Image processing device, control method for image processing device, and program

Abstract

To provide an image processing device that allows a user to use a desired function without operating on an operation panel.SOLUTION: An image processing device includes control means for controlling execution of a plurality of applications, setting means for setting a predetermined application, among the plurality of applications, to be activated when the setting of a document is detected, and the control means activates the predetermined application that has been set on the basis of detection of the setting of the document on an image reading unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, a control method for the image processing apparatus, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is an image processing apparatus having functions such as generating an image from a document read by a scanner and printing the generated image on paper, or transmitting the generated image to a set destination. To execute these functions, the user operates the operation panel of the image processing apparatus to select a function, set setting items, and the like. Patent Document 1 describes that settings in setting items frequently used in the processing of a print job are collectively displayed on a setting screen.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Depending on the user or the operation of the apparatus, there are cases where fixed functions of the image processing apparatus are used with fixed settings. In such cases, it is troublesome to perform operations on the operation panel every time the function is used.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus that can use a desired function without the user operating the operation panel.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The image processing apparatus of the present invention includes: setting means for setting a function to be activated for each user from among a plurality of functions when a document is detected to be set; and control means for activating a first function set in association with the first user by the setting means based on the detection of a document being set to the image reading unit when the user using the image processing apparatus is the first user, and activating a second function set in association with the second user by the setting means based on the detection of a document being set to the image reading unit when the user using the image processing apparatus is the second user. Furthermore, based on the detection of the placement of a document in the image reading unit, the control means launches an application corresponding to a function set for each user by the setting means, and then controls the display unit to display the settings screen of the launched application with the settings set for each user by the setting means reflected. It is characterized by the following: [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image processing apparatus that allows users to use desired functions without having to operate an operation panel. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the overall configuration of an image processing system. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of an MFP hardware configuration. [Figure 3] This diagram shows an example of a file server hardware configuration. [Figure 4] This diagram shows an example of the software configuration for an MFP (Multi-Function File Processor). [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the screen display on the control panel. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the screen display on the control panel. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the screen display on the control panel. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the screen display on the control panel. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows the process to be executed when a document set is detected. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of the screen display on the control panel. [Figure 11] This flowchart shows the process of registering the settings for when a document set is detected. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] Figure 1 shows an example of the overall configuration of the image processing system according to this embodiment. The image processing system includes an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) 101 and a file server 102. These devices can communicate with each other via a LAN (Local Area Network) 100. The MFP 101 is a multifunction device that includes a scanner and a printer, and is an example of an image processing device. The file server 102 is a server device that has a network folder accessible from the MFP 101 and manages files such as image files.

[0011] The MFP101 sends image data files to folders on the file server 102 using SMB or FTP communication protocols. In addition to the file server 102, the MFP101 can also send images to folders on client PCs (personal computers) on the LAN 100. Furthermore, the MFP101 can send image data via email through a mail server. The MFP101 is also connected to the PSTN (Public Telephone Network) 110, enabling it to send and receive faxes with a fax machine. In this embodiment, the image processing system includes an MFP 101 and a file server 102, but it is not limited to this configuration. For example, the MFP 101 may also perform the role of the file server 102.

[0012] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the MFP101. The MFP101 includes a control unit 210, an operation unit 220, a printer 221, a scanner 222, and a modem 223. The control unit 210 includes the following parts 211 to 219 and controls the overall operation of the MFP101. The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 211 reads programs stored in the ROM 212 and HDD 214 and performs various controls such as read control and transmission control. The RAM 213 is used as the main memory of the CPU 211, a temporary storage area such as a work area. In this embodiment, one CPU 211 uses one memory (RAM 213) to execute each process in the flowchart described later, but it is not limited to this. For example, multiple CPUs or multiple RAMs or HDDs may cooperate to execute each process in the flowchart described later. The HDD 214 stores image data, various programs, and various data tables described later.

[0013] The operation unit I / F 215 is an interface that connects the operation unit 220 and the control unit 210. The operation unit 220 includes a liquid crystal display unit (operation panel) having a touch panel, a keyboard, etc., and receives operations by the user and inputs them to the control unit 210. The printer I / F 216 is an interface that connects the printer 221 and the control unit 210. Print image data is transferred from the control unit 210 to the printer 221 via the printer I / F 216 and is printed on paper by the printer 221. The scanner I / F 217 is an interface that connects the scanner 222 and the control unit 210. The scanner 222 includes a platen and an automatic document feeder (ADF: Auto Document Feder), reads an image on a document set on the platen or the automatic document feeder, generates image data, and inputs it to the control unit 210 via the scanner I / F 217. The scanner 222 is an example of an image reading unit. The MFP 101 can print out the image data generated by the scanner 222 from the printer 221, and can also transmit files or send emails. Further, the scanner 222 includes a document detection sensor 224 that detects the setting of a document on the platen or the automatic document feeder, and inputs the detection result at the document detection sensor 224 to the control unit 210 via the scanner I / F 217.

