JP6291987B2 - Processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, search method, and search program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, a search method, and a search program, and in particular, a processing apparatus having an operation screen search function, an image forming apparatus equipped with the processing apparatus, a search method in the processing apparatus, and a search program About.

  In recent years, processing apparatuses such as image processing apparatuses represented by MFP (Multi-Functional Peripheral) have become multifunctional and highly functional, and the number of operation screens has increased accordingly. Therefore, the hierarchical structure of the operation screen group tends to be deep. This makes it difficult for the user to find a desired operation screen.

  On the other hand, a processing apparatus having an operation screen search function has been proposed. However, in order to search the operation screen using the search function, it is necessary to accurately grasp the function to be operated as a search key. Therefore, the search function may be difficult for users who are not familiar with the functions of the processing device. That is, it may be difficult to reach the operation screen desired by the user.

  For this problem, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2009-93312 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 1) proposes a method of storing keywords related to each operation screen as a dictionary database.

JP 2009-93312 A

  However, the method proposed in Patent Document 1 requires a task of assigning keywords to each of a large number of operation screens, and there is a problem that the task is complicated. There is also a problem that a memory for storing the dictionary database is required.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and provides a processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, a search method, and a search program capable of easily searching for an operation screen desired by a user. It is aimed.

In order to achieve the above object, according to an aspect of the present invention, the processing device is a processing device capable of displaying an operation screen on a connected display, and the description of the operation screen is described in association with each operation screen. A first reading means for reading the explanation screen from a memory for storing the explanation screen, an input means for accepting input of text as a search key used for searching the operation screen, and a search key Search means for searching the operation screen, a first display processing means for displaying the search result on the search means on the display, and a selection from the search results displayed by the first display processing means selection means for accepting, Ru and a second display processing means for performing image display on a display based on the search result selected by the selecting means. The search means searches for text included in the explanation screen read from the memory . The second display processing means is an operation screen associated with an explanation screen including text as a search key, which is searched by the search means when the selection method by the selection means is the first method. Appears on the display .

  Preferably, the first display processing unit displays the text described in the specified position on the explanation screen including the text that is the search key searched by the search unit as a search result on the display. .

  More preferably, the second display processing means displays an explanation screen including text as a search key when the selection method by the selection means is a second method different from the first method. indicate.

  Preferably, the second display processing unit operates the display when the operation screen corresponding to the search result selected by the selection unit can execute an operation according to an operation instruction on the operation screen. A screen is displayed, and when the processing apparatus cannot execute an operation in accordance with an operation instruction on the operation screen, an explanation screen corresponding to the search result selected by the selection unit is displayed on the display.

  Preferably, the processing device further includes second reading means for reading the display history of the user who has received selection by the selection means, from the memory for storing the display history of the operation screen for each user. The display processing means determines whether to display the operation screen or the explanation screen on the display based on the display history of the user who has received the selection by the selection means.

  Preferably, the processing device further includes first setting means for setting a range including text in the explanation screen, which is a search target in the search means.

  Preferably, the processing apparatus further includes second setting means for setting a priority order to be searched by the search means for each range in which the text is included in the explanation screen.

  Preferably, the first display processing unit displays information indicating a group to which an operation in the processing device according to an operation instruction on the operation screen corresponding to the search result belongs together with the search result in the search unit.

  Preferably, the search means further searches for text included in the operation screen, and the first display processing means determines whether the search result in the search means is a search result from the explanation screen or a search result from the operation screen. Are displayed separately.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus has the above-described display and is equipped with the above-described processing apparatus.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, the search method is a method of searching for an operation screen to be displayed on a display connected to the processing device, the step of receiving text input as a search key, and an association for each operation screen Te, from memory for storing a screen explaining the description of the operation screen is described, comprising the steps of reading a description screen, retrieving the operation screen using the search key, the search result in step to find the display a step of appear and the comprises a step of accepting a selection from the search results displayed on the display, and performing a screen display on the display based on the search result selected. In the searching step, text included in the explanation screen read from the memory is set as a search target . The step of performing the screen display is an operation associated with the explanation screen including the text as the search key searched in the searching step when the selection method in the step of accepting the selection is the first method. Show the screen on the display .

