Information processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, and destination information display control method

Abstract

To provide an information processing apparatus and the like that can acquire destination information such as FAX numbers and mail addresses managed by the other apparatus and transmit FAX and mail to destination names included in the destination information, easily select transmission destinations that are highly likely to be used, and are excellent in privacy and security.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus comprises: a storage unit that can store the history of a job using destination information; a communication unit that can acquire the destination information from a terminal device; a display unit that can display the acquired destination information; and a control unit that determines priority based on the history of the job cooperated with the terminal device from the history, and controls the display unit to display the destination information based on the priority.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Information processing devices, such as multifunction peripherals, are known to be capable of acquiring destination information, such as fax numbers and email addresses, managed by other devices and transmitting faxes or emails to destination names included in the destination information.

[0003] In order to efficiently select a destination name when sending a fax or email, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing device that presents a user with a list of destination candidates sorted in order of the number of attributes (data type, sending date and time, title string, data size) similar to the data to be sent this time, based on past sending history.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a communication device that, when receiving communication destination data from a mobile phone, records data including telephone numbers and email addresses remaining in the communication history of an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral / Printer) in a phone book in a limited or preferential manner. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-155197 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-44291 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In Patent Document 1, it is necessary to set comparison information (attributes) necessary for creating a destination list. In a device configuration in which destination information is acquired from another device, the destination information is acquired regardless of the setting of the comparison information, so meaningful sorting cannot be performed if the comparison information necessary for sorting has not yet been set. Furthermore, in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to compare attributes and sort on the spot after the transmission data is confirmed, which can result in a huge amount of processing required to display the transmission list. Furthermore, in Patent Document 1, the transmission history is not treated separately from the transmission history used by others, which poses privacy and security issues.

[0007] Furthermore, the communication device of Patent Document 2 only adds communication data acquired from a mobile phone to phone book data if the data matches a past communication history. Therefore, Patent Document 2 does not take into consideration convenience, such as sorting communication destinations related to the acquired communication data in order of likelihood of use. Furthermore, as with Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2 does not treat the communication history separately from that used by others, which raises privacy and security issues.

[0008] The object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing device etc. that can acquire destination information managed by another device, such as a fax number or an email address, and send faxes or emails to the destination names included in the destination information, making it easy to select a highly usable sending destination, and that is excellent in terms of privacy and security. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problem, the information processing device according to the present disclosure is characterized by comprising a memory unit capable of storing a history of jobs that use destination information, a communication unit capable of acquiring the destination information from a terminal device, a display unit capable of displaying the acquired destination information, and a control unit that determines a priority based on the history of jobs that have been linked to the terminal device from the history, and controls the display of the destination information on the display unit based on the priority.

[0010] An image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure includes the information processing apparatus described above and an image forming unit capable of executing the job related to image formation.

[0011] In addition, the display control method of destination information according to the present disclosure is characterized by comprising a storage process for storing a history of jobs that use destination information, a communication process for acquiring the destination information from a terminal device, a display process for displaying the acquired destination information, and a control process for determining a priority based on the history of jobs linked to the terminal device from the history, and controlling the display of the destination information based on the priority. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to obtain destination information managed by other devices, such as a fax number or an email address, and send faxes or emails to the sending destinations included in the destination information, and it is easy to select highly usable destination names, and it is possible to provide an information processing device, etc. that is excellent in privacy and security. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view illustrating the overall configuration of an information processing device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view illustrating the overall configuration of an information processing apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a functional configuration diagram of an information processing device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of a terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 20] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow according to the second embodiment. [Figure 21] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow according to the second embodiment. [Figure 22] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow according to the second embodiment. [Figure 23] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow according to the second embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation in the second embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation in the second embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation in the second embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a front view illustrating the overall configuration of a display control system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 28]FIG. 11 is a functional configuration diagram of a server device according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In this disclosure, a multifunction peripheral having functions such as copying, scanning, faxing, and emailing will be described as one form of an information processing device or an image forming device equipped with such an information processing device. Note that the following embodiments are examples for explaining the present disclosure, and the technical scope of the description set forth in the claims is not limited to the following description.

[0015] [1 First Embodiment] [1.1 Functional Configuration] FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating the overall configuration of a multifunction peripheral 10 according to a first embodiment. The multifunction peripheral 10 is configured to be able to communicate with a terminal device 30. The communication method is not particularly limited, but short-range wireless communication technologies such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Wi-SUN (registered trademark), and IrDA can be used. Note that while FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which the multifunction peripheral 10 communicates directly with the terminal device 30, communication via a network (not shown), such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), or the Internet, is also possible.

[0016] Fig. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the overall configuration of the multifunction device 10. Fig. 3 is a functional configuration diagram of the multifunction device 10. The multifunction device 10 includes a control unit 11, a display unit 13, an operation input unit 15, a communication unit 17, an image forming unit 19, an image reading unit 21, and a storage unit 23.

[0017] The control unit 11 controls the entire multifunction device 10. The control unit 11 is configured, for example, with one or more arithmetic units (CPUs (Central Processing Units) and the like). The control unit 11 realizes its functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 23.

[0018] The display unit 13 displays various types of information to the user, etc. The display unit 13 can be configured, for example, by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electro-luminescence) display, or the like.

[0019] The operation input unit 15 accepts information input by a user or the like. The operation input unit 15 can be configured with hard keys (for example, a numeric keypad), buttons, etc. The operation input unit 15 can be configured as a touch panel that allows input via the display unit 13. In this case, the input detection method of the touch panel can be, for example, a resistive film method, an infrared method, an electromagnetic induction method, or a capacitance method.

[0020] As described above, the communication unit 17 includes a short-range wireless communication interface such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Wi-SUN (registered trademark), IrDA, etc. The communication unit 17 may also include either a wired or wireless interface, or both, for communicating with other devices via a network (NW) such as a LAN, a WAN, the Internet, a telephone line, or a FAX line. The communication unit 17 may also be configured with a short-range wireless communication interface and a network communication interface separately.

[0021] Image forming unit 19 forms an image based on an image on paper as a recording medium. Image forming unit 19 feeds paper from paper feed unit 25, forms an image based on the image on the paper, and then discharges the paper to paper discharge unit 27. Image forming unit 19 can be configured, for example, by a laser printer that uses an electrophotographic method. Image forming unit 19 forms an image using toner supplied from toner cartridges (not shown) that correspond to toner colors (for example, C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black)).

[0022] The image reading unit 21 generates scan data by scanning and reading the document image to be read. The image reading unit 21 can be configured as a scanner device equipped with an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CIS (Contact Image Sensor). There are no particular limitations on the configuration of the image reading unit 21, as long as it is configured to read a reflected light image from the document image with the image sensor and generate scan data consisting of RGB (R: Red, G: Green, B: Blue) analog signals.

[0023] The storage unit 23 stores various programs and various data necessary for the operation of the multifunction device 10. The storage unit 23 can be configured with a storage device such as a RAM (Random access memory), an HDD (Hard disk drive), an SSD (Solid state drive), or a ROM (Read only memory).