[0014] The modem I / F 218 is an interface that connects the modem 223 and the control unit 210. The modem 223 is an interface that connects the control unit 210 (MFP 101) to the PSTN 110. The MFP 101 can use the modem 223 to facsimile transmit the image data generated by the scanner 222 to a facsimile device on the PSTN 110. The network I / F 219 is an interface that connects the control unit 210 (MFP 101) to the LAN 100. The MFP 101 can transmit the image data generated by the scanner 222 and various information to an external device (such as the file server 102) on the LAN 100 via the network I / F 219, or receive various information from an external device on the LAN 100.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the file server 102. The file server 102 includes a control unit 310. The control unit 310 includes the following units 311 to 315 and controls the overall operation of the file server 102. The CPU 311 reads out the control program stored in the ROM 312 and executes various processes. The RAM 313 is used as a temporary storage area such as the main memory and work area of the CPU 311. The HDD 314 stores image files, various programs, and the like. The network I / F 315 is an interface that connects the control unit 310 (file server 102) to the LAN 100. The file server 102 transmits and receives various types of information to and from external devices (such as the MFP 101) on the LAN 100 via the network I / F 315. <000009?? FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the MFP 101. The MFP 101 includes, as software modules, a display control unit 401, an input control unit 402, an authentication processing unit 403, an application unit 404, a document detection setting unit 405, and an execution control unit 406. By the CPU 211 of the MFP 101 executing the program stored in the ROM 212 or the HDD 214, the functions of the software modules shown in FIG. 4 are realized. The display control unit 401 displays a screen for receiving an operation by the user on the operation unit 220. Specifically, it displays a home screen for selecting and starting an application on the MFP 101, a setting screen for the functions of the application, and the like. The input control unit 402 analyzes the operation signal from the operation unit 220, determines the process corresponding to the operation signal according to the analysis result, and inputs it to the display control unit 401 or the execution control unit 406.

[0017] It seems there is a typo in the original text where "図4は、MFP101のソフトウェア構成例を示すブロック図である。MFP101は、ソフトウェアモジュールとして、表示制御部401、入力制御部402、認証処理部403、アプリケーション部404、原稿検知設定部405及び実行制御部406を備える。MFP101のCPU211がROM212又はHDD214に記憶されているプログラムを実行することで、図4に示すソフトウェアモジュールの機能が実現される。" the "MFP101のCPU211" should be "The CPU 211 of the MFP 101" for better grammar. Also, in the translation of "

[0016] ", there is a "??" in the translation which should be corrected. I've made the best effort based on the given rules.The authentication processing unit 403 displays an authentication screen on the operation unit 220 and performs user authentication using authentication information such as the ID and password entered by the user. The authentication information of the MFP101 user is stored in the HDD 214, linked to user information including the username and the destination of the user's image data (email address, folder path, etc.). If user authentication is successful, the authentication processing unit 403 performs a login process to log the user into the MFP101. If a logout command is given, the authentication processing unit 403 performs a logout process to log out the logged-in user from the MFP101. The application unit 404 manages multiple applications provided by the MFP101. In this embodiment, the application unit 404 manages the following applications.

[0018] • Copy: An application that provides the function of printing image data generated by scanning an image on a document using the scanner 222 and printing it using the printer 221. • Print: An application that provides the function of printing image data on printer 221 based on print jobs submitted from external devices such as client PCs. • Browser: An application that provides the functionality to view, print, and save data on a web server via a web browser. • Scan and Send: This application provides the function of scanning an image on a document using scanner 222 and sending the generated image data to an external device on LAN 100 via network I / F 219. • Scan and Save: This application provides the function of reading an image on a document using scanner 222 and saving the generated image data to a storage device such as HDD 214. • Use of saved files: An application that provides the function of printing image data stored on a storage device such as HDD214 using printer221 or sending it to an external device. • Fax: An application that provides the function of reading an image on a document using scanner 222 and transmitting the generated image data to an external device on PSTN 110 using modem 223. Furthermore, the applications managed by Application Unit 404 are not limited to those mentioned above, and can be increased or decreased as needed according to user instructions.

[0019] The document detection setting unit 405 configures, for each user, the application that will be launched when a document is detected, based on instructions from the user. It also stores the configured application in the HDD 214. The execution control unit 406 controls the execution of multiple applications managed by the application unit 404. In this embodiment, the execution control unit 406 detects a document set based on the detection result from the document detection sensor 224 of the scanner 222. When a document set is detected, it controls the execution of the application set in the document detection setting unit 405.

