JP2009181382A - Customize system, image forming apparatus, server, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus which can display a customized screen which is easy to operate and its relevant technique. <P>SOLUTION: Information on the customized screen GC which is customized for specific users based on customize information for the specific users is acquired (step S34), and it is determined whether an unusable function, a function which cannot be used by the specific image forming apparatus, is included in the functions corresponding to buttons in the customize screen GC (step S35). When the unusable function is included in the functions corresponding to the buttons in the customized screen GC, the customize screen after change which has changed the display status of the button corresponding to the unusable function concerned is displayed in a control panel of the specific image forming apparatus (steps S36 and S37). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for customizing display contents on an operation panel of an image forming apparatus.

  The image forming apparatus is provided with an operation panel for receiving various operation inputs. For example, the operation panel is configured by embedding a piezoelectric sensor or the like in a liquid crystal display panel, and functions as a part of the display unit and also functions as a part of the operation input unit. The user can input an operation instruction to the MFP 1 by pressing a (virtual) button displayed on the screen of the operation panel.

  With respect to such an operation panel, there is a technique for giving the display mode a degree of freedom.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, when any one of all buttons displayed in the operation panel cannot be displayed by enlarging the operation screen in the operation panel, the layout is changed and displayed. Is described.

JP 2004-180275 A

  By the way, as a technique for giving a degree of freedom to the display mode of the operation panel of the image forming apparatus, it is conceivable to customize the display contents of the operation panel of the image forming apparatus for each user in addition to the technique described above.

  For example, customization information obtained by customizing the display contents of an operation panel of a certain image forming apparatus among a plurality of image forming apparatuses for each user is stored in the server. Then, it is conceivable to determine the display content of the operation panel of another image forming apparatus among the plurality of image forming apparatuses using the customization information stored in the server. According to this, the user can perform an operation input using a similarly customized operation screen in a plurality of image forming apparatuses.

  However, the plurality of image forming apparatuses do not necessarily have the same function. Therefore, for example, when an operation screen customized for an operation panel of a relatively high-function image forming apparatus is displayed on the operation panel of a relatively low-function image forming apparatus as it is, buttons corresponding to functions that cannot be used are also displayed. Sometimes. If such a button is displayed on the operation panel as it is, the operability is degraded.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of displaying an easy-to-operate customized screen and a technology related thereto.

  In order to solve the above problems, the invention of claim 1 is a customization system capable of customizing an operation screen displayed on an operation panel of an image forming apparatus for each user, and stores customization information for each user. The storage means, the acquisition means for acquiring the customization screen information customized for the specific user based on the customization information for the specific user, and the function corresponding to the button in the customization screen, the specific image In the case where the unusable function is present in the function corresponding to the button in the customization screen, and a determination unit that determines whether or not the unusable function that is a function that cannot be used in the forming apparatus exists. The customized image after changing the display state of the button corresponding to the unusable function is displayed on the specific image forming apparatus. Characterized in that it comprises a display control means for displaying on the operation panel.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the customization system according to the first aspect of the present invention, the display control means uses the use function when the unusable function exists in the functions corresponding to the buttons in the customization screen. The customized screen in which the display mode of the button corresponding to the disabled function is changed is displayed on the operation panel of the specific image forming apparatus.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the customization system according to the first aspect of the present invention, the display control means uses the use function when the unusable function exists in the functions corresponding to the buttons in the customization screen. The customization screen in a state where a predetermined mark is added to a button corresponding to the disabled function is displayed on an operation panel of the specific image forming apparatus.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the customization system according to the first aspect of the present invention, the display control means uses the use function when the unusable function exists in the functions corresponding to the buttons in the customization screen. The customization screen in which the button corresponding to the disabled function is changed to non-display is displayed on an operation panel of the specific image forming apparatus.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the customization system according to the first aspect of the present invention, the display control means uses the use function when the unavailable function exists in the functions corresponding to the buttons in the customization screen. A customized screen after rearrangement in which buttons corresponding to disabled functions are deleted and buttons in the customized screen are rearranged is displayed on an operation panel of the specific image forming apparatus.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the customization system according to the second or third aspect of the present invention, the display control means is provided when the unusable function exists in the functions corresponding to the buttons in the customization screen. Is characterized in that the customized screen in which a button corresponding to the unusable function is changed to a non-selectable state is displayed on an operation panel of the specific image forming apparatus.

  The invention according to claim 7 is an image forming apparatus capable of customizing an operation screen displayed on the operation panel for each user, and a specific user regarding an operation panel of an image forming apparatus different from the image forming apparatus. Among the functions corresponding to the buttons in the customization screen and the acquisition unit that acquires information of the customization screen that is an operation screen customized for the user, there is an unusable function that is a function that cannot be used in the image forming apparatus When the unusable function is present in the function corresponding to the button in the customization screen and the function corresponding to the button in the customization screen, the display state of the button corresponding to the unusable function is changed. And display control means for displaying the customized screen after the change on an operation panel of the image forming apparatus.

  The invention according to claim 8 is a server connected to a plurality of image forming apparatuses over a network, and stores customization information for a specific user related to an operation panel of a first image forming apparatus among the plurality of image forming apparatuses. And customized for the specific user based on the customization information for the specific user in response to a customization information transmission request command from the second image forming apparatus of the plurality of image forming apparatuses. Whether there is an unusable function, which is a function that cannot be used in the second image forming apparatus, among the means for acquiring information on the customize screen that is the operation screen and the function corresponding to the button in the customize screen If the unusable function exists in the function corresponding to the button in the customization screen and the button in the customization screen, The customization screen after the change changing the display state of the button corresponding to the disabled functions, characterized in that it comprises means for transmitting to said second image forming apparatus.

  According to the ninth aspect of the invention, a) a procedure for acquiring information on a customization screen that is a customization screen related to the operation panel of the first image forming apparatus and is customized for a specific user; b) A procedure for determining whether or not there is an unusable function that is a function that cannot be used in the second image forming apparatus among the functions corresponding to the buttons in the customization screen; and c) in the customization screen When the unusable function exists in the function corresponding to the button, the customized screen after changing the display state of the button corresponding to the unusable function is transmitted to the second image forming apparatus. It is a program for executing a procedure.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, information on a customized screen, which is an operation screen customized for a specific user with respect to an operation panel of an image forming apparatus different from the image forming apparatus, is stored in a computer built in the image forming apparatus. A procedure for obtaining; b) a procedure for determining whether or not an unusable function, which is a function that cannot be used in the image forming apparatus, exists among the functions corresponding to the buttons in the customization screen; and c) When the unusable function is present in the function corresponding to the button in the customization screen, the customized screen after changing the display state of the button corresponding to the unusable function is displayed on the image forming apparatus. It is a program for executing the procedure displayed on the operation panel.

  According to the first to tenth aspects of the invention, it is possible to display a customized screen that is easy to operate.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<1. First Embodiment>
<1-1. Configuration>
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the customization system 100. The customization system 100 includes a plurality of Multi Function Peripherals (also abbreviated as MFP) 1 (specifically, MFPs 1d, 1e, and 1f) and a server computer (also simply referred to as a server) 90. The customization system 100 can customize the operation screen displayed on the operation panel of each MFP 1 (also referred to as an image forming apparatus) for each user.

  Each MFP 1 is connected to a server 90 via a network NW, and data can be transmitted to and received from the server 90. On the other hand, the server 90 stores customization information for each user in the storage unit 91. Each MFP 1 can customize the operation screen displayed on the operation panel for each user using the customization information stored in the server 90 (specifically, the storage unit 91 of the server 90). The network NW includes various networks such as a LAN (Local Area Network) and the Internet.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of each MFP 1. The MFP 1 is a device (also referred to as a multi function device) having a scanner function, a printer function, a copy function, a facsimile communication function, and the like. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the MFP 1 includes an image reading unit 2, a print output unit 3, a communication unit 4, a storage unit 5, an input / output unit 6, and a controller 9. These functions are realized by operating these units in a complex manner.

  The image reading unit 2 is a processing unit that optically reads a document placed at a predetermined position of the MFP 1 and generates image data (also referred to as a document image) of the document.

