Information processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, and information processing method

Abstract

To provide an information processing apparatus and the like that, without installing a special application in a terminal device, facilitate transfer of destination information from the terminal device and can increase convenience of mail transmission and fax transmission based on the acquired destination information.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus comprises a display, a communication unit, and a control unit. The control unit acquires destination information managed by a terminal device through the communication unit and displays the acquired destination information on the display according to priority.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , , ,

[0006] , , , , ,

[0005] , , , , , ,

[0003]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and the like.

Background Art

[0002] [[ID=​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-062349 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] However, the invention described in Patent Document 1 requires the installation of a dedicated application on the mobile terminal device. Furthermore, if there are multiple destinations to be forwarded, the user must select each destination individually, which is time-consuming and problematic.

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an information processing device that facilitates the transfer of destination information from a terminal device without requiring the installation of a dedicated application on the terminal device, thereby improving the convenience of sending emails and faxes based on the acquired destination information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To solve the above problems, the information processing device according to this disclosure comprises a display unit, a communication unit, and a control unit, wherein the control unit acquires destination information managed by a terminal device via the communication unit, and displays the acquired destination information on the display unit according to priority.

[0010] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus according to this disclosure comprises an information processing device having a display unit, a communication unit, and a control unit, and an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium based on input image data, wherein the control unit acquires destination information managed by a terminal device via the communication unit and displays the acquired destination information on the display unit according to priority.

[0011] Furthermore, the information processing method relating to this disclosure is characterized by comprising a communication step for establishing communication between an information processing device and a terminal device, an acquisition step for acquiring destination information managed by the terminal device, and a display step for displaying the acquired destination information on a display device according to priority. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] This provides an information processing device that allows for easy transfer of destination information from a terminal device without requiring the installation of a dedicated application, thereby enhancing the convenience of sending emails and faxes based on the acquired destination information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a front view illustrating the overall configuration of the information processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view illustrating the overall configuration of the information processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a functional configuration diagram of the information processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a functional configuration diagram of the terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure illustrates an example of operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure illustrates an example of operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure illustrates an example of operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure illustrates an example of operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure illustrates an example of operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] This figure illustrates an example of operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] This figure illustrates an example of operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 13] This figure illustrates an example of operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 14] This figure illustrates an example of operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 15] This figure illustrates an example of operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 16]This is a diagram for explaining an operation example in the first embodiment. [Figure 17] This is a diagram for explaining an operation example in the first embodiment. [Figure 18] This is a diagram for explaining an operation example in the first embodiment. [Figure 19] This is a diagram for explaining an operation example in the first embodiment. [Figure 20] This is a diagram for explaining an operation example in the first embodiment. [Figure 21] This is a diagram for explaining an operation example in the first embodiment. [Figure 22] This is a functional configuration diagram of an information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 23] This is a flowchart for explaining the processing flow according to the second embodiment. [Figure 24] This is a diagram for explaining an operation example in the second embodiment. [Figure 25] This is a functional configuration diagram of an information processing apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 26] This is a flowchart for explaining the processing flow according to the third embodiment. [Figure 27] This is a diagram for explaining an operation example in the third embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present disclosure, a multifunction printer having a copy function, a scan function, a Scan to E-mail function, a FAX function, etc. will be described as one form of an information processing apparatus or an image forming apparatus provided with the information processing apparatus. Note that the following embodiments are examples for explaining the present disclosure, and the technical scope of the description described in the claims is not limited to the following description.

[0015] [1 First Embodiment] [1.1 Functional Configuration] Figure 1 is a front view illustrating the overall configuration of the multifunction printer 10 according to the first embodiment. The multifunction printer 10 is configured to communicate with a terminal device 30. The communication method is not particularly limited, but for example, short-range wireless communication technologies such as Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi®, Wi-Sun®, and Irda can be used. In Figure 1, the multifunction printer 10 is shown as an example of direct communication with the terminal device 30, but communication is also possible via a network not shown, such as a LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), or the Internet.

[0016] Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating the overall configuration of the multifunction printer 10. Figure 3 is a functional configuration diagram of the multifunction printer 10. The multifunction printer 10 comprises 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 composed of, for example, one or more arithmetic units (CPU (Central Processing Unit), etc.). 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 information to the user, etc. The display unit 13 can be configured, for example, with an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an OLED (Electro-Luminescence) display.

