Electronic device having user searchable settings items, search method for obtaining setting items, and computer program product therefor

An electronic device includes a processor configured to perform: obtaining identification information of another electronic device; receiving an entered keyword that is a keyword entered by the user; searching including conducting a search to identify a standard keyword that is a keyword contained in an item name of a setting item of the other electronic device corresponding to the identification information, based on the keyword and first dictionary information related to the other electronic device, and conducting a search to identify a standard keyword of the electronic device based on the identified standard keyword of the other electronic device and a second dictionary information related to the electronic device; and presenting the user with a setting item of the electronic device containing the standard keyword of the electronic device identified at the searching.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-051812, filed on Mar. 19, 2018. The contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure is related to an electronic device, a search method, and a computer program product.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventionally, when configuring a setting into an electronic device (e.g., a multifunction peripheral), a user needs, at first, to arrange a desired one of a plurality of setting items to be displayed on a screen. A technique is known by which, to enable the user to arrange the desired setting item to be displayed on the screen in a short period of time in that situation, the user is prompted to enter a keyword so that, by using the entered keyword, a search is conducted in dictionary data in which a standard word contained in the item name of a setting item and a plurality of keywords are associated with one another and so that the setting item containing the searched standard word is displayed on the screen.

In that situation, by entering the keyword (a synonym) registered in the dictionary data, the user is able to arrange the desired setting item to be displayed on the screen, without the need to enter a keyword that completely matches the standard word. This function is generally called an ambiguous search. For example, among various types of multifunction peripherals, mutually-different standard words (e.g., facsimile, faxing, and fax) may be used for the same setting item. For this reason, it is effective to enable ambiguous searches when an electronic device is replaced with another type of electronic device.

However, for example, when an ambiguous search using the conventional method is conducted on an electronic device that is available in a large number of types, there is a possibility that responsiveness may be lowered due to an extremely huge amount of dictionary data or that the search may not find the desired setting item because one keyword is associated with a plurality of setting items. Accordingly, there is room for improvement in terms of convenience.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, an electronic device has a plurality of setting items to be configured by a user. The electronic device includes a processor configured to perform: referring to first dictionary information that is related to another electronic device different from the electronic device and in which a standard keyword that is a keyword contained in an item name of a setting item of the other electronic device and one or more keywords are associated with one another, and second dictionary information that is related to the electronic device and in which a standard keyword of the electronic device, one or more keywords, and the standard keyword of the other electronic device are associated with one another; obtaining identification information of the other electronic device; receiving an entered keyword that is a keyword entered by the user; searching including conducting a search to identify the standard keyword of the other electronic device based on the entered keyword and the first dictionary information related to the other electronic device corresponding to the identification information obtained at the obtaining, and conducting a search to identify the standard keyword of the electronic device based on the identified standard keyword of the other electronic device and the second dictionary information; and presenting the user with a setting item of the electronic device, the setting item containing the standard keyword of the electronic device identified at the searching.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

An embodiment has an object to provide an electronic device, a search method, and a computer program product capable of improving convenience in relation to ambiguous searches.

Exemplary embodiments of an electronic device, a search method, and a computer program of the present disclosure will be explained in detail below, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1is configuration diagram illustrating an external appearance of a Multifunction Peripheral (MFP)1according to an embodiment. The MFP1is an example of the electronic device. The MFP1has at least two functions selected from among various types of functions such as a copy function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, a printer function, and the like.

The MFP1illustrated inFIG. 1includes a main body10and an operational device20. The main body10includes a scanner unit10-1that scans an original document and an image forming unit10-2that forms an image on a recording medium such as paper. The main body10provides services such as copying, scanning, and/or the like.

The operational device20includes an operation panel27and receives an operation from a user. The operational device20has pre-installed therein various types of applications that allow a user to use the services offered by the main body10.

FIG. 2is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the MFP1according to the present embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 2, the main body10and the operational device20are connected to each other via a communication path300. The communication path300is a wired or wireless communication path. In the following sections, a hardware configuration of the main body10will be explained first, before a hardware configuration of the operational device20is explained.

As illustrated inFIG. 2, the main body10includes a Central Processing Unit (CPU)11, a Read-Only Memory (ROM)12, a Random Access Memory (RAM)13, a Hard Disk Drive (HDD)14, a communication interface (I/F)15, a connection I/F16, a reading unit17, and a printing unit18. These elements are connected to one another via a system bus19.

The CPU11controls operations of the main body10in an integrated manner. The CPU11controls the operations of the entirety of the main body10in the integrated manner, by executing a computer program (hereinafter “program”) stored in the ROM12, the HDD14, or the like, while using the RAM13as a work area (a working space).

The communication I/F15is an interface for Ethernet (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or the like, used for connecting to a network40, which is a Local Area Network (LAN), or the like.

The connection I/F16is an interface that communicates with the operational device20via the communication path300and is compliant with a Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard or the like.

The reading unit17is hardware that performs processes to realize the copy function, the scanner function, and the facsimile function. The reading unit17includes, for example, a scanner or the like that scans and reads an image of an original document.

The printing unit18is hardware that performs processes to realize the printer function. The printing unit18includes, for example, a plotter that prints on a medium, or the like. Further, the printing unit18may include hardware used for realizing specific options, such as a finisher that sorts out printed media, an Auto Document Feeder (ADF) that automatically feeds an original document, and the like.

Next, a hardware configuration of the operational device20will be explained. As illustrated inFIG. 2, the operational device20includes a CPU21, a ROM22, a RAM23, a flash memory24, a communication I/F25, a connection I/F26, the operation panel27, a memory card connection I/F28, and an external connection I/F29. These elements are connected to one another via a system bus30.

The CPU21controls operations of the operational device20in an integrated manner. The CPU21controls the entirety of the operational device20, by executing a program stored in either the ROM22or the flash memory24, while using the RAM23as a work area (a working space).

The communication I/F25is an interface that is for connecting to the network40and is compliant with a wireless LAN standard or the like.

The connection I/F26is an interface that communicates with the main body10via the communication path300and is compliant with a USB standard or the like.

The operation panel27receives various types of inputs corresponding to operations performed by the user and displays various types of information (e.g., a search screen, a setting screen, information about an operating status of the MFP1, and the like). The operation panel27is structured by using, for example, a liquid crystal display device, an organic Electro-Luminescence (EL) display device, or the like that has a touch-panel mechanism installed therein. Further, together with the operation panel27, one or more hardware keys (buttons), one or more lamps, and the like serving as user interfaces may be provided.

The memory card connection I/F28is an interface used for connecting to a memory card3configured by using a Secure Digital (SD) card or the like.

The external connection I/F29is an interface used for connecting to an Integrated Circuit (IC) card reader or the like.

FIG. 3is a functional diagram of the MFP1according to the present embodiment. As functional units that are realized as a result of the CPU21reading the program into the RAM23and executing the program, a processing unit51includes a referring unit511, an obtaining unit512, a receiving unit513, a searching unit514, and a presenting unit515. Further, a storage unit52is realized by the flash memory24or the HDD14, for example, and stores therein first dictionary information, second dictionary information, and the like. For example, the first dictionary information and the second dictionary information are forwarded to and stored into the flash memory24or the HDD14from the memory card3via the memory card connection I/F28. In this situation, at least one selected from between the first dictionary information and the second dictionary information may be managed in an apparatus (e.g., a server or the like) different from the MFP1.

Next, the first dictionary information, the second dictionary information, as well as third dictionary information will be explained, with reference toFIGS. 6, 7, and8. In the following sections, an example will be explained in which the user replaces a multifunction peripheral A (another multifunction peripheral) which he/she has been using and is familiar with, with a new multifunction peripheral (the MFP1). The multifunction peripherals A and B each have a plurality of setting items that can be configured by the user.

FIG. 6is a drawing illustrating the first dictionary information according to the present embodiment. The first dictionary information is dictionary information used in the multifunction peripheral A and is also used in the multifunction peripheral B. In association with “facsimile” serving as a standard word (i.e., a standard keyword, which is a keyword contained in the item name of a setting item; the same applies to the second dictionary information and the third dictionary information), the first dictionary information has registered therein “faxing” serving as a relating word (keyword)1and “fax” serving as a relating word2. Further, in association with “binding” serving as a standard word, the first dictionary information has registered therein “fastening” serving as a relating word1. In this situation, the relating words (the keywords) in the first dictionary information include, for example, at least one selected from between a keyword that partially matches the standard word; and a keyword that is associable with the standard word. (The same applies to the second dictionary information and the third dictionary information.)

FIG. 7is a drawing illustrating the third dictionary information according to the present embodiment. The third dictionary information is dictionary information initially used in the multifunction peripheral B. In association with “facsimile” serving as a standard word, the third dictionary information has registered therein “faxing” serving as a relating word1and “fax” serving as a relating word2. Further, in association with “staples” serving as a standard word, the third dictionary information has registered therein “stapling” serving as a relating word1, “staple” serving as a relating word2, and “stapler” serving as a relating word3. In this situation, the “binding” and the “staples” are conceptually the same as each other.

When the user who has been using and is familiar with the multifunction peripheral A searches for a setting item while using the multifunction peripheral B having the third dictionary information as described above, the user may inadvertently enter the standard word or any one of the relating words of the multifunction peripheral A. For example, when the user conducts a search on the multifunction peripheral B by entering “binding” or “fastening” as a keyword, the use will not be able to find the desired setting item, because these keywords are not registered in the third dictionary information.

To cope with this situation, the multifunction peripheral B uses the second dictionary information obtained by adding information to the third dictionary information.FIG. 8is a drawing illustrating the second dictionary information according to the present embodiment. In association with “facsimile” serving as a standard word, the second dictionary information has registered therein “faxing” serving as a relating word1, “fax” serving as a relating word2, “facsimile” serving as a standard word of the multifunction peripheral A, and “indirect transmission” serving as a standard word of a multifunction peripheral C. Further, in association with “staples” serving as a standard word, the second dictionary information has registered therein “stapling” serving as a relating word1, “staple” serving as a relating word2, “stapler” serving as a relating word3, “binding” serving as the standard word of the multifunction peripheral A, and “staples” serving as a standard word of the multifunction peripheral C.

In other words, in the second dictionary information serving as the dictionary information of the multifunction peripheral B, the standard words of the other multifunction peripherals (the multifunction peripheral A and the multifunction peripheral C) are associated with one another. As a result, for example, when the user searches for a setting item by entering “binding” or “fastening”, the user is able to find the “staples” serving as the standard word of the multifunction peripheral B (details will be explained later).

Returning to the description ofFIG. 3, the referring unit511refers to the first dictionary information and the second dictionary information stored in the storage unit52. Alternatively, when the first dictionary information and the second dictionary information are managed (stored) in an apparatus (e.g., a server) different from the MFP1, the referring unit511refers to the first dictionary information and to the second dictionary information stored in the apparatus by accessing the apparatus.

The obtaining unit512obtains identification information of another multifunction peripheral (the multifunction peripheral A or the multifunction peripheral C) different from the MFP1(the multifunction peripheral B). For example, the obtaining unit512obtains the identification information of the other multifunction peripheral, either by receiving the identification information of the other multifunction peripheral from the other multifunction peripheral or on the basis of the identification information of the other multifunction peripheral input by the user.

The receiving unit513receives an entered keyword (e.g., “fastening”) that is a keyword entered by the user.

The searching unit514conducts a search and identifies the standard word (e.g., the “binding”) of another electronic device (e.g., the multifunction peripheral A), on the basis of the entered keyword (e.g., the “fastening”) and the first dictionary information (FIG. 6) related to the other multifunction peripheral (e.g., the multifunction peripheral A) corresponding to the identification information obtained by the obtaining unit512. Further, the searching unit514conducts a search and identifies the standard word (e.g., “staples”) of the MFP1, on the basis of the identified standard word (e.g., the “binding”) of the other multifunction peripheral and the second dictionary information (FIG. 8).

The presenting unit515presents the user with a setting item containing the standard word of the MFP1, on the basis of the standard word (e.g., the “staples”) of the MFP1identified by the searching unit514. For example, the presenting unit515displays, