JP7476925B2 - Image Processing Device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image processing device such as a multifunction peripheral (MFP), a screen display method executed in the image processing device, and a program installed in the computer of the image processing device.

Conventionally, some image processing devices, such as scanners, printers, and multifunction devices, have a shortcut function. In image processing devices with shortcut functions, settings for various functions, such as scanning, are registered in advance, and the registered settings are called up when a function is executed.

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

JP 2016-10059 A

If there is a one-to-one correspondence between the card's identification information and the function settings, when the identification information is read from the card, the one setting associated with that identification information is read out.

However, when multiple settings are associated with one identification, the multiple settings are called up when the identification is read from the card, and it becomes necessary, for example, to display shortcut keys corresponding to each setting on the display device and allow the user to select the setting to be used to execute the function. In this case, the more settings are associated with one identification, the more shortcut keys are displayed on the display device, making it more time-consuming for the user to select the desired shortcut key from the many shortcut keys, and making the operation less convenient for the user.

According to the image processing device described in the embodiment , it is possible to improve the convenience of user operations in the case where a plurality of selection keys are associated with one piece of identification information.

The image processing device described in the form for implementing the invention is an image processing device capable of executing a plurality of functions, and includes a function execution unit that selectively executes a plurality of functions, an information reading unit that reads identification information from an external medium, a display unit, a memory unit, and a control unit. The memory unit stores first display information relating to a first screen including N (N: a positive integer greater than or equal to 2) selection keys corresponding to the identification information, and second display information relating to a second screen including M (M: a positive integer smaller than N) selection keys corresponding to the identification information. If the information reading unit determines that the display unit is displaying a standby screen when the information reading unit reads the identification information from the medium, the control unit causes the display unit to display the first screen based on the first display information stored in the memory unit in correspondence with the identification information, and if the information reading unit determines that the display unit is displaying a screen related to a specific function among the plurality of functions when the information reading unit reads the identification information from the medium, the control unit causes the display unit to display the second screen based on the second display information stored in the memory unit in correspondence with the identification information.

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

If the standby screen is displayed on the display unit when the medium identification information is read, a first screen including N selection keys (greater than M) is displayed on the display unit, allowing the user greater freedom in selecting a selection key. On the other hand, if a screen related to a specific function is displayed on the display unit when the medium identification information is read, a second screen including M selection keys (less than N) is displayed on the display unit, allowing the user to easily select one selection key.

This makes it possible to improve the convenience of user operations when multiple selection keys are associated with one piece of identification information.

When all N selection keys are associated with the same function (e.g. copy function), it may result in M=N. The present invention does not exclude configurations in which such cases may occur. In other words, the present invention includes at least cases in which multiple shortcuts are registered and when all N selection keys are not associated with the same function, it is configured so that M<N.

The standby screen is a screen at a higher level than the first and second screens.

The present invention can be realized not only in the form of an image processing device, but also, for example, in the form of a screen display method executed by the image processing device, and a program installed in the computer of the image processing device.

According to the image processing device described in the embodiment , it is possible to improve the convenience of user operations in the case where a plurality of selection keys are associated with one piece of identification information.

1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an MFP according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of registration data in which shortcuts are registered (part 1); FIG. 11 is a diagram (part 2) showing an example of registration data in which shortcuts are registered. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of setting registered data to be used preferentially; 6A to 6C are diagrams illustrating transitions of display screens on an operation panel. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a flow of a main loop process. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the flow of favorite processing. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the flow of a favorites calling process. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a flow of favorites processing according to a modified example. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a flow of a favorites calling process according to a modified example.

The following describes in detail an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the attached drawings.

<Electrical Configuration of MFP>
The MFP 1 (an example of an image processing device) shown in FIG. 1 has multiple functions. The multiple functions are broadly categorized into a print function, a scan function, a copy function, and a fax function. The print function is a function for forming an image related to image data on a sheet. The scan function is a function for reading an image and generating image data. The copy function is a function for reading an image and forming the image on a sheet. The fax function is a function for transmitting and receiving image data of an image formed on a sheet between an external device.

The detailed functions of the scan function include a normal scan function that transmits image data generated by scanning an image to an external device such as a PC (personal computer) or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) device, as well as a scan mail function that attaches the image data to an e-mail and transmits it to an external device. The detailed functions of the copy function include a color copy function that scans an image in color and forms a color image on a sheet, and a monochrome copy function that scans an image in monochrome and forms a monochrome image on a sheet. The copy function also includes an aggregate copy function that scans multiple images and aggregates the multiple images onto a sheet. The detailed functions of the fax function include an Internet fax function that attaches image data to an e-mail and transmits it to and from an external device, as well as a normal fax function that transmits and receives image data to and from an external device via a public telephone line.

To execute these various functions, the MFP 1 is equipped with an image forming unit 11 (an example of a function execution unit), an image reading unit 12 (an example of a function execution unit), a LAN (Local Area Network) interface 13, a FAX interface 14 (an example of a function execution unit), and a USB interface 15.

The image forming unit 11 is a mechanism that forms an image on a sheet transported along a transport path inside the housing that forms the outer shell of the MFP1. The method of image formation by the image forming unit 11 may be an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method.

The image reading unit 12 is a mechanism that uses an image sensor to read an original on a contact glass supported by the housing and generate image data of the original. The method of image reading by the image reading unit 12 may be a method of reading an original passing over the contact glass, or a method of reading an original stationary on the contact glass.

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

The FAX interface 14 is an interface for connecting to a public telephone line that is normally used for the fax function, and is equipped with a modem with a built-in NCU (Network Control Unit).

The USB interface 15 is an interface for data communication with USB devices.

The MFP 1 also includes an operation panel 16 (an example of a display unit) and an NFC (Near Field Communication) interface 17 (an example of an information reading unit).

The operation panel 16 is a touch panel, and is disposed on the outside of the housing so that the user can operate and see it. Images of various information and buttons are displayed on the operation panel 16. When the user presses a button displayed on the operation panel 16, the pressing operation is accepted by the operation panel 16, and a signal corresponding to the pressing operation is output from the operation panel 16.

The NFC interface 17 is an interface for wireless communication by NFC. NFC is a wireless communication technology that complies with international standards such as ISO/IEC 14443 and ISO/IEC 18092, and uses a communication frequency of 13.56 MHz. The NFC interface 17 has a touch section that is disposed facing the outside of the housing. When an IC card 6 (an example of a medium) that has wireless communication function by NFC is touched (brought close to or into contact with) the touch section, NFC communication is established between the IC card 6 and the NFC interface 17, and data communication becomes possible.

The MFP1 includes an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 21, a data-rewritable non-volatile memory 22 (an example of a storage unit) such as a flash memory or E2PROM, and a volatile memory 23 such as an SDRAM. The image forming unit 11, the image reading unit 12, the LAN interface 13, the FAX interface 14, the USB interface 15, the operation panel 16, the NFC interface 17, the ASIC 21, the non-volatile memory 22, and the volatile memory 23 are connected via a bus 24 so as to be able to communicate data.

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

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

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

<Shortcut registration>
The MFP 1 has a shortcut function. Therefore, a user can register settings for various functions such as a scan function in advance in the non-volatile memory 22 (hereinafter referred to as "shortcut registration") and call up the shortcut-registered settings when executing a function. Shortcut registration can be performed on the website of a server (EWS: Embedded Web Server) embedded in the MFP 1, for example, using a web browser on a user terminal such as a PC (Personal Computer) or a tablet.

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

In the example shown in Figures 2A and 2B, as the registration data for registration number "1", the settings for the normal fax function of the fax function, the display name "To_ALEX" displayed together with the shortcut key 61 (see Figure 4) on the operation panel 16, and the one-touch call setting of "off" are stored in the non-volatile memory 22 in association with the card number "1001". The one-touch call setting is a setting for whether or not the function is executed without pressing the start key 71 (see Figure 4) when executing a function with the shortcut registered setting; if it is set to "on", the function is executed without pressing the start key 71, and if it is set to "off", pressing the start key 71 is required to execute the function.

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

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

As the registration data for registration number "4", in association with card number "1001", settings related to the monochrome copy function of the copy function, the display name "2SIDE" displayed together with the shortcut key 61 on the operation panel 16, and a setting of one-touch call "OFF" are stored in the non-volatile memory 22. The settings related to the monochrome copy function include a setting for forming an image on both sides of a sheet.

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

As the registration data for registration number "6", in association with card number "1001", settings related to the aggregate copy function of the copy function, the display name "2IN1" displayed together with the shortcut key 61 on the operation panel 16, and a setting of one-touch call "off" are stored in the non-volatile memory 22. The settings related to the aggregate copy function include a setting for forming an aggregate of images from two originals on one side of a sheet.

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

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

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

<Priority registration>
In the MFP 1, it is possible to set in advance which registered data is to be used preferentially when multiple registered data are registered as shortcuts in association with the card number of one IC card 6. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 3, no registered data is set as a preferred registered data for card number "1001" and card number "1003", and the registered data of registration number "7" is set as a preferred registered data for card number "1002".

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

On the home screen 41, function keys 51 corresponding to each function, broadly classified as a scan function, a copy function, and a fax function, and a setting key 52, which is pressed when setting the main body of the MFP 1, are displayed in the form of icons. On the home screen 41, shortcut keys 61 arbitrarily selected by the user can also be displayed. At the bottom of the home screen 41, a plurality of basic keys 53 and a plurality of custom keys 54 are displayed side by side. When the basic key 53 is pressed, the function keys 51 and the setting keys 52 set at the time of shipment from the factory of the MFP 1 are displayed on the home screen 41. When the custom key 54 is pressed, the shortcut keys 61 corresponding to all registered data for which shortcuts are registered are displayed in a list. When the shortcut keys 61 corresponding to all registered data are spread across multiple screens, the screens can be switched by selectively pressing the custom key 54.

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

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

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

The shortcut display screen 44 is a screen that is displayed in response to the IC card 6 being touched to the touch section of the NFC interface 17 when multiple pieces of registered shortcut data are stored in the non-volatile memory 22 in association with the card number of one IC card 6 and no preferentially used registered data has been set. The shortcut display screen 44 displays shortcut keys 61 (an example of a key that is selectively operated to input information related to a specific function) corresponding to each piece of registered shortcut data arranged in a matrix. Note that "input related to a specific function" refers to at least one of selection/selection item/detailed selection related to a specific function.

The setting content display screen 45 is a screen that is displayed in response to the completion of the setting of each item on the copy mode screen 42, the scan mode screen 43, etc., or in response to the touch of the IC card 6 on the touch section of the NFC interface 17 when there is only one registered data stored in the non-volatile memory 22 in association with the card number of the IC card 6, or when registered data to be used preferentially in association with the card number of the IC card 6 is set. The setting content display screen 45 displays a list of the settings related to the function to be executed when the scan function, copy function, or fax function is executed. In addition, the setting content display screen 45 displays a start key 71 (an example of an execution key) instructing the execution of the scan function, copy function, or fax function in the lower right corner. When the start key 71 is pressed, the function is executed with the contents displayed on the setting content display screen 45, and the display screen of the operation panel 16 is switched from the setting content display screen 45 to a function execution screen (not shown). If the IC card 6 touches the touch section of the NFC interface 17 while the setting content display screen 45 is being displayed or before that, a shortcut registration key 72 is displayed in the upper right corner of the setting content display screen 45. When the shortcut registration key 72 is pressed, the contents displayed on the setting content display screen 45 are registered as a shortcut in association with the card number of the IC card 6 as registration data.

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

<Main loop processing>
In order to transition the screen displayed on the operation panel 16, the CPU 25 of the ASIC 21 executes a main loop process shown in FIG.

In the main loop process, the CPU 25 determines whether the IC card 6 has been touched to the touch portion of the NFC interface 17 (S1).

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

Then, the CPU 25 executes favorites processing (S3). Favorites processing will be described later.

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

If the CPU 25 determines that any of the keys displayed on the operation panel 16 has been pressed (S4: YES), it determines whether the pressed key is a custom key 54 on the home screen 41 (S5). If the CPU 25 determines that the pressed key is a custom key 54 (S5: YES), it causes the operation panel 16 to display a list of all registered shortcut data (S6).

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

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

If the CPU 25 determines that the pressed key is not the start key 71 (S9: NO), that is, if a key other than the custom key 54, the start key 71, or the full display key 81 is pressed, it updates the display screen of the operation panel 16 to a screen corresponding to the pressed key (S11).

<Favorites Processing>
The flow of the favorites process executed in step S3 of FIG. 5 is shown in FIG.

In the favorites process, the CPU 25 determines whether the copy mode screen 42 is being displayed on the operation panel 16 (S301).

