen that is displayed in response to the touch of the IC card 6 on the touch portion of the NFC interface 17 when a plurality of registered data with shortcut registration are stored in the non-volatile memory 22 in association with the card number of one IC card 6 and no registered data to be preferentially used is set. On the shortcut display screen 44, shortcut keys 61 (an example of a key selectively operated for input related to a specific function) corresponding to each registered data with shortcut registration are arranged and displayed in a matrix. Note that "input related to a specific function" is at least one of selection / selection items / detailed selection related to a specific function.

[0051] The setting content display screen 45 is a screen that is displayed in response to the touch of the IC card 6 on the touch portion of the NFC interface 17 when the setting of each item is completed in the copy mode screen 42, the scan mode screen 43, etc., or when there is one piece of registered data stored in the non-volatile memory 22 in association with the card number of the IC card 6 or when registered data to be preferentially used is set in association with the card number of the IC card 6. On the setting content display screen 45, when the scan function, the copy function, or the fax function is executed, the content of the setting related to the executed function is displayed in a list. Also, on the lower right corner of the setting content display screen 45, a start key 71 (an example of an execution key) for instructing the execution of the scan function, the copy function, or the fax function is displayed. When the start key 71 is pressed, the function is executed with the content displayed on the setting content display screen 45, and the display screen of the operation panel 16 is switched from the setting content display screen 45 to a function execution in-progress screen (not shown). When the IC card 6 is touched on the touch portion of the NFC interface 17 during or before the display of the setting content display screen 45, a shortcut registration key 72 is displayed in the upper right corner of the setting content display screen 45. When the shortcut registration key 72 is pressed, the content displayed on the setting content display screen 45 is shortcut-registered in association with the card number of the IC card 6 as registered data.

[0052] The function-limited shortcut display screen 46 is a screen that is displayed when, after a function key 51 corresponding to a scan function, a copy function, or a fax function is pressed on the home screen 41 and a copy mode screen 42, a scan mode screen 43, or a fax mode screen is displayed, the IC card 6 is touched to the touch portion of the NFC interface 17 during the display. On the function-limited shortcut display screen 46, registration data (an example of second display information) including settings related to the function corresponding to the function key 51 pressed on the home screen 41 is extracted from the registration data stored in the non-volatile memory 22 in association with the card number of the IC card 6, and shortcut keys 61 (an example of selection keys) corresponding to the extracted registration data are arranged and displayed in a matrix. For example, when the IC card 6 is touched to the touch portion of the NFC interface 17 during the display of the copy mode screen 42, the registration data of the copy function is extracted from the registration data stored in the non-volatile memory 22 in association with the card number of the IC card 6, and the shortcut keys 61 corresponding to the extracted registration data are arranged and displayed in a matrix. Also, on the function-limited shortcut display screen 46, an all-display key 81 is displayed. When the all-display key 81 is pressed, the display screen of the operation panel 16 is switched from the function-limited shortcut display screen 46 to the shortcut display screen 44, and the shortcut keys 61 corresponding to the respective registration data stored in the non-volatile memory 22 in association with the card number of the IC card 6 are arranged and displayed in a matrix.

[0053] <Main loop process> To transition the screen displayed on the operation panel 16, the main loop process shown in FIG. 5 is executed by the CPU 25 of the ASIC 21.

[0054] In the main loop process, the CPU 25 determines whether or not the IC card 6 has been touched to the touch portion of the NFC interface 17 (S1).

[0055] When the IC card 6 touches the touch part of the NFC interface 17, the card number is read from the IC card 6 to the NFC interface 17 by NFC communication between the IC card 6 and the NFC interface 17. When the CPU 25 determines that the IC card 6 has been touched (S1: YES), the CPU 25 stores the card number read from the IC card 6 to the NFC interface 17 in the volatile memory 23 (S2).

[0056] After that, the CPU 25 executes the favorite process (S3). The favorite process will be described later.

[0057] On the other hand, when the CPU 25 determines that the IC card 6 has not touched the touch part of the NFC interface 17 (S1: NO), the CPU 25 determines whether any of the keys displayed on the operation panel 16 has been pressed (S4). When the CPU 25 determines that no key has been pressed (S4: NO), the CPU 25 determines again whether the IC card 6 has touched the touch part of the NFC interface 17 (S1).