  The print output unit 3 is an output unit that prints an image on various media such as paper based on image data related to the target image.

  The communication unit 4 is a processing unit capable of performing facsimile communication via a public line or the like. Furthermore, the communication unit 4 can perform network communication via the communication network NW. In this network communication, various protocols such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) and FTP (File Transfer Protocol) are used. By using the network communication, the MFP 1 can communicate with a desired destination. Various data can be exchanged between them. Note that the MFP 1 can also send and receive e-mails by using this network communication.

  The storage unit 5 includes a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD). The storage unit 5 stores a document image (image data) generated by the image reading unit 2 or the like.

  The input / output unit 6 includes an operation input unit 61 that receives input to the MFP 1 and a display unit 62 that displays and outputs various types of information. The MFP 1 is provided with an operation panel 63 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The operation panel 63 is configured by embedding a piezoelectric sensor or the like in a liquid crystal display panel, and functions as a part of the display unit 62 and also functions as a part of the operation input unit 61. The user can input an operation instruction to the MFP 1 by pressing a (virtual) button displayed on the screen of the operation panel 63.

  The controller 9 is a control device that controls the MFP 1 in an integrated manner, and includes a CPU and various semiconductor memories (such as a RAM and a ROM). Various functions of the MFP 1 are realized by operating various processing units under the control of the controller 9. For example, by scanning a desired image optically using the image reading unit 2 under the control of the controller 9, an image (scanned image) obtained by scanning a document is acquired, and a scanner function is realized. Further, the copy function is realized by printing out the scanned image using the print output unit 3. The controller 9 also controls various processes as described below.

  The controller 9 implements various processing units by executing predetermined software programs (hereinafter also simply referred to as programs) stored in a ROM (for example, an EEPROM) in the CPU.

  Specifically, the controller 9 implements various processing units including a user authentication unit 11, a customization information acquisition unit 12, a determination unit 16, and a display control unit 17.

  The user authentication unit 11 is a processing unit that controls an authentication operation regarding each user (individual user).

  The customization information acquisition unit 12 is a processing unit that communicates with the server 90 and acquires the customization screen GC in the storage unit 91. The customization information acquisition unit 12 can acquire information on the customization screen GC customized for a specific user with respect to the operation panel 63 of the MFP 1 that is the own machine or another machine. For example, the customization information acquisition unit 12 of the MFP 1f (see FIG. 1) performs a customization screen (operation screen) customized for a certain user UA regarding the operation panel 63e of the MFP 1e (that is, another device) different from the MFP 1f that is the own device. ) Information on GC (see FIG. 4) can be acquired. Further, the customization information acquisition unit 12 of the MFP 1e can also acquire information on a customization screen customized for the user UA regarding the operation panel 63e of the MFP 1e (own device).

  The determination unit 16 determines whether there is a function (also referred to as “unusable function”) that cannot be used by the MFP 1 (own apparatus) among the functions corresponding to the buttons in the customization screen GC. It is.

  The display control unit 17 controls display operations related to the operation panel 63. In particular, when the “unusable function” exists in the function corresponding to the button in the customization screen GC, the display control unit 17 relates to the display of the button corresponding to the “unusable function” (display state). Is generated, and the changed customization screen GC is displayed on the operation panel 63 of the MFP 1. The display control unit 17 also executes an operation of changing the state of the button corresponding to the “unusable function” to the “selectable state” (a state where the button cannot be selected).

<1-2. List of functions>
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a detailed function list regarding the copy (COPY) function of the MFP 1.

  The MFP 1 has a hierarchized function as shown in FIG.

  Specifically, first, in the large item “Copy”, the five middle items “Color”, “Paper”, “Zoom”, “Duplex / Duplex” / Combine) ”and“ Finishing ”.

  The middle item “Color” has three sub-items “AutoColor”, “FullColor”, and “Black”. The middle item “Paper” has three sub-items “A3”, “A4”, and “A5”, and the middle item “Zoom” has four sub-items “A3-”. > A4 ”,“ A4-> A5 ”,“ A5-> A4 ”, and“ A4-> A3 ”. Furthermore, the middle item “Duplex / Combine” has three sub-items “Duplex”, “2 in 1”, and “4 in 1”, and the middle item “Finishing” It has two sub-items “Z-Fold” and “Corner Staple”.

  In addition to such a copy function, the MFP 1 includes a scanner function, a printer function, a facsimile communication function, and the like as described above. In this embodiment, the operation related to the copy function will be mainly described.

  The operation panel 63 of the MFP 1 accepts various input operations for realizing various detailed functions as shown in FIG.

  In the MFP 1, two types of input methods can be employed. The first method is to display a default operation screen (menu screen) for selecting a function. The second method is to display buttons corresponding to the function selected by the user from among a large number of buttons on the operation screen. The second method is also expressed as a method of creating a customization screen for customizing and displaying a function selection button for each user and realizing a function selection operation using the customization screen. According to the second method, it is possible to easily access buttons that are frequently used by each user. Here, the case where the second method is employed will be described in detail.

<1-3. Customize screen>
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the customization screen GC. FIG. 4 shows a customization screen GC in which eight buttons frequently used by the user UA are selected. Specifically, eight buttons corresponding to the eight detailed functions selected by the user UA are arranged in four rows and two columns.

  The customization screen GC for the user UA corresponds to buttons BN1 and BN2 corresponding to the two small items belonging to the middle item “color”, specifically to the small item “AutoColor”. The button BN1 and the button BN2 corresponding to the small item “Black” are provided. In the second row, a button BN3 corresponding to the small item “A4” and a button BN4 corresponding to the small item “A3” regarding “paper” are provided. In the third level, a button BN5 corresponding to the small item “Z-Fold” and a button BN6 corresponding to the small item “Corner Staple” are provided. . Further, on the bottom row, a button BN7 corresponding to the small item “duplex” and a button BN8 corresponding to the small item “2 in 1” regarding “double-sided / assigned” are provided.

  Such a customization screen GC is created when each user operates the MFP 1, the server 90, or a computer connected to the server 90. Information about the created customization screen GC is stored in the storage unit 91 of the server 90 as customization information. In other words, the customization information includes information related to the customization screen GC. Specifically, the customization information includes the size (number of pixels) of the customization screen GC, the number of buttons included in the customization screen GC, the name of each button included in the customization screen GC, the corresponding function, size, position, and the like. including. Further, the customization information is acquired from the server 90 via the network NW, and the customization screen GC included in the customization information is used in each MFP. In the following description, it is assumed that the customization screen GC is created for the MFP 1e.

<1-4. Operation>
Next, the operation according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. It is assumed that the operation for creating the customization screen GC as shown in FIG. 4 is executed in advance before the operation of the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S31, the user UA logs in to the use target MFP 1 (for example, 1f). Specifically, when the user UA inputs a user ID and a password (password) using the operation input unit 61, a login operation is executed.

  In the next step S <b> 32, the MFP 1 transmits a customization information transmission request command regarding the user UA to the server 90.

  When the server 90 receives the customization information transmission request command, the server 90 searches the customization information corresponding to the command (related to the user UA) from a plurality of customization information of a plurality of users stored in the storage unit 91 of the server 90. And extract. Then, the server 90 transmits the extracted customization information to the MFP 1 (step S33).

  In step S <b> 34, when the MFP 1 receives and acquires the customization information transmitted from the server 90, the MFP 1 further extracts and acquires information related to the customization screen GC from the customization information.

  In the next step S35, the MFP 1 is a function that cannot be used by the MFP 1 (for example, 1f) (that is, its own device) among the functions corresponding to the buttons in the customization screen GC customized for the MFP 1e. It is determined whether or not “unusable function” exists. This determination operation is based on information included in the customization information from the server 90 (information related to the customization screen (operation screen) GC) and information stored in the storage unit 5 (information related to the functions owned by the own device). Executed.

