JP7639552B2 - Image Processing Device - Google Patents

Description

The technical field disclosed in this specification relates to an image processing device equipped with a special function that has settings that can be switched between enabled and disabled.

Some image processing devices are equipped with special functions (solutions) that have settings that can be switched between enabled and disabled. The special functions are disabled when the image processing device is shipped from the factory, and then, for example, if a user who purchases the image processing device enters into a contract with the seller of the image processing device to use the special functions, the seller of the image processing device inputs a command to enable the special functions into the image processing device, making it possible to execute processing based on the special functions. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses technology relating to image processing devices equipped with such special functions.

JP 2018-151700 A

Some users may wish to try out a special function before signing a contract to use that function. In this regard, it is conceivable to set a trial mode in the image processing device that makes the special function temporarily available. During the validity period of this trial mode, it is desirable to inform the user that the trial mode has been set. However, the user interface of the image processing device has a limit to the amount of information that can be notified at one time, and it is also necessary to provide notifications other than the trial mode. Patent Document 1 does not disclose technology for trialing special functions, and there is room for improvement.

This specification discloses a technology for providing appropriate notification of a trial mode for a special function in an image processing device equipped with a special function that has a setting that can be switched between enabled and disabled.

The image processing device that has been made to solve this problem is an image processing device that includes an image processing unit, a user interface, a memory, and a computer, the image processing device includes a plurality of functions including a special function, the memory stores function information indicating whether the special function is to be enabled or disabled, the function information indicates that the special function is disabled when the image processing device is shipped from the factory, the computer, upon receiving an enable instruction to enable the special function, changes the function information stored in the memory to information indicating that the special function is enabled, thereby making the special function available, and further, upon receiving an instruction to start a trial mode, the computer executes a start process to start the trial mode, thereby making the special function available within the valid period of the trial mode even if the function information indicates that the special function is disabled, and after starting the trial mode, the computer starts the trial mode based on the fact that the valid period of the trial mode has expired. The image processing device terminates the trial mode, and the computer is capable of displaying a standby screen on the user interface, the standby screen including an operator corresponding to an instruction to display settings or information for each function and a notification area for displaying notification information, the notification information includes a plurality of types, the plurality of types of notification information includes trial mode information indicating that the trial mode is within a valid period, and each notification information has a display priority set, and the computer executes a display process for displaying the notification information in the notification area, and in the display process, if the state of the image processing device is not in a state in which high priority information, which is the notification information having a higher priority than the trial mode information, should be displayed at a first timing when the trial mode is within a valid period, the trial mode information is displayed in the notification area, and if the state of the image processing device is in a state in which the high priority information should be displayed, the high priority information is displayed in the notification area and the trial mode information is not displayed in the notification area.

According to the technology disclosed in this specification, in an image processing device that displays multiple types of notification information in a notification area, at a first timing during the validity period of the trial mode, if the image processing device is not in a state where high priority information should be displayed, trial mode information is displayed in the notification area. This allows the user to know that the trial mode is set in the image processing device and that a special function is temporarily available. On the other hand, if the image processing device is in a state where high priority information should be displayed, the high priority information is displayed in the notification area and the trial mode information is not displayed. This means that the trial mode information does not prevent notification of high priority information, and the user can know the high priority information even during the validity period of the trial mode.

The image processing system, control method, computer program, and computer-readable storage medium that stores the program for implementing the functions of the image processing device are also novel and useful.

The technology disclosed in this specification realizes a technology that provides appropriate notification of a trial mode for a special function in an image processing device that has a setting that can be switched between enabled and disabled.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the system according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a procedure for starting a trial mode. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of information stored in a trial DB. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a user IF when a home screen is displayed. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a procedure for enabling an additional function. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a procedure for checking the validity period of the trial mode. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an end notification screen that notifies the user of the end of a trial. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a connection impossible screen notifying that a connection to the Internet is impossible; FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure for a screen display process. 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure for a notification process. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a priority order of notification information. 13A and 13B are explanatory diagrams showing examples of a home screen and a screen showing a trial nearing completion. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a home screen during a trial period and an example of a within-trial period screen. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure for post-operation processing. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of screen transition during detailed setting. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a user IF when a home screen is displayed. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a user IF when a home screen is displayed.

The multifunction peripheral (hereinafter, "MFP") according to the embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

The MFP 1 of this embodiment is a device capable of executing various image processing functions such as printing and scanning. The MFP 1 is an example of an image processing device. As shown in FIG. 1, the MFP 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a controller 10 including a CPU 11 and a memory 12. The CPU 11 is an example of a computer. The MFP 1 also has a user interface (hereinafter referred to as "user IF") 13, a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as "communication IF") 14, a print engine 15, and a scanner 16, which are electrically connected to the controller 10. The print engine 15 and the scanner 16 are both examples of an image processing unit.

The CPU 11 executes various processes according to the programs read from the memory 12 and based on the user's operations. As shown in FIG. 1, the memory 12 stores various programs and information, including a basic program 21, multiple function programs 22-24, multiple function switches 25-27, and a trial switch 28. The memory 12 is also used as a working area when various processes are executed. The buffer provided in the CPU 11 is also an example of a memory.

The MFP 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a user IF 13 including a touch panel 131 having a screen display function and an operation reception function, a back key 132, a home key 133, and a stop key 134. The back key 132, the home key 133, and the stop key 134 are hardware keys. The user IF 13 may further include other hardware keys, LED lamps, speakers, etc. The display contents displayed on the touch panel 131 will be described later.

The communication IF 14 includes a configuration that can connect to at least the Internet 200, and includes hardware for communicating with external devices. The communication standards of the communication IF 14 include Ethernet (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), USB, etc. The MFP 1 may include multiple communication IFs 14 that support multiple communication standards.

The print engine 15 includes a configuration for printing an image based on image data onto a print medium such as a sheet. The image formation method of the print engine 15 is, for example, an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method. The scanner 16 includes a configuration for reading an image of an original document and acquiring image data.

The MFP 1 of this embodiment can execute various functions using the print engine 15 and scanner 16 by executing the basic program 21 and function programs 22 to 24. The basic program 21 is a program that is set to be executable when the MFP 1 is shipped from the factory, and is a program for causing the MFP 1 to execute basic functions that are basic functions. The basic functions include, for example, a copy function, a scan function, and a facsimile function.

On the other hand, the function programs 22-24 are programs that cause the MFP 1 to execute additional functions, which are special functions that can be added. The MFP 1 of this embodiment is equipped with the function programs 22-24 built in from the factory, and is equipped with multiple additional functions. The function programs 22-24 are provided with corresponding function switches 25-27, respectively, and a setting is stored as to whether the additional function by the corresponding function program 22-24 is enabled or disabled depending on the state of the function switches 25-27. For example, if the function switch 25 is on, the MFP 1 can accept an instruction to execute a function by the function program 22 and can execute that function, and if the function switch 25 is off, the MFP 1 does not accept an instruction to execute that function. The function switches 25-27 are an example of function information.

When the MFP 1 is shipped from the factory, all of the function switches 25-27 are off and all additional functions are disabled. Then, when an instruction to activate the functions of the function programs 22-24 is received after the factory, the MFP 1 can execute the additional functions by switching the function switches 25-27 on. By loading the additional function programs in the MFP 1 in advance and making it possible to accept activation instructions, it is possible to add value to the MFP 1 and simplify the procedure for adding additional functions. Furthermore, by enabling only the functions necessary for the user of the MFP 1, it is possible to prevent the functions from becoming complicated.

In order to use the functions of function programs 22 to 24, the user of MFP1 must enter into a contract with a vendor or the like for each function to be used. For example, when a user enters into a contract with a vendor to use an additional function, the vendor provides the user with an activation command to activate that function. When the provided activation command is input to MFP1, MFP1 turns on a switch corresponding to the activated function, and becomes able to accept an instruction to execute that function.