[0024] In the first embodiment, the memory unit 23 stores a job execution program 231, a history information generation program 232, a destination information acquisition program 233, a destination information display program 234, and a priority information processing program 235, and reserves a priority information storage area 236, a destination information storage area 237, and a history information storage area 238.

[0025] The job execution program 231 is a program read by the control unit 11 to perform processes for each job associated with the execution of functions such as copy, scan, fax, and email. The control unit 11 reads the job execution program 231 and executes each job by controlling the communication unit 17, image forming unit 19, image reading unit 21, and the like.

[0026] The history information generation program 232 is a program that the control unit 11 reads when generating job history information as history information in conjunction with the execution of a job. The control unit 11 can generate job history information at any timing, such as after the settings for executing a job are completed (after setting values ​​are input), when a start button that is an input trigger for an instruction to start a job is selected, or when the job is completed. The control unit 11 generates job history information for each execution of a job and stores the generated job history information in the history information storage area 238.

[0027] Here, job history information according to the present disclosure refers to information that records the execution history of jobs related to functions such as copy, scan, fax, and email. The job history information may include a "job type" indicating which function the job is based on; if the job type is based on a transmission job such as a fax or email function, a "destination name" indicating the name of the destination for fax data or image data; "address information" such as a fax number or email address corresponding to the destination name; and, if the job is a job using destination information managed by a terminal device 30 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "cooperative job"), a "terminal ID" for identifying the cooperative terminal device 30 and a "date and time" indicating the date and time the job was executed. In addition to these pieces of information, the job history information may also include, for example, a "job ID" that is an identifier for identifying each piece of history information, and information regarding the job execution result, such as a "status."

[0028] The destination information acquisition program 233 is a program that is read by the control unit 11 when acquiring destination information managed by the terminal device 30. After reading the destination information acquisition program 233, the control unit 11 controls the communication unit 17 and the like to communicate with the terminal device 30 and acquire the destination information managed by the terminal device 30. For example, when Bluetooth (registered trademark) is used as the communication method, the control unit 11 can acquire all of the destination information managed by the terminal device 30 in vCard format in accordance with the PBAP (Phonebook access profile).

[0029] The destination information display program 234 is a program that is read by the control unit 11 when the destination information acquired from the terminal device 30 is to be displayed on the display unit 13. The control unit 11 sorts the destination information according to the priority of a priority list, which will be described later, and displays the sorted results on the display unit 13.

[0030] The priority information processing program 235 is a program that the control unit 11 reads when generating a priority order list for displaying destination information on the terminal device 30 from job history information, or when updating an already generated priority order list. After reading the priority information processing program 235, the control unit 11 generates and updates a frequency order list for determining a first priority based on the frequency of use of transmission destinations (transmission destination names, FAX numbers) from job history information related to cooperative jobs with the terminal device 30. Similarly, the control unit 11 generates and updates a usage order list for determining a second priority based on the job execution interval (usage order) from job history information. The process of generating and updating the frequency order list and usage order list will be described later.

[0031] The priority information storage area 236 is a storage area that stores a priority order list generated and updated by the control unit 11. The control unit 11 sorts the destination information acquired from the terminal device 30 by referring to the priority order list stored in the priority information storage area 236.

[0032] The destination information storage area 237 is a storage area that stores destination information managed by the multifunction device 10 and destination information acquired from the terminal device 30. When the control unit 11 executes a job using destination information acquired from the terminal device 30, the control unit 11 deletes or erases the acquired destination information from the destination information storage area 237 after the job is executed. In this way, the destination information acquired from the terminal device 30 itself is not left in the multifunction device 10, and only the transmission destination name and address information used for transmission are recorded as job history information, so there is no risk of the destination information acquired from the terminal device 30 being leaked to other users. This makes it possible to improve operability without causing privacy or security problems.

[0033] The history information storage area 238 is a storage area for storing job history information, setting history information that records setting values ​​related to job execution, and the like.

[0034] 4 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the terminal device 30. The terminal device 30 according to the present disclosure is assumed to be, for example, a so-called general mobile terminal device such as a smartphone, tablet, mobile phone, or laptop computer, but is not limited to these. A stationary terminal device such as a desktop computer can also be included in the terminal device according to the present disclosure as long as it is in an environment where it can communicate with the multifunction peripheral 10.

[0035] Such a terminal device 30 includes a control unit 31 , a display unit 33 , an operation input unit 35 , a communication unit 37 , and a storage unit 39 .

[0036] The control unit 31 controls the entire terminal device 30. The control unit 31 is configured by, for example, one or more arithmetic units (CPUs, etc.). The control unit 31 realizes its functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 39.

[0037] The display unit 33 displays various information to the user. The display unit 33 can be configured with, for example, an LCD or an organic EL display.

[0038] The operation input unit 35 accepts information input by a user or the like. The operation input unit 35 can be configured as a touch panel that allows input via the display unit 33. In this case, the input method of the touch panel can be, for example, a resistive film method, an infrared method, an electromagnetic induction method, or a capacitance method.

[0039] The communication unit 37 has a short-range wireless communication interface such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Wi-SUN (registered trademark), IrDA, etc. The communication unit 37 can also have either a wired or wireless interface, or both, for communicating with other devices such as the multifunction peripheral 10 via a network (NW) such as a LAN, a WAN, the Internet, a telephone line, or a FAX line. The communication unit 37 can also be configured with a short-range wireless communication interface and a network communication interface separately.

[0040] The storage unit 39 stores various programs and various data required for the operation of the terminal device 30. The storage unit 39 can be configured by a storage device such as a RAM, an HDD, an SSD, or a ROM.

[0041] In the first embodiment, the storage unit 39 stores an application program 391 and a destination information management program 392, and reserves a destination information storage area 393.

[0042] The application program 391 is a program that the control unit 31 reads when executing various applications such as calls, emails, faxes, SNS, video and music viewing, and games.

[0043] The destination information management program 392 is a program read by the control unit 31 when managing destination information such as telephone numbers, email addresses, fax numbers, and accounts of recipients used in applications such as calls, emails, faxes, and social networking services. The control unit 31 performs processes such as new registration, editing, and deletion of destination information based on user instructions. The control unit 31 also reads and outputs the managed destination information based on a request for destination information from the multifunction device 10. If the request for destination information is made based on PBAP, the control unit 31 can write out the destination information in vCard format. The destination information can also be written out in CSV format. In this case, the control unit 31 writes out all the destination information and then transmits it all at once to the multifunction device 10. The destination information management program 392 may be configured as a management program incorporated into the application program 391.

[0044] The destination information storage area 393 is a storage area for storing destination information managed by the control unit 31 that has read the destination information management program 392. In the present disclosure, destination information refers to information in which at least one piece of address information, such as a telephone number, a fax number, or an email address, is associated with a destination name. That is, the destination information may be information in which only a fax number is associated with a destination name, or information in which address information such as a telephone number and an email address is further associated with the fax number.