[0058] When the CPU 25 determines that any of the keys displayed on the operation panel 16 has been pressed (S4: YES), the CPU 25 determines whether the pressed key is the custom key 54 on the home screen 41 (S5). When the CPU 25 determines that the pressed key is the custom key 54 (S5: YES), the CPU 25 displays a list of all registered data registered as shortcuts on the operation panel 16 (S6).

[0059] When the CPU 25 determines that the pressed key is not the custom key 54 (S5: NO), that is, when a key other than the custom key 54 is pressed, it determines whether the pressed key is one of all the display keys 81 on the function-limited shortcut display screen 46 (S7). When the CPU 25 determines that the pressed key is one of all the display keys 81 (S7: YES), it causes the operation panel 16 to display a shortcut display screen 44 in which shortcut keys 61 corresponding to each registered data (an example of the first display information) stored in the non-volatile memory 22 associated with the card number of the IC card 6 are arranged in a matrix (S8).

[0060] When the CPU 25 determines that the pressed key is not one of all the display keys 81 (S7: NO), that is, when a key other than the custom key 54 and all the display keys 81 is pressed, it determines whether the pressed key is the start key 71 on the setting content display screen 45 (S9). When the CPU 25 determines that the pressed key is the start key 71 (S9: YES), it controls the image forming unit 11 or the image reading unit 12 or the like so that the function is executed with the content displayed on the setting content display screen 45 (S10).

[0061] When the CPU 25 determines that the pressed key is not the start key 71 either (S9: NO), that is, when a key other than the custom key 54, the start key 71, and all the display keys 81 is pressed, it updates the display screen of the operation panel 16 to a screen corresponding to the pressed key (S11).

[0062] <Favorite processing> The flow of the favorite processing executed in step S3 of FIG. 5 is shown in FIG. 6.

[0063] In the favorite processing, the CPU 25 determines whether the copy mode screen 42 is being displayed on the operation panel 16 (S301).

[0064] When the IC card 6 is touched on the touch part of the NFC interface 17 while the copy mode screen 42 is displayed on the operation panel 16, the CPU 25 determines that the screen displayed on the operation panel 16 is the copy mode screen 42 (S301: YES). In this case, the CPU 25 marks, as favorite call data, the registered data including the settings related to the copy function from among the registered data shortcut-registered in the non-volatile memory 22 (S302). For example, in the examples shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the registered data of registration numbers "3", "4", "6", and "9" are marked as favorite call data.

[0065] When the CPU 25 determines that the copy mode screen 42 is not being displayed on the operation panel 16 (S301: NO), it determines whether the scan mode screen 43 is being displayed (S303).

[0066] When the IC card 6 is touched on the touch part of the NFC interface 17 while the scan mode screen 43 is displayed on the operation panel 16, the CPU 25 determines that the screen displayed on the operation panel 16 is the scan mode screen 43 (S303: YES). In this case, the CPU 25 marks, as favorite call data, the registered data including the settings related to the scan function from among the registered data shortcut-registered in the non-volatile memory 22 (S304). For example, in the examples shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the registered data of registration numbers "5", "7", and "8" are marked as favorite call data.

[0067] When the CPU 25 determines that the scan mode screen 43 is not being displayed on the operation panel 16 (S303: NO), it determines whether the fax mode screen is being displayed (S305).

[0068] When the IC card 6 is touched on the touch part of the NFC interface 17 while the fax mode screen is displayed on the operation panel 16, the CPU 25 determines that the screen displayed on the operation panel 16 is the fax mode screen (S305: YES). In this case, the CPU 25 marks, as favorite call data, the registered data including the settings related to the fax function among the registered data registered in the non-volatile memory 22 as shortcuts (S306). For example, in the examples shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the registered data with registration numbers "1" and "2" are marked as favorite call data.

[0069] When the CPU 25 determines that the fax screen is not being displayed on the operation panel 16 (S305: NO), it determines whether the home screen 41 is being displayed (S307).