Additional functions that can be executed by the function programs 22 to 24 include, for example, a secure print function, a custom UI function, a barcode printing function, and a cloud storage function. The secure print function is a function that does not start printing immediately when image data is received, but temporarily stores the image data in the memory 12, and starts printing after authentication such as user authentication is successful. The custom UI function is a function that changes the arrangement and display form of soft keys and the like displayed on the user IF 13 according to the user's preferences. The barcode printing function is a function that creates a barcode based on specified data and prints the created barcode. The cloud storage function is a function that transmits image data acquired by reading an image of a document via the communication IF 14 and stores it in a storage area on the cloud. The types of function programs installed in the MFP 1 at the time of shipment from the factory are predetermined for each model of the MFP 1, but functions that can be installed additionally after shipment from the factory may be provided.

The trial switch 28 is a switch that sets the state of a trial mode in which additional functions are tried on the MFP 1 of this embodiment. The trial mode is a mode in which all function programs 22-24 stored in the memory 12 are available for a valid period, even for functions for which the function switches 25-27 are off. During the valid period of the trial mode, the user can try all additional functions regardless of whether the function programs 22-24 are enabled or not. Note that the trial mode of this embodiment is a mode that can be accepted only once per device. The states indicated by the trial switch 28 include "running", "not running", and "run", and when the MFP 1 is shipped from the factory, the trial switch 28 is set to "not running".

As shown in FIG. 1, the MFP 1 of this embodiment can connect to the Internet 200 via the communication IF 14, and can connect to the server 3 by using the Internet 200. The server 3 is managed, for example, by the vendor of the MFP 1, and manages the execution status of the trial mode in each device such as the MFP 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, the server 3 in this embodiment includes a controller 30 including a CPU 31 and a memory 32, and a communication IF 34. Note that the controllers 10 and 30 in FIG. 1 are collective names for the hardware and software used to control the MFP 1 and the server 3, and do not necessarily represent a single piece of hardware that actually exists in the MFP 1 or the server 3.

The CPU 31 executes various processes according to the programs read from the memory 32 and based on the operations of the operator. As shown in FIG. 1, the memory 32 stores various programs and data including an OS 41, a trial management program 42, and a trial database (hereinafter referred to as a "trial DB") 43. The OS 41 is, for example, Windows (registered trademark), MacOS (registered trademark), or Linux (registered trademark). The buffer provided in the CPU 31 is also an example of memory. The server 3 in this embodiment executes the trial management program 42 to manage trials of additional functions in each device such as the MFP 1.

Note that examples of memories 12, 32 are not limited to ROM, RAM, HDD, etc. built into MFP 1 and server 3, but may also be storage media that are readable and writable by CPU 11, 31. Computer-readable storage media are non-transitory media. In addition to the above examples, non-transitory media also include recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs. Non-transitory media are also tangible media. On the other hand, electrical signals that carry programs downloaded from a server on the Internet are computer-readable signal media, which is a type of computer-readable medium, but are not included in non-transitory computer-readable storage media.

The communication IF 34 includes hardware for communicating with external devices such as the MFP 1 via the Internet 200. The communication standards of the communication IF 34 include Ethernet (registered trademark) and Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The server 3 may include multiple communication IFs 14 that support multiple communication standards.

Next, the procedure of each process related to the trial mode of the MFP1 will be described with reference to sequence diagrams and the like. The following processes basically indicate the processes of the CPUs 11 and 31 according to the instructions written in the programs. That is, processes such as "judgment," "extraction," "selection," "calculation," "decision," "identification," "acquisition," "reception," and "control" in the following description represent the processes of the CPUs 11 and 31. The processes by each CPU include hardware control using the API of the OS. In this specification, the description of the OS will be omitted to describe the operation of each program. That is, in the following description, a description to the effect that "program B controls hardware C" may also mean that "program B controls hardware C using the API of the OS." In addition, the processes of the CPUs 11 and 31 according to the instructions written in the programs may be described in abbreviated terms. For example, they may be described as "performed by the CPU 11." In addition, the processes of the CPUs 11 and 31 according to the instructions written in the programs may be described in abbreviated terms, such as "performed by program A."

Note that "obtaining" is used as a concept that does not necessarily require a request. In other words, the process of the CPU 11, 31 receiving data without making a request is also included in the concept of "the CPU obtaining data." In this specification, "data" is represented as a bit string that can be read by a computer. Data with the same substantial meaning but different formats is treated as the same data. The same applies to "information" in this specification. In addition, "requesting" and "instructing" are concepts that indicate outputting information indicating a request or information indicating an instruction to the other party. Information indicating a request or information indicating an instruction is also simply referred to as a "request" and "instruction."

In addition, the process by CPU 11, 31 to determine whether information A indicates event B may be conceptually described as "determining whether event B is present from information A." The process by CPU 11, 31 to determine whether information A indicates event B or event C may be conceptually described as "determining whether event B is present or event C is present from information A."

First, the procedure for starting the trial mode on the MFP 1 will be described with reference to the sequence diagram in FIG. 2. The user inputs a start instruction to start the trial mode on the user IF 13 of the MFP 1 (A01). Note that the user who inputs the start instruction for the trial mode in A01 is not limited to the user who uses the MFP 1, but may be, for example, a service representative or sales representative in charge of after-sales service for the sold MFP. Upon receiving the start instruction, the MFP 1 accesses the server 3 and transmits a request to start the trial mode (A02). In A02, the MFP 1 also transmits its own device identification information and model information along with the start request.

Upon receiving the request to start the trial mode, the server 3 sets the valid period of the trial mode in the MFP 1 based on the date and time at that time (A03). The length of the valid period may be uniform for all devices, or may vary depending on the model information, or depending on the user or installation area of the device. When the length of the valid period is determined depending on the user or installation area of the device, the MFP 1 adds information necessary for determining the valid period to the start request and sends it. The server 3 may also accept a specified start date for the trial mode as the request to start the trial mode, in which case the valid period is set based on the specified start date.

The server 3 associates the set validity period with the identification information of the device that is the target of the trial mode, and stores the associated information in the trial DB 43 of the memory 32 (A04). An example of information stored in the trial DB 43 is shown in FIG. 3. In the trial DB 43, for example, each piece of information such as the device ID, model name, trial start date, and trial end date is stored in association with each consecutive trial number. The device ID is identification information that distinguishes each device that is the target of the trial mode, such as a MAC address or serial number. The model name is information that indicates the model of the device that is the target of the trial mode. The trial start date is the date on which the trial mode starts, and the trial end date is the date a predetermined validity period after the trial start date. In other words, the validity period of the trial mode for this device is the period from the trial start date to the trial end date.

In A04, the server 3 adds a new record to the trial DB 43 and stores information about the MFP 1. The server 3 then sends a start command to the MFP 1, which is the sender of the start request, to start the trial mode (A05). The start command is a command that includes an instruction to the MFP 1 to set the trial switch 28 to "RUNNING". The start command may include identification information of the MFP 1, which is the device that will execute the trial. Having received the start command, the MFP 1 sets the trial switch 28 to "RUNNING" (A06) and enters the trial mode. A02 and A06 are an example of the start process. As a result, as described above, the user of the MFP 1 is able to try out additional functions provided by the function programs 22 to 24.

The MFP 1 executes A06 when the state of the trial switch 28 is "not executed." If the MFP 1 has already executed the trial mode, as described below, the state of the trial switch 28 is "executed." In that case, the MFP 1 does not accept the instruction of A01, or, even if it does accept it, does not send a start request to the server 3.

Instead of sending the request to start the trial mode of A02 from the MFP1, it is also possible to send it using a dedicated application program (hereinafter referred to as the "dedicated app") built into another device such as a personal computer or smartphone. In that case, the device running the dedicated app sends a start request including information about the MFP1 to the server 3, receives a start command including information about the MFP1 from the server 3, and sends the received start command to the MFP1. Alternatively, the dedicated app may display the received start command, and a person using the dedicated app may input the displayed start command into the MFP1.

The MFP 1 of this embodiment displays a home screen 50 as shown in FIG. 4 on the user IF 13 as a screen waiting for user operation. The home screen 50 is displayed on the entire surface of the touch panel 131 when the MFP 1 is in a state waiting for user operation, such as after the MFP 1 is started up, after a job is completed, or when returning from a power saving mode. Prior to displaying the home screen 50, the MFP 1 checks whether the trial switch 28 is "running" or whether the function switches 25 to 27 are on (A10). Based on the state of each switch checked in A10, the MFP 1 determines the display content of the home screen 50, and displays the determined home screen 50 on the user IF 13 (A11). The home screen 50 is an example of a standby screen.