[0045] [1.2 Processing flow] Next, the flow of processing according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of Figures 5 to 8. In the following description of processing, FAX will be used as an example of a job type.

[0046] 5 is a flowchart illustrating the process of separately generating and updating a frequency-ordered list and a use-ordered list as priority-ordered lists. The process illustrated in FIG. 5 is executed by the control unit 11 by reading the priority information processing program 235, etc.

[0047] When the process starts, the control unit 11 refers to the job history information in order of oldest to newest, and determines whether there are any cooperative jobs with the terminal device 30 that are not reflected in the priority order list (step S10). Here, "not reflected (not reflected) in the priority order list" refers to, for example, when a frequency order list is applied as the priority order list, the total number of executions of transmission jobs executed for each transmission destination in the frequency order list does not match the total number of cooperative jobs with the terminal device 30 obtained from the job history information related to the transmission jobs.

[0048] If it is determined that there is a cooperative job with a terminal device 30 that is not reflected in the priority order list, the control unit 11 acquires the terminal ID of the terminal device 30, the job type, and the transmission destination name from the job history information (step S10; Yes → step S20). Note that the control unit 11 repeats this determination process until it determines that there is a cooperative job with a terminal device 30 that is not reflected in the priority order list (step S10; No).

[0049] The control unit 11 determines whether or not the terminal ID acquired in step S20 is a new terminal ID that is not listed in the priority order list (step S30).

[0050] If it is determined that the terminal ID acquired in step S20 is a new terminal ID, the control unit 11 generates an empty frequency order list and an empty use order list based on the terminal ID and the job type (step S30; Yes→step S40).

[0051] On the other hand, if it is determined that the terminal ID acquired in step S20 is not a new terminal ID, the control unit 11 acquires an existing frequency-ordered list based on the terminal ID and job type (step S30; No→step S50).

[0052] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not there is a line in the generated or acquired frequency-ordered list that matches the transmission destination name related to the unreflected cooperative job (step S60).

[0053] If it is determined that there is a line in the frequency-ordered list that matches the transmission destination name, the control unit 11 notes the cumulative number of times recorded in that line and deletes that line from the frequency-ordered list (step S60; Yes → step S70).

[0054] On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no line in the frequency-ordered list that matches the transmission destination name, the control unit 11 sets the cumulative number to "0" and keeps it on record (step S60; No→step S80).

[0055] The control unit 11 sets the cumulative count to the value of the cumulative count noted in step S70 or step S80, adds "1" to it, and saves the frequency-ordered list by inserting rows such as the destination name / fax number as address information / cumulative count so that the frequency-ordered list is arranged in cumulative count order (step S90).

[0056] Next, the control unit 11 acquires a usage order list based on the terminal ID and the job type (step S100).

[0057] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not there is a line in the obtained usage order list that matches the transmission destination name related to the unreflected cooperative job (step S110).

[0058] If it is determined that there is a line in the use order list that matches the transmission destination name, the line is deleted from the use order list (step S110; Yes→step S120).

[0059] Then, the control unit 11 inserts a line including the name of the destination, a fax number as address information, and the date and time of use at the top of the usage order list, and saves the usage order list (step S130).

[0060] The control unit 11 records the fact that the update of the priority order list by the unreflected cooperative job has been completed, and ends the process (step S140). Note that the control unit 11 may return the process to step S10 as necessary.

[0061] Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the process from when the multifunction peripheral 10 connects to the terminal device 30 to when it acquires destination information. The process described in Fig. 6 is executed by the control unit 11 reading out the destination information acquisition program 233, etc. Note that Fig. 6 describes the case where Bluetooth (registered trademark) is used as a method of connection (communication) with the terminal device 30.

[0062] The control unit 11 determines whether or not a request to acquire destination information has been received via the operation input unit 15, which includes, for example, a touch panel (step S200).

[0063] If it is determined that a request to acquire destination information has been received, the control unit 11 enables Bluetooth (registered trademark) and transitions to a state of waiting for pairing with the terminal device 30 (step S200; Yes → step 210). Note that the control unit 11 repeats this determination process until it determines that a request to acquire destination information has been received (step S200; No).

[0064] Then, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a connection request has been received from the terminal device 30 (step S220).

[0065] If it is determined that a connection request has been received from the terminal device 30, the control unit 11 determines whether pairing with the terminal device 30 has been successful (step S220; Yes→step S230).

[0066] If it is determined that pairing with the terminal device 30 has been successful, the control unit 11 displays a message or the like indicating that pairing has been successful on the display unit 13 (step S230; Yes→step S240).

[0067] Then, the control unit 11 acquires the destination information from the terminal device 30 (step S250). After acquiring the destination information, the control unit 11 disables Bluetooth (registered trademark) and disconnects communication with the terminal device 30 (step S260).

[0068] Meanwhile, if it is determined that a connection request has not been received from the terminal device 30 (step S220; No), or if it is determined that pairing with the terminal device 30 has failed (step S230; No), the control unit 11 determines whether an operation timeout has occurred based on, for example, the measurement results of a timer (not shown) that has been started in advance (step S270).

[0069] If it is determined that the operation timeout has occurred, the control unit 11 displays a message on the display unit 13 indicating that the acquisition of destination information has failed, and ends the process (step S270; Yes→step S280). Meanwhile, if it is determined that the operation timeout has not occurred, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S220 (step S270; No→step S220).

[0070] Figures 7 and 8 are flowcharts illustrating the display process of the destination information acquired from the terminal device 30 in the process related to Figure 6. The process described in Figures 7 and 8 is executed by the control unit 11 by reading the destination information display program 234, etc.

[0071] The control unit 11 acquires a frequency order list and a use order list according to the job type and the terminal ID (step S300).

[0072] Next, the control unit 11 acquires display settings related to the display of the destination information acquired from the terminal device 30 (step S310). Here, the display settings are settings of a priority order list to be applied to the display of the destination information acquired from the terminal device 30. Note that the display settings may be set manually by the user, or may be set according to settings that are set in advance as defaults, for example, similar to the setting items in the system settings.

[0073] The control unit 11 determines whether the display setting acquired in step S310 is a setting for displaying destination information in order of frequency, i.e., by applying a frequency order list, or a setting for displaying destination information by applying a usage order list (step S320).

[0074] If it is determined that the display setting is frequency order, the control unit 11 sets the frequency order list as the reference list to be applied to the display of destination information, and sets the use order list as the auxiliary list (step S320; Yes→step S330).

[0075] On the other hand, if it is determined that the display setting is the order of use, the control unit 11 sets the order of use list as the reference list to be applied to the display of destination information, and sets the frequency-order list as the auxiliary list (step S320; No→step S340).

[0076] Next, the control unit 11 starts to refer to the frequency-ordered list or the usage-ordered list set as the reference in step S330 or step S340, starting from the top of the list with the highest priority (step S350).

[0077] The control unit 11 determines whether or not the acquired destination information contains a destination name corresponding to the transmission destination name at the reference position (step S360).

[0078] If it is determined that the destination information contains a destination name corresponding to the transmission destination name at the reference position, the control unit 11 adds the destination name and FAX number to the bottom line of the display list (step S360; Yes→step S370).

[0079] Next, the control unit 11 adds a reference check (flag) to the destination information (step S380).

[0080] The control unit 11 determines whether or not all of the destination information has been referred to (step S390).

[0081] If it is determined that all of the destination information has been referred to, the control unit 11 acquires the highlighting setting value X, and starts referring to the auxiliary list from the top, which has the highest priority (step S390; Yes→step S400).

[0082] Here, the highlight setting value X is a setting value for highlighting a destination name corresponding to a transmission destination name in the auxiliary list when address information (fax number) according to the job type is available. The setting value X can be set arbitrarily. For example, it is possible to set the auxiliary list to be able to refer to the highest priority up to X (top X), and to highlight the destination names and fax numbers included in the X priority. Another possible setting is to set the maximum number of items to be highlighted by referring to the auxiliary list to X, and to highlight up to X destination names and fax numbers included in the above priority. Here, an example is shown in which the top X items in the auxiliary list are highlighted.

[0083] The control unit 11 determines whether or not there is a destination name (FAX number as address information) in the display list that matches the destination name in the auxiliary list (step S410).

[0084] If it is determined that a destination name matching the auxiliary list is present in the display list, the control unit 11 sets the corresponding line to be highlighted in bold (step S410; Yes→step S420).

[0085] The control unit 11 determines whether or not the reference to the top X positions in the supplementary list has been completed (step S430). Even if it is determined that there is no destination name in the display list that matches the supplementary list, the control unit 11 also determines whether or not the reference to the top X positions in the supplementary list has been completed (step S410; No→step S430).

[0086] If it is determined that the reference to the top X items in the auxiliary list has been completed, the control unit 11 deletes the priority order list and destination information from the working memory (step S430; Yes→step S440).

[0087] Then, the control unit 11 displays the display list on the display unit 13 (step S450).

[0088] The control unit 11 determines whether or not the user has selected a destination name or input an instruction to end the display of the display list being displayed on the display unit 13 (step S460).

[0089] If it is determined that the user has selected a destination name or input an instruction to end the display, the control unit 11 deletes the display list from the working memory and ends the process (step S460; Yes → step S470). Note that if it is determined that the user has not selected a destination name or input an instruction to end the display, the control unit 11 continues to display the display list (step S460; No).

[0090] Incidentally, if it is determined in step S430 that the reference to the top X positions of the auxiliary list has not been completed, the control unit 11 changes the reference position of the auxiliary list to be referenced to one position lower, and returns the process to step S410 (step S430; No → step S480 → step S410).

[0091] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S390 that not all of the destination information has been referred to, the control unit 11 determines whether or not all of the reference list has been referred to (step S390; No→step S490).

[0092] If it is determined that not all of the reference list has been referenced, the control unit 11 changes the reference position in the reference list to one position lower, and repeats the process from step S360 (step S490; No->step S500->step S360).

[0093] Then, if it is determined that all of the reference list has been referred to, the control unit 11 determines whether all of the destination information has been referred to (step S490; Yes→step S510).

[0094] If it is determined that all of the destination information has been referred to, the control unit 11 executes the process from step S400 (step S510; Yes→processing after step S400).

[0095] On the other hand, if it is determined that not all of the destination information has been referenced, the control unit 11 adds a row of the destination name and fax number to the display list in destination name order for all of the destination information that has not been checked for reference, and executes the processing from step S400 (step S510; No → step S520 → processing from step S400 onwards).

[0096] [1.3 Example of operation] Next, an example of operation will be described. In this example of operation, a mode using Bluetooth (registered trademark) as a method of communication with the terminal device 30 will be described.

[0097] 9 shows an example of the configuration of the home screen W10 of the multifunction peripheral 10. The home screen W10 is a basic screen that is displayed on the display unit 13, for example, when the power is turned on, when the multifunction peripheral 10 is in standby mode, when the multifunction peripheral 10 is restored from sleep mode, and that accepts operational inputs from the user. The home screen W10 includes a system information button B10, a transmission mode selection button B12, a device status display area R10, and a function selection button B14.

[0098] The system information button B10 is a button that accepts an instruction to display a system information screen, which will be explained in the next drawing. When the system information button B10 is pressed by the user, the control unit 11 displays the system information screen W20.

[0099] The transmission mode selection button B12 is a button that accepts the selection of a transmission mode. When the transmission mode selection button B12 is pressed, the control unit 11 displays a setting screen for the corresponding transmission mode. The transmission mode selection button B12 includes a mobile address book button B121. When the mobile address book button B121 is selected by the user, the control unit 11 starts acquiring destination information from the terminal device 30.

[0100] The device status display area R10 is an area that displays the device status of the multifunction device 10. The example in Fig. 6 shows an example in which the remaining amount of toner is displayed in the device status display area R10.

[0101] The function selection button B14 is a button that accepts change instructions, reference instructions, etc. related to the function settings of the multifunction device 10. When the function selection button B14 is pressed, the control unit 11 displays each setting screen (not shown) for executing the change instructions or reference instructions for the corresponding function.

[0102] 10 shows an example of the configuration of a system information screen W20 that the control unit 11 displays in response to pressing of the system information button B10 on the home screen W10. The system information screen W20 is a screen that displays information related to the system of the multifunction device 10. The system information screen W20 includes an information display area R12 that displays, for example, information related to device maintenance such as paper shortage or firmware updates, and machine information related to communication settings, etc. Here, when enabling communication via Bluetooth (registered trademark), the user can enable communication via Bluetooth (registered trademark) by setting the slider S10 provided in the machine information to the "On" state.

[0103] FIG. 11 shows an example of the configuration of a message screen M10 that is displayed after the mobile address book button B121 of the transmission mode selection button B12 on the home screen W10 is selected and before a connection with the terminal device 30 is established (pairing).

[0104] The message screen M10 can have the same configuration as a message screen displayed between devices attempting to connect using general Bluetooth (registered trademark). That is, the message screen displays the name of the device to be connected (in the example of FIG. 11, device ID: 0123456789AB (bb:cc:dd:ee)). Although not shown in FIG. 11, a passkey for establishing the connection (e.g., passkey: 1234) may also be displayed. If the user permits connection with the device, the user can establish the connection by entering the passkey.

[0105] 12 shows an example of the configuration of a message screen M12 that is displayed after a connection is established with the terminal device 30. When a connection is established with the terminal device 30, the control unit 11 starts transferring destination information. A message notifying the transfer status of the destination information is displayed on the message screen M12.

[0106] 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of destination information acquired from a terminal device 30 having an identification ID of terminal ID "0123456789AB" (described later) (corresponding to the processing of step S250 in FIG. 6). The destination information T10 is configured by associating address information such as a telephone number, a fax number, and an email address with a destination name. For example, the destination name "AA Shop" at the top of the destination information T10 is associated with the address information of a telephone number "06-1234-2222", a fax number "06-1234-5678", and an email address "aaa@aaa.co.jp".

[0107] 14 is an example of the configuration of history information generated for each job execution by the control unit 11 that reads the history information generation program 232. Note that the example in Fig. 14 shows only history information related to a cooperative job with the terminal device 30 having the terminal ID "0123456789AB" and a FAX (function) as the job type, but a cooperative job with a terminal device 30 having a different terminal ID may include different job types (for example, a copy function, a scan function, etc.).

[0108] The job history information T12 includes a date and time, a job type, a transmission destination name, a fax number, and a terminal ID. Here, the date and time is the execution date and time when the job was executed. The job type indicates the type (function) of the executed job. The transmission destination name is the name of the fax transmission destination. The fax number is address information corresponding to the transmission destination name. The terminal ID is identification information for identifying the linked terminal device 30. Note that an identification ID used in existing processes may be used as the terminal ID. In this case, for example, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) BD address, a FeliCa (registered trademark) IDm or Mifare UID of an IC card, etc. may be used.

[0109] 14 is configured by arranging each piece of history information in chronological order from top to bottom. The top row of history information represents the newest history information, and the bottom row of history information represents the oldest history information.

[0110] For example, the history information at the top is history information related to the job type "FAX" executed on the date and time "11:24 on August 3, 2021", and represents the history of a collaborative job executed for the sending destination name "BB Trading Company" with the fax number "06-7946-1300" obtained as destination information from terminal device 30 having terminal ID "0123456789AB".

[0111] Fig. 15(a) is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a frequency order list L10 generated by the control unit 11 that reads out the priority information processing program 235 from the job history information T12 exemplified in Fig. 14. Also, Fig. 15(b) is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a usage order list L12 generated by the control unit 11 that reads out the priority information processing program 235 from the job history information T12 exemplified in Fig. 14.

[0112] 15(a) is a list of destination names sorted by the number of times fax transmissions are performed, i.e., the cumulative number of times they are used, in a job linked to the terminal ID "0123456789AB." For example, in the job history information T12, the destination name "EE Shop," which has the most cumulative number of times it is used, is assigned a priority of "1."

[0113] On the other hand, the usage order list L12 illustrated in FIG. 15(b) lists the transmission destination names for the cooperative job with the terminal ID "0123456789AB" in descending order of the most recent usage date and time of the transmission destination names for fax transmission. The usage order list can be configured by listing the transmission destination names based on the execution interval of fax transmissions. In this case, the execution interval of fax transmissions can be determined by tallying the number of times the job is executed (the number of times the destination is used as a transmission destination) in one-minute, one-day, or one-month time units, for example. If the determination interval is one minute, the usage order list will be arranged in approximately the same order as the execution order of the job (in order of usage date and time). Here, for example, in the job history information T12, the transmission destination name "BB Shop," which has the most recent usage date and time, is assigned a priority of "1."

[0114] Furthermore, rather than generating all usage order lists for each determination interval in advance, it is possible to generate only those for the set intervals and regenerate new ones each time the setting is changed, but to avoid unnecessary counting time when a usage order list is actually needed, it is preferable to generate usage order lists for all types of determination intervals each time a cooperative job is executed with the terminal device 30. Furthermore, the determination interval for the most recent usage can be managed individually in association with the terminal ID (or authenticated user) of the terminal device 30, and can be set according to individual preferences.

[0115] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating one example of the display setting table T14 referenced by the control unit 11 in step S310 of FIG. 7. The display setting table T14 sets a priority order list to be applied to the display of destination information acquired from the terminal device 30. As illustrated in FIG. 16, the display setting can be set in association with a job type and a terminal ID. For example, the display setting for the job type "FAX" and the terminal ID "0123456789AB" is set such that the base list is a "frequency order" list and the auxiliary list is a "use order" list. The control unit 11 can determine the priority order list to be applied to the destination information by referencing the setting values ​​of the display setting table T14.

[0116] Fig. 17(a) shows an example of the configuration of a display list L14 showing the results of sorting the destination information T10 shown in Fig. 13, using the frequency-ordered list L10 shown in Fig. 15(a) as the reference list and the top three highlight settings in the reference list. Note that this operation example corresponds to the processing from step S330 in Fig. 7 to step S450 in Fig. 8.

[0117] 15(a), the transmission destination names "EE Store," "AA Store," "CC Trading Company," "GG Warehouse," "FF Company," "BB Trading Company," and "DD Bookstore" are arranged in descending order of priority, in descending order of cumulative frequency of transmission destinations. After reading out the destination information display program 234, the control unit 11 refers to the frequency list L10 in descending order of priority of transmission destinations, determines whether the destination name corresponding to the transmission destination is included in the destination information T10, and generates a display list L14.

[0118] In the destination information T10, there are five destination names that correspond (match) with the sending destination names in the frequency order list L10: "EE Store," "AA Store," "CC Trading Company," "GG Warehouse," and "BB Trading Company." The control unit 11 displays these five destination names in descending order in the display list L14 as the display list L14. The sending destinations "FF Company" and "DD Bookstore" are not listed in the display list L14 because they are not destination names managed by the destination information T10. Note that the control unit 11 displays destination names that are ranked sixth and below in the display order and do not correspond to the frequency order list L10 in the order in which they are listed in the destination information T10.

[0119] Furthermore, in the display list L14, the destination names “AA Store,” “CC Trading Company,” and “BB Trading Company” are the destination names corresponding to the top three in the usage order list L12 (see Figure 15(b)) which serves as an auxiliary list, so the control unit 11 highlights (displays in bold) the destination names and fax numbers.

[0120] Fig. 17(b) shows an example of the configuration of a display list L16 showing the results of sorting the destination information T10 shown in Fig. 13, using the use order list L12 shown in Fig. 15(b) as the reference list and the top three highlight settings in the reference list. Note that this operation example corresponds to the processing from step S340 in Fig. 7 to step S450 in Fig. 8.

[0121] 15(b), the transmission destination names "BB Trading Company," "AA Store," "CC Trading Company," "DD Bookstore," "GG Warehouse," "EE Store," and "FF Company" are arranged in order of use of the transmission destinations, from highest to lowest priority. After reading out the destination information display program 234, the control unit 11 refers to the usage order list L12 in order of highest to lowest priority of the transmission destinations, determines whether the destination name corresponding to the transmission destination is included in the destination information T10, and generates a display list L16.

[0122] In the destination information T10, there are five destination names that correspond (match) with the sending destination names in the usage order list L12: "BB Trading Company," "AA Store," "CC Trading Company," "GG Warehouse," and "EE Store." The control unit 11 displays these five destination names in descending order in the display list L16 as the display list L16. The sending destinations "FF Company" and "DD Bookstore" are not listed in the display list L16 because they are not destination names managed by the destination information T10. Note that the control unit 11 displays destination names that are ranked sixth and below in the display order and do not correspond to the usage order list L12 in accordance with the order in which they are listed in the destination information T10.

[0123] Furthermore, in the display list L16, the destination names "AA Store," "CC Trading Company," and "EE Store" are the destination names corresponding to the top three in the frequency-ordered list L10 (see Figure 15(a)) which serves as an auxiliary list, so the control unit 11 highlights (displays in bold) the destination names and fax numbers.

[0124] Fig. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display configuration of the display list L14 (using the frequency-ordered list) illustrated in Fig. 17(a). The destination display screen W30 includes a destination display area R14, a selected destination display area R16, and a start button B16.

[0125] The destination display area R14 is a display area that displays the destination names and fax numbers shown in the display list L14. FIG. 18 shows an example of displaying destination names and fax numbers according to display orders 1 to 5 in the display list L14. Destinations according to display orders 6 to 10 can be displayed by operating a slider bar provided on the side of the destination display area R14. The user can select a destination for fax transmission by selecting the desired destination name displayed in the destination display area R14.

[0126] The selected destination display area R16 is a display area that displays the destination name selected in the destination display area R14.

[0127] The start button B16 is a button that accepts input of an instruction to execute FAX transmission to a destination name selected by the user. In response to selection of the start button B16, the control unit 11 executes FAX transmission to the destination name displayed in the selected destination display area R16.

[0128] Fig. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display configuration of the display list L16 (use of the usage order list) illustrated in Fig. 17(b). The destination display screen W40 can have the same configuration as the destination display screen W30 illustrated in Fig. 18, so a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0129] As described above, according to the first embodiment, when an information processing device acquires a list of address information such as telephone numbers and email addresses required for communication from an external terminal such as a mobile terminal device, the information processing device compares the list with a destination list compiled from past sending history associated with the mobile terminal ID and sorted in order based on frequency and order of use, and displays the acquired address information in a list in order of matches from the top, thereby reducing the number of key operations required when selecting a highly available address as a destination.

[0130] Furthermore, by displaying the address information corresponding to the reference list and the address information corresponding to the auxiliary list in different formats, the user can easily grasp the address information corresponding to a plurality of priority conditions.

[0131] [2 Second embodiment] The second embodiment is an embodiment in which a frequency-ordered list and a use-ordered list are combined and applied as priority-ordered lists.

[0132] [2.1 Functional Configuration] The functional configuration of the multifunction device according to the second embodiment can be substantially the same as the functional configuration of the multifunction device 10 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the same functional configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0133] [2.2 Processing flow] The processing flow according to the second embodiment will be described using the flowcharts of Figures 20 to 23. Note that processing that can be the same as the processing described in Figures 5 to 8 according to the first embodiment will be assigned the same step numbers and the description thereof may be omitted. Note that in the following description of the processing, FAX will be used as an example of a job type.

[0134] 20 and 21 are flowcharts illustrating the process of generating and updating a frequency-ordered list and a use-ordered list as a priority-ordered list in combination. The process illustrated in Fig. 20 and 21 is executed by the control unit 11 by reading the priority information processing program 235, etc.

[0135] In the second embodiment, a list in which destination names are arranged in descending order of the number of times they have been used as destinations (cumulative number of times) at each determination interval, such as one minute, one day, one month, etc., will be described as one form of a priority list (usage order list). By applying such a list, it is possible to take into account both the frequency of use and the order of use as sorting conditions for destination information.

[0136] When processing begins, the control unit 11 refers to the job history information stored in the history information storage area 238 in order of oldest history, and determines whether there are any collaborative jobs with the terminal device 30 that are not reflected in the priority order list (step S10).

[0137] If it is determined that there is a cooperative job with a terminal device 30 that is not reflected in the priority order list stored in the priority information storage area 236, the control unit 11 acquires the terminal ID of the terminal device 30, the job type, and the transmission destination name from the job history information (step S10; Yes → step S20). Other items that can identify the destination, such as a fax number, may also be used for comparison, but in this example, the transmission destination name is used as the comparison target. The control unit 11 repeats this determination process until it determines that there is a cooperative job with a terminal device 30 that is not reflected in the priority order list (step S10; No).

[0138] The control unit 11 determines whether the terminal ID acquired in step S20 is a new terminal ID (step S30).

[0139] If it is determined that the terminal ID acquired in step S20 is a new terminal ID, the control unit 11 generates an empty priority order list based on the terminal ID and the job type (step S30; Yes→step S600).

[0140] Then, the control unit 11 determines whether or not it is necessary to generate a priority order list at a determination interval of one minute (step S610). Note that whether or not it is necessary to generate a priority order list at a predetermined determination interval (unit) may be set manually by the user, or may be set according to settings that are set in advance as defaults, for example, similar to setting items in system settings.

[0141] If it is determined that it is necessary to generate a priority order list with a determination interval of one minute, the control unit 11 acquires a priority order list with a determination interval of one minute according to the terminal ID and job type (step S610; Yes→step S620).

[0142] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not there is a line in the acquired priority list that matches the transmission destination name of the unreflected cooperative job (step S60).

[0143] If it is determined that there is a line in the priority order list that matches the transmission destination name, the control unit 11 notes the cumulative number of times recorded in that line and deletes that line from the priority order list (Step S60; Yes → Step S70).

[0144] On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no row in the priority order list that matches the transmission destination, the control unit 11 sets the cumulative number to "0" and keeps it on hold (step S60; No→step S80).

[0145] The control unit 11 sets the cumulative count to the value of the cumulative count noted in step S70 or step S80 plus "1", inserts a row at the top with the destination name / FAX number as address information / cumulative count / usage date and time, and saves the priority list (step S630).

[0146] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not it is necessary to generate a priority order list with a determination interval of one day (step S640). If it determines that it is not necessary to generate a priority order list with a determination interval of one minute, the control unit 11 determines whether or not it is necessary to generate a priority order list with a determination interval of one day (step S610; No→step S640).

[0147] If it is determined that it is necessary to generate a priority order list with a determination interval of one day, the control unit 11 acquires a priority order list with a determination interval of one day according to the terminal ID and job type (step S640; Yes→step S620).

[0148] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not there is a line in the acquired priority list that matches the transmission destination of the unreflected cooperative job (step S60).

[0149] If it is determined that there is a line in the priority order list that matches the transmission destination, the control unit 11 notes the cumulative number of times recorded in that line and deletes that line from the priority order list (step S60; Yes → step S70).

[0150] On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no row in the priority order list that matches the transmission destination, the control unit 11 sets the cumulative number to "0" and keeps it on hold (step S60; No→step S80).

[0151] The control unit 11 sets the cumulative count to the value of the cumulative count noted in step S70 or step S80, adds "1", and checks the rows in the priority order list for the date and time of use that is the same as today, starting from the top.The control unit 11 then inserts rows of destination name / FAX number as address book / cumulative count / date and time of use so that the priority order list is sorted in order of cumulative count when viewed within the same day as today, and saves the priority order list (step S650).

[0152] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not it is necessary to generate a priority order list with a determination interval of one month (step S660). If it determines that it is not necessary to generate a priority order list with a determination interval of one day, the control unit 11 determines whether or not it is necessary to generate a priority order list with a determination interval of one month (step S640; No→step S660).