[0019] The operation input unit 15 accepts information input from the user or other party. The operation input unit 15 can be composed of hard keys (e.g., a numeric keypad) or buttons. The operation input unit 15 can also be configured as a touch panel that allows input via the display unit 13. In this case, the input detection method for the touch panel can be, for example, a resistive touch panel, an infrared touch panel, an electromagnetic induction touch panel, or a capacitive touch panel.

[0020] As mentioned above, the communication unit 17 is equipped with interfaces for short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Wi-Sun, and Irda. The communication unit 17 may also be equipped with either wired or wireless interfaces, or both, for communicating with other devices via networks not shown, such as LAN, WAN, the Internet, telephone lines, and fax lines.

[0021] The image forming unit 19 forms an image based on an image onto paper used as a recording medium. The image forming unit 19 feeds paper from the paper feeding unit 25, forms an image based on the image on the paper, and then discharges the paper to the paper discharge unit 27. The image forming unit 19 can be configured, for example, by a laser printer using an electrophotographic method. The image forming unit 19 performs image formation using toner supplied from a toner cartridge (not shown) corresponding to toner colors (for example, C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), K (black)).

[0022] The image reading unit 21 generates scan data by scanning and reading the image of the document 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 CIS (Contact image sensor). The configuration of the image reading unit 21 is not particularly limited as long as it generates scan data consisting of RGB (R: Red, G: Green, B: Blue) analog signals by reading the reflected light image from the document image with the image sensor.

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

[0024] In the first embodiment, the storage unit 23 stores a job execution program 231, a destination information acquisition program 232, and a destination information display program 233, and reserves a destination information storage area 234.

[0025] The job execution program 231 is a program read by the control unit 11 to perform processing on a job-by-job basis for functions such as copying, scanning, scanning to email, and faxing. 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, etc.

[0026] The destination information acquisition program 232 is a program that the control unit 11 reads when acquiring destination information managed by the terminal device 30. After reading the destination information acquisition program 232, the control unit 11 communicates with the terminal device 30 by controlling the communication unit 17, etc., and acquires the destination information managed by the terminal device 30. For example, when Bluetooth (registered trademark) is adopted as the communication method, the control unit 11 can acquire the destination information managed by the terminal device 30 in vCard format all at once by following the PBAP (Phone book access profile). The destination information related to this disclosure refers to information used to identify the communication destination, such as telephone number, email address, fax number, account, etc.

[0027] The destination information display program 233 is a program that the control unit 11 reads when displaying destination information acquired from the terminal device 30 on the display unit 13. The control unit 11 sorts the destination information according to the priority described later and displays it on the display unit 13.

[0028] The destination information storage area 234 is a storage area that stores destination information obtained from the terminal device 30.

[0029] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the terminal device 30. The terminal device 30 in this disclosure is intended to be, for example, a so-called mobile terminal device such as a smartphone, tablet, mobile phone, or laptop computer, but is not limited thereto. Stationary terminal devices such as desktop computers are also included in the terminal devices of this disclosure, as long as they are in an environment where they can communicate with the multifunction printer 10.

[0030] 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.

[0031] The control unit 31 controls the entire terminal device 30. The control unit 31 is composed of, for example, one or more arithmetic units (CPU, etc.). The control unit 31 realizes its function by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 39.

[0032] The display unit 33 displays various information to the user. The display unit 33 can be configured, for example, with an LCD or an organic EL display.

[0033] The operation input unit 35 accepts information input from the user or other party. 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 detection method for the touch panel can be, for example, a resistive touch method, an infrared touch method, an electromagnetic induction method, or a capacitive touch method.

[0034] The communication unit 37 is equipped with interfaces for short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Wi-Sun, and Irda. The communication unit 37 may also be equipped with either wired or wireless interfaces, or both, for communication with other devices via networks not shown, such as LAN, WAN, the Internet, telephone lines, and fax lines.

[0035] The memory unit 39 stores various programs and data necessary for the operation of the terminal device 30. The memory unit 39 can be composed of, for example, a storage device such as RAM, HDD, SSD, or ROM.

[0036] In the first embodiment, the storage unit 39 stores the application program 391 and the destination information management program 392, and reserves a destination information storage area 393.

[0037] The application program 391 is a program that the control unit 31 reads when executing various applications such as making phone calls, sending emails, faxes, using social networking services (SNS), watching videos and listening to music, and playing games.

[0038] The destination information management program 392 is a program that the control unit 31 reads when managing destination information such as telephone numbers, email addresses, fax numbers, and accounts used in applications such as calls, emails, faxes, and social networking services (SNS). 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 destination information to be managed based on a request for destination information acquisition from the multifunction printer 10. If the request for destination information acquisition is made based on PBAP, the control unit 31 can write the destination information in vCard format. It is also possible to write the destination information in CSV format. In this case, the control unit 31 should write all the destination information and then send it to the multifunction printer 10 in a batch. The destination information management program 392 may be configured as a management program incorporated into the application program 391.

[0039] The destination information storage area 393 is a storage area that stores destination information such as telephone numbers, email addresses, fax numbers, and accounts, associated with identification information such as usernames, user IDs, addresses, and company names.

[0040] [1.2 Processing Flow] Next, the processing flow according to the first embodiment will be explained using Figure 5. In Figure 5, the destination information to be prioritized for display is specified by selecting the job type. This will be explained below.

[0041] When the control unit 11 of the multifunction printer 10 receives a command from the user to acquire destination information managed by the terminal device 30, it reads the destination information acquisition program 232 and displays the connection settings screen (step S100).

[0042] The control unit 11 initiates a connection with the terminal device 30 (step S110) and determines whether the connection was successful (step S120). If the connection is successful (step S120; Yes), the control unit 11 checks whether a job related to the destination information has been selected (step S130).

[0043] If a job related to destination information is selected (step S130; Yes), the control unit 11 specifies the destination information related to the selected job and obtains the destination information (step S140).

[0044] Next, the control unit 11 determines the priority (display priority) for displaying the acquired destination information (step S160). Then, the control unit 11 displays the destination information on the display unit 13 (step S170) and terminates the process.

[0045] On the other hand, if no job related to destination information is selected (step S130; No), the control unit 11 acquires the destination information (step S150). Then, the control unit 11 displays the destination information on the display unit 13 (step S170) and terminates the process.

[0046] After the job is executed, the control unit 11 deletes the destination information displayed in step S170 from the destination information storage area 234.

[0047] [1.3 Example of Operation] Next, we will describe an example of operation. In this example, we will describe a configuration using Bluetooth as the method of communication with the terminal device 30.

[0048] [1.3.1 Priority display of destination information obtained via the home screen (basic screen)]

[0049] Figure 6 shows an example configuration of the home screen W10 of the multifunction printer 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 in standby mode, when recovering from sleep mode, etc., and accepts user input. 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.

[0050] The system information button B10 is a button that receives a command to display the system information screen, which is explained in the following figure. When the user presses the system information button B10, the control unit 11 displays the system information screen W20.

[0051] 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 the setting screen for the corresponding transmission mode.

[0052] The device status display area R10 is an area that displays the device status of the multifunction printer 10. The example in Figure 6 shows an example where the toner level is displayed in the device status display area R10.

[0053] 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 various setting screens (not shown) for executing the change instructions and reference instructions for the corresponding function.

[0054] Figure 7 shows an example configuration of the system information screen W20 displayed by the control unit 11 in response to the 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 printer 10. The system information screen W20 includes an information display area R12 that displays information related to device maintenance, such as paper shortages or firmware updates, and machine information such as communication settings. Here, if the user wants to enable Bluetooth communication, they can enable it by setting the slider S10 provided in the machine information to the "On" state.

[0055] Figure 8 shows an example configuration of the message screen M10 that is displayed on the home screen W10 after the "Mobile Address Book" button of the transmission mode selection button B12 is pressed, until the connection with the terminal device 30 is established (pairing).

[0056] The message screen M10 can be configured to be equivalent to a message screen displayed between devices attempting to connect using typical Bluetooth. That is, the message screen displays the name of the device to be connected to (in the example in Figure 8, device name: BP-aaaa(bb:cc:dd:ee)). Although not shown in Figure 8, a passkey for establishing the connection (for example, passkey: 1234) may also be displayed. If the user wishes to allow a connection with the device, they can establish the connection by entering the passkey.

[0057] Figure 9 shows an example configuration of the message screen M12 that is displayed after a connection with the terminal device 30 is established. When the control unit 11 establishes a connection with the terminal device 30, it starts transferring destination information. The message screen M12 displays a message indicating the status of destination information transfer.

[0058] When forwarding destination information, the control unit 11 recognizes the destination information as an email address if it contains an "@" symbol. The control unit 11 also recognizes the destination information as a fax number if it contains only numbers. However, even if the destination information contains only numbers, if it includes a mobile phone number (for example, starting with "090" or "080"), the control unit 11 may exclude that destination information from forwarding.

[0059] After acquiring destination information, the control unit 11 determines the type of destination information that appears most frequently among the acquired destination information. Specifically, the control unit 11 determines the display screen to transition to after acquiring destination information, based on the number of email addresses and fax numbers in the destination information transferred from the terminal device 30 to the multifunction printer 10.

[0060] For example, if the most frequent type of destination information (job type) among the acquired destination information is email transmission, the control unit 11 displays the transmission mode setting screen for email transmission, as illustrated in Figure 10.

[0061] Figure 10 shows an example configuration of the setting screen W30 for sending emails. The setting screen W30 includes a mode display area R14, a search value input box Bx10, a recipient information display area R16, a start button B16, a preview button B18, and a reset button B20.

[0062] The mode display area R14 is the area that displays the selected transmission mode. The selected transmission mode may be highlighted by adding a bar above the image representing that transmission mode (email transmission), as shown in the example in Figure 10.

[0063] The search value input box Bx10 accepts the input of a search value to search for a desired email address. For example, if the user enters the character "u" as the search value and presses the adjacent "Start Search" button, the search results will be displayed in the recipient information display area R16.

[0064] The recipient information display area R16 is the area that displays the search results for email address searches. Figure 10 shows an example of the results when the character "u" is entered as the search value in the search value input box Bx10 and a search is performed. In the example in Figure 10, the email address of "User02" is selected from the email addresses displayed in the recipient information display area R16.

[0065] The Start button B16 is a button that accepts the command to send an email to the selected email address.

[0066] The preview button B18 accepts a command to display a preview of an image generated, for example, by the Scan to E-mail function. The reset button B20 accepts a command to reset settings entered or selected via the transmission mode setting screen W30.

[0067] By the way, when transferring and obtaining destination information from the terminal device 30, it is possible to set which destination information to obtain. Figure 11 shows an example of a configuration screen when setting destination information to be transferred from the terminal device 30 based on the job type.

[0068] The settings screen W40 includes a destination information selection checkbox CB10 that accepts the selection of destination information to be forwarded based on the job type. The user selects the destination information to be forwarded by checking both or either the "email address" and / or "fax number" boxes in the destination information selection checkbox CB10.

[0069] The control unit 11 can specify the destination information to be transferred from the terminal device 30 based on the selection result for the destination information selection checkbox CB10.

[0070] [1.3.2 Prioritizing the display of destination information obtained via the address book screen on the basic image transmission screen] The basic image transmission screen can be accessed from the home screen mentioned above. Unlike the simple settings screens for Simple Scan and Simple Fax, the basic image transmission screen has a screen configuration that allows for detailed settings related to image transmission, and allows images to be sent to designated destinations from the address book provided by the multifunction printer 10. The following describes how to obtain the address book of an external device via the basic image transmission screen.

[0071] Figure 12 illustrates an example of the operation when calling up the basic image transmission screen from the home screen W50. Note that Figure 12 shows a partial area of ​​the home screen W50 centered on the transmission mode selection button B12.

[0072] When the user presses the "E-mail" button on the transmission mode selection button B12, the control unit 11 displays the image transmission basic screen W60.

[0073] The basic image transmission screen W60 includes an address book button B22, a subject (file name) input box Bx12, a setting information display area R18, and a processing selection button B24.

[0074] The address book button B22 accepts the input of a display instruction for the address book (explained in the following diagram) managed by the multifunction printer 10. The user can send an image to a desired email address by selecting the email address from the displayed address book. The selected email address can be displayed in the adjacent destination box.

[0075] The subject (file name) input box Bx12 is a box that accepts the subject of the email to be sent and the file name of the image file to be attached to the email.

[0076] The setting information display area R18 is an area for displaying setting information related to image transmission. Setting information stored in the storage unit 23 as setting history information may be read out and displayed in the setting information display area R18.

[0077] The process selection button B24 is a button that accepts the user's selection of the desired process (action). The process selection button B24 accepts the selection of various processes such as "Search global address book," "Sent history," "Recent jobs," "Retrieve by search number," and "Refer to mobile address book." When "Refer to mobile address book" is selected, destination information is obtained from the terminal device 30, similar to when the "Mobile Address Book" button is pressed on the home screen W10. Depending on the type of destination information (job type) with the highest number of entries among the obtained destination information, the display screen to which the user will transition after obtaining the destination information is displayed, and the selected display screen is then displayed.

[0078] Figure 13 shows an example configuration of the address book screen W70 displayed by the control unit 11 in response to the press of the address book button B22 on the basic image transmission screen W60. The address book screen W70 is a screen that displays destination information managed by the multifunction device 10 as an address book. The address book screen W70 includes a managed destination information display area R20 and a processing selection button B26.

[0079] The R20 area for displaying managed destination information is an area where the multifunction printer 10 displays a list of destination information that it manages itself.

[0080] The processing selection button B26 can have the same configuration as the processing selection button B24 on the image transmission basic screen W60. When the user presses the "Refer to mobile address book" button B261, the control unit 11 establishes a connection with the terminal device 30 and obtains destination information managed by the terminal device 30. In this case, the destination information with the largest number of entries among the destination information obtained from the terminal device 30 may be displayed first.

[0081] Incidentally, after obtaining destination information from the terminal device 30, it is possible to set which destination information to display. Figure 14 shows an example configuration of the settings screen related to the display settings of destination information transferred from the terminal device 30.

[0082] The settings screen W80 includes a destination information filtering checkbox CB12 that accepts the selection of the destination information to be displayed. The user can filter the destination information to be displayed by checking both or either of the "Filter by email address" and "Filter by fax number" options in the destination information filtering checkbox CB12.

[0083] Figure 15 shows one form of the address book screen W90 that appears when both the "Filter by email address" and "Filter by fax number" checkboxes in the destination information filtering checkbox CB12 on the settings screen W80 are checked.

[0084] In the example shown in Figure 15, both the "Filter by email address" and "Filter by fax number" checkboxes in the recipient information filtering checkbox CB12 are checked. Therefore, both the email address and fax number related to the retrieved recipient information are displayed in the filtered recipient information display area R22 on the address book screen W90.

[0085] On the other hand, Figure 16 shows an example configuration of the address book screen W100 that appears when the "Filter by email address" checkbox in the recipient information filtering checkbox CB12 on the settings screen W80 is checked.

[0086] In the example shown in Figure 16, the "Filter by email address" checkbox CB12 for filtering recipient information is checked, so the email addresses related to the retrieved recipient information are displayed in the filtered recipient information display area R22 on the address book screen W100.

[0087] By the way, when prioritizing the display of destination information obtained via the home screen, if the address book is obtained from an external device, the transmission mode to which it is switched may be a simple setting mode (screen) such as Simple Scan or Simple Fax, or it may be the normal image transmission mode (basic image transmission screen), but it is also possible to use the following configuration.

[0088] (1) If the address book obtained from the external device contains only email addresses or fax numbers, the system will switch to a simple setting mode such as Simple Scan or Simple Fax. If the address book obtained from the external device contains both email addresses and fax numbers, the system will switch to the normal image transmission mode. (2) The system settings allow you to pre-configure which transmission mode to switch to, and the system will switch to the transmission mode based on those settings. (3) The system settings allow you to pre-configure which transmission mode each user should switch to, and the system will switch to the transmission mode based on those settings. (4) The system switches to a sending mode based on the history settings when using an address book obtained from an external device in the past (if user authentication is in operation, the history settings of the logged-in user are used; if user authentication is not in operation, the most recent history settings are used).

[0089] [1.3.3 Displaying forwarding destination information in bulk] The multifunction printer 10 according to the first embodiment can also display a list of destination information after transfer and send it directly.

[0090] Figure 17 shows an example configuration of the list display settings screen W110. Users can display the acquired destination information in a list by checking the list display selection checkbox CB14 provided on the list display settings screen W110. The list display settings screen W110 can be displayed, for example, by adding an input field that accepts display input for the list display settings screen W110 to the system information screen described in Figure 7.

[0091] Figure 18 shows an example configuration of the destination information list screen W120, which is displayed when the list display selection checkbox CB14 is checked. The destination information list screen W120 includes a destination information list display area R24 that displays the acquired destination information in a list, and a send confirmation button B28.

[0092] The destination information list display area R24 is an area for displaying a list of acquired destination information. The destination information list display area R24 also accepts the selection of a destination for sending image data.

[0093] The Send Confirmation button B28 accepts confirmation of the transmission of image data to the destination selected via the destination information list display area R24. By pressing the Send Confirmation button B28, the user can send image data, etc., to the destination indicated by the destination information displayed in the destination information list display area R24. Of course, it is also possible to select the desired destination from the destination information displayed in the destination information list display area R24 before pressing the Send Confirmation button B28. In this case, various settings such as color mode and resolution will follow the system settings' default values, but it is also possible to provide a setting information display area R18, etc., as exemplified in Figure 12, on the destination information list screen W120, allowing the setting information to be changed.

[0094] [1.3.4 Prioritizing the display of destination information based on job execution history] The multifunction printer 10 according to the first embodiment can also prioritize displaying destination information based on the job execution history. For example, suppose that in the address book screen W130 shown in Figure 19, the destination "test13@test.co.jp" indicated by the dotted line frame is selected and image data etc. is sent to that destination.

[0095] Based on the destination information obtained from the terminal device 30, a specific destination is selected, and when image data or the like is sent to that destination, the transmission information is recorded as a transmission history, as illustrated in the transmission history screen W140 in Figure 20.

[0096] The next time destination information is retrieved, the control unit 11 refers to the recorded transmission history. The control unit 11 then preferentially displays the destination information "test13@test.co.jp", which matches the destination information recorded in the transmission history, at the top of the destination information, as shown in the address book screen W150 in Figure 21.

[0097] As described above, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to provide an information processing device that makes it easy to obtain destination information from an external terminal device without installing a dedicated application, thereby improving the convenience of sending emails and faxes.

[0098] [2 Second Embodiment] The multifunction printer according to the second embodiment is configured to include, for example, an imaging unit such as a camera, and to capture destination information managed by a terminal device. When the multifunction printer acquires destination information that matches the captured destination information, it displays that destination information as priority.

[0099] [2.1 Functional Configuration] Figure 22 is a functional diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the multifunction printer 50 according to the second embodiment. Note that components identical to those in the multifunction printer 10 according to the first embodiment may be denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions may be omitted.

[0100] The multifunction printer 50 comprises 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, an imaging unit 51, and a storage unit 23.

[0101] The imaging unit 51 captures destination information such as telephone numbers, email addresses, fax numbers, and accounts (hereinafter referred to as "displayed destination information") displayed on the display unit 33 of the terminal device 30. The imaging unit 51 outputs the image information obtained by imaging to the control unit 11.

[0102] [2.2 Processing Flow] Next, the processing flow according to the second embodiment will be explained using Figure 23. Note that the processing from step S100 to step S120 is the same as the processing explained in Figure 5, so the explanation here will be omitted.

[0103] If the connection with the terminal device 30 is successful (step S120; Yes), the control unit 11 obtains destination information from the terminal device 30 (step S150).

[0104] Next, the control unit 11 checks whether the display destination information displayed on the terminal device 30 has been captured by the imaging unit 51 (step S180). If the display destination information has been captured (step S180; Yes), the control unit 11 obtains the display destination information from the image information obtained by the imaging unit 51.

[0105] The control unit 11 determines whether there is any matching destination information between the destination information acquired in step S150 and the display destination information obtained via the imaging unit 51 (step S190).

[0106] If the determination results in a destination information that matches the displayed destination information (step S190; Yes), the control unit 11 prioritizes displaying that destination information (step S200) and terminates the process.

[0107] On the other hand, if the destination information to be displayed is not captured by the imaging unit 51 (step S180; No), or if there is no destination information that matches the destination information to be displayed (step S190; No), the control unit 11 displays the destination information acquired in step S150 (step S210) and terminates the process.

[0108] After the job is executed, the control unit 11 deletes the destination information displayed in step S200 or step S210 from the destination information storage area 234.

[0109] [2.3 Example of Operation] Figure 24 shows an example configuration of the address book screen W160 that the control unit 11 displays when there is destination information in the acquired destination information that matches the displayed destination information.

[0110] For example, suppose that in step S150 of Figure 23, the destination information acquired by the control unit 11 is "test11@test.co.jp", "test12@test.co.jp", "test13@test.co.jp", "06-1234-5678", and "06-9876-5432" (see Figure 19). If the display destination information obtained via the imaging unit 51 in step S180 of Figure 23 is "test13@test.co.jp", the control unit 11 will prioritize displaying the destination information "test13@test.co.jp" that matches as the display destination information, above the destination information as shown by the dotted line frame in Figure 24.

[0111] As described above, according to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, if the display destination information obtained via the imaging unit matches the destination information obtained by transfer, the destination information can be displayed preferentially. Therefore, according to the second embodiment, the priority of destination information in the terminal device 30 can be reflected in the display of the transferred destination information.

[0112] [3 Third Embodiment] The multifunction printer according to the third embodiment includes a destination information identification program that identifies frequently used destination information on the terminal device. When the multifunction printer acquires destination information that matches frequently used destination information on the terminal device, it prioritizes displaying that destination information.

[0113] [3.1 Functional Configuration] Figure 25 is a functional diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the multifunction printer 70 according to the third embodiment. Note that components identical to those in the multifunction printer 10 according to the first embodiment may be denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions may be omitted.

[0114] The multifunction printer 70 includes a storage unit 73 in place of the storage unit 23 according to the first embodiment. In the third embodiment, the storage unit 73 stores a job execution program 231, a destination information acquisition program 232, a destination information display program 233, and a destination information identification program 731, and reserves a destination information storage area 234.

[0115] The destination information identification program 731 is a program that the control unit 11 reads when identifying destination information that is frequently used in the terminal device 30. The control unit 11 identifies destination information that is frequently selected as a destination when, for example, telephone, email, fax, messaging applications, chat applications, or other SNS applications are used in the terminal device 30. In this case, the control unit 11 may, for example, obtain information on the frequency of use of destination information from image information obtained via the imaging unit 51 according to the second embodiment, or it may obtain information on the frequency of use through communication via the communication unit 17.

[0116] [3.2 Processing Flow] Next, the processing flow according to the third embodiment will be explained using Figure 26. Note that the processing from step S100 to step S150 is the same as the processing explained in Figure 23, so the explanation will be omitted here.

[0117] When destination information is obtained from the terminal device 30 (step S150), the control unit 11 identifies the destination information that is frequently used in the terminal device 30 (step S220).

[0118] Once frequently used destination information is identified (step S220; Yes), the control unit 11 determines whether there is any matching destination information between the destination information obtained in step S150 and the identified destination information (step S230).

[0119] If the determination results in a destination information that matches a frequently used destination information (step S230; Yes), the control unit 11 prioritizes displaying that destination information (step S240) and terminates the process.

[0120] On the other hand, if frequently used destination information is not identified (step S220; No), or if no destination information matching the frequently used destination information is found (step S230; No), the control unit 11 displays the destination information obtained in step S150 (step S250) and terminates the process.

[0121] After the job is executed, the control unit 11 deletes the destination information displayed in step S240 or step S250 from the destination information storage area 234.

[0122] [3.3 Example of Operation] Figure 27 shows an example configuration of the address book screen W170 that the control unit 11 displays when there is destination information among the acquired destination information that matches frequently used destination information.

[0123] For example, suppose the destination information acquired by the control unit 11 in step S150 of Figure 26 is "test11@test.co.jp", "test12@test.co.jp", "test13@test.co.jp", "06-1234-5678", and "06-9876-5432" (see Figure 19). If the frequently used destination information identified in step S220 of Figure 26 is "test13@test.co.jp", the control unit 11 will prioritize displaying the destination information "test13@test.co.jp" that matches this destination information at the top of the destination information, as shown by the dotted line frame in Figure 27.

[0124] Furthermore, when identifying frequently used destination information on the terminal device 30, it is also possible to limit the scope to the period during which communication with the recipient took place (for example, within the last 30 days, or between bb / aa / 2021 and dd / cc / 2021), or to the application used for communication.

[0125] Furthermore, you may specifically limit the number of interactions with a particular party. For example, you can set it up so that if there are three or more interactions with a particular party, their recipient information will be prioritized for display, while if there are fewer than three interactions, they will not be prioritized for display even if there have been interactions. Note that the number of interactions with a particular party is merely an example and can be changed as appropriate depending on the settings.

[0126] As described above, according to the third embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, if destination information that is frequently used in the terminal device matches destination information acquired from the terminal device, that destination information can be displayed preferentially. Therefore, according to the third embodiment, the priority of destination information in the terminal device 30 can be reflected in the display of destination information acquired from the terminal device.

[0127] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible. That is, embodiments obtained by combining technical means that are appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0128] Furthermore, although the embodiments described above are explained separately for the sake of explanation, it goes without saying that they may be combined and implemented to the extent that is technically possible.

[0129] Furthermore, in the embodiments, the programs that run in each device are programs that control the CPU and the like (programs that make the computer function) in order to realize the functions of the embodiments described above. The information handled by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (for example, RAM) during processing, and then stored in storage devices such as various ROMs (Read Only Memory) and HDDs, and read, modified, and written by the CPU as needed.

[0130] Here, the recording medium for storing the program may be any of the following: semiconductor media (e.g., ROM or non-volatile memory card), optical recording medium / magneto-optical recording medium (e.g., DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), MO (Magneto Optical Disc), MD (Mini Disc), CD (Compact Disc), BD (Blu-ray Disc®), etc.), magnetic recording medium (e.g., magnetic tape, flexible disk, etc.). Furthermore, in addition to realizing the functions of the above-described embodiment by executing the loaded program, the functions of the present invention may also be realized by processing in cooperation with the operating system or other application programs based on the instructions of the program.

[0131] Furthermore, when distributing the program to the market, it can be stored on 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, also included in the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0132] 10, 50, 70 multifunction device 11 Control Unit 13 Display section 15 Operation Input Section 17 Communications Department 19 Image forming unit 21 Image reading unit 23, 73 storage section 30 Terminal devices 51 Imaging Unit 231 Job execution program 232 Destination Information Acquisition Program 233 Destination Information Display Program 234 Destination information storage area 731 Destination Information Identification Program

Claims

1. Display unit and Communications Department and, It includes a control unit, The control unit, The destination information managed by the terminal device is acquired in bulk via the aforementioned communication unit. An information processing device characterized by determining the priority of setting screens to be displayed based on the number of each type of destination information acquired in a batch, and preferentially displaying the setting screen related to the type of destination information with the highest number of acquisitions on the display unit.

2. The control unit, The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that it executes a job that uses the aforementioned destination information.

3. Display unit and Communications Department and, It includes a control unit, The control unit, The destination information managed by the terminal device is obtained via the aforementioned communication unit. The acquired destination information is displayed on the display unit according to priority, The terminal device further includes an imaging unit that captures the display destination information displayed on the terminal device, The control unit, An information processing device characterized by determining the priority based on the display destination information.

4. Display unit and Communications Department and, It includes a control unit, The control unit, The destination information managed by the terminal device is obtained via the aforementioned communication unit. The acquired destination information is displayed on the display unit according to priority, The control unit, An information processing device characterized by determining the priority based on the frequency of use of the destination information in the terminal device.

5. The control unit, The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that it displays the destination information acquired in a batch in a list and receives instructions to execute jobs related to the displayed destination information.

6. An information processing device comprising a display unit, a communication unit, and a control unit, It includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium based on input image data, The control unit, The destination information managed by the terminal device is acquired in bulk via the aforementioned communication unit. An image forming apparatus characterized by determining the priority of setting screens to be displayed based on the number of each type of destination information acquired in a batch, and preferentially displaying the setting screen for the type of destination information with the highest number of acquired data on the display unit.

7. A communication process for establishing communication between an information processing device and a terminal device, The acquisition process involves obtaining destination information managed by terminal devices in bulk, An information processing method characterized by comprising a display step of determining the priority of setting screens to be displayed based on the number of acquisitions of each type of destination information acquired in a batch, and preferentially displaying the setting screen related to the type of destination information with the highest acquisition number on the display unit.

Images