  If it is determined that the “unusable function” does not exist in the customization screen GC, the process proceeds to step S38, and the customization screen GC is displayed on the operation panel 63 of the MFP 1 as it is.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the “unusable function” exists in the customization screen GC, the process proceeds from step S35 to step S36. In step S36, the MFP 1 changes the customization screen GC. Specifically, the display state of the button corresponding to the “unusable function” is changed on the customization screen GC. In the customization screen GC, the button corresponding to the “unusable function” is changed to “selection disabled state”. Then, the MFP 1 displays the customized screen GC after the change on the operation panel 63 of the MFP 1 of its own. The changing operation of the customization screen GC will be described later.

  In step S <b> 37, the MFP 1 displays the customized screen GC after the change on the operation panel 63.

  Note that, after steps S37 and S38, an operation input by the user is performed using the operation screen displayed on the operation panel 63, and processing corresponding to the operation input is executed.

  Each MFP 1 executes the operation of FIG. 5 as described above.

  Next, the details of the change contents of the customization screen GC will be described. However, as described above, it is assumed here that the customization screen GC is created for the operation panel 63e of the MFP 1e. Here, it is assumed that among the three MFPs 1d, 1e, and 1f, the number of usable functions of the MFP 1d is the largest, the number of usable functions of the MFP 1e is the next largest, and the number of usable functions of the MFP 1f is the smallest. Here, it is assumed that the pixel number size Sd of the operation panel 63d of the MFP 1d, the pixel number size Se of the operation panel 63e of the MFP 1e, and the pixel number size Sf of the operation panel 63f of the MFP 1f are all the same ( Sd = Se = Sf). For example, the pixel size Sd, Se, Sf of each operation panel 63d is 640 pixels × 480 pixels.

  For example, in the MFP 1d having a relatively large number of available functions, when using the customization screen GC for the MFP 1e, the following operation is executed in FIG.

  Specifically, in step S35, it is determined that any of the functions assigned to the buttons in the customization screen GC for the operation panel 63e can be used by the MFP 1d. In step S38, a customization screen GC similar to that in FIG. 4 is displayed on the operation panel 63d of the MFP 1d as it is.

  Similarly, when using the customization screen GC for the MFP 1e in the MFP 1e, the customization screen GC is displayed on the operation panel 63e as it is (see FIG. 4).

  On the other hand, in the MFP 1f having a relatively small number of available functions, when the customization screen GC for the MFP 1e is used, the following operation is executed in FIG.

  Specifically, in step S35, it is determined that some of the functions assigned to the buttons in the customization screen GC for the operation panel 63e cannot be used in the MFP 1f. Here, among the functions assigned to the eight buttons BN1 to BN8 in the customization screen GC, the four functions “A3”, “Z-fold”, “corner” assigned to the four buttons BN4, BN5, BN6, BN8 Assume that “staple” and “2 in 1” are determined to be unusable.

  Then, in step S36, a customized screen GC after change (for example, the customize screen GH in FIG. 6) is created, and in step S37, the customized screen GC (GH) after change is displayed on the operation panel 63f.

  As can be seen by comparing FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, the customization screen GH (FIG. 6) has valid buttons BN1, BN2, BN3, and BN7 as in the customization screen GC. Buttons BN1, BN2, BN3, and BN7 are displayed in the same display state as in FIG. 4 and can be selected (pressed). On the other hand, on the customization screen GH (FIG. 6), the display mode of the buttons BN4, BN5, BN6, and BN8 is changed to a gray-out state (a state displayed lighter than the other buttons). In addition, the buttons BN4, BN5, BN6, and BN8 are changed to a non-selectable state (pressable state). In addition, although the case where the name of each function is not displayed in the buttons BN4, BN5, BN6, and BN8 is illustrated here, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in each of the buttons BN4, BN5, BN6, and BN8, the names “A3”, “Z-fold”, “corner staple”, and “2 in 1” of each corresponding function may be displayed lightly.

  According to the operation as described above, when the “unusable function” exists in the function corresponding to the button in the customization screen GC, the display state of the button corresponding to the unusable function is changed. The customization screen GH is displayed. In detail, in the customized screen GH after the change, the display mode of the button corresponding to the “unusable function” is changed to a display mode different from the other buttons. In other words, when there is an unusable button (also referred to as unusable button) in the customization screen GC, the unusable button is displayed separately from other normal buttons. Therefore, it is possible to display a customization screen (operation screen) that is easy to use for each user in consideration of the function of each MFP 1.

  Further, in the customization screen GH, the unusable button is changed to the “selection impossible state”, so that it is easy to understand. For example, it is possible to prevent user confusion.

  In the above example, when there is an unusable button in the customization screen GC, the unusable button is displayed in a grayed-out state. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, when there is an unusable button in the customization screen GC, the customization screen GK as shown in FIG. 7 may be displayed on the operation panel 63. In the customization screen GK of FIG. 7, the unusable buttons BN4, BN5, BN6, and BN8 are changed to a state where the outlines are indicated by broken lines (lightly displayed state) and cannot be selected. It has been changed to the state (pressable state). In FIG. 7 as well, the names “A3”, “Z-fold”, “corner staple”, and “2in1” of the corresponding functions are displayed lightly on the buttons BN4, BN5, BN6, and BN8. Good.

  Alternatively, the customization screen GL as shown in FIG. 8 may be displayed on the operation panel 63 when there is an unusable button in the customization screen GC. In the customization screen GL of FIG. 8, the display state of the unusable buttons BN4, BN5, BN6, and BN8 is changed to “non-display”.

  Alternatively, when there is an unusable button in the customization screen GC, a customization screen GM as shown in FIG. 9 may be displayed on the operation panel 63. In the customization screen GM of FIG. 9, the unusable buttons BN4, BN5, BN6, and BN8 are changed to a state in which the mark MK is added in a superimposed manner with respect to each function name, and the selectable state (pressed) It has been changed to (unavailable). The mark MK is a mark that clearly indicates that the corresponding function cannot be used, and is also referred to as an “unusable mark”. The mark MK is also referred to as a “non-selectable mark” because it indicates that the corresponding button cannot be selected.

<2. Second Embodiment>
Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, the case where the determination operation related to the customization screen GC and the customization screen change operation are executed on the MFP 1 side is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the second embodiment, a case where the determination operation related to the customization screen GC and the customization screen change operation are executed on the server 90 side will be exemplified. In the following description, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing various functional units realized by executing a predetermined program in the CPU of the server 90 or the like. In the second embodiment, the operation of FIG. 10 is executed instead of the operation of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 10, first, in step S41, the user UA logs in to the MFP 1. Specifically, the login operation is executed when the user UA inputs a user ID and a password (password) using the operation input unit 61 of the MFP 1 (for example, 1f).

  In the next step S <b> 42, the MFP 1 transmits a customization information transmission request command related to the user UA to the server 90 in response to the login operation by the user UA. In addition, the MFP 1 also transmits information related to functions held by the MFP 1 (also referred to as held function information) to the server 90.

  In step S43, the server 90 receives and acquires the function information held by the MFP 1. In step S43, the server 90 also receives a customization information transmission request command from the MFP 1 (for example, 1f). In response to the command, the server 90 searches and acquires customization information corresponding to the command from a plurality of customization information of a plurality of users stored in the storage unit 91 of the server 90. Specifically, the server 90 acquires customization information for the user UA, and acquires information related to the operation screen (customization screen) GC customized for the user UA. These acquisition operations are realized by the acquisition unit 93 realized by executing software in the CPU of the server 90 or the like.

  In step S44, the server 90 includes the MFP 1 (in the functions corresponding to the buttons in the customization screen GC customized for the MFP 1e based on the “held function information” and the “information about the customization screen GC”. For example, in 1f), it is determined whether or not there is an “unusable function” that is an unusable function. That is, the server 90 determines whether or not the “unusable button” exists. Such a determination operation is realized by the determination unit 97 realized by software in the CPU of the server 90 or the like.

  If it is determined that there is no unusable button on the customization screen GC, the process proceeds to step S47, and information about the customization screen GC is transmitted from the server 90 to the MFP 1. In step S48, the MFP 1 displays the customization screen GC (before change) as it is.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is an unusable button on the customization screen GC, the process proceeds to step S45. In step S45, the server 90 changes the customization screen GC and generates a customized screen GC (for example, GH, GK, GL, or GM) after the change. In step S46, the server 90 transmits information related to the customized screen GC (GH, etc.) after the change to the MFP 1 (for example, 1f). Such a screen generation operation or the like is realized by the generation unit 98 realized by software in the CPU of the server 90 or the like.