[0153] If it is determined that it is necessary to generate a priority order list with a determination interval of one month, the control unit 11 acquires a priority order list with a determination interval of one day according to the terminal ID and job type (step S660; Yes→step S620).

[0154] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not there is a line in the acquired priority list that matches the transmission destination of the unreflected cooperative job (step S60).

[0155] If it is determined that there is a line in the priority order list that matches the transmission destination, the control unit 11 notes the cumulative number of times recorded in that line and deletes that line from the priority order list (step S60; Yes → step S70).

[0156] On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no row in the priority order list that matches the transmission destination, the control unit 11 sets the cumulative number to "0" and keeps it on hold (step S60; No→step S80).

[0157] The control unit 11 sets the cumulative count to the value of the cumulative count noted in step S70 or step S80, adds "1", and checks the rows in the priority order list for the month in which the date and time of use is the same as today's, starting from the top of the list. The control unit 11 then inserts rows of destination name / FAX number as address book / cumulative count / date and time of use so that the priority order list is sorted in order of cumulative count when viewed within the same month as today, and saves the priority order list (step S670).

[0158] The control unit 11 records the fact that the update of the priority order list by the unreflected cooperative job has been completed, and ends the process (step S140). Note that the control unit 11 may return the process to step S10 as necessary.

[0159] 22 and 23 are flowcharts illustrating the display processing of destination information acquired from the terminal device 30. The processing explained in Fig. 22 and 23 is executed by the control unit 11 by reading out the destination information display program 234 and the like.

[0160] The control unit 11 acquires a priority order list according to the job type and the terminal ID (step S680).

[0161] Next, the control unit 11 starts to refer to the priority order list acquired in step S680, starting from the top, which has the highest priority (step S690).

[0162] The control unit 11 determines whether or not the destination information contains a destination name corresponding to the transmission destination name at the reference position (step S360).

[0163] If it is determined that the destination information contains a destination name corresponding to the transmission destination name at the reference position, the control unit 11 adds the destination name and FAX number to the bottom line of the display list (step S360; Yes→step S370).

[0164] Next, the control unit 11 adds a reference check (flag) to the destination information (step S380).

[0165] The control unit 11 determines whether or not all of the destination information has been referred to (step S390).

[0166] If it is determined that all of the destination information has been referred to, the control unit 11 deletes the priority order list and the destination information from the working memory (step S390; Yes→step S440).

[0167] Then, the control unit 11 displays the display list on the display unit 13 (step S450).

[0168] The control unit 11 determines whether or not the user has selected a destination name or input an instruction to end the display of the display list being displayed on the display unit 13 (step S460).

[0169] If it is determined that the user has selected a destination name or input an instruction to end the display, the control unit 11 deletes the display list from the working memory and ends the process (step S460; Yes → step S470). Note that if it is determined that the user has not selected a destination name or input an instruction to end the display, the control unit 11 continues to display the display list (step S460; No).

[0170] If it is determined in step S390 that not all of the destination information has been referred to, the control unit 11 determines whether or not all of the priority order list has been referred to (step S390; No→step S490).

[0171] If it is determined that not all of the priority order list has been referenced, the control unit 11 changes the reference position in the priority order list to one position lower, and repeats the process from step S360 (step S490; No->step S500->step S360).

[0172] Then, if it is determined that all of the priority order list has been referred to, the control unit 11 determines whether all of the destination information has been referred to (step S490; Yes→step S510).

[0173] If it is determined that all of the destination information has been referred to, the control unit 11 executes the process from step S440 (step S510; Yes→processing after step S440).

[0174] On the other hand, if it is determined that not all of the destination information has been referenced, the control unit 11 adds a row of the destination name and FAX number to the display list in destination name order for the destination information that has not been checked for reference, and executes processing from step S440 (step S510; No → step S520 → processing from step S440 onwards).

[0175] Fig. 24(a) is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a priority order list L18 generated at a determination interval of one minute in step S610 of Fig. 20. Fig. 24(b) is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a priority order list L20 generated at a determination interval of one day in step S640 of Fig. 21. Furthermore, Fig. 24(c) is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a priority order list L22 generated at a determination interval of one month in step S660 of Fig. 21.

[0176] The priority order list L18 is determined at one-minute intervals. Therefore, like the use order list L12 in the first embodiment, the priority order list L18 arranges the transmission destination names in order of the most recent (latest) use date and time.

[0177] On the other hand, the priority order list L20 and the priority order list L22 are determined on a daily or monthly basis. Therefore, the priority order list L20 is arranged in order of the cumulative number of times for each most recent (latest) date of use, and the priority order list L22 is arranged in order of the cumulative number of times for each most recent (latest) month of use.

[0178] Fig. 25(a) is an example of a display list L24 showing the results of sorting the destination information T10 using the priority-ordered list L18 shown in Fig. 24(a). Fig. 25(b) is an example of a display list L26 showing the results of sorting the destination information T10 using the priority-ordered list L20 shown in Fig. 24(b). Fig. 25(c) is an example of a display list L28 showing the results of sorting the destination information T10 using the priority-ordered list L22 shown in Fig. 24(c). Note that the display list in Fig. 25 is an example set up so that the destination names present in the priority-ordered list are highlighted.

[0179] Figure 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display configuration of the display list L24 illustrated in Figure 25(a). The display configuration of the destination display screen W50 illustrated in Figure 26 can be the same as the destination display screen W30 illustrated in Figure 18 of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. As shown in Figure 26, the destination display area R14 of the destination display screen W50 displays the results sorted according to a priority list based on frequency and use order, allowing the user to easily select a desired destination.

[0180] As described above, according to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, by applying a list in which destination names are arranged in descending order of the number of times they have been used as destinations (cumulative number of times) at each determination interval, such as one minute, one day, or one month, as a priority list (usage order list), it is possible to take into account both the frequency of use and the order of use as sorting conditions for destination information.

[0181] [3 Third embodiment] In the third embodiment, the priority information processing program 235 provided in the multifunction device 10 in the first embodiment is implemented on a server device or a cloud (hereinafter simply referred to as the server device), and the multifunction device 10 obtains a priority list from the server device and controls the display of destination information.

[0182] [3.1 Functional Configuration] 27 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a destination information display control system 100 according to the third embodiment. The destination information display control system 100 includes a server device 50 in addition to the configurations of the multifunction peripheral 10 and the terminal device 30 according to the first or second embodiment. The server device 50 is configured to be able to communicate with the multifunction peripheral 10 and the terminal device 30 via a network.

[0183] In the destination information display control system 100 according to the third embodiment, the server device 50 can of course communicate with a plurality of multifunction peripherals 10 and terminal devices 30. In this case, the server device 50 can generate and update a priority order list for each multifunction peripheral 10 from communication history such as job history information acquired from the plurality of multifunction peripherals 10, and provide the priority order list to each multifunction peripheral 10.

[0184] The functional configurations of the multifunction device 10 and the terminal device 30 can be substantially the same as those in the first embodiment. Note that, with respect to configurations that overlap with functions described below in the functional configuration of the server device 50, those functions can be omitted from the multifunction device 10.

[0185] 28 is a functional configuration diagram of the server device 50. The server device 50 includes a control unit 51, a display unit 53, an operation input unit 55, a communication unit 57, and a storage unit 59.

[0186] The control unit 51 controls the entire server device 50. The control unit 51 is configured by, for example, one or more arithmetic units (CPUs, etc.). The control unit 51 realizes its functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 59.

[0187] The display unit 53 displays various information to the user. The display unit 53 can be configured with, for example, an LCD or an organic EL display.

[0188] The operation input unit 55 accepts information input by a user, etc. The operation input unit 55 can use input means such as a keyboard, a mouse, etc.

[0189] The communication unit 57 may be provided with either a wired or wireless interface or both for communicating with other devices such as the multifunction peripheral 10 via a network (NW) such as a LAN, WAN, the Internet, a telephone line, or a FAX line.

[0190] The storage unit 59 stores various programs and various data required for the operation of the server device 50. The storage unit 59 can be configured by a storage device such as a RAM, an HDD, an SSD, or a ROM.

[0191] In the third embodiment, the storage unit 59 stores a history information acquisition program 591 and a priority information processing program 593, and reserves a history information storage area 595 and a priority information storage area 597.

[0192] The history information acquisition program 591 is a program that is read by the control unit 51 when acquiring history information such as job history information from the multifunction device 10. After reading the history information acquisition program 591, the control unit 51 controls the communication unit 57 to communicate with the multifunction device 10 and acquires the job history information, etc., managed by the multifunction device 10.

[0193] The priority information processing program 593 has the same functions as the priority information processing program 235 described in the first embodiment. The control unit 51 that reads out the priority information processing program 593 generates or updates a priority order list related to the display of destination information on the terminal device 30 from job history information and the like acquired from the multifunction device 10. The generated or updated priority order list is provided to the multifunction device 10 by either a pull-type or push-type transmission method.

[0194] The history information storage area 595 is a storage area for storing job history information acquired from the multifunction peripheral 10.

[0195] The priority information storage area 597 is a storage area for storing priority information generated and updated by the control unit 51.

[0196] [3.2 Processing flow] The server device 50 according to the third embodiment executes the processing described in the flowcharts of Fig. 5 of the first embodiment or Fig. 20 and Fig. 21 of the second embodiment in place of the multifunction peripheral 10. In this case, a process of communicating with the multifunction peripheral 10 and acquiring job history information may be added before step S10, and a process of providing the generated and updated priority list to the multifunction peripheral 10 may be added after step S140.

[0197] Then, the multifunction device 10 performs a display process of the destination information in accordance with the process described in Figures 7 and 8 according to the first embodiment or in Figures 22 and 23 according to the second embodiment, using the priority order list acquired from the server device 50. Note that the process of providing the generated and updated priority order list from the server device 50 to the multifunction device 10 may be performed only in step S680 in Figure 22.

[0198] As described above, according to the third embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first and second embodiments, the burden of processing on the multifunction peripheral can be reduced by generating a priority order list on a server device or in the cloud based on job history information acquired from the multifunction peripheral. Also, by managing job history information on a server device or the like rather than on the multifunction peripheral and generating and updating the priority order list, display control of destination information to which the priority order list is applied can be performed regardless of the location of the multifunction peripheral.

[0199] It is also possible for the server device etc. to associate the generated / updated priority order list with the individual ID (or authenticated user) of the terminal device. With this configuration, when the multifunction peripheral obtains destination information from the terminal device, it can automatically obtain from the server device the priority order list associated with the individual ID of the terminal device, thereby improving convenience.

[0200] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible. In other words, embodiments obtained by combining technical means that are appropriately modified within the scope of the gist of the present invention are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0201] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiments are described separately for the sake of convenience, they may of course be combined and executed within the scope of technical feasibility.

[0202] In addition, the programs that run on each device in the embodiments are programs that control the CPU and the like (programs that cause a computer to function) so as to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments. The embodiments assume devices that use multitasking to simultaneously execute multiple programs as needed. Information handled by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (e.g., RAM) during processing, and then stored in various storage devices such as ROMs (Read Only Memories) and HDDs, and is read, modified, and written by the CPU as needed.

[0203] Here, the recording medium for storing the program may be any of semiconductor media (e.g., ROM, non-volatile memory card, etc.), optical recording media / magneto-optical recording media (e.g., DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), MO (Magneto Optical Disc), MD (Mini Disc), CD (Compact Disc), BD (Blu-ray Disc (registered trademark), etc.), magnetic recording media (e.g., magnetic tape, flexible disk, etc.), etc. Furthermore, not only are the functions of the above-described embodiments realized by executing the loaded program, but the functions of the present invention may also be realized by processing in cooperation with an operating system or other application programs, etc., based on instructions from the program.

[0204] Furthermore, when distributing the program on the market, the program can be stored in a portable recording medium and distributed, or transferred to a server computer connected via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the storage device of the server computer is of course included in the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0205] 10 Multifunction device 11 Control section 13 Display section 15 Operation input section 17 Communications Department 19 Image forming unit 21 Image reading unit 23 Memory section 30 Terminal Equipment 31 Control Unit 33 Display section 35 Operation input section 37 Communications Department 39 Memory section 50 Server device 51 Control section 53 Display section 55 Operation input section 57 Communications Department 59 Memory section

Claims

1. a storage unit capable of storing a history of jobs that use destination information; a communication unit capable of acquiring the destination information from a terminal device; a display unit capable of displaying the acquired destination information; a control unit that determines a priority based on a history of jobs linked with the terminal device from the history and controls the display of the destination information on the display unit based on the priority; Equipped with The control unit determining a first priority based on the number of executions of the job and a second priority based on the date and time of use; When the destination information is displayed by applying the first priority, a display format of the destination information corresponding to the second priority is changed; When the destination information is displayed by applying the second priority, the display format of the destination information corresponding to the first priority is changed.

1. An information processing device comprising:

2. The information processing device described in Claim 1, characterized in that when displaying the destination information, the control unit changes the display format and displays the destination information in a display format that highlights it.

3. The priority is:

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information is updated every time the job is executed.

4. An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, a job execution unit that selects a transmission destination from the displayed destination information and executes a job to transmit an image to the selected transmission destination; an image forming unit that forms the image; An image forming apparatus comprising:

5. a storage step of storing a history of jobs that use the destination information; a communication step of acquiring the destination information from a terminal device; a display step of displaying the acquired destination information; a control step of determining a priority based on a history of jobs linked to the terminal device from the history and controlling the display of the destination information based on the priority; Equipped with In the control step, determining a first priority based on the number of executions of the job and a second priority based on the date and time of use; When the destination information is displayed by applying the first priority, a display format of the destination information corresponding to the second priority is changed; When the destination information is displayed by applying the second priority, the display format of the destination information corresponding to the first priority is changed.

2. A method for controlling display of destination information, comprising:

Images