The home screen 50 shown in FIG. 4 includes a function icon area 501, a settings icon area 502, and a notification area 503, as indicated by dashed lines in the figure. Note that the dashed lines are added for the purpose of explaining the areas, and are not included in the display of the home screen 50. Below, the arrangement of each area will be explained using the top-bottom and left-right directions, as indicated by the arrows in the figure.

The function icon area 501 is located in the center of the touch panel 131, and is an area that displays function icons that accept instructions to display settings or information related to executable functions. A function icon is an example of an operator. Based on the result of A10, the MFP1 displays function icons of available functions in the function icon area 501. The MFP1 of this embodiment is capable of simultaneously displaying three function icons in the left-right direction of the function icon area 501. If there are more than three types of executable functions, the function icon area 501 is displayed so that it can be scrolled left-right.

The setting icon area 502 is located below the function icon area 501, and is an area that displays setting icons, which are icons that accept instructions for settings not related to functions and instructions for displaying information. Based on operations on the setting icons, the MFP1 of this embodiment accepts settings related to communication and trays, and displays information related to trial modes and the device status.

The notification area 503 is located above the functional icon area 501, and is an area capable of displaying characters and marks indicating the information to be notified. The MFP1 displays information such as warnings to the user, notifications indicating the status of the MFP1, and the current date and time in the notification area 503 as necessary. The size of the notification area 503 of the MFP1 in this embodiment is one line of text, or up to about 10 characters, and the MFP1 cannot simultaneously display multiple notifications or information in the notification area 503.

As shown in FIG. 4, the MFP 1 of this embodiment has a touch panel 131 in a horizontally elongated rectangular shape in which the left-right direction is longer than the top-bottom direction, and the left-right direction of each area is the longitudinal direction and the top-bottom direction is the lateral direction. The longitudinal length of the function icon area 501 and the setting icon area 502 is equal to the longitudinal length of the home screen 50. The lateral length of each area is the largest for the function icon area 501, followed by the setting icon area 502, and the smallest for the notification area 503. The ratio of the longitudinal length of the notification area 503 to the lateral length is greater than the ratio of the longitudinal length of the home screen 50 to the lateral length.

The MFP 1 accepts user operations such as the selection of a process to be executed on the displayed home screen 50 via the user IF 13 (A12). The user who operates A12 may be a different user from the user who issues the instruction in A01. When one of the icons in the function icon area 501 is operated in A12, the MFP 1 determines the display contents of a setting screen that accepts settings for the function selected in A12 based on the state of each switch confirmed in A10, and displays the determined setting screen on the user IF 13 (A13). The additional functions include functions that are added to the settings for each function and become selectable on the setting screen.

For basic functions and additional functions for which function switches 25-27 are on (alt: [on function]), the MFP 1 displays them as selectable on the home screen 50 or each setting screen (A14). For example, if the trial switch 28 is set to "executing" by A06, the MFP 1 displays all additional functions as selectable, just as if all function switches 25-27 were on. The user can select a function or setting to be executed from the selectable functions and settings displayed, and input an execution instruction to the MFP 1 (A15). The MFP 1 executes the instructed function (A16).

On the other hand, when the trial switch 28 is set to "not executed" or "executed," the MFP 1 does not display on the home screen 50 or each setting screen additional functions for which the function switches 25 to 27 are turned off (alt: [functions that are off]) (A17). The user cannot select a function that is not displayed, and therefore cannot use that additional function. Note that instead of not displaying the additional function, the MFP 1 may display it as unselectable.

Next, the procedure for activating the additional functions of the MFP1 will be described with reference to the sequence diagram in FIG. 5. When a user who uses the MFP1 enters into a contract for activation of the additional functions, a salesperson or the like uses a dedicated program for the contract to carry out the procedure for activating the additional functions of the MFP1. This contract program 5 may be part of the dedicated app described above for requesting the start of the trial mode, or may be built into the MFP1. Note that the MFP1 of this embodiment can activate the additional functions even during the validity period of the trial mode, and the activated additional functions can continue to be used even after the trial mode ends.

The salesperson or the like starts the contract program 5, specifies the type of additional function to be activated and the identification information of the MFP 1, and inputs an activation instruction (B01). The device on which the contract program 5 is running accesses the server 3 and transmits an activation request based on the received activation instruction (B02). The server 3 generates an activation command based on the received activation request, and transmits the generated activation command to the device that sent the information (B03). The activation command includes the identification information of the MFP 1.

The device running the contract program 5 transmits the received activation command to the MFP 1 (B05). This inputs the activation command to the MFP 1. The activation command may be input to the MFP 1 via a USB memory or the like, or may be input to the MFP 1 manually by a person in charge. Also, if the contract program 5 is built into the MFP 1, the MFP 1 receives the activation command from the server 3. The MFP 1 turns on the corresponding function switches 25 to 27 based on the received activation command (B06).

Next, the procedure for managing the validity period of the trial mode will be described with reference to the sequence diagram in FIG. 6. In this embodiment, the validity period of the trial mode of each device is managed by the server 3. During the trial mode period, the MFP 1 executes a process to check the validity period at a predetermined regular timing, such as once a day or every few hours.

As part of the period management process, the MFP 1 determines whether or not it is currently connected to the Internet 200 (C01). If it is determined that it is currently connected (alt: [connected]), the MFP 1 accesses the server 3 via the Internet 200 and sends a confirmation command to the server 3 to confirm whether or not it is within the valid period (C02). The confirmation command includes identification information of the MFP 1.

When the server 3 receives the confirmation command, it reads out the trial start date and trial end date stored in the trial DB 43 in association with the identification information included in the confirmation command, and compares the read date and time with the current date and time to determine whether or not the trial mode is still valid (C03). The server 3 then transmits response information indicating the determination result to the MFP 1, which is the device that transmitted the confirmation command (C04).

When the server 3 of this embodiment receives a confirmation command, it transmits as response information one of the following: within-period information indicating that the remaining valid period is not shorter than the threshold value, out-of-period information indicating that the valid period has already ended, or soon-to-expire information indicating that the remaining valid period is shorter than the threshold value. For example, if the valid period is 60 days, the server 3 transmits within-period information from the 1st to 44th days after the trial start date, soon-to-expire information from the 45th to 59th days, and out-of-period information from the 60th day onwards.

The MFP 1 detects the remaining validity period based on the response information received from the server 3, and stores status information in the memory 12 indicating whether the period is still in effect, is outside the period, or is about to end (C05). If status information indicating that the trial mode is still in effect or is about to end is stored in the memory 12, the MFP 1 executes the process to check the validity period again at the next regular interval. Note that the status information is not stored in the memory 12 until a start command to start the trial mode is received (A05 in FIG. 2).

If the response information received from the server 3 is out-of-period information (alt: [outside-period]), the MFP 1 displays an end notification screen notifying that the trial mode has ended (C11). For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the end notification screen 51 includes a restart button 511 and is displayed on the entire surface of the touch panel 131. C11 is an example of an end display process, the timing for executing C11 is an example of a third timing, and the end notification screen 51 is an example of end information.

In addition, in this embodiment, even if the MFP 1 receives out-of-period information from the server 3, the MFP 1 will not end the trial mode until it is restarted. In other words, there is a period during which the additional functions can be executed even outside the valid period. However, outside the valid period, an end notification screen 51 is displayed on the user IF 13, so the user can know that the valid period of the trial mode has ended. This reduces user confusion when the trial mode is ended and the additional functions can no longer be used.

When the user operates the restart button 511 (C12), the MFP 1 ends the trial mode and restarts. Specifically, before restarting, the MFP 1 transmits a trial end notification including its own identification information to the server 3 (C13). Based on the received trial end notification, the server 3 deletes the information of the MFP 1 stored in the trial DB 43 (C14). The MFP 1 also sets the trial switch 28 to change to "executed" (C15), deletes the status information indicating the period outside that was stored in C05 (C16), and restarts (C17). The restart reflects the change in the trial switch 28, and the MFP 1 does not enter the trial mode again and does not check the valid period thereafter. As described above, even when all additional functions are enabled, the MFP 1 executes the procedure to end the trial mode (C13 to C16). The timing of executing the procedure to end the trial mode is an example of the second timing.

In addition, in the procedure for ending the trial mode, the MFP 1 initializes information related to functions that have not been enabled, among various information that has been set during the trial mode period. For example, if an instruction to try the custom UI function is received during the trial mode period, the MFP 1 acquires data for the custom UI provided by the vendor and stores the acquired information in memory 12 as information on the custom UI function. If the custom UI function is enabled and information on the custom UI function is stored in memory 12, the MFP 1 reads the data when displaying the home screen, and displays the home screen using the read data.

If the custom UI function is used during the trial mode and the trial mode is terminated without the custom UI function being enabled, the MFP 1 erases the information about the custom UI function stored in the memory 12. On the other hand, if the custom UI function is enabled when the trial mode is terminated, the MFP 1 does not erase the information about the custom UI function stored in the memory 12. By not erasing the information, the information set during the trial mode can be used as is even after the trial mode has ended.

On the other hand, if it is determined in C01 that it cannot connect to the Internet 200 (alt: [Connection Unable]), the MFP 1 stores in the memory 12 period unknown information indicating that the validity period of the trial mode is unknown (C21). If it cannot connect to the Internet 200, the MFP 1 cannot send the confirmation command and cannot receive response information from the server 3, and therefore cannot confirm the validity period. Note that the MFP 1 may also execute C21 if it cannot receive response information from the server 3 after sending the confirmation command or if the content of the received response information is unknown.

The MFP 1 then displays a connection-prohibited screen notifying the user that a connection to the Internet 200 is not possible (C22). For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the connection-prohibited screen 52 includes a retry button 521, and is displayed on the entire surface of the touch panel 131, similar to the end notification screen 51. When the user operates the retry button 521, the MFP 1 retries the Internet connection, and if a connection is possible, sends a confirmation command to the server 3, as described above. The connection-prohibited screen 52 may further include a cancel button that accepts an instruction to cancel the display.

When the unknown period information is stored in the memory 12, the MFP 1 periodically attempts to connect to the Internet 200. In this case, it is preferable for the MFP 1 to attempt the connection more frequently than the frequency at which the confirmation command is sent to the server 3. Then, when the connection to the Internet 200 is restored, the MFP 1 sends a confirmation command to the server 3 regardless of the predetermined timing for sending the confirmation command. Then, when response information is received from the server 3, the MFP 1 erases the unknown period information and executes processing according to the received response information.

Next, the procedure of the screen display process, which is a process for displaying various screens on the touch panel 131, will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 9. The screen display process is, for example, a process executed by A11 in FIG. 2, and is executed by the CPU 11 of the MFP 1 when it is time to display various screens on the touch panel 131 based on a user operation. The screen display process is started, for example, when the MFP 1 is started up or when it returns from a low power consumption mode.

The CPU 11 judges whether the MFP 1 is in an error state (S101). An error state is, for example, a state in which the function cannot be executed as it is, such as when the cover is open, paper is jammed, or coloring material is exhausted. If it is judged to be in an error state (S101: YES), the CPU 11 displays an error screen including error information on the entire surface of the touch panel 131 (S102). The error screen is an example of a notification screen, and S102 is an example of an error display process. The CPU 11 then judges whether some kind of action to resolve the error, such as closing the cover, removing jammed paper, or refilling coloring material, or operation of the stop key 134 has been accepted (S103). If it is judged that neither an action to resolve the error nor operation of the stop key 134 has been accepted (S103: NO), the CPU 11 maintains the display until either is accepted.

The error screen is a screen that displays only error information and does not include information regarding the trial mode. If it is determined that the error has been dealt with or that an operation of the stop key 134 has been received (S103: YES), the CPU 11 returns to S101 and determines whether the error has been resolved. Since the job cannot be resumed unless the error is resolved, the CPU 11 continues to display the error information to alert the user until the error is resolved, and urges the user to resolve the error. The error screen may have a button that accepts an instruction to display detailed information about the situation, and if operation of that button is received, the CPU 11 may display the details and then perform the determination of S103 again.

If it is determined that there is no error state or that the error has been resolved (S101: NO), the CPU 11 determines the function icon to be displayed (S105). The function icon is an icon displayed in the function icon area 501, and the CPU 11 determines the function icon according to the state of the trial switch 28 and the function switches 25 to 27. Note that the CPU 11 may make the determination in S105 before S101.

Then, the CPU 11 determines whether status information indicating that the trial mode is out of period or unknown period information is stored in the memory 12 (S111). The status information indicating that the period is out of period is information stored in C05 when the response information received from the server 3 in C04 of FIG. 6 described above is out of period information. The unknown period information is information stored in C21 of FIG. 6 when a network error occurs.

When it is determined that neither information is stored (S111: NO), the CPU 11 executes a notification process (S112). That is, when there is no network error and information indicating either within the period or nearing the end is stored as status information in the memory 12, the CPU 11 executes a notification process. The notification process is a process of determining the content to be displayed in the notification area 503 and displaying the home screen. The procedure of the notification process will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 10. The timing at which execution of the notification process starts is an example of the first timing.

In the notification process, the CPU 11 determines whether there is notification information to be displayed in the notification area 503 (S201). There are multiple types of notification information. For example, if information indicating within the period or about to end is stored as status information in the memory 12, the CPU 11 determines that there is notification information to be displayed. Specifically, if information indicating within the period is stored, the CPU 11 determines that the notification information to be displayed is trial mode information indicating that the trial mode is within its valid period. Also, if information indicating about to end is stored, the CPU 11 determines that the notification information to be displayed is about to end information indicating that the valid period of the trial mode is about to expire. About to end information is an example of about to expire information.

Also, if the situation requires notification of consumable information, which is warning information related to consumables installed in MFP1, such as when the remaining amount of colorant is low, when paper is not set in the paper feed tray, or when a consumable part such as a photosensitive drum is nearing the end of its usable life, CPU 11 determines that there is notification information to be displayed. In addition, the notification information to be displayed also includes process in progress information indicating that a specific process is being performed that is not related to a function, such as a process to enter a low power consumption mode or a process to detect the size of a set document. In S201, CPU 11 determines whether there is one or more pieces of notification information.

When it is determined that there is notification information to be displayed (S201: YES), the CPU 11 determines the notification text of the notification information to be displayed (S202). In this embodiment, the MFP 1 cannot display two or more pieces of notification information at the same time due to limitations on the size of the notification area 503, so the priority of each piece of notification information is set in advance. In S202, the CPU 11. If there is multiple pieces of notification information to be displayed, it selects the notification information with the highest priority and determines the notification text corresponding to that notification information as the first item to be displayed.

Specifically, the priority of each piece of notification information is, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, in descending order: Ending soon information > Consumables information > Trial mode information > Processing in progress information. For example, if the notification information includes ending soon information, the CPU 11 determines the notification text to be "Trial end soon" since ending soon information has the highest priority. When the trial mode is about to end, the job can be continued, but there is a possibility that additional functions will soon become unavailable. In this embodiment, the MFP 1 notifies ending soon information as a higher priority than consumables information, and can encourage the user to consider purchasing additional functions.

For example, if the notification information does not include information about the end of the cycle, but does include consumable information, the CPU 11 determines the notification text to be "Consumables." Although a shortage or deterioration of consumables allows the job to continue, it may affect image quality, so it is desirable to have the user replenish or replace the consumables, as this is a higher priority than trial mode information. Consumables information is an example of high priority information, and "consumables" is an example of second text.

For example, if the notification information does not include end-of-day information or consumables information, but does include trial mode information, the CPU 11 determines the notification text to be "trial in progress." "Trial in progress" is an example of the first text, and a state in which the notification information includes information with a higher priority than trial mode information is an example of a state in which high priority information should be displayed.

Then, the CPU 11 displays the home screen 50 including the function icon determined in S105 of the screen display process and the notification text determined in S202 on the entire surface of the touch panel 131 of the user IF 13 (S204). S204 is an example of the display process. For example, if information indicating that the process is about to end is stored as status information, the CPU 11 displays the home screen 50 including notification text 701 indicating that the process is about to end in the notification area 503, as shown in FIG. 12(A). The CPU 11 then sets the notification area 503 as a button area that can receive operations.