  Thereafter, in step S <b> 48, the MFP 1 displays the received customized screen GC (GH or the like) after the change on the operation panel 63.

  Each MFP 1 executes the operation as described above.

  Also by such an operation, it is possible to obtain the same effect as in the first embodiment.

<3. Other>
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the contents described above.

  For example, in the above embodiment, when it is determined that the customization screen GC can be displayed as it is on the operation panel 63 of the MFP 1, the customization screen GC is displayed as it is on the operation panel 63 of the MFP 1 (step of FIG. 5). Although the case of S35, S38) was illustrated, it is not limited to this. Specifically, in step S38, the customization screen GC may be enlarged and displayed in accordance with the size of the operation panel 63 to be displayed.

  In the above embodiment, it is assumed that the operation panels 63 of the MFPs 1d, 1e, and 1f have the same number of pixels, but the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, the present invention can also be applied when the operation panel 63f of the MFP 1f (or the operation panel 63d of the MFP 1d) has a smaller pixel size than the operation panel 63e of the MFP 1e. Specifically, when the unusable button is included in the customization screen GC, the unusable button may be deleted from the customization screen GC and then the customization screen GC changing operation in step S45 may be executed. .

  For example, it is assumed that the MFP 1f cannot use functions corresponding to the buttons BN4, BN5, BN6, and BN8 (see FIG. 4) in the customization screen GC. In this case, in step S45, the MFP 1f deletes these buttons BN4, BN5, BN6, and BN8 and rearranges the buttons in the customization screen GC (for example, the customization screen GP (FIG. 12)). ). FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a new customization screen (customized screen after change) GP. In FIG. 12, the unusable buttons BN4, BN5, BN6, and BN8 are deleted, and the other four buttons BN1, BN2, BN3, and BN7 in the customization screen are rearranged. Specifically, four buttons BN1, BN2, BN3, and BN7 are arranged in two rows and two rows so as to fit within the operation panel 63 of the MFP 1f. According to the above operation, since the unusable buttons in the customization screen GC are deleted and the remaining buttons are rearranged, operation input can be performed using a relatively simple customization screen GP.

  Alternatively, the present invention can be applied when the operation panel 63d of the MFP 1d (or the operation panel 63f of the MFP 1f) has a larger pixel size than the MFP 1e. In that case, for example, the customization screen GC may be displayed in accordance with a predetermined position (for example, the upper left corner) of the operation panel 63d. Alternatively, the customization screen GC may be displayed centered in the vertical direction and / or the horizontal direction on the operation panel 63d. Alternatively, the customization screen GC may be enlarged and displayed in the vertical direction and / or the horizontal direction according to the pixel size of the operation panel 63d.

  In the second embodiment, the server 90 receives the function information of the MFP 1 from the MFP 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, possessed function information regarding each of the plurality of MFPs 1 is stored in the server 90, and the presence / absence of the “unusable function” is determined based on the information stored in the server 90. Good.

It is the schematic which shows the structure of a customization system. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an MFP. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a detailed function list regarding copying of an MFP. It is a figure which shows an example of a customization screen. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the customization screen (gray display) after a change. It is a figure which shows the customization screen (dashed line display) after a change. It is a figure which shows the customization screen (non-display) after a change. It is a figure which shows the customization screen (mark provision) after a change. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows the function structure of a server. It is a figure which shows the customization screen which concerns on a modification.