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

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

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

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

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

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

When the IC card 6 touches the touch section of the NFC interface 17 while the home screen 41 is displayed on the operation panel 16, the CPU 25 determines that the screen displayed on the operation panel 16 is the home screen 41 (S307: YES). In this case, the CPU 25 determines whether or not registration data that is to be used preferentially is set for the card number stored in the volatile memory 23 (S308).

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

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

After marking the favorites call data, the CPU 25 executes the favorites call process (S311) and ends the favorites process. After that, the process executed by the CPU 25 returns to the main loop process.

<Favorites call processing>
The flow of the favorites recall process executed in step S311 of FIG. 6 is shown in FIG.

In the favorites call process, the CPU 25 sets the card number stored in the volatile memory 23 as the target card number, and sets the favorites call data marked in the favorites process as the target favorites call data. Then, the CPU 25 searches for registered data associated with the target card number (hereinafter referred to as "target data") in the target favorites call data (step S3111).

As a result of the search, the CPU 25 determines whether the target data exists (S3112). If the CPU 25 determines that the target data exists (S3112: YES), it determines whether the number of target data is 1 (S3113).

When the CPU 25 determines that the number of target data is 1 (S3113: YES), it determines whether the target data includes a one-touch call "ON" setting (S3114). When the CPU 25 determines that the one-touch call "ON" setting is included (S3114: YES), it controls the image forming unit 11 or the image reading unit 12, etc., so that the function of the target data is executed (S3115), and ends the favorites call process. In this case, the display of the operation panel 16 is switched from the screen displayed at the time when the IC card 6 touched the touch section of the NFC interface 17 to a function execution screen (not shown) without displaying the setting contents display screen 45. On the other hand, when the CPU 25 determines that the target data does not include a one-touch call "ON" setting (S3114: NO), it displays the setting contents display screen 45 of the function of the target data on the operation panel 16 (S3116), and ends the favorites call process.

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

If the CPU 25 determines that there is no target data (S3112: NO), it notifies the user that there is no target data by, for example, displaying a message on the operation panel 16 to that effect (step S3118), and ends the favorites recall process.

After the favorites recall process is completed, the process executed by the CPU 25 returns to the favorites process (essentially, returns to the main loop process).

<Action and effect>
As described above, when the card number of the IC card 6 is read with the home screen 41 displayed on the operation panel 16, the shortcut display screen 44 including the shortcut key 61 corresponding to the registered data based on all the registered data associated with the read card number is displayed on the operation panel 16. Also, when the card number of the IC card 6 is read with the copy mode screen 42, the scan mode screen 43, or the fax mode screen for setting a specific function displayed on the operation panel 16, the function-limited shortcut display screen 46 including the shortcut key 61 corresponding to the registered data based on the registered data including the setting of a specific function among the registered data associated with the read card number is displayed on the operation panel 16.

If the home screen 41 is displayed on the operation panel 16 when the card number of the IC card 6 is read, a shortcut display screen 44 including a relatively large number of shortcut keys 61 is displayed on the operation panel 16, allowing the user greater freedom in selecting shortcut keys 61. On the other hand, if the setting screen is displayed on the operation panel 16 when the card number of the IC card 6 is read, a function-limited shortcut display screen 46 including a relatively small number of shortcut keys 61 is displayed on the operation panel 16, allowing the user to easily select shortcut keys 61.

This improves the convenience of user operations when multiple shortcut keys 61 are associated with the card number of one IC card 6.

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

In addition, if the number of target data associated with the card number is 1 and the registered data includes a one-touch call setting of "ON", the display on the operation panel 16 changes from the screen displayed at the time the card number of the IC card 6 was read to a function execution screen (not shown) without displaying the setting content display screen 45, and the function related to the registered data is executed. Therefore, there is no need to press the start key 71 to instruct the execution of the function, and the convenience of user operation can be further improved.

Furthermore, if there is no target data associated with the card number, the user is notified that there is no target data. This notification allows the user to recognize that there is no shortcut key 61 to display or that the function will not be executed, further improving convenience for the user.

<Modification>
Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention can be embodied in other forms.

For example, the favorites process shown in FIG. 8 may be executed instead of the favorites process shown in FIG. 6, and the favorites call process shown in FIG. 9 may be executed instead of the favorites call process shown in FIG. 7.

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

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

When the CPU 25 determines that the screen displayed on the operation panel 16 is the scan mode screen 43 (S303: YES), it extracts registration data including settings related to the scan function from the previously selected registration data, and sets the extracted registration data as favorite recall data (S304). For example, in the example shown in Figures 2A and 2B, if the card number stored in the volatile memory 23 is "1001", the registration data with registration number "5" is set as favorite recall data.

When the CPU 25 determines that the screen displayed on the operation panel 16 is the fax mode screen (S305: YES), it extracts registration data that includes settings related to the fax function from the previously selected registration data, and sets the extracted registration data as favorite recall data (S306). For example, in the example shown in Figures 2A and 2B, if the card number stored in the volatile memory 23 is "1001", the registration data with registration numbers "1" and "2" are set as favorite recall data.

In addition, if the CPU 25 determines that the screen displayed on the operation panel 16 is the home screen 41 (S307: YES), the CPU 25 determines whether registration data that is to be used preferentially is set for the card number stored in the volatile memory 23 (S308).

When the CPU 25 determines that no registration data is set to be used preferentially for the card number stored in the volatile memory 23 (S308: YES), the previously selected registration data, i.e., all of the registration data associated with the card number, is set as favorite call data (S309). For example, in the example shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the registration data with registration numbers "1" to "6" is set as favorite call data.

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

When the favorites process shown in FIG. 8 is executed, in the favorites call process, as shown in FIG. 9, step S3111 shown in FIG. 7 is omitted, and the registered data that was set as favorites call data in the favorites process is directly used as the target data. In the favorites call process shown in FIG. 9, the subsequent processes are the same as those in the favorites call process shown in FIG. 7, so a description thereof will be omitted.

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

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the CPU 25 executes each process. However, the ASIC 21 may include multiple CPUs, and the multiple CPUs may cooperate to execute each process.

In addition, various design modifications can be made to the above-mentioned configuration within the scope of the claims.

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

Claims (20)

An image processing apparatus having a plurality of image processing functions including at least one of a scanning function for reading an image from a sheet and a printing function for forming an image on a sheet,
a function execution unit that selectively executes the plurality of image processing functions;
an information reading unit that reads identification information from an external medium by wireless communication;
A display unit;
A storage unit;
A control unit,
The storage unit is capable of storing a plurality of registration data in association with the identification information,
Each of the plurality of registered data can be associated with an image processing mode for performing image processing using a specific image processing function among the plurality of image processing functions;
The image processing mode includes a plurality of modes.
An image processing device wherein, when the display unit is displaying a screen related to the specific image processing mode when the information reading unit reads the identification information from the external medium, the control unit reads from the memory unit the registration data corresponding to the specific image processing mode from the registration data stored in the memory unit in correspondence with the identification information, determines the number of the registration data read from the memory unit that corresponds to the specific image processing mode, and if the number of the registration data is single, causes the display unit to display a display screen including a key to be operated for image processing using the specific image processing function in the specific image processing mode corresponding to the registration data read from the memory unit. An image processing apparatus having a plurality of image processing functions including at least one of a scanning function for reading an image from a sheet and a printing function for forming an image on a sheet,
a function execution unit that selectively executes the plurality of image processing functions;
an information reading unit that reads identification information from an external medium by wireless communication;
A display unit;
A storage unit;
A control unit,
The storage unit is capable of storing a plurality of registration data in association with the identification information,
Each of the plurality of registered data can be associated with an image processing mode for performing image processing using a specific image processing function among the plurality of image processing functions;
The image processing mode includes a plurality of modes.
An image processing device, wherein when the display unit displays a screen related to the specific image processing mode when the information reading unit reads the identification information from the external medium, the control unit reads from the memory unit the registration data corresponding to the specific image processing mode from the registration data stored in the memory unit in correspondence with the identification information, determines the number of the registration data read from the memory unit that corresponds to the specific image processing mode, and if the number of the registration data is single, causes the display unit to display a display screen including the setting contents of the specific image processing function in the specific image processing mode corresponding to the registration data read from the memory unit. An image processing apparatus having a plurality of image processing functions including at least one of a scanning function for reading an image from a sheet and a printing function for forming an image on a sheet,
a function execution unit that selectively executes the plurality of image processing functions;
an information reading unit that reads identification information from an external medium by wireless communication;
A display unit;
A storage unit;
A control unit,
The storage unit is capable of storing a plurality of registration data in association with the identification information,
Each of the plurality of registered data can be associated with an image processing mode for performing image processing using a specific image processing function among the plurality of image processing functions;
The image processing mode includes a plurality of modes.
The registration data may include information indicating that display of a screen including settings of the specific image processing function in the specific image processing mode is to be omitted;
The control unit determines the number of registered data corresponding to the specific image processing mode from the registered data read from the memory unit, and if the number of registered data is single and the registered data read from the memory unit does not include information indicating the omission, causes the display unit to display a display screen including keys to be operated for image processing using the specific image processing function in the specific image processing mode corresponding to the registered data read from the memory unit. An image processing apparatus having a plurality of image processing functions including at least one of a scanning function for reading an image from a sheet and a printing function for forming an image on a sheet,
a function execution unit that selectively executes the plurality of image processing functions;
an information reading unit that reads identification information from an external medium by wireless communication;
A display unit;
A storage unit;
A control unit,
The storage unit is capable of storing a plurality of registration data in association with the identification information,
Each of the plurality of registered data can be associated with an image processing mode for performing image processing using a specific image processing function among the plurality of image processing functions;
The image processing mode includes a plurality of modes.
The registration data may include information indicating that display of a screen including settings of the specific image processing function in the specific image processing mode is to be omitted;
The control unit determines the number of registered data corresponding to the specific image processing mode from the registered data read from the memory unit, and if the number of registered data is single and the registered data read from the memory unit does not include information indicating the omission, causes the display unit to display a display screen including the setting contents of the specific image processing function in the specific image processing mode corresponding to the registered data read from the memory unit. 4. The image processing device according to claim 3 ,
The control unit is
determining the number of the registered data read from the storage unit that corresponds to the specific image processing mode;
when the number of the registered data is a plurality of data, displaying, as the display screen, a screen including a plurality of keys each corresponding to a specific image processing function in the specific image processing mode corresponding to the registered data read out from the storage unit, the plurality of keys each corresponding to a selection of any one of the plurality of registered data, on the display unit;
An image processing device that, when the number of registered data is single and the registered data read out from the memory unit includes information indicating the omission, does not display a screen including the multiple keys each corresponding to the selection of any of the multiple registered data, and does not display a screen including keys to be operated for image processing using the specific image processing function in the specific image processing mode, and performs image processing using the specific image processing function in the specific image processing mode corresponding to the registered data, on the display unit. 5. The image processing device according to claim 4 ,
The control unit is
determining the number of the registered data read from the storage unit that corresponds to the specific image processing mode;
when the number of the registered data is a plurality of data, displaying, as the display screen, a screen including a plurality of keys each corresponding to a specific image processing function in the specific image processing mode corresponding to the registered data read from the storage unit, the plurality of keys each corresponding to a selection of any one of the plurality of registered data, on the display unit;
An image processing device which, when the number of registered data is single and the registered data read out from the memory unit includes information indicating the omission, does not display on the display unit a screen including a plurality of keys each corresponding to the selection of any of the plurality of registered data, and does not display on the display unit a screen including the setting contents of the specific image processing function in the specific image processing mode, and performs image processing using the specific image processing function in the specific image processing mode corresponding to the registered data. The image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