[0020] Figure 5 shows an example of the home screen display. The home screen in Figure 5 is displayed on the operation unit 220. The home screen is displayed when the home key provided on the application screen is pressed, as well as immediately after starting up the MFP101 and while the MFP101 is in standby mode. In this embodiment, the home screen has multiple operation keys for starting applications.

[0021] The copy key 501 is a key used to launch the copy application. When the copy key 501 is pressed, the CPU 211 launches the copy application and displays the copy application screen on the operation unit 220. In this embodiment, when the user presses the copy key 501, the screen shown in Figure 6 is displayed. The fax key 502 is a key used to launch the fax application. When the fax key 502 is pressed, the CPU 211 launches the fax application and displays the fax application screen on the control panel 220. The scan and send key 503 is a key used to launch the scan and send application. When the scan and send key 503 is pressed, the CPU 211 launches the scan and send application and displays the application's screen on the operation unit 220. The scan and save key 504 is a key used to launch the scan and save application. When the scan and save key 504 is pressed, the CPU 211 launches the scan and save application and displays the application's screen on the control panel 220. The login key 505 is the key used to perform the login process. When the login key 505 is pressed, the CPU 211 displays an authentication screen on the operation unit 220 and performs user authentication.

[0022] Figure 6 shows an example of the display of the copy function settings screen. The screen in Figure 6 is displayed on the operation unit 220 in response to user instructions when the user is making print settings to be used when executing the copy function. Item 601 displays the black and white / color printing setting. Operation key 602 is used to change the setting in item 601. The user can change the black and white / color setting using the color selection screen (not shown) that appears when operation key 602 is pressed. Item 603 displays the magnification setting for printing. Operation key 604 is used to change the setting for item 603. The user can change the magnification setting for printing using the magnification selection screen (not shown) that appears when operation key 604 is pressed. Item 605 displays the paper settings for printing. Operation key 606 is used to change the settings for item 605. The user can change the paper settings for the printing destination using the paper selection screen (not shown) that appears when operation key 606 is pressed. Item 607 displays the setting for the number of copies to print. The setting for item 607 can be changed using the numeric keypad shown on the right side of Figure 6. Operation key 608 is used to set the finishing process for printed materials. By pressing operation key 608, the user can check and change the settings for finishing processes such as stapling using the finishing selection screen (not shown). Operation key 609 is used to set whether printing is single-sided or double-sided. Users can check and change the single-sided / double-sided setting using the double-sided setting screen (not shown) that appears when operation key 609 is pressed. Operation key 610 is used to set the density when printing with printer 221. The user can check and change the density setting of the printed material using the density setting screen (not shown) that appears when operation key 610 is pressed. As described above, the settings of the copy function can be viewed and changed using the screen shown in Figure 6. Note that the settings that can be viewed and changed are not limited to these; the settings of other settings may also be displayed on the screen for viewing and modification.

[0023] The Start key 611 is used to instruct the CPU 211 to execute the copy function with the current settings displayed on the operation unit 220. When the Start key 611 is pressed, the CPU 211 executes the copy function with the current settings. The Home key 612 is used to display the home screen shown in Figure 5 on the operation unit 220 when pressed by the user. The user can use the home screen displayed by pressing the Home key 612 to call up other applications. The Status Confirmation key 613 is used to display a screen (Status Confirmation screen) to check the status of the MFP 101 when pressed by the user. The Menu key 614 is used to instruct the CPU 211 to register the current settings displayed on the operation unit 220. When the Menu key 614 is pressed, the CPU 211 displays a pop-up on the screen shown in Figure 6, as shown in Figure 7.

[0024] Figure 7 shows an example of a screen display for registering print settings for the copy function for each user. Figure 7 is the screen displayed when the menu key 614 is pressed on the screen shown in Figure 6. The operation key 701 is displayed in the pop-up that appears below the menu key 614. The operation key 701 is a key for displaying a screen for setting the operation when a document is detected. In this embodiment, when the operation key 701 is pressed, the CPU 211 displays the screen shown in Figure 8 on the operation unit 220. In the following explanation, we will use the case where the copy function is set to be executed when a document is detected as an example, but the functions that can be set to be executed when a document is detected are not limited to the copy function. Any function that uses image data generated by reading an image on the document with the scanner 222 may be used, such as the scan and send function, scan and save function, or fax function. Depending on which application screen the user gives the instruction to set the operation when a document is detected, the CPU 211 can set the application to be launched when a document is detected.

[0025] Figure 8 shows an example of the screen for setting the operation when a document is detected. Figure 8 is the screen that appears when operation key 701 is pressed on the screen shown in Figure 7. Item 810 is a setting that determines whether the configured application is launched when a document is detected while the home screen is displayed. In the following explanation, it is assumed that the copy application is configured. Operation keys 801 and 802 are selectable keys, and the ON / OFF setting of item 810 can be switched according to the user's operation. When set to ON, the CPU 211 launches the copy application when a document is detected while the home screen is displayed. In this embodiment, the copy application is launched with the setting value that was set on the screen in Figure 6. When set to OFF, the CPU 211 does not launch the copy application even if a document is detected while the home screen is displayed. The settings in items 820 and 830 below are only effective when item 810 is set to ON.

[0026] Item 820 is a setting that determines whether to display a confirmation screen to allow the user to confirm the set values ​​when a document is detected while the home screen is displayed. Operation keys 803 and 804 are selectable keys, and the ON / OFF setting of item 820 can be switched according to the user's operation. In other words, the CPU 211 sets whether or not to display a confirmation screen when a document is detected while the home screen is displayed, based on instructions from the user. When set to ON, the CPU 211 displays a confirmation screen when a document is detected while the home screen is displayed. When set to OFF, the CPU 211 displays the copy application screen (Figure 6) but does not display a confirmation screen.

[0027] Item 830 is a setting that determines whether or not the copy function is executed automatically when a document is detected while the home screen is displayed, without requiring a press of the start key. Operation keys 805 and 806 are selectable keys, and the ON / OFF setting of item 830 can be switched according to the user's operation. In other words, the CPU 211 sets whether or not to immediately execute the function of the launched application when a document is detected while the home screen is displayed, based on the user's instruction. When set to ON, the CPU 211 executes the copy function with the set value when a document is detected while the home screen is displayed. When set to OFF, the MFP 101 displays the copy application screen (Figure 6) but does not execute the copy function.

[0028] When the cancel key 807 is pressed, the CPU 211 cancels the settings on the screen in Figure 8 and displays the screen in Figure 6 on the operation unit 220. When the OK key 808 is pressed, the CPU 211 sets the application to be launched, the settings on the screen in Figure 8, and the settings on the screen in Figure 6, associating them with the username of the logged-in user, and stores them in the HDD 214. In this way, the CPU 211 sets the application to be launched when a document is detected and the operation after the application is launched for each user. In this embodiment, the CPU 211 registers the information set in the document detection settings table shown in Table 1 below, which is stored in the HDD 214. Note that if item 810 is set to OFF on the screen in Figure 8, registration to the document detection settings table is not performed.

[0029] [Table 1]

[0030] Table 1 above is an example of a setting table for when a document is detected. When the CPU 211 detects a document while the home screen is displayed, it reads the setting table for when a document is detected and checks if the logged-in user is registered in the loaded setting table. If the logged-in user is registered, it controls the execution of the application according to the setting information associated with that user. In the User Name column of Table 1, the username of the MFP101 user is registered. Note that by linking the setting information to the device name, it is also possible to set the application that is launched when a document is detected and the actions taken after the application is launched for each device. In this case, for example, a user with administrator privileges would specify the application to be launched when a document is detected in the settings screen. In the Application column of Table 1, the name of the application that is launched when a document is detected is registered. In this embodiment, copy is registered, but other applications such as scan and send may be registered. In the Confirmation Screen column of Table 1, the ON / OFF setting value of item 820 in Figure 8 is registered. In the Immediate Execution column of Table 1, the ON / OFF setting value of item 830 in Figure 8 is registered. The setting values ​​shown in Table 1 are registered in the settings shown on the screen in Figure 6, which were set when the OK key 808 in Figure 8 was pressed. In this embodiment, the method of setting the operation when a document is detected by user operation from the copy application screen is shown, but this is not the only way to set the operation when a document is detected. For example, a user with administrator privileges may display the setting screen provided by the MFP101 on a client PC, and on the client PC, each user may set the application to be launched when a document is detected, or the operation after the application is launched.

[0031] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the processes executed by the MFP101 according to this embodiment when it detects the placement of a document. The CPU211 of the MFP101 executes a program stored in the ROM212 or HDD214 to realize each process in the flowchart shown in Figure 9. The flowchart in Figure 9 starts when the user places a document in the scanner222. Hereinafter, each step in the flowchart will be described by adding S (step) to the beginning of its reference numerals.

[0032] In the S901, the CPU 211 detects that a document has been placed based on the detection result received from the document detection sensor 224 of the scanner 222. Next, in S902, the CPU 211 determines whether the screen displayed on the operation unit 220 is the home screen. In this embodiment, the CPU 211 makes this determination based on the display application table shown in Table 2 below. The display application table is a data table that manages the screens displayed on the operation unit 220 and is stored in the HDD 214. The operation unit 220 is configured to display multiple application screens and home screens on top of each other, and the CPU 211 manages the display order of the screens using the display application table. The screen in display order 1 of the display application table is the screen currently displayed on the operation unit 220. If the CPU 211 determines that the screen displayed on the operation unit 220 is the home screen, the process proceeds to S903. If the CPU 211 determines that the screen displayed on the operation unit 220 is not the home screen, this flowchart ends. In other words, even if the CPU 211 detects a document set, it will not launch an application if the home screen is not displayed. In this embodiment, the configuration is such that it determines whether or not it is the home screen, but it may also be configured to determine whether or not it is a predetermined screen, such as a screen to check the status of the MFP 101 (status confirmation screen), rather than being limited to the home screen.

[0033] [Table 2]

[0034] In S903, the CPU 211 determines whether a user is logged in or not. In this embodiment, the CPU 211 checks the login user table shown in Table 3 below. The login user table is a data table that manages logged-in users and is stored in the HDD 214. If user authentication is successful, the MFP 101 reads the user information from the user information stored in the HDD 214 and registers it in the login user table. If the CPU 211 determines that user information is registered in the login user table, it assumes the user is logged in and proceeds to S904. If user information is not registered in the login user table, it proceeds to S905.

[0035] [Table 3]

[0036] In the S904, CPU211 searches for the username in the document detection settings table stored in HDD214 using the currently logged-in user. In the S905, CPU211 searches the device for the username in the document detection settings table stored in HDD214. In S906, CPU211 determines, based on the search results from S904 or S905, whether an application is configured to launch when a document is detected, associated with the logged-in user or device. If CPU211 determines that an application is configured to launch when a document is detected, the process proceeds to S907. If it determines that no application is configured to launch when a document is detected, this flowchart is terminated.

[0037] In the S907, the CPU 211 launches the configured application with its set settings based on the information associated with the user or device. For example, if the copy application is configured, the CPU 211 launches the copy application and displays the screen shown in Figure 6 on the control unit 220, reflecting the configured settings. If no settings are configured, the application may be launched with the default settings. In S908, CPU211 determines whether the setting confirmation screen is set to display (item 820 in Figure 8 is set to ON) based on the information associated with the user or device. If CPU211 determines that the setting confirmation screen is set to display, it proceeds to S909. If it determines that the setting confirmation screen is not set to display (item 820 in Figure 8 is set to OFF), it proceeds to S910. In the S909, CPU211 displays a screen to confirm the configured settings. For example, it displays a print preview screen.

[0038] In S910, CPU211 determines, based on the information associated with the user or device, whether the launched application is set to immediately execute its functions (item 830 in Figure 8 is set to ON). If CPU211 determines that the application is set to immediately execute its functions, the process proceeds to S911. If it determines that the launched application is not set to immediately execute its functions (item 830 in Figure 8 is set to OFF), the process in this flowchart ends. In S911, CPU211 executes the functions of the application launched in S907. For example, if a copy application is configured, CPU211 executes the copy function. Specifically, it reads the image on the document placed in scanner222 and prints the generated image data using printer221. After that, this flowchart ends. Note that CPU211 may be configured to execute the application function a few seconds after the detection of the document being placed (S901). This allows the user to cancel the execution even if a document is placed incorrectly.

[0039] As shown in the flowchart in Figure 9, by setting the application to launch when a document is detected and the actions to take after the application launches, it becomes possible to use the desired functions simply by placing the document. Therefore, it becomes unnecessary to select functions on the control panel or to instruct the execution of functions, saving the user time. Note that the above explanation assumes that the user has logged in before the flowchart in Figure 9 begins. If the user logs in after placing the document, the flowchart process will start from S904.

[0040] In this embodiment, in order to set one application to launch when a document is detected for each user, the CPU 211 notifies when it receives an operation to register an operation setting from a user whose operation setting for document detection is already registered. Specifically, when the OK key 808 in Figure 8 is pressed, the CPU 211 first reads the setting table for document detection stored in the HDD 214 and determines whether the operation setting for a user with the same name as the logged-in user is registered in the read setting table. If it is determined that the operation setting for a user with the same name is registered, the CPU 211 displays a notification screen on the screen in Figure 8. Figure 10 shows an example of the display of the notification screen. The notification screen 1000 is displayed on the screen in Figure 8. The notification screen 1000 displays that an application to launch when a document is detected is already registered, and has a No button 1001 to instruct not to overwrite the setting and a Yes button 1002 to instruct to overwrite the setting. When the No button 1001 is pressed, the CPU 211 hides the notification screen. When the Yes button 1002 is pressed, the CPU 211 overwrites the operation settings of the user with the same name registered in the settings table.

[0041] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the process for registering the operation settings when a document is detected. The CPU 211 of the MFP101 executes a program stored in the ROM 212 or HDD 214, thereby realizing each process in the flowchart shown in Figure 11. The flowchart in Figure 11 is started when the user presses the operation key 701 on the screen shown in Figure 7. In the S1101, the CPU 211 displays a screen (Figure 8) on the operation unit 220 for setting the operation when a document is detected. In S1102, the CPU211 receives input from the user via the operation keys on the screen shown in Figure 8. In S1103, the CPU 211 determines whether the operated key is the OK key 808 shown in Figure 8. If the CPU 211 determines that it is the OK key 808, the process proceeds to S1105; otherwise, the process proceeds to S1104. In S1104, the CPU 211 determines whether the operated key is the cancel key 807 shown in Figure 8. If the CPU 211 determines that it is the cancel key 807, the process in this flowchart ends. If it determines that it is not the cancel key 807, the process corresponding to the operation received in S1102 is executed, and the process proceeds to S1102.

[0042] In S1105, CPU211 searches for the username in the document detection settings table stored in HDD214 using the currently logged-in user. In S1106, CPU211 determines, based on the search results in S1105, whether or not an application to be launched when a document is detected is registered and associated with the logged-in user. If CPU211 determines that an application to be launched when a document is detected is registered, the process proceeds to S1107; otherwise, the process proceeds to S1109. In S1107, the CPU 211 asks the user whether to update the registered settings with the settings displayed on the operation unit 220. Specifically, the CPU 211 displays a notification screen 1000 on the screen shown in Figure 8, as shown in Figure 10. In S1108, the CPU 211 receives an operation key on the notification screen 1000 from the user and determines whether the operated key is the "yes" button 1002. If the CPU 211 determines it is the "yes" button 1002, the process proceeds to S1109. If it determines it is the "no" button 1001, the notification screen 1000 is hidden and the process proceeds to S1102. In S1109, CPU211 registers the operation settings in the document detection settings table, linked to the currently logged-in user. If an operation setting linked to the logged-in user is already registered in the document detection settings table, the operation setting is overwritten and updated. In S1110, CPU211 hides notification screen 1000 and terminates this flowchart.

[0043] As shown in the flowchart in Figure 11, by displaying a notification if a document detection action setting associated with a user or device has already been registered, it becomes possible to set one application to launch when a document is detected for each user.

[0044] With the MFP101 of this embodiment as described above, by setting the application to be launched when a document is detected and the actions taken after the application is launched, it becomes possible to use the desired functions simply by placing a document on the MFP101. Therefore, it becomes unnecessary to select a function on the control panel or to instruct the execution of a function, saving the user time and improving convenience. In addition, since the actions taken when a document is detected can be set for each device and user, it is possible to appropriately change the functions executed when a document is detected according to the operation of the user and device. Furthermore, since the control panel of the MFP101 is operated by an unspecified number of users, some users may feel reluctant to touch the control panel, but this makes it easier to use even for such users.

[0045] Although the present invention has been described above along with its embodiments, these embodiments are merely examples of how the present invention can be implemented, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited by them. In other words, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its technical concept or its main features.

[0046] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0047] 101: MFP, 102: File Server

Claims

1. An image processing device, A configuration method for setting which function should be activated when a document is detected, among several functions, for each user, When the user using the image processing device is the first user, and the setting means detects that a document has been placed in the image reading unit, it activates the first function that is set in association with the first user. When the user using the image processing device is a second user, the setting means activates a second function that is set in association with the second user based on the detection of the placement of a document in the image reading unit. A control means that controls in this manner, It has, The image processing apparatus is characterized in that, based on the detection of the placement of a document in the image reading unit, the control means launches an application corresponding to a function set for each user by the setting means, and then controls the display unit to display the setting screen of the launched application in a state that reflects the settings set for each user by the setting means.

2. An image processing apparatus, A configuration method for setting which function should be activated when a document is detected, among several functions, for each user, When the user using the image processing device is the first user, and the setting means detects that a document has been placed in the image reading unit, it activates the first function that is set in association with the first user. When the user using the image processing device is a second user, the setting means activates a second function that is set in association with the second user based on the detection of the placement of a document in the image reading unit. A control means that controls in this manner, It has, The image processing apparatus is characterized in that, when the setting means detects that a document has been placed in the image reading unit, if the screen displayed on the display unit is a predetermined screen, it launches an application corresponding to a function set for each user by the setting means, and even if the setting means detects that a document has been placed in the image reading unit, if the screen displayed on the display unit is not the predetermined screen, it does not launch an application corresponding to a function set for each user by the setting means.

3. An image processing apparatus, A configuration method for setting which function should be activated when a document is detected, among several functions, for each user, When the user using the image processing device is the first user, and the setting means detects that a document has been placed in the image reading unit, it activates the first function that is set in association with the first user. When the user using the image processing device is a second user, the setting means activates a second function that is set in association with the second user based on the detection of the placement of a document in the image reading unit. A control means that controls in this manner, It has, The image processing apparatus is further characterized in that, when the setting means detects that a document has been placed in the image reading unit, it is possible to set whether or not to execute a function set for each user by the setting means without an execution instruction from the user.

4. An image processing apparatus, A configuration method for setting which function should be activated when a document is detected, among several functions, for each user, When the user using the image processing device is the first user, and the setting means detects that a document has been placed in the image reading unit, it activates the first function that is set in association with the first user. When the user using the image processing device is a second user, the setting means activates a second function that is set in association with the second user based on the detection of the placement of a document in the image reading unit. A control means that controls in this manner, It has, The image processing apparatus is characterized in that, when the setting means detects that a document has been placed in the image reading unit, it is possible to set whether or not to display on the display unit a screen for confirming the setting values ​​used when executing an application that is set for each user by the setting means.

5. An image processing apparatus, A configuration method for setting which function should be activated when a document is detected, among several functions, for each user, When the user using the image processing device is the first user, and the setting means detects that a document has been placed in the image reading unit, it activates the first function that is set in association with the first user. When the user using the image processing device is a second user, the setting means activates a second function that is set in association with the second user based on the detection of the placement of a document in the image reading unit. A control means that controls in this manner, It has, The aforementioned setting means is characterized by setting one function for each user that should be activated when a document is set.

6. The setting means further allows users to configure the settings for the function that should be activated when a document is detected. The control means further, When the user using the image processing device is the first user, and the setting of a document to the image reading unit is detected, the first function is activated by reflecting the first setting content set in association with the first user in the setting means. When the user using the image processing device is the second user, and the setting means detects that a document has been placed in the image reading unit, it controls the system to activate the second function by reflecting the second setting content that has been set in association with the second user. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that each of the aforementioned multiple functions supports multiple applications.

8. An image processing device, A setting means for setting the configuration details for a predetermined function that should be activated when a document is detected, on a user-by-user basis, When the user using the image processing device is the first user, and the placement of a document to the image reading unit is detected, the setting means activates the predetermined function in accordance with the first user, reflecting the first setting content set in association with the first user. When the user using the image processing device is a second user, and the placement of a document to the image reading unit is detected, the setting means activates the predetermined function in accordance with the second setting content set for the second user. A control means that controls in this manner, It has, The image processing apparatus is characterized in that, based on the detection of the placement of a document in the image reading unit, the control means launches an application corresponding to a function set for each user by the setting means, and then controls the display unit to display the setting screen of the launched application in a state that reflects the settings set for each user by the setting means.

9. An image processing apparatus, A setting means for setting the configuration details for a predetermined function that should be activated when a document is detected, on a user-by-user basis, When the user using the image processing device is the first user, and the placement of a document to the image reading unit is detected, the setting means activates the predetermined function in accordance with the first user, reflecting the first setting content set in association with the first user. When the user using the image processing device is a second user, and the placement of a document to the image reading unit is detected, the setting means activates the predetermined function in accordance with the second setting content set for the second user. A control means that controls in this manner, It has, The image processing apparatus is characterized in that, when the setting means detects that a document has been placed in the image reading unit, if the screen displayed on the display unit is a predetermined screen, it launches an application corresponding to a function set for each user by the setting means, and even if the setting means detects that a document has been placed in the image reading unit, if the screen displayed on the display unit is not the predetermined screen, it does not launch an application corresponding to a function set for each user by the setting means.

10. An image processing apparatus, A setting means for setting the configuration details for a predetermined function that should be activated when a document is detected, on a user-by-user basis, When the user using the image processing device is the first user, and the placement of a document to the image reading unit is detected, the setting means activates the predetermined function in accordance with the first user, reflecting the first setting content set in association with the first user. When the user using the image processing device is a second user, and the placement of a document to the image reading unit is detected, the setting means activates the predetermined function in accordance with the second setting content set for the second user. A control means that controls in this manner, It has, The image processing apparatus is further characterized in that, when the setting means detects that a document has been placed in the image reading unit, it is possible to set whether or not to execute a function set for each user by the setting means without an execution instruction from the user.