According to still another aspect of the present invention, the search program is a program for causing a computer to execute a search process of an operation screen to be displayed on a connected display, and receiving a text input as a search key; The step of reading the explanation screen from the memory for storing the explanation screen describing the explanation of the operation screen in association with each screen, the step of searching the operation screen using the search key, and the search in the search step and displaying the result in the display, the step of accepting a selection from the search results displayed on the display, Ru is performed and performing a screen display on the display on the computer based on the selected search result. In the searching step, text included in the explanation screen read from the memory is set as a search target . The step of performing the screen display is an operation associated with the explanation screen including the text as the search key searched in the searching step when the selection method in the step of accepting the selection is the first method. Show the screen on the display .

  According to the present invention, the user can search for a desired operation screen in the processing apparatus easily and with high accuracy.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus as an example of a processing apparatus according to an embodiment; 3 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of an operation panel of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen of the image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a figure showing an example of the help screen of an image forming apparatus. It is a figure showing the specific example of the memory which memorize | stores a help screen. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an outline of an operation for searching an operation screen in the image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows the specific example of a search screen. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the display screen of a search result. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the setting screen of search object. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a specific example of a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a specific example of an operation flow for searching for an operation screen in the image forming apparatus.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, these descriptions will not be repeated.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 as an example of a processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus 1 is a so-called MFP (Multi Function Peripherals) having a function as a digital composite bag having a scanner, a copy, and a printer function. The image forming apparatus 1 is an example of a processing device. The processing device may be any device as long as it can display an operation screen on a connected display and can operate by receiving a user operation based on the operation screen.

  Referring to FIG. 1, image forming apparatus 1 includes a control unit 10. The control unit 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10a for controlling the entire apparatus, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 11 which is a memory for storing a control program, and an S- memory which is a working storage area. A RAM (Static Random Access Memory) 12, a battery-backed NV-RAM (nonvolatile memory) 13 for storing various settings related to image formation, and a clock IC (Integrated Circuit) 14 are included.

  The control unit 10 includes a key switch group such as a display unit, which is a touch panel, a numeric key, a print key, and a logout key, which includes an image reading device 16 and keys and display units for performing various inputs via a bus. An operation panel 17 as an example of a display device including a network I / F (interface) 20 for transmitting and receiving various types of information to and from other devices connected via a communication network (not shown), and the network I A printer controller 19 for generating a copy image from print data received by / F20, an image output device 18 for forming a copy image on paper, a wireless I / F 21 for wireless communication with other devices, and A short-range wireless I / F 22 for performing short-range wireless communication with other devices is connected.

  A fixed storage device 15 is connected to the control unit 10 via a bus. The fixed storage device 15 corresponds to a hard disk device, for example.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the operation panel 17. Referring to FIG. 2, operation panel 17 includes a display 171 and an operation unit 172 having a fixed key.

  Various operation screens are displayed on the display 171. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation screen. The operation screen of FIG. 3 is a setting screen for the user to set functions, and particularly represents a setting screen for a function called card copy, which copies both sides of a document of a predetermined size onto one sheet. ing. By receiving a user operation based on the operation screen, the image forming apparatus 1 executes an operation according to the operation. In the case of the example in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 1 performs an operation called so-called card copy, which scans both sides of a document set on a document table (not shown) and prints on one sheet.

  Information on the operation screen is stored in the fixed storage device 15 which is an example of a memory. Alternatively, it may be stored in another device (for example, a server) accessible from the image forming apparatus 1.

  The display 171 further displays an explanation screen for explaining the contents of the operation screen. As an example of the explanation screen, there is a help screen (sometimes referred to as a guide screen) for guiding an operation method on the operation screen. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a help screen. The help screen of FIG. 4 is a screen for guiding the operation method on the operation screen of FIG. More specifically, referring to FIG. 4, the help screen includes an area 173 for describing a hierarchy to which a corresponding operation screen belongs and an area 174 for describing a text. The hierarchy to which the screen belongs is defined according to the operation executed by the image forming apparatus 1 in accordance with the user operation based on the corresponding operation screen. Therefore, at least the contents of the above operation are described in the area 173. For example, when the operation screen is stored in the memory in a hierarchical structure according to function, the area 173 describes the hierarchical structure of the memory in which the corresponding operation screen is possible. Thus, by reading the text described in the area 173, the user can easily grasp the type of function to which the corresponding operation screen belongs. Note that the text described in the region 173 is also referred to as a “title”.

  Preferably, the help screen further includes a button (shortcut key) 175 for instructing to switch the display to the corresponding operation screen. Thereby, the user who has seen the help screen can easily switch to the corresponding operation screen after understanding the operation method.