[0070] When the IC card 6 is touched on the touch part of the NFC interface 17 while the home screen 41 is displayed on the operation panel 16, the CPU 25 determines that the screen displayed on the operation panel 16 is the home screen 41 (S307: YES). In this case, the CPU 25 determines whether registered data preferentially used over the card number stored in the volatile memory 23 is set (S308).

[0071] When the CPU 25 determines that no registered data preferentially used over the card number stored in the volatile memory 23 is set (S308: YES), it marks all the registered data as favorite call data (S309). For example, in the examples shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, all the registered data with registration numbers from "1" to "9" are marked as favorite call data.

[0072] When the CPU 25 determines that registered data preferentially used over the card number stored in the volatile memory 23 is set (S308: NO), it marks the registered data preferentially used as favorite call data (S310).

[0073] In this way, after the CPU 25 marks the favorite call data, it executes the favorite call process (S311) and ends the favorite process. After that, the process executed by the CPU 25 returns to the main loop process.

[0074] <Favorite Call Process> The flow of the favorite call process executed in step S311 of FIG. 6 is shown in FIG. 7.

[0075] In the favorite call process, the CPU 25 uses the card number stored in the volatile memory 23 as the target card number, and the favorite call data marked in the favorite process as the target favorite call data. Then, it searches for the registration data (hereinafter referred to as "target data") associated with the target card number among the target favorite call data (step S3111).

[0076] As a result of the search, the CPU 25 determines the presence or absence of the target data (S3112). When the CPU 25 determines that there is target data (S3112: YES), it determines whether the number of target data is 1 (S3113).

[0077] When the CPU 25 determines that the number of target data is 1 (S3113: YES), it determines whether the one-touch call "ON" setting is included in the target data (S3114). When the CPU 25 determines that the one-touch call "ON" setting is included (S3114: YES), it controls the image forming unit 11 or the image reading unit 12 or the like so that the function of the target data is executed (S3115), and ends the favorite call process. In this case, the display on the operation panel 16 switches from the screen displayed when the IC card 6 touches the touch portion of the NFC interface 17 to a function execution in-progress screen (not shown) without displaying the setting content display screen 45. On the other hand, when the CPU 25 determines that the one-touch call "ON" setting is not included in the target data (S3114: NO), it causes the operation panel 16 to display the setting content display screen 45 of the function of the target data (S3116), and ends the favorite call process.

[0078] When the CPU 25 determines that the number of target data is not 1 (S3113: NO), it causes the operation panel 16 to display the shortcut display screen 44 or the function-limited shortcut display screen 46 on which the shortcut keys 61 corresponding to the plurality of target data are arranged (S3117), and ends the favorite call process.

[0079] Also, when the CPU 25 determines that there is no target data (S3112: NO), it notifies the user that there is no target data by a method such as causing the operation panel 16 to display that there is no target data (step S3118), and ends the favorite call process.

[0080] After the favorite call process ends, the process executed by the CPU 25 returns to the favorite process (substantially, returns to the main loop process).

[0081] <Advantages and Effects> As described above, when the card number of the IC card 6 is read while the home screen 41 is being displayed on the operation panel 16, a shortcut display screen 44 including shortcut keys 61 corresponding to all the registered data associated with the read card number is displayed on the operation panel 16 based on all the registered data. Also, when the card number of the IC card 6 is read while a copy mode screen 42, a scan mode screen 43, or a fax mode screen for setting specific functions is being displayed on the operation panel 16, a function-limited shortcut display screen 46 including shortcut keys 61 corresponding to the registered data is displayed on the operation panel 16 based on the registered data including settings related to specific functions among the registered data associated with the read card number.

[0082] When the home screen 41 was being displayed on the operation panel 16 when the card number of the IC card 6 was read, a shortcut display screen 44 including a relatively large number of shortcut keys 61 is displayed on the operation panel 16, so the degree of freedom for the user to select the shortcut keys 61 is high. On the other hand, when a setting screen was being displayed on the operation panel 16 when the card number of the IC card 6 was read, a function-limited shortcut display screen 46 including a relatively small number of shortcut keys 61 is displayed on the operation panel 16, so it is easy for the user to select the shortcut keys 61.

[0083] Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience of user operations in the case where a plurality of shortcut keys 61 are associated with the card number of a single IC card 6.

[0084] When the number of target data associated with the card number of the IC card 6 is 1 and the registered data does not include the setting of "ON" for one-touch call, instead of the shortcut display screen 44, a setting content display screen 45 including the start key 71 operated to execute the function related to the registered data is displayed on the operation panel 16. Therefore, the user can instruct the execution of the function related to the registered data without pressing the shortcut key 61, and the convenience of the user operation can be further improved.

[0085] Also, when the number of target data associated with the card number is 1 and the registered data includes the setting of "ON" for one-touch call, the display on the operation panel 16 switches from the screen displayed when the card number of the IC card 6 is read to a function execution screen (not shown) without displaying the setting content display screen 45, and the function related to the registered data is executed. Therefore, it is not necessary to press the start key 71 to instruct the execution of the function, and the convenience of the user operation can be further improved.

[0086] Furthermore, when there is no target data associated with the card number, the user is notified that there is no target data. This notification can make the user recognize that there is no shortcut key 61 to be displayed or the function cannot be executed, so that the convenience for the user can be further enhanced.

[0087] <Modification Example> As described above, one embodiment of the present invention has been described, but the present invention can also be implemented in other forms.

[0088] For example, instead of the favorite processing shown in FIG. 6, the favorite processing shown in FIG. 8 may be executed, and instead of the favorite call processing shown in FIG. 7, the favorite call processing shown in FIG. 9 may be executed.

[0089] In the favorite process shown in FIG. 8, before determining whether the copy mode screen 42 is being displayed on the operation panel 16, the CPU 25 selects, from the registered data registered in the non-volatile memory 22, the registered data associated with the card number stored in the volatile memory 23 (S312).

[0090] Then, when the CPU 25 determines that the screen displayed on the operation panel 16 is the copy mode screen 42 (S301: YES), it extracts, from the previously selected registered data, i.e., the registered data associated with the card number, the registered data including the settings related to the copy function, and sets the extracted registered data as the favorite call data (S302). For example, in the examples shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, when the card number stored in the volatile memory 23 is "1001", the registered data of registration numbers "3", "4", and "6" are set as the favorite call data.

[0091] Also, when the CPU 25 determines that the screen displayed on the operation panel 16 is the scan mode screen 43 (S303: YES), it extracts, from the previously selected registered data, the registered data including the settings related to the scan function, and sets the extracted registered data as the favorite call data (S304). For example, in the examples shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, when the card number stored in the volatile memory 23 is "1001", the registered data of registration number "5" is set as the favorite call data.

[0092] When the CPU 25 determines that the screen displayed on the operation panel 16 is the fax mode screen (S305: YES), it extracts, from the previously selected registered data, the registered data including the settings related to the fax function, and sets the extracted registered data as the favorite call data (S306). For example, in the examples shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, when the card number stored in the volatile memory 23 is "1001", the registered data of registration numbers "1" and "2" are set as the favorite call data.

[0093] Also, when the CPU 25 determines that the screen displayed on the operation panel 16 is the home screen 41 (S307: YES), the CPU 25 determines whether registered data that is to be preferentially used over the card number stored in the volatile memory 23 is set (S308).

[0094] When the CPU 25 determines that registered data that is to be preferentially used over the card number stored in the volatile memory 23 is not set (S308: YES), the CPU 25 sets all of the previously selected registered data, that is, the registered data associated with the card number, as the favorite call data (S309). For example, in the examples shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the registered data of registration numbers "1" to "registration number "6" is set as the favorite call data.

[0095] When the CPU 25 determines that registered data that is to be preferentially used over the card number stored in the volatile memory 23 is set (S308: NO), the CPU 25 sets the registered data to be preferentially used as the favorite call data (S310).

[0096] When the favorite process shown in FIG. 8 is executed, in the favorite call process, as shown in FIG. 9, step S3111 shown in FIG. 7 is omitted, and the registered data set as the favorite call data in the favorite process is directly used as the target data. In the favorite call process shown in FIG. 9, since the subsequent processes are the same as the favorite call process shown in FIG. 7, the description thereof is omitted.