The CPU 11 determines whether an operation has been accepted on either the function icon being displayed in the function icon area 501 or the setting icon being displayed in the setting icon area 502 on the currently displayed home screen 50 (S211). If it is determined that an operation on an icon has not been accepted (S211: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether an operation on the notification area 503 has been accepted (S212). If it is determined that an operation on the notification area 503 has also not been accepted (S212: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether one minute has passed since the start of displaying the home screen 50 (S213). If it is determined that one minute has not passed (S213: NO), the CPU 11 waits until either an operation is accepted or one minute has passed. One minute is an example of a certain period of time.

When it is determined that an operation on the notification area 503 has been accepted (S212: YES), the CPU 11 causes a detailed notification screen including detailed information on the notification being displayed in the notification area 503 to be displayed on the entire surface of the touch panel 131 (S215). The detailed notification screen includes an OK button. For example, when the home screen 50 shown in FIG. 12(A) is displayed in S204 and an operation on the displayed notification area 503 is accepted, the CPU 11 causes an end soon screen 71 including information on the trial end date as shown in FIG. 12(B) to be displayed as the detailed notification screen in S215. The end soon screen 71 includes an OK button 711.

The CPU 11 determines whether an operation to the OK button or the stop key 134 in the detailed notification screen has been accepted, or whether one minute has passed since the detailed notification screen was displayed (S216). If it determines that no operation has been accepted and one minute has not passed (S216: NO), the CPU 11 waits until one of these occurs. If it determines that an operation has been accepted or that one minute has passed (S216: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether there is other notification information (S218). If it determines that one minute has passed since the home screen 50 was displayed in S204 (S213: YES), the CPU 11 also proceeds to S218.

If it is determined that there is other notification information (S218: YES), the CPU 11 determines the notification text corresponding to the next notification information (S219). If there is multiple notification information to be displayed, the CPU 11 determines the notification text to be displayed next based on the priority order. The CPU 11 then returns to S204, and displays the home screen 50 including the notification text determined in S219 in the notification area 503 on the entire surface of the touch panel 131. In other words, the CPU 11 hides the home screen 50 previously displayed in S204 or the detailed notification screen displayed in S215, and displays a new home screen 50 including the next notification text.

For example, if the notification information includes consumable information and trial mode information, the CPU 11 first displays the home screen 50 including notification text in the notification area 503 notifying the user of the consumable information, and after one minute has elapsed, displays the home screen 50 including notification text in the notification area 503 notifying the user of the trial mode information. Note that in step S204 from the second time onwards, the CPU 11 may change only the display in the notification area 503 instead of redisplaying the entire home screen 50.

When notifying the trial mode information, the CPU 11 displays the home screen 50 including notification text 801 within the period, for example, as shown in FIG. 13(A) in S204. When an operation to the notification area 503 is accepted in FIG. 13(A), the CPU 11 displays a detailed notification screen 81 within the period, including information indicating that the trial mode is in progress, as shown in FIG. 13(B) in S215. The within the period screen 81 includes an OK button 811. Information regarding the end date of the trial mode may also be displayed on the within the period screen 81.

The notification information having a higher priority than the trial mode information is not limited to consumable information, and there may be multiple notification information. If there is multiple notification information having a higher priority than the trial mode information, the CPU 11 displays the notification information in order of priority before the trial mode information according to the priority. Specifically, the CPU 11 sets the highest priority information as notification text in S202, displays the home screen 50 in S204, and then, if the conditions of S213 or S216 are satisfied, sets the next highest priority information as notification text in S219 and executes S204 again.

Even after displaying one or more pieces of high priority notification information, if there is further notification information that has a higher priority than the trial mode information and has not been displayed, this is an example of a state in which the MFP 1 should display high priority information. After displaying all notification information that has a higher priority than the trial mode information, the MFP 1 is an example of a state in which the high priority information should not be displayed. When the notification information includes trial mode information, after displaying all notification information that has a higher priority than the trial mode information, the CPU 11 displays the trial mode information as notification text in S202 and displays the home screen 50 shown in FIG. 13 (A) in S204.

When it is determined that all notification information to be displayed has been displayed and there is no other notification information (S218: NO), or when it is determined that there is no notification information to be displayed at all (S201: NO), the CPU 11 decides to notify the date and time information in the notification area 503 (S221). Then, the CPU 11 causes the user IF 13 to display the home screen 50 (see FIG. 4) including the date and time information in the notification area 503 (S222).

Then, the CPU 11 determines whether an operation on a function icon or a setting icon has been accepted on the displayed home screen 50 (S223). If it is determined that an operation on an icon has not been accepted (S223: NO), the CPU 11 maintains the display of the home screen 50. Note that if no operation is accepted for a predetermined period of time or more after the home screen 50 is displayed, the MFP 1 may hide the screen and enter a low power consumption mode.

When it is determined that an operation on a function icon or a setting icon has been accepted on the displayed home screen 50 (S211: YES or S223: YES), the CPU 11 executes post-operation processing. The post-operation processing is processing for changing the display according to the icon for which the operation has been accepted, and accepting further operation from the user. The procedure for the post-operation processing will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 14.

In the post-operation process, the CPU 11 determines whether the icon for which the operation has been accepted is a function icon or a settings icon (S301). If it is determined that the icon is a function icon (S301: function icon), the CPU 11 displays a settings screen for accepting settings for the function of the accepted function icon on the entire surface of the touch panel 131 (S311), and accepts various setting instructions. The CPU 11 then determines whether an instruction to execute the function has been accepted (S312).

If it is determined that an instruction to execute a function has not been received (S312: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether operation of the Stop key 134 has been received (S313). If it is determined that operation of the Stop key 134 has not been received (S313: NO), the CPU 11 continues to display the setting screen and accepts various setting and execution instructions.

When it is determined that an instruction to execute a function has been received (S312: YES), the CPU 11 displays an execution screen including job information, which is information about the function being executed, on the entire surface of the touch panel 131 (S315). The CPU 11 then determines whether the job has ended (S316). When it is determined that the job has not ended (S316: NO), the CPU 11 continues to display the execution screen until the job ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the accepted icon is a setting icon (S301: setting icon), the CPU 11 displays a menu screen that accepts the selection of an item to be set or displayed on the entire surface of the touch panel 131, corresponding to the operated setting icon (S321). The CPU 11 determines whether or not a user selection operation has been accepted on the displayed menu screen (S322). If it is determined that a user selection operation has not been accepted (S322: NO), the CPU 11 continues to display the menu screen. If it is determined that a user selection operation has been accepted (S322: YES), the CPU 11 displays a details screen showing detailed information about the selected item on the user IF 13 (S323).

For example, when an operation on the all settings icon 90 is accepted on the home screen 50 shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 11 displays a detailed settings screen 91 as shown in FIG. 15(A) on the entire surface of the touch panel 131. The detailed settings screen 91 includes a various settings button 911. When an operation on the various settings button 911 is accepted, the CPU 11 displays a various settings screen 92 as a menu with multiple options on the entire surface of the touch panel 131 as shown in FIG. 15(B). When trial mode status information is stored in the memory 12, the various settings screen 92 includes a trial mode button 921. By including the trial mode button 921 in the options of the various settings screen 92, the user can know that the various settings screen 92 is in trial mode when viewing the various settings screen 92. On the other hand, when trial mode status information is not stored, the various settings screen 92 does not include the trial mode button 921.

When an operation is received on the trial mode button 921 on the various settings screen 92 shown in FIG. 15(B), the CPU 11 displays a details screen including information on whether the trial mode is in or out of the period based on the trial mode status information on the entire surface of the touch panel 131. If the period is in progress, a period screen 93 is displayed as shown in FIG. 15(C). Note that if the status information indicates that the period is about to end, the CPU 11 determines that the period is in progress.

The within period screen 93 includes, for example, period information indicating the valid period of the trial mode, and includes a status display button 931 and a trial cancel button 932. The status display button 931 is a button that accepts an instruction to display trial mode status information including information such as the trial mode period information. The trial cancel button 932 is a button that accepts an instruction to end the trial mode even if it is within the valid period. Note that the within period screen 93 does not need to include period information. By displaying period information on the within period screen 93 or in the trial mode status information, the user can not only know that the trial mode is set, but also know the valid period of the trial mode.