  Information on the help screen is stored in association with the corresponding operation screen in the fixed storage device 15 which is an example of a memory. Alternatively, it may be stored in association with a corresponding operation screen in another apparatus (for example, a server) accessible from the image forming apparatus 1.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a memory that stores a help screen which is an example of an explanation screen. Referring to FIG. 5, as an example, the memory stores, for each help screen, identification information (ID) of the help screen, a corresponding operation screen (setting screen in the example of FIG. 5), and text (title) included in area 173. ) And the text (body) included in the region 174 is stored.

<Overview of operation>
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an outline of an operation for searching for an operation screen in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the search screen. Referring to FIG. 7, the user who wants to search the operation screen inputs a word (text) related to the desired search screen to the search screen as a search key. When the user inputs a search key on the search screen of FIG. 7 and instructs execution of the search, the search operation of FIG. 6 is started.

  Referring to FIG. 6, when image forming apparatus 1 accepts a text as a search key input by the user (step S1), it reads an explanation screen from the memory (step S2). The image forming apparatus 1 executes a search operation using the search key with the text included in the explanation screen as a search target (step S3), and displays the result on the display 171 (step S4).

  As an example, the image forming apparatus 1 searches for a help screen including the text input as the search key, and displays a help screen including the text as the search key as a search result. FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating an example of display of a search result. Referring to FIG. 8A, as an example, image forming apparatus 1 displays text (title) included in area 173 of the searched help screen in a selectable manner. Thereby, the user who has seen the search result can easily grasp which function type the help screen that is the search result belongs to.

  Preferably, as shown in FIG. 8B, the image forming apparatus 1 also displays an image (icon image) representing the type of function to which the operation screen corresponding to the help screen belongs together with the detected help screen. To do. As a result, the user who sees the search result can grasp at a glance which function type the help screen as the search result belongs to.

  Note that the image forming apparatus 1 may search only the text included in the area 173 in the help screen, that is, the text that is the title, or the text included in the area 174 in the search operation of step S3. Only the text that is the body text may be the search target, or the texts included in both the regions 173 and 174 may be the search target.

  The search target area in the help screen may be set by the user on the setting screen shown in FIG. 9, for example. The setting screen of FIG. 9 is displayed on the display 171 by touching a “search setting” button for instructing setting of search conditions on the search screen of FIG. Referring to FIG. 9, as an example, the user searches only text included in area 173 of the help screen, that is, text that is a title, and text included in title and area 174, that is, body text. It may be possible to set either of the texts as search targets. The setting of the search target area may be stored as a search condition in association with each user in the memory, or may be set by the user for each search.

  Alternatively, a priority order may be set for an area to be searched in the help screen. For example, when the priority of the search target is set to the text included in the area 173 of the help screen, that is, the text as the title, the image forming apparatus 1 sets only the title of the help screen as the search target. Perform a search operation. As a result, when the prescribed number of search results cannot be obtained, the image forming apparatus 1 performs a search operation by further searching the text that is the main body of the help screen, which is set to the second priority. To do. The priority of the search target area may also be set by the user.

  When receiving the user's selection from the search results, the image forming apparatus 1 displays a screen corresponding to the selected search result (step S5). In step S5, as an example, the image forming apparatus 1 displays an operation screen corresponding to the help screen of the selected title among the titles of the help screen displayed as a search result, as shown in FIG. As a result, the user confirms the type of the function to which the corresponding operation screen belongs by the help screen title, and then determines which of the search screens the desired operation screen corresponds to. The operation screen can be displayed above. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which an undesired operation screen is displayed because the same search key is included, and the image forming apparatus 1 can quickly display the operation screen desired by the user. It becomes possible.

  In step S5, the image forming apparatus 1 may display a help screen selected from the search result instead of the operation screen. For example, it is assumed that the user wants to confirm the operation method on the help screen before displaying the searched operation screen. Therefore, preferably, the image forming apparatus 1 displays a help screen which is a search result when the search result of FIG. 8 is received by a method different from the selection method for displaying the operation screen. To do. As an example, the image forming apparatus 1 determines whether to display an operation screen or a help screen according to the length of time (touch time) that the touch state continues for the search result. For example, when a short touch is made on the search result, the image forming apparatus 1 displays an operation screen corresponding to the help screen as the search result on the display 171. When the search result is touched longer than the specified time, the image forming apparatus 1 displays a help screen that is the search result on the display 171. Thus, the user can display an operation screen or a help screen from the search result, and the convenience can be improved.

  As another example of the display in step S5, the image forming apparatus 1 may determine whether to display an operation screen or a help screen according to the characteristics of the image forming apparatus 1. That is, the image forming apparatus 1 may display an operation screen when operable according to a user operation on the operation screen corresponding to the selected search result, and may display a help screen when the operation is not possible.

  For example, when a help screen corresponding to an operation screen belonging to the stapling function that is one of the post-processing is selected in a state where the post-processing device is not connected, the image forming apparatus 1 determines to display the help screen. . Since the help screen explains that the post-processing device needs to be connected, the user can know that the operation on the corresponding operation screen is impossible by viewing this screen.

  Further, for example, a help screen corresponding to an operation screen belonging to a function that cannot be operated or set at the same time in combination with an operation being executed by the image forming apparatus 1 or a function already set for the image forming apparatus 1 is selected. Even in such a case, the image forming apparatus 1 determines to display the help screen. Since the help screen describes functions that can be operated and set at the same time, the user can know that the operation on the corresponding operation screen is impossible by viewing this screen.

  Further, for example, when the function use authority for each user is stored in the memory, the image forming apparatus 1 corresponds to an operation screen belonging to a function for which the user logged in to the image forming apparatus 1 does not have the use authority. Even when the help screen is selected, the image forming apparatus 1 determines to display the help screen. Since the help screen explains that usage rights are required to use the function, the user can know that operation on the corresponding operation screen is impossible by viewing this screen. .

  As another example of the display in step S5, the image forming apparatus 1 determines whether to display the operation screen or the help screen according to the display history of the operation screen on the image forming apparatus 1 of the login user. May be. That is, if the logged-in user has no history of displaying the operation screen corresponding to the selected search result, or if the number of times of display is less than the specified number, the image forming apparatus 1 determines that the help screen is displayed and logs in. If the user has a history of displaying the operation screen, or if the display count is equal to or greater than the specified count, it is determined to display the operation screen. Thereby, the image forming apparatus 1 makes it possible to refer to the explanation of the operation method on the help screen for the operation screen that the login user uses for the first time or has little use experience, and displays the operation screen suddenly for subsequent use. This makes it possible to operate immediately.

<Functional configuration>
FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a specific example of a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 for performing the above operation. Each function of FIG. 10 is mainly realized by the CPU 10a when the CPU 10a of the image forming apparatus 1 reads the program stored in the ROM 11 onto the S-RAM 12 and executes it. However, at least a part of the functions may be realized by another hardware configuration shown in FIG. 1 or another configuration such as an electric circuit (not shown), or by cooperation of the other configuration and the CPU 10a.

  Referring to FIG. 10, a fixed storage device 15, which is an example of a memory, includes a help screen storage unit 151 that is a storage area for storing a help screen for each operation screen illustrated in FIG. 5, and an operation screen. It includes an operation screen storage unit 152 that is a storage area for storing, and a user history storage unit 153 for storing a display history of the user operation screen.

  Further, referring to FIG. 10, CPU 10 a, in accordance with a user operation on operation panel 17, receives input of text as a search key used for search of the operation screen, and help screen (from help screen storage unit 151). A reading unit 102 for reading (text included in the help screen), a search unit 103 for searching the operation screen using a search key, and a search result for displaying a search result in the search unit 103 on the display 171. Display unit 104. In the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the search unit 103 searches for text included in the help screen read from the help screen storage unit 151.

  Preferably, the search result display unit 104 displays, as a search result, a text, for example, a title, which is searched for by the search unit 103 and included in a prescribed position on a help screen including text that is a search key. 171 is displayed. More preferably, the search result display unit 104 also displays an image (icon image) representing the type of function to which the operation screen corresponding to the help screen belongs together with the title of the help screen.

  Further, the CPU 10a displays a screen on the display 171 based on the selection unit 105 for accepting a selection from the search results displayed on the display 171 and the selection of the search results in accordance with a user operation on the operation panel 17. Screen display unit 106. The screen display unit 106 includes a determination unit 107 for determining whether to display an operation screen corresponding to the selected search result or to display a help screen as a search result.

  As an example, the determination unit 107 determines whether to display an operation screen or a help screen according to a search result selection method. For example, the determination unit 107 displays an operation screen when the search result displayed on the display 171 is selected by a touch operation shorter than a specified time, and is selected by a touch operation longer than the specified time. It is determined that the help screen is displayed when the is performed.

  As another example, the determination unit 107 changes the operation screen corresponding to the selected search result according to whether or not the processing apparatus can execute an operation according to the operation instruction on the operation screen. Determine whether to display or display a help screen. For example, if the determination unit 107 determines that the operation cannot be performed based on the presence / absence of connection of a device necessary for the operation or the remaining amount of consumables (toner, printing paper, staple, etc.), the help is performed. A screen is displayed, and if not, it is determined that an operation screen is displayed. In addition, for example, the determination unit 107 displays a help screen when it is determined that the above operation cannot be executed in combination with the operation or setting that the image forming apparatus 1 is executing, and otherwise the determination screen 107 displays the help screen. It is determined that the operation screen is displayed. In addition, for example, the determination unit 107 displays a help screen when it is determined that the above operation cannot be performed because the login user of the image forming apparatus 1 does not have the use authority, and otherwise the determination screen 107 displays the help screen. It is determined that the operation screen is displayed.

  As another example, the determination unit 107 determines whether to display the operation screen or the help screen based on the display history of the logged-in user's operation screen stored in the user history storage unit 153. For example, the determination unit 107 displays a help screen when it is determined that the logged-in user has not displayed an operation screen corresponding to the selected search result, or the display count is equal to or less than a specified count. If not, it is determined that an operation screen is displayed.

  Preferably, CPU 10a further includes a setting unit 108 for setting a help screen area to be searched by search unit 103. For example, the setting unit 108 sets whether to search the area 173 corresponding to the title of the help screen or the area 174 corresponding to the text according to the user operation. As another example, the setting unit 108 sets the priority order to be searched for each area on the help screen. For example, the setting unit 108 sets the priority order to be searched for the area 173 corresponding to the title of the help screen and the area 174 corresponding to the text.

<Operation flow>
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a specific example of the flow of operations for searching for an operation screen in the image forming apparatus 1. The operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11 is realized by the CPU 10a of the image forming apparatus 1 reading out and executing the program stored in the ROM 11 on the S-RAM 12, and exhibiting the functions of FIG. . The operation of FIG. 11 is started when the search screen of FIG. 7 is displayed on the display 171 of the operation panel 17.

  Referring to FIG. 11, when CPU 10a of image forming apparatus 1 accepts an input of text as a search key in accordance with a user operation on operation panel 17 (YES in step S101), a help screen (from the memory to the help screen) (Text included) is read (step S103). Then, the CPU 10a searches for whether or not the search key is included for each help screen using the input text as a search key (step S105).

  When the CPU 10a confirms whether or not a search key is included for all the help screens stored in the memory and completes the search operation, the search result is displayed on the display 171 as shown in FIG. (Step S107). Preferably, at this time, as shown in FIG. 8A, the CPU 10a displays the text that is the title of the help screen described in the area 173 that is the predetermined area of the help screen that is the search result. To do. More preferably, as shown in FIG. 8B, the CPU 10a also displays an image (icon image) representing the type of function to which the operation screen corresponding to the help screen belongs, together with the search result. Thus, the CPU 10a completes the operation of searching for the operation screen. Thereby, the user can select the selection result after confirming whether or not the search result relates to the desired operation screen. In particular, when a plurality of help screens are displayed as search results, a user who is not familiar with the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 may not immediately understand which help screen is the desired operation screen. Therefore, by displaying in this way, the user can confirm that the help screen is related to the desired operation screen, and can prevent an erroneous operation screen from being displayed.

  The CPU 10a waits for a user operation to select a search result. Preferably, the CPU 10a may skip the subsequent operation and end the series of operations when the user operation for selecting the search result is not performed for a predetermined time after the completion of the search operation.

  When a user operation for selecting a search result is received after displaying the search result (YES in step S109), the CPU 10a displays a help screen that is the selected search result or displays an operation screen corresponding to the help screen. Determine whether to display. As an example, the CPU 10a determines whether the screen is a help screen or an operation screen according to a selection method (length of touch time). As another example, the CPU 10 a determines whether the help screen or the operation screen is based on the characteristics of the image forming apparatus 1, the relationship with other operations, settings, etc., the use authority of the login user, or a combination thereof. to decide. As another example, the CPU 10a determines whether the screen is a help screen or an operation screen based on a display history of an operation screen corresponding to the help screen of the login user.

  If it is determined to display the operation screen (YES in step S111), the CPU 10a displays an operation screen corresponding to the help screen that is the selected search result on the display 171 (step S113). Thus, the user can display the desired operation screen searched for on the display 171 and can perform an operation on the operation screen.

  When it is determined that the help screen is to be displayed (NO in step S111), the CPU 10a displays the help screen as the selected search result on the display 171 (step S115). Thereby, before displaying the searched operation screen, the user can display the help screen of the operation screen on the display 171 and check the operation method and the like.

  The help screen preferably includes a button (shortcut key) 175 for instructing switching of the display to the corresponding operation screen, as shown in FIG. Therefore, when the CPU 10a receives a user operation for touching the button 175 after displaying the help screen (YES in step S117), the CPU 10a switches the display on the display 171 from the help screen to the corresponding operation screen. Thereby, the user can operate on the operation screen after first confirming the operation method and the like on the help screen.

<Effect of Embodiment>
By performing the above search operation in the processing device exemplified in the image forming apparatus 1, the text included in the explanation screen for explaining the contents of the operation screen such as the help screen is a search target when the operation screen is searched for keywords. It is said. For this reason, the operation method is also described when the term (text) included in the operation screen cannot be accurately input as a search key, for example, when the logged-in user is not familiar with the operation of the image forming apparatus 1. By inputting a term (text) in the text to be used as a search key, a desired operation screen is searched. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 can search the operation screen desired by the user with high accuracy.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 1 presents a help screen as a search result with text written in a predetermined area such as a title. Therefore, even when a plurality of operation screens for similar operations are presented as search results, the user can accurately select a desired operation screen from among them.

  Further, when a search result is selected, the image forming apparatus 1 may not be an operation screen depending on the characteristics of the image forming apparatus 1, the current setting, the operation, and / or the usage authority of the user. Display the help screen. Thus, the user can confirm the operation method on the help screen prior to the display of the operation screen, and can perform the operation smoothly.

<Other example 1>
In the above example, an example is given in which the image forming apparatus 1 targets only text included in an explanation screen such as a help screen. However, as with a conventional processing apparatus, the image forming apparatus 1 Text included in the operation screen itself may also be a search target. That is, the image forming apparatus 1 may search both the text included in the operation screen and the text included in the help screen.

  Also in this case, preferably, the image forming apparatus 1 displays the title of the help screen as a search result. Thereby, the user can easily select a desired operation screen.

  More preferably, the image forming apparatus 1 is a search result that has been searched by including text that is a search key on the operation screen, or has been searched by including text that is a search key on the help screen. Are displayed separately. This distinction is realized by, for example, distinction according to the background color of the search result display or distinction between icon images. Such a display makes it easier for the user to select a desired operation screen.

  For example, if you know the name of the function to which the logged-in user wants the operation screen, you should first check the search results that were found because the search key was included in the operation screen. Thus, a desired operation screen can be obtained quickly. On the other hand, if the logged-in user enters a search key based on the purpose of using the operation screen, etc., the desired operation can be performed by confirming what was searched because the search key was included in the help screen first. The screen is likely to be obtained quickly.

<Other example 2>
Furthermore, it is possible to provide a program for causing the CPU of the processing device to execute the above-described search operation and subsequent screen display operation. As described above, the processing apparatus may be any apparatus as long as it can display the operation screen on the connected display, as exemplified by the image forming apparatus 1. Therefore, by providing the above-described program to a general-purpose processing apparatus that has already been installed, the existing processing apparatus can easily function as the processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  Such a program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk attached to the computer, a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory), a ROM, a RAM, and a memory card, and provided as a program product. You can also. Alternatively, the program can be provided by being recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk built in the computer. A program can also be provided by downloading via a network.