Explanation of symbols

1, 1d, 1e, 1f MFP (image forming apparatus)
63, 63d, 63e, 63f Operation panel 90 Server 91 Storage unit 100 Customization system GC, GH, GK, GL, GM, GP Customization screen NW network

Claims (10)

A customization system capable of customizing an operation screen displayed on an operation panel of an image forming apparatus for each user,
Storage means for storing customization information for each user;
Obtaining means for obtaining information on a customization screen customized for the specific user based on customization information for the specific user;
A determination unit that determines whether or not an unusable function that is a function that cannot be used in a specific image forming apparatus exists among the functions corresponding to the buttons in the customization screen;
When the unusable function is present in the function corresponding to the button in the customization screen, the customized screen after changing the display state of the button corresponding to the unusable function is changed to the specific image formation. Display control means for displaying on the operation panel of the apparatus;
A customization system characterized by comprising: The customization system according to claim 1,
If the unavailable function is present in the function corresponding to the button in the customization screen, the display control means specifies the customized screen in which the display mode of the button corresponding to the unavailable function is changed. A customizing system characterized by displaying on an operation panel of the image forming apparatus. The customization system according to claim 1,
When the unavailable function is present in the function corresponding to the button in the customization screen, the display control means is configured to add the predetermined mark to the button corresponding to the unavailable function. Is displayed on the operation panel of the specific image forming apparatus. The customization system according to claim 1,
When the unavailable function is present in the function corresponding to the button in the customization screen, the display control means specifies the customized screen in which the button corresponding to the unavailable function is changed to non-display. A customizing system characterized by displaying on an operation panel of the image forming apparatus. The customization system according to claim 1,
If the unavailable function exists in the function corresponding to the button in the customization screen, the display control means deletes the button corresponding to the unavailable function and re-executes the button in the customization screen. A customization system that displays a customized rearranged customization screen on an operation panel of the specific image forming apparatus. The customization system according to claim 2 or claim 3,
In the case where the unusable function is present in the function corresponding to the button in the customization screen, the display control means changes the button corresponding to the unusable function to the selectable state. A customization system characterized by displaying on an operation panel of a specific image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus capable of customizing an operation screen displayed on the operation panel for each user,
Obtaining means for obtaining information on a customized screen that is an operation screen customized for a specific user with respect to an operation panel of an image forming apparatus different from the image forming apparatus;
Determining means for determining whether or not there is an unusable function that is a function that cannot be used in the image forming apparatus among the functions corresponding to the buttons in the customization screen;
When the unusable function is present in the function corresponding to the button in the customization screen, the customized screen after changing the display state of the button corresponding to the unusable function is displayed on the image forming apparatus. Display control means for displaying on the operation panel;
An image forming apparatus comprising: A server connected to a plurality of image forming apparatuses via a network;
Means for storing customization information for a specific user related to the operation panel of the first image forming apparatus among the plurality of image forming apparatuses;
The operation screen is customized for the specific user based on the customization information for the specific user in response to a customization information transmission request command from a second image forming apparatus of the plurality of image forming apparatuses. Means for obtaining information on the customization screen;
Means for determining whether or not an unusable function, which is a function that cannot be used in the second image forming apparatus, exists among the functions corresponding to the buttons in the customization screen;
When the unusable function exists in the function corresponding to the button in the customization screen, the customized screen after the change in which the display state of the button corresponding to the unusable function is changed is displayed in the second image. Means for transmitting to the forming apparatus;
A server comprising: On the computer,
a) a procedure for obtaining information on a customization screen, which is a customization screen related to the operation panel of the first image forming apparatus and is customized for a specific user;
b) a procedure for determining whether or not an unusable function, which is a function that cannot be used in the second image forming apparatus, exists among the functions corresponding to the buttons in the customization screen;
c) When the unusable function exists in the function corresponding to the button in the customization screen, the customized screen after the change in which the display state of the button corresponding to the unusable function is changed is displayed as the second function. Sending to the image forming apparatus,
A program for running In the computer built in the image forming device,
a) a procedure for acquiring information on a customized screen that is an operation screen customized for a specific user with respect to an operation panel of an image forming apparatus different from the image forming apparatus;
b) a procedure for determining whether there is an unusable function that is a function that cannot be used in the image forming apparatus among the functions corresponding to the buttons in the customization screen;
c) When the unusable function exists in the function corresponding to the button in the customization screen, the customized screen after the change in which the display state of the button corresponding to the unusable function is changed is formed as the image. The procedure displayed on the control panel of the device,
A program for running

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