On the other hand, if the status information indicates that the period is over, the CPU 11 displays an out-of-period screen 94 on the entire surface of the touch panel 131, as shown in FIG. 15(D). The out-of-period screen 94 includes a status display button 941. When an operation on the status display button 941 on the out-of-period screen 94 shown in FIG. 15(D) is accepted, the MFP 1 displays the end notification screen 51 shown in FIG. 7, and accepts an instruction to restart via the restart button 511.

When an operation on the trial cancel button 932 on the within period screen 93 shown in FIG. 15 (C) is accepted, the CPU 11 displays a confirmation screen 95 on the entire surface of the touch panel 131, as shown in FIG. 15 (E). The confirmation screen 95 includes text confirming the end of the trial mode, a "Yes" button 951, and a "No" button 952. The "Yes" button 951 is a button that accepts an instruction to end the trial mode and restart the MFP 1. The "No" button 952 is a button that accepts an instruction to return to the previous screen, the within period screen 93, without ending the trial mode.

When the "Yes" button 951 is operated, the MFP1 executes the procedure for ending the trial mode shown in C13 to C16 in FIG. 6 and restarts. By accepting an instruction to end the trial mode, it is possible to operate the trial mode with a higher degree of freedom.

When the MFP 1 is restarted by accepting an operation on the "Yes" button 951 in the confirmation screen 95 or the restart button 511 in the end notification screen 51, and an operation on the all settings icon 90 is accepted on the home screen 50 displayed after the restart, the MFP 1 also displays the detailed settings screen 91 shown in FIG. 15(A). However, since the status information has been deleted by the procedure for ending the trial mode, the various settings screen 92 displayed when an operation on the various settings button 911 is accepted on the detailed settings screen 91 after the restart does not include the trial mode button 921.

Returning to the explanation of the post-operation process, after displaying the details screen in S323, the CPU 11 judges whether or not operation of the cancel key 134 has been accepted (S324). If it is judged that operation has not been accepted (S324: NO), the CPU 11 continues to display the details screen. Note that if the CPU 11 accepts operation of the back key 132 while each screen is being displayed, the CPU 11 may return to the previous screen.

If it is determined that the job being executed has ended (S316: YES), or if it is determined that an operation of the stop key 134 has been accepted (S313: YES or S324: YES), the CPU 11 ends the post-operation process and returns to the notification process.

Returning to the explanation of the notification process, the CPU 11 determines whether the end condition for the post-operation process is the end of job execution (S232). If it is determined that the end of job execution is not the end of job execution (S232: NO), the CPU 11 returns to S221 and causes the home screen 50 including the date and time notification to be displayed on the user IF 13. Even if an operation on a function icon is accepted and the setting screen is displayed, if the display of the setting screen is cancelled without accepting an instruction to execute a job, notification information is not displayed.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the job has been completed (S232: YES), the CPU 11 ends the notification process and returns to the screen display process. In the screen display process, as shown in FIG. 9, after the notification process of S112, the CPU 11 returns to S101 and determines whether or not an error state exists. If the error state does not exist and the trial period is not over or the period is unknown, the CPU 11 executes the notification process again and notifies information about the trial mode.

Since it is expected that the user will be near the MFP 1 after the job is executed, displaying information about the trial mode on the home screen 50 that is displayed after the job execution is completed makes it easier to notify the user that the MFP 1 is in the trial mode. On the other hand, if the user returns to displaying the home screen 50 without executing a job, this means that the home screen 50 has already been displayed once, and in order to reduce the annoyance of displaying it too frequently, the MFP 1 does not display the trial mode information.

Returning to the explanation of the screen display process, if it is determined that either status information indicating that the trial mode is out of period or period unknown information is stored (S111: YES), the CPU 11 displays a warning screen on the entire surface of the touch panel 131 based on the status information (S115). Specifically, the CPU 11 displays the end notification screen 51 shown in FIG. 7 or the connection impossible screen 52 shown in FIG. 8.

Then, the CPU 11 determines whether or not a restart instruction by operating the restart button 511 in the end notification screen 51, or a retry instruction by operating the retry button 521 in the connection failure screen 52 has been accepted (S116). If it is determined that an operation on a displayed button has not been accepted (S116: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether an operation on the Stop key 134 has been accepted (S117). If it is determined that an operation on the Stop key 134 has not been accepted (S117: NO), the end notification screen 51 or the connection failure screen 52 continues to be displayed until an operation on either the respective button or the Stop key 134 is accepted.

If it is determined that an operation on a displayed button has been accepted (S116: YES), the CPU 11 executes a restart or a retry as the process corresponding to the operated button (S118), and ends the screen display process. If it is determined that an instruction to restart has been accepted on the end notification screen 51, the CPU 11 starts a process for ending the trial (C13 to C17 in FIG. 6). Also, if an instruction to retry has been accepted on the connection impossible screen 52, the CPU 11 retries the network connection.

When it is determined that an operation on the cancel key 134 has been received (S117: YES), the CPU 11 determines the notification text to be displayed in the notification area 503 (S121). The notification text to be displayed is text indicating that the current status is outside the trial mode period or that the period is unknown, and may be, for example, the same text as the title of the end notification screen 51 or the connection impossible screen 52. The text indicating the period is unknown is an example of unknown information. Then, the CPU 11 displays the home screen 50 including the function icon determined in S105 and the notification text determined in S121 on the entire surface of the touch panel 131 (S122). The CPU 11 sets the notification area 503 as a button area that can receive operations.

In other words, if the CPU 11 receives an operation on the stop key 134 while the end notification screen 51 or the connection impossible screen 52 is displayed, the CPU 11 temporarily hides these screens and displays the home screen. In this case, however, the CPU 11 displays a home screen including notification text that is the same as the title of the end notification screen 51 or the connection impossible screen 52, for example. A state in which unknown period information is stored in the memory 12 is a state in which there is notification information indicating an unknown period, and is an example of a state in which unknown information should be displayed. In this embodiment, when the trial mode is outside of its valid period or the period is unknown, the MFP 1 does not display high priority information such as consumable information even if that information is available, and instead displays information about the outside period or unknown period in the notification area 503.

The CPU 11 further determines whether an operation on a function icon or a settings icon has been accepted on the displayed home screen 50 (S125). If it determines that an operation on an icon has not been accepted (S125: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether an operation on the notification area 503 has been accepted (S126). If it determines that an operation on the notification area 503 has also not been accepted (S126: NO), the CPU 11 continues to display the home screen 50.

When it is determined that an operation on the icon has been accepted (S125: YES), the CPU 11 executes the post-operation process described above (S127). After the post-operation process is completed, or when it is determined that an operation on the notification area 503 has been accepted (S126: YES), the CPU 11 returns to S115 and displays the warning screen again. In other words, unlike the notification process, when it is outside the trial mode period or the period is unknown, the CPU 11 does not change the notification information displayed in the notification area 503 even after a time such as one minute has passed, and continues to notify information about the period outside the trial mode period or the unknown period.

So far, we have described an MFP 1 capable of displaying a home screen including a notification area 503 that displays text, but some devices have a small touch panel 131 size and are unable to display notifications in text. Examples of home screens displayed on such devices are shown in Figures 16 and 17. Home screen 110 shown in Figure 16(A) and home screen 120 shown in Figure 17 include function icons 111, 121 that accept settings or display instructions related to each function, and setting icons 112, 122 that accept settings or display instructions for information unrelated to the function, and do not include a notification area that displays text.

The home screen 110 shown in FIG. 16(A) further includes a notification icon 113 indicating that there is notification information. The area in which the notification icon 113 is displayed is an example of a notification area. The notification icon 113 is an area that can accept user operations, and notifies only the presence or absence of notification information. When a device that displays this home screen 110 accepts an operation on the notification icon 113, it displays a notification screen 115 including a list of notification information, as shown in FIG. 16(B). For example, if trial mode status information is stored, the notification information displayed on the notification screen 115 also includes information regarding the trial mode.