  A program according to the present invention is a program module that is provided as a part of an operating system (OS) of a computer and that executes necessary processes by calling necessary modules in a predetermined arrangement at a predetermined timing. Also good. In that case, the program itself does not include the module, and the process is executed in cooperation with the OS. A program that does not include such a module can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

  The program according to the present invention may be provided by being incorporated in a part of another program. Even in this case, the program itself does not include the module included in the other program, and the process is executed in cooperation with the other program. Such a program incorporated in another program can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

  The provided program product is installed in a program storage unit such as a hard disk and executed. The program product includes the program itself and a recording medium on which the program is recorded.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus, 10a CPU, 10 Control part, 11 ROM, 12 S-RAM, 13 NV-RAM, 14 Clock IC, 15 Fixed storage device, 16 Image reading apparatus, 17 Operation panel, 18 Image output apparatus, 19 Printer Controller, 20 Network I / F, 21 Wireless I / F, 22 Short-range wireless I / F, 101 Input section, 102 Reading section, 103 Search section, 104 Search result display section, 105 Selection section, 106 Screen display section, 107 Judgment unit, 108 setting unit, 151 help screen storage unit, 152 operation screen storage unit, 153 user history storage unit, 171 display, 172 operation unit, 173, 174 area, 175 buttons.

Claims (12)

A processing device capable of displaying an operation screen on a connected display,
First reading means for reading the explanation screen from a memory for storing the explanation screen in which the explanation of the operation screen is described in association with each operation screen;
An input means for accepting input of text as a search key used for searching the operation screen;
Search means for searching for an operation screen using the search key;
First display processing means for displaying a search result in the search means on the display ;
Selection means for accepting a selection from the search results displayed by the first display processing means;
Second display processing means for performing screen display on the display based on the search result selected by the selection means ,
Said searching means, a search target text included in the instruction screen to be read from said memory,
The second display processing means associates with the explanation screen including the text as the search key searched by the search means when the selection method by the selection means is the first method. A processing device for displaying a displayed operation screen on the display .   The first display processing means uses the text described in a specified position of the explanation screen including the text that is the search key searched by the search means as the search result as the display. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, which is displayed on the screen. The second display processing unit displays the explanation screen including the text as the search key when the selection method by the selection unit is a second method different from the first method. The processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the processing apparatus displays on a display. The second display processing unit displays the operation screen corresponding to the search result selected by the selection unit on the display when the processing device can execute an operation according to an operation instruction on the operation screen. Displaying the operation screen, and displaying the explanation screen corresponding to the search result selected by the selection means on the display when the processing apparatus cannot execute the operation according to the operation instruction on the operation screen to, the processing apparatus according to claim 1. A second reading means for reading a display history of a user who has received a selection by the selection means from a memory for storing a display history of the operation screen for each user;
Said second display processing section based on the display history of the user who receives the selection by the selection means, determines whether to display the explanation screen to display the operation screen on the display, according to claim 1 4. The processing apparatus according to any one of 4 . The search target in the search unit, the explanation screen further comprising a first setting means for setting a range included the text in the processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1-5. For each range including the text in the description screen further comprises a second setting means for setting a priority to be retrieved in said retrieval means, the processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 . The first display processing means displays, on the display, information indicating a group to which an operation in the processing device according to an operation instruction on the operation screen corresponding to the search result belongs together with the search result in the search means. processing device according to any one of claims 1-7. The search means further searches for text included in the operation screen,
Said first display processing unit, results for the search means, the description is displayed to distinguish whether the search results from the search results and is either the operation screen from the screen, according to claim 1-8 The processing apparatus in any one. Having said display, equipped with a processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 image forming apparatus. A method of searching for an operation screen to be displayed on a display connected to a processing device,
Receiving text input as a search key;
In association with each operation screen, reading the explanation screen from a memory for storing the explanation screen describing the explanation of the operation screen;
Searching the operation screen using the search key;
Displaying a search result in the searching step on the display ;
Receiving a selection from the search results displayed on the display;
Performing screen display on the display based on the selected search results ,
Wherein the step of searching, the search target text included in the instruction screen to be read from said memory,
In the step of displaying the screen, when the selection method in the step of accepting the selection is a first method, the description screen including the text as the search key searched in the searching step is included. A search method for displaying an associated operation screen on the display . A program for causing a computer to execute search processing for an operation screen to be displayed on a display connected to the computer,
Receiving text input as a search key;
In association with each operation screen, reading the explanation screen from a memory for storing the explanation screen describing the explanation of the operation screen;
Searching the operation screen using the search key;
Displaying a search result in the searching step on the display ;
Receiving a selection from the search results displayed on the display;
Causing the computer to perform a screen display on the display based on the selected search result ;
Wherein the step of searching, the search target text included in the instruction screen to be read from said memory,
In the step of displaying the screen, when the selection method in the step of accepting the selection is a first method, the description screen including the text as the search key searched in the searching step is included. A search program for displaying an associated operation screen on the display .

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