[0097] In the above-described embodiment, an example of the external medium is the IC card 6, and an example of the information reading unit is the NFC interface 17 that reads the card number from the IC card 6 by NFC communication. However, an example of the external medium may be a magnetic card, and an example of the information reading unit may be a magnetic card reader. Further, an example of the external medium may be a medium having a one-dimensional barcode, and an example of the information reading unit may be a barcode reader. An example of the external medium may be a medium having a QR code (registered trademark), and an example of the information reading unit may be a QR code reader. Furthermore, an example of the external medium may be a communication terminal capable of wireless communication by Bluetooth (registered trademark), and an example of the information reading unit may be an interface capable of wireless communication by Bluetooth (registered trademark) for an example of the external medium. An example of the external medium may be a communication terminal capable of wireless communication by Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and an example of the information reading unit may be an interface capable of wireless communication by Wi-Fi (registered trademark) for an example of the external medium.

[0098] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the CPU 25 executes each process has been described. However, the ASIC 21 may include a plurality of CPUs, and the plurality of CPUs may cooperate to execute each process.

[0099] In addition, various design changes can be made to the above-described configuration within the scope of the matters described in the claims.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0100] 1: MFP 6: IC card 11: Image forming unit 12: Image reading unit 14: FAX interface 16: Operation panel 17: NFC interface 22: Non-volatile memory 25: CPU 41: Home screen 42: Copy mode screen 43: Scan mode screen 44: Shortcut display screen 45: Setting content display screen 46: Function-limited shortcut display screen 61: Shortcut key 71: Start key

Claims

1. An image processing apparatus, comprising an image reading unit, an information reading unit that reads identification information from a medium, a display unit, a storage unit, and a control unit, wherein it is possible to register in the storage unit shortcut data associating a scan using the image reading unit, settings related to the scan, and the identification information, and the control unit is configured such that when the information reading unit reads the identification information from the medium, the display unit displays a screen related to the scan, and when there is a single piece of the shortcut data registered in advance in the storage unit and associating the identification information read by the information reading unit from the medium, the display unit can display a screen including a start key for instructing execution of the scan based on the shortcut data. An image processing apparatus.

2. An image processing apparatus, comprising an image reading unit, an image forming unit, an information reading unit that reads identification information from a medium, a display unit, a storage unit, and a control unit, wherein in the image processing apparatus, it is possible to register in the storage unit shortcut data associating a scan using the image reading unit, settings related to the scan, and the identification information, and shortcut data associating a copy using the image reading unit and the image forming unit, settings related to the copy, and the identification information, and the control unit, when the information reading unit reads the identification information from the medium, the display unit displays a screen related to the scan, and when there is a single piece of the shortcut data registered in the image processing apparatus and associating the identification information read by the information reading unit from the medium, the display unit is configured to be able to display a screen including a start key for instructing execution of the scan based on the shortcut data. When the information reading unit reads the identification information from the medium, the display unit displays a standby screen, and the shortcut data associating the scan, the settings related to the scan, and the identification information read by the information reading unit from the medium, and the copy, the settings related to the copy, and the identification information read by the information reading unit from the medium, are registered in the image processing apparatus. In this case, the image processing apparatus is configured to be able to display on the display unit a display screen including a shortcut key which is a selection key corresponding to the shortcut data associated with the scan, and a shortcut key which is a selection key corresponding to the shortcut data associated with the copy.

3. An image processing apparatus, an image reading unit, an information reading unit that reads identification information from a medium, a display unit, a storage unit, a control unit, and the image processing apparatus can register a plurality of shortcut data in the storage unit, which associate a scan using the image reading unit, the settings related to the scan, and the identification information. The control unit is configured such that when the information reading unit reads the identification information from the medium, the display unit displays a screen related to the scan, and when there is a single piece of shortcut data registered in the image processing apparatus and associating the identification information read by the information reading unit from the medium, the display unit can display a screen including a start key for instructing execution of the scan based on the shortcut data. is configured such that when the information reading unit reads the identification information from the medium, the display unit displays a standby screen, and when there are a plurality of pieces of shortcut data registered in the image processing apparatus and associating the scan, the settings related to the scan, and the identification information read by the information reading unit from the medium, the display unit can display a display screen including a plurality of shortcut keys which are selection keys corresponding to the shortcut data associated with the scan.

4. An image processing apparatus, an image reading unit, an image forming unit, an information reading unit that reads identification information from a medium, a display unit, a storage unit, A control unit, and The image processing apparatus can register shortcut data in which a scan using the image reading unit, settings related to the scan, and the identification information are associated with each other using the storage unit. The image processing apparatus can register a plurality of shortcut data in which a copy using the image reading unit and the image forming unit, settings related to the copy, and the identification information are associated with each other using the storage unit. The control unit When the information reading unit reads the identification information from the medium, the display unit displays a screen related to the scan, and when the number of pieces of shortcut data associated with the identification information read by the information reading unit from the medium and registered in the image processing apparatus is one, the display unit is configured to display on the display unit a screen including a start key for instructing execution of the scan based on the shortcut data. An image processing apparatus configured such that when the information reading unit reads the identification information from the medium, the display unit displays a standby screen, and when the number of pieces of shortcut data in which the copy, settings related to the copy, and the identification information read by the information reading unit from the medium are associated with each other and registered in the image processing apparatus is plural, the display unit is configured to display on the display unit a display screen including a plurality of shortcut keys each of which is a selection key corresponding to the shortcut data associated with the copy.

5. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the standby screen is a screen at a higher level than the display screen.

6. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit is configured to display on the display unit a screen including the start key for instructing execution of the scan based on the shortcut data when the information reading unit reads the identification information from the medium, the display unit displays a screen related to the scan, the number of pieces of shortcut data associated with the identification information read by the information reading unit from the medium and registered is one, and there is no setting that the start key is not operated for the shortcut data.

7. An image processing apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein when the information reading unit reads the identification information from the medium, the control unit causes the display unit to display a screen related to the scan, and when the number of pieces of shortcut data associating the identification information read by the information reading unit from the medium and registered is one, and the shortcut data is set such that the start key is not to be operated, the control unit is configured to execute the scan based on the shortcut data without causing the display unit to display a screen including the start key for instructing execution of the scan based on the shortcut data.

8. An image processing apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, further comprising an image forming unit, wherein it is possible to register in the storage unit shortcut data associating the scan, settings related to the scan, and the identification information, and shortcut data associating copying using the image reading unit and the image forming unit, settings related to the copying, and the identification information. when the information reading unit reads the identification information from the medium, the control unit causes the display unit to display a screen related to the copying, and when the number of pieces of registered shortcut data associating the identification information read by the information reading unit from the medium is one, the control unit is configured to be able to cause the display unit to display a screen including the start key for instructing execution of the copying based on the shortcut data.

9. An image processing apparatus, comprising an image reading unit; an information reading unit that reads identification information from a medium; a display unit; a storage unit; and a control unit, wherein it is possible to register in the storage unit shortcut data associating a scan using the image reading unit, settings related to the scan, and the identification information. When the information reading unit reads the identification information from the medium, the display unit displays a screen related to the scan, and when the shortcut data associating the identification information read by the information reading unit from the medium and registered in advance in the storage unit is singular, the display unit is configured to be able to display a screen including the content of the settings related to the scan based on the shortcut data. An image processing apparatus. **Claim 10** An image processing apparatus, An image reading unit, An image forming unit, An information reading unit that reads identification information from a medium, A display unit, A storage unit, A control unit, and includes In the image processing apparatus, using the storage unit, shortcut data associating a scan using the image reading unit, settings related to the scan, and the identification information, and a copy using the image reading unit and the image forming unit, settings related to the copy, and the identification information, can be registered. The control unit, When the information reading unit reads the identification information from the medium, the display unit displays a screen related to the scan, and when the shortcut data associating the identification information read by the information reading unit from the medium and registered in the image processing apparatus is singular, the display unit is configured to be able to display a screen including the content of the settings related to the scan based on the shortcut data. When the information reading unit reads the identification information from the medium, the display unit displays a standby screen, and when the shortcut data associating the scan, the settings related to the scan, and the identification information read by the information reading unit from the medium, and the shortcut data associating the copy, the settings related to the copy, and the identification information read by the information reading unit from the medium are registered in the image processing apparatus, the display unit is configured to be able to display a display screen including a shortcut key that is a selection key corresponding to the shortcut data associating the scan and a shortcut key that is a selection key corresponding to the shortcut data associating the copy. An image processing apparatus. **Claim 11** An image processing apparatus, An image reading unit, An information reading unit that reads identification information from a medium, a display unit, a storage unit, a control unit, and is configured such that in the image processing apparatus, it is possible to register a plurality of shortcut data in which a scan using the image reading unit, settings related to the scan, and the identification information are associated with each other using the storage unit, the control unit when the information reading unit reads the identification information from the medium, the display unit displays a screen related to the scan, and when the number of pieces of shortcut data in which the identification information read by the information reading unit from the medium is associated is one and is registered in the image processing apparatus, is configured to be able to cause the display unit to display a screen including the content of the settings related to the scan based on the shortcut data, when the information reading unit reads the identification information from the medium, the display unit displays a standby screen, and when the number of pieces of shortcut data in which the scan, the settings related to the scan, and the identification information read by the information reading unit from the medium are associated and registered in the image processing apparatus is plural, is configured to be able to cause the display unit to display a display screen including a plurality of shortcut keys that are selection keys corresponding to the shortcut data associated with the scan, an image processing apparatus.