On the other hand, the home screen 120 shown in FIG. 17 includes one notification image instead of an icon. Specifically, the home screen 120 shown in FIG. 17(A) includes a notification image 123, and the home screen 120 shown in FIG. 17(B) includes a notification image 124. The area in which the notification images 123 and 124 are displayed is an example of a notification area. The notification images 123 and 124 are areas that do not accept user operations, and are various images such as marks that indicate the contents of the notification information. The device that displays the home screen 120 displays one of the notification images of the notification target according to the notification information of the notification target.

In this device, when trial mode status information is stored but there is no consumable information to be notified, a home screen 120 including a notification image 123 indicating that the device is in trial mode is displayed as shown in FIG. 17(A). On the other hand, even if trial mode status information is stored, if there is consumable information to be notified, a notification image 124 indicating that there is consumable information is displayed as shown in FIG. 17(B). Then, for example, after one minute has elapsed, notification image 124 on home screen 120 is changed to notification image 123. In other words, when there is multiple pieces of information to be notified, notification images corresponding to each piece of notification information are displayed in order based on the priority order.

In this device, if the notification subject is notification information with a higher priority than trial mode information, the notification information with the higher priority should be displayed, and a notification image for the trial mode is not displayed, but a notification image for the high priority notification information is displayed. The process of displaying home screen 120 is an example of a display process. Notification image 123 on home screen 120 is an example of a first notification image, and notification image 124 is an example of a second notification image. When there is little information that can be displayed in the notification area, a notification image corresponding to each notification information is displayed in the notification area, so that the user can know whether or not there is notification information related to the trial mode, even without text display.

As described above in detail, the MFP 1 of this embodiment displays the home screen 50 including the notification information of the notification target in the notification area 503. Then, if the trial mode is valid and the MFP 1 is not in a state where high priority information such as consumable information should be displayed, the MFP 1 displays the trial mode information in the notification area 503. This allows the user to know that the trial mode is set in the MFP 1 and that additional functions are temporarily available. On the other hand, if high priority information should be displayed, that information is displayed in the notification area 503 and the trial mode information is not displayed. This prevents the trial mode information from interfering with the notification of high priority information, and the user can know the high priority information even if the trial mode is valid.

Moreover, since the MFP1 of this embodiment displays only one piece of notification information in the notification area 503, the notification area 503 does not become cluttered, and the information to be notified to the user is easily conveyed. Furthermore, if high priority information is in a state where it should be displayed, that information is displayed, and if the state where high priority information should not be displayed is no longer in a state where it should be displayed, trial mode information is displayed if the trial mode is still valid. In particular, the MFP1 of this embodiment automatically switches to trial mode information after one minute has elapsed since displaying high priority information, or when an instruction to stop displaying high priority information is received, so that it is possible to notify the user that the trial mode has been set without simultaneously displaying trial mode information and high priority information.

If the validity period of the trial mode is unknown, the MFP 1 displays a connection-prohibited screen 52, so that the user can understand that the validity period of the trial mode is unknown. Also, information about trial modes that are outside their validity period or whose validity period is unknown is displayed in preference to high-priority information, so that the user can easily understand the situation.

Note that this embodiment is merely an example and does not limit the present invention in any way. Therefore, the technology disclosed in this specification can be naturally improved and modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the technology. For example, examples of image processing devices are not limited to MFPs, but can be printers, scanners, FAX devices, computer sewing machines, etc., as long as they have an image processing unit that forms images or image data and a function for connecting to the Internet 200.

The display modes of the various screens illustrated in this embodiment are all merely examples, and the arrangement of the areas in each screen and the displayed text are not limited to these modes. For example, the notification area 503 is one line of text and can display only one piece of notification information, but it may be capable of displaying multiple lines. In that case, the MFP 1 may display one piece of notification information in multiple lines, or may display multiple pieces of notification information, for example, with the highest priority information at the top.

In addition, for example, although the error information is described as being displayed on the entire surface of the touch panel 131, it does not have to be displayed on the entire surface. For example, the error information may be displayed in the notification area 503 with higher priority than the consumables information. Also, for example, it is not necessary to notify that the end is approaching or that a connection cannot be made. In this case, the response information sent from the server 3 may be either in-period information or out-of-period information.

In addition, in this embodiment, the period information is not displayed in the notification area 503 of the home screen 50, but it may be displayed. However, if the period information is displayed on the home screen 50, the user may easily confuse it with the current time, which may lead to confusion, so it is preferable to display it on the expiry soon screen 71 or the period within screen 81. Furthermore, the period information may, for example, indicate the date and time of expiration, or the time remaining until the expiration.

Also, for example, the timing for displaying the home screen 50 is not limited to the example. For example, it may be displayed when the user's approach is detected, or it may be displayed periodically. Also, although it was described that notification information is not displayed when returning from the settings screen to the home screen 50, it may be displayed. Also, in this embodiment, when an operation on the all settings icon 90 is accepted, a detailed settings screen 91 including the various settings button 911 is displayed, and when an operation on the various settings button 911 is accepted, a various settings screen 92 including a trial mode button 921 is displayed, but trial mode information may be included in the detailed settings screen 91, or the trial mode information may be included in a screen displayed after a further selection operation is accepted on the various settings screen 92.

Also, for example, the validity period may be stored in the MFP 1, and the MFP 1 may manage the validity period. However, by having the server 3 manage the validity period, it is highly likely that the management will be appropriate. Also, in this embodiment, the trial mode is not automatically ended even if there is an abnormality in communication with the server 3, but the trial mode may be forcibly ended if response information cannot be obtained a predetermined number of times in succession. In this case, it is advisable to notify the end of the trial mode even after it has ended.

When an instruction to enable an additional function is received, it may be determined whether or not the trial mode period is in progress. If all additional functions are enabled within the trial mode period, the trial mode may be terminated. For example, if the response information to a confirmation command to confirm the validity period of the trial mode is outside the validity period, the activation status of the additional functions may be confirmed, and if all additional functions are enabled, the trial mode may be terminated without notification. In this embodiment, the MFP 1 has multiple additional functions that can be enabled individually, but there may be only one additional function. In addition, although all additional functions can be tried in the trial mode, a trial may be accepted for each function.

In addition, in this embodiment, the trial switch 28 is provided separately from the function switches 25 to 27, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the states of the function switches 25 to 27 may include a trial mode state in addition to off and on. When the trial mode is started, the MFP 1 may switch all of the function switches 25 to 27 that are not on to a trial mode state. After the trial mode is ended, instead of changing the state of the trial switch 28 to "executed", the MFP 1 may erase the trial switch 28. Information on the completion of the trial mode may be stored by the server 3.

In addition, for example, in this embodiment, the additional functions are installed in the MFP 1 as function programs 22 to 24 at the time of shipment from the factory, but there may be functions that can be installed after shipment from the factory. For example, the MFP 1 may be able to install new additional functions by updating the firmware. Since the timing of the firmware update is unrelated to the validity period of the trial mode, for example, it is possible that a new additional function will be installed during the validity period of the trial mode. When the firmware update makes it possible to try out a new additional function, the MFP 1 accepts an instruction to try it with the setting information used by that function in an initialized state. However, the MFP 1 does not transmit firmware update information to the server 3, and the validity period of the trial mode is not changed.

In addition, in any sequence diagram disclosed in the embodiments, the execution order of multiple processes in any multiple steps can be arbitrarily changed or can be executed in parallel as long as no inconsistencies occur in the process content.

The processes disclosed in the embodiments may be executed by a single CPU, multiple CPUs, hardware such as an ASIC, or a combination of these. The processes disclosed in the embodiments may be realized in various ways, such as a recording medium on which a program for executing the processes is recorded, or a method.