An image processing device, wherein when the display unit is displaying a standby screen when the information reading unit reads the identification information from the external medium, the control unit reads from the memory unit the registration data stored in the memory unit in correspondence with the identification information, and causes the display unit to display a display screen including keys to be operated for the specific image processing function in the specific image processing mode corresponding to the registration data read from the memory unit. The image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The storage unit is capable of storing information indicating the registration data to be used preferentially in association with the identification information,
The control unit, when the display unit is displaying a standby screen when the information reading unit reads the identification information from the external medium, and when information indicating the registration data to be used preferentially in correspondence with the identification information is stored in the memory unit, reads out the registration data to be used preferentially from the memory unit, and displays on the display unit a display screen including keys to be operated for the specific image processing function in the specific image processing mode corresponding to the registration data read from the memory unit. 9. The image processing device according to claim 8,
The image processing device, wherein the standby screen is a screen at a higher level than the display screen. An image processing apparatus having a plurality of image processing functions including at least one of a scanning function for reading an image from a sheet and a printing function for forming an image on a sheet,
a function execution unit that selectively executes the plurality of image processing functions;
an information reading unit that reads identification information from an external medium by wireless communication;
A display unit;
A storage unit;
A control unit,
The storage unit is capable of storing a plurality of registration data in association with the identification information,
Each of the plurality of registered data can be associated with an image processing mode for performing image processing using a specific image processing function among the plurality of image processing functions;
The image processing mode includes a plurality of modes.
The storage unit is capable of storing information indicating the registration data to be used preferentially in association with the identification information,
The control unit is
when the display unit is displaying a screen related to the specific image processing mode when the information reading unit reads the identification information from the external medium, reads out from the storage unit the registration data corresponding to the specific image processing mode among the registration data stored in the storage unit in association with the identification information, and displays on the display unit a display screen including keys to be operated for image processing by the specific image processing function in the specific image processing mode corresponding to the registration data read out from the storage unit,
An image processing device, in which when the display unit displays a standby screen when the information reading unit reads the identification information from the external medium, and when information indicating the registration data to be used preferentially in correspondence with the identification information is stored in the memory unit, the registration data to be used preferentially is read from the memory unit, and a display screen including a key to be operated for the specific image processing function in the specific image processing mode corresponding to the registration data read from the memory unit is displayed on the display unit. 10. The image processing device according to claim 9,
The image processing device, wherein the standby screen is a screen at a higher level than the display screen. An image processing apparatus having a plurality of image processing functions including at least one of a scanning function for reading an image from a sheet and a printing function for forming an image on a sheet,
a function execution unit that selectively executes the plurality of image processing functions;
an information reading unit that reads identification information from an external medium by wireless communication;
A display unit;
A storage unit;
A control unit,
The storage unit is capable of storing a plurality of registration data in association with the identification information,
Each of the plurality of registered data can be associated with an image processing mode for performing image processing using a specific image processing function among the plurality of image processing functions;
The image processing mode includes a plurality of modes.
The control unit is
when the display unit is displaying a screen related to the specific image processing mode when the information reading unit reads the identification information from the external medium, reads out from the storage unit the registration data corresponding to the specific image processing mode among the registration data stored in the storage unit in association with the identification information, and displays on the display unit a display screen including keys to be operated for image processing by the specific image processing function in the specific image processing mode corresponding to the registration data read out from the storage unit,
when the display unit is displaying a standby screen when the information reading unit reads the identification information from the external medium, reading from the storage unit the registration data stored in the storage unit in association with the identification information, and displaying on the display unit a display screen including a key to be operated for the specific image processing function in the specific image processing mode corresponding to the registration data read from the storage unit;
The standby screen is a screen at a higher level than the display screen. The image processing device according to any one of claims 10 to 12,
An image processing device, wherein the control unit is configured to, when the display unit is displaying a screen related to the specific image processing mode when the information reading unit reads the identification information from the external medium, cause the display unit to display, as the display screen, a screen including a plurality of keys each corresponding to the specific image processing functions in the specific image processing mode corresponding to the registered data read out from the memory unit, the plurality of keys each corresponding to a selection of any one of the plurality of registered data. 14. The image processing device according to claim 13,
An image processing device, wherein the control unit is configured to, when the display unit displays a screen related to the specific image processing mode when the information reading unit reads the identification information from the external medium, determine the number of registered data read from the memory unit that correspond to the specific image processing mode, and if the number of registered data is multiple, cause the display unit to display a screen including the multiple keys each corresponding to the selection of any of the multiple registered data. The image processing device according to any one of claims 7 to 14,
the standby screen includes a plurality of keys;
each of the plurality of keys on the standby screen is associated with a selection of one of the plurality of image processing modes;
The control unit of the image processing device is configured such that, when any of the plurality of keys is operated, the control unit causes the display unit to display, as the display screen, a screen including a key to be operated for the specific image processing function in the image processing mode corresponding to the operated key. The image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 15,
The information reading unit reads identification information from the medium through NFC wireless communication. The image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 15,
The information reading unit reads the identification information from the medium through wireless communication using Bluetooth. The image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 15,
The information reading unit reads identification information from the medium by reading a barcode on the medium. 20. The image processing device according to claim 18,
The image processing device, wherein the barcode is a one-dimensional barcode. 20. The image processing device according to claim 18,
The image processing device, wherein the barcode is a two-dimensional barcode.

Images