12. An image processing apparatus, an image reading unit, an image forming unit, an information reading unit that reads identification information from a medium, a display unit, a storage unit, a control unit, and is configured such that in the image processing apparatus, it is possible to register in the storage unit shortcut data in which a scan using the image reading unit, settings related to the scan, and the identification information are associated with each other using the storage unit, it is possible to register a plurality of shortcut data in which a copy using the image reading unit and the image forming unit, settings related to the copy, and the identification information are associated with each other, the control unit When the information reading unit reads the identification information from the medium, the display unit displays a screen related to the scan, and when the shortcut data associating the identification information read by the information reading unit from the medium and registered in the image processing apparatus is singular, the display unit is configured to be able to display a screen including the content of the scan settings based on the shortcut data. An image processing apparatus configured such that when the information reading unit reads the identification information from the medium, the display unit displays a standby screen, and when there are a plurality of shortcut data associating the copy, the settings related to the copy, and the identification information read by the information reading unit from the medium, which are registered in the image processing apparatus in advance, the display unit is able to display a display screen including a plurality of shortcut keys, which are selection keys corresponding to the shortcut data associating the copy.

13. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the standby screen is a screen at a higher hierarchy than the display screen.

14. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the control unit is configured such that when the information reading unit reads the identification information from the medium, the display unit displays a screen related to the scan, the shortcut data associating the identification information read by the information reading unit from the medium and registered is singular, and there is no setting to disable the operation of the start key for instructing the execution of the scan based on the shortcut data, the display unit is able to display a screen including the content of the scan settings based on the shortcut data.

15. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 14, When the information reading unit reads the identification information from the medium, the control unit causes the display unit to display a screen related to the scan, and the registered shortcut data associated with the identification information read by the information reading unit from the medium is singular, and when a setting is made such that the scan based on the shortcut data is executed without an operation of a start key for instructing the execution of the scan based on the shortcut data, the control unit is configured to execute the scan based on the shortcut data without causing the display unit to display a screen including the content of the settings related to the scan based on the shortcut data, an image processing apparatus.

16. An image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein when the information reading unit reads the identification information from the medium, the control unit causes the display unit to display a screen related to the scan, and when there are a plurality of pieces of registered shortcut data associated with the identification information read by the information reading unit from the medium, the control unit is configured to be able to cause the display unit to display a screen including a plurality of shortcut keys which are selection keys corresponding to the respective pieces of the plurality of shortcut data, an image processing apparatus.

17. An image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the information reading unit reads the identification information from the medium by wireless communication using NFC, an image processing apparatus.

18. An image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the information reading unit reads the identification information from the medium by wireless communication using Bluetooth, an image processing apparatus.

19. An image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the information reading unit reads the identification information from the medium by reading a barcode possessed by the medium, an image processing apparatus.

20. An image processing apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the barcode is a one-dimensional barcode, an image processing apparatus.

21. An image processing apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the barcode is a two-dimensional barcode, an image processing apparatus.

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