1. MFP
11 CPU
12 Memory 13 User IF
15 Print engine 16 Scanner

Claims (15)

An image processing unit;
A user interface;
Memory,
A computer,
An image processing device comprising:
the image processing device has a plurality of functions including a special function, the memory stores function information indicating whether the special function is to be enabled or disabled, and the function information indicates that the special function is disabled at the time of shipment of the image processing device from a factory;
The computer includes:
when receiving an enable instruction to enable the special function, the function information stored in the memory is changed to information indicating that the special function is enabled, thereby making the special function available;
The computer further comprises:
When a start instruction to start a trial mode is received, a start process to start the trial mode is executed, so that even if the function information indicates that the special function is disabled, the special function is made available within a valid period of the trial mode, and after the trial mode is started, the trial mode is terminated based on the fact that the valid period of the trial mode has expired.
The computer further comprises:
a standby screen can be displayed on the user interface, the standby screen includes an operator corresponding to an instruction to display settings or information related to each function, and a notification area for displaying notification information, the notification information includes a plurality of types, the plurality of types of notification information includes trial mode information indicating that the trial mode is within a valid period, and a display priority is set for each piece of notification information;
The computer further comprises:
a display process is executed to display the notification information in the notification area, and in the display process, if the state of the image processing device is not in a state where high priority information, which is the notification information having a higher priority than the trial mode information, should be displayed at a first timing during a valid period of the trial mode, the trial mode information is displayed in the notification area, and if the state of the image processing device is in a state where the high priority information should be displayed, the high priority information is displayed in the notification area and the trial mode information is not displayed in the notification area.
13. An image processing device comprising: 2. The image processing device according to claim 1,
The computer includes:
if, during a valid period of the trial mode, the function information is changed to information indicating that the special function is valid by accepting the enable instruction, and the special function is enabled, the special function remains enabled even after the trial mode ends, making the special function available.
13. An image processing device comprising: 3. The image processing device according to claim 1,
The computer includes:
In the display process, when there are a plurality of pieces of notification information that should be displayed, one of the plurality of pieces of notification information that should be displayed is displayed in the notification area, and the plurality of pieces of notification information are not displayed simultaneously.
13. An image processing device comprising: 4. The image processing device according to claim 3,
The computer includes:
In the display process, if the state of the image processing device is such that the high priority information should be displayed at the first timing during a valid period of the trial mode, the high priority information is displayed in the notification area, and thereafter, when the state of the image processing device is no longer such that the high priority information should be displayed, if the trial mode is still within a valid period, the trial mode information is displayed in the notification area.
13. An image processing device comprising: 5. The image processing device according to claim 1,
The computer includes:
In the display process, consumable information, which is information about consumables installed in the image processing device, is displayed in the notification area as the high priority information.
13. An image processing device comprising: 6. The image processing device according to claim 1,
The computer includes:
in the display process, if the state of the image processing device is such that the high priority information should be displayed at the first timing during a valid period of the trial mode, the high priority information is displayed in the notification area, and after a certain period of time has elapsed, the display in the notification area is switched to the trial mode information.
13. An image processing device comprising: 6. The image processing device according to claim 1,
The computer includes:
A notification screen different from the standby screen can be displayed on the user interface;
The computer further comprises:
When the state of the image processing device is such that error information, which is information regarding an error state in which the image processing device is unable to execute a function using the image processing unit due to the occurrence of the error information, is to be displayed, an error display process is executed to display the notification screen including the error information;
The computer further comprises:
executing the display process such that, if the state of the image processing device is not a state in which the error information should be displayed, at the first timing during a valid period of the trial mode, if the state of the image processing device is not a state in which the high priority information should be displayed, the trial mode information is displayed in the notification area, and if the state of the image processing device is a state in which the high priority information should be displayed, the high priority information is displayed in the notification area and the trial mode information is not displayed in the notification area;
13. An image processing device comprising: 8. The image processing device according to claim 7,
The computer includes:
In the display process, if the state of the image processing device is such that the high priority information should be displayed at the first timing during a valid period of the trial mode, the high priority information is displayed in the notification area, and after a certain period of time has elapsed, the display in the notification area is switched to the trial mode information; and in the error display process, after the notification screen is displayed, the display of the notification screen is continued even if the certain period of time has elapsed.
13. An image processing device comprising: 9. The image processing device according to claim 1,
The computer includes:
when detecting that the remaining validity period of the trial mode is shorter than a threshold, expiration information indicating that the remaining validity period of the trial mode is short can be displayed in the notification area as the notification information,
The computer further comprises:
In the display process, at the first timing during a valid period of the trial mode, if the state of the image processing device is not in a state where the high priority information should be displayed and not in a state where the expiration soon information should be displayed, the trial mode information is displayed in the notification area; if the state of the image processing device is in a state where the expiration soon information should be displayed, the expiration soon information is displayed in the notification area and the trial mode information is not displayed in the notification area; if the state of the image processing device is not in a state where the expiration soon information should be displayed and not in a state where the high priority information should be displayed, the high priority information is displayed in the notification area and the trial mode information is not displayed in the notification area.
13. An image processing device comprising: 9. The image processing device according to claim 1,
The computer includes:
At a second timing after the validity period of the trial mode has expired, the trial mode is terminated;
The computer further comprises:
executing an end display process for displaying end information indicating an end of the trial mode on the user interface at a third timing after the valid period of the trial mode has expired and before the second timing is reached;
13. An image processing device comprising: 9. The image processing device according to claim 1,
The computer includes:
the notification area may display, as the notification information, unknown information indicating that the validity period of the trial mode is unknown;
The computer further comprises:
In the display process, at the first timing during a valid period of the trial mode, if the state of the image processing device is not in a state where the high priority information should be displayed and not in a state where the unknown information should be displayed, the trial mode information is displayed in the notification area; if the state of the image processing device is in a state where the unknown information should be displayed, the unknown information is displayed in the notification area and the trial mode information is not displayed in the notification area; if the state of the image processing device is not in a state where the unknown information should be displayed and not in a state where the high priority information should be displayed, the high priority information is displayed in the notification area and the trial mode information is not displayed in the notification area.
13. An image processing device comprising: 12. The image processing device according to claim 1,
The computer includes:
The information indicating that a predetermined process not depending on the special function is being executed can be displayed in the notification area as the notification information,
The computer further comprises:
In the display process, when the state of the image processing device is such that the processing in progress information should be displayed, if the state of the image processing device is not such that the high priority information should be displayed, and if the state of the image processing device is not such that the trial mode information should be displayed, the processing in progress information is displayed in the notification area as the notification information;
The computer further comprises:
in the display process, if the state of the image processing device is not in a state where the high priority information should be displayed at the first timing during a valid period of the trial mode, the trial mode information is displayed in the notification area, and thereafter, if the state of the image processing device is in a state where the processing in progress information should be displayed after a certain period of time has elapsed, the display in the notification area is switched to the processing in progress information.
13. An image processing device comprising: 13. The image processing device according to claim 1,
The computer includes:
The standby screen, in which text corresponding to the notification information is displayed in the notification area, can be displayed on the user interface;
The computer further comprises:
in the display process, if the state of the image processing device is not in a state where the high priority information should be displayed at the first timing during a valid period of the trial mode, a first text corresponding to the trial mode information is displayed in the notification area, and if the state of the image processing device is in a state where the high priority information should be displayed, a second text corresponding to the high priority information is displayed in the notification area and the first text is not displayed in the notification area.
13. An image processing device comprising: 14. The image processing device according to claim 13,
The computer includes:
the operators corresponding to each function are arranged in the lengthwise direction of the standby screen, the area in which the operators are arranged is scrollable in the lengthwise direction of the standby screen, the lengthwise and short-side directions of the notification area are the same as the lengthwise and short-side directions of the standby screen, and the ratio of the lengthwise length of the notification area to the short-side length is greater than the ratio of the lengthwise length of the standby screen to the short-side length, the standby screen can be displayed on the user interface;
The computer further comprises:
In the display process, the notification information is displayed in the notification area as a line of text with characters arranged in the longitudinal direction.
13. An image processing device comprising: 13. The image processing device according to claim 1,
The computer includes:
displaying a notification image corresponding to the content of the notification information in the notification area;
The computer further comprises:
in the display process, if the state of the image processing device is not in a state where the high priority information should be displayed at the first timing during a valid period of the trial mode, a first notification image which is the notification image corresponding to the trial mode information is displayed in the notification area, and if the state of the image processing device is in a state where the high priority information should be displayed, a second notification image which is the notification image corresponding to the high priority information is displayed in the notification area and the first notification image is not displayed in the notification area.
13. An image processing device comprising:

Images