11. An image processing apparatus, A setting means for setting the configuration details for a predetermined function that should be activated when a document is detected, on a user-by-user basis, When the user using the image processing device is the first user, and the placement of a document to the image reading unit is detected, the setting means activates the predetermined function in accordance with the first user, reflecting the first setting content set in association with the first user. When the user using the image processing device is a second user, and the placement of a document to the image reading unit is detected, the setting means activates the predetermined function in accordance with the second setting content set for the second user. A control means that controls in this manner, It has, The image processing apparatus is characterized in that, when the setting means detects that a document has been placed in the image reading unit, it is possible to set whether or not to display on the display unit a screen for confirming the setting values ​​used when executing an application that is set for each user by the setting means.

12. An image processing apparatus, A setting means for setting the configuration details for a predetermined function that should be activated when a document is detected, on a user-by-user basis, When the user using the image processing device is the first user, and the placement of a document to the image reading unit is detected, the setting means activates the predetermined function in accordance with the first user, reflecting the first setting content set in association with the first user. When the user using the image processing device is a second user, and the placement of a document to the image reading unit is detected, the setting means activates the predetermined function in accordance with the second setting content set for the second user. A control means that controls in this manner, It has, The aforementioned setting means is characterized by setting one function for each user that should be activated when a document is set.

13. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the predetermined function corresponds to a predetermined application among a plurality of executable applications.

14. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the control means, based on the detection of the placement of a document in the image reading unit, launches an application corresponding to a function set for each user by the setting means, and then controls the launching application to execute its functions.

15. The image processing apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the control means, based on the detection of the placement of a document in the image reading unit, launches an application corresponding to a function set for each user by the setting means, and then controls the display unit to display a screen for confirming the setting values ​​used when executing the function of the launched application.

16. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 7 and 9 to 12, characterized in that the control means, based on the detection of the placement of a document in the image reading unit, launches an application corresponding to a function set for each user by the setting means, and then controls the display unit to display the setting screen of the launched application in a state that reflects the settings set for each user by the setting means.

17. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 7 and 10 to 12, characterized in that when the setting means detects that a document has been placed in the image reading unit, if the screen displayed on the display unit is a predetermined screen, it launches an application corresponding to a function set for each user by the setting means, and even when the setting means detects that a document has been placed in the image reading unit, if the screen displayed on the display unit is not the predetermined screen, it does not launch an application corresponding to a function set for each user by the setting means.

18. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 7 and 11 to 12, further characterized in that the setting means can set whether or not to execute a function set for each user by the setting means without an execution instruction from the user when a document is detected to be placed in the image reading unit.

19. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7 and 12, wherein the setting means can further set whether or not to display on the display unit a screen for confirming the setting values ​​used when executing an application set for each user by the setting means when a document is detected to be placed in the image reading unit.

20. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5 or 12, characterized in that it notifies a user who has already set a function to be activated when a document is set, when it receives an instruction to set a function to be activated when a document is set.

21. The image processing apparatus according to claim 20, characterized in that the notification includes a request to the user whether to override an already set function in accordance with the instruction.

22. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that the function to be activated when a document is set is one of the following: a function to print image data generated by reading an image on the document with the image reading unit; a function to transmit the image data to an external device; and a function to store the image data in a storage device.

23. The image reading unit is equipped with an automatic document feeder or document tray. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that "when a document is detected to be set" means when a document is detected to be set on the automatic document feeder or the document glass.

24. A method for controlling an image processing device, A configuration step to set which function should be activated when a document is detected, for each user, among multiple functions, When the user using the image processing device is the first user, and the placement of a document to the image reading unit is detected, the first function that was set in association with the first user in the setting step is activated. If the user using the image processing device is a second user, and a document has been detected being placed in the image reading unit, the second function, which was set in association with the second user in the setting step, is activated. A control step that controls in this manner, It has, The control step is characterized by the following: based on the detection of a document being placed in the image reading unit, the control step starts an application corresponding to a function set for each user in the setting step, and then controls the display unit to display the setting screen of the started application with the settings set for each user in the setting step reflected.

25. A method for controlling an image processing device, A setting step to configure the settings for a specific function that should be activated when a document is detected, on a user-by-user basis, When the user using the image processing device is the first user, and the placement of a document to the image reading unit is detected, the predetermined function is activated in accordance with the first setting content set in the setting step for the first user. When the user using the image processing device is a second user, and the placement of a document to the image reading unit is detected, the predetermined function is activated based on the second setting content set in the setting step in association with the second user. A control step that controls in this manner, It has, The control step is characterized by the following: based on the detection of a document being placed in the image reading unit, the control step starts an application corresponding to a function set for each user in the setting step, and then controls the display unit to display the setting screen of the started application with the settings set for each user in the setting step reflected.

26. A program for causing a computer to function as one of the means of an image processing apparatus described in any one of claims 1 to 23.

27. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing the computer to function as one of the means of an image processing apparatus described in any one of claims 1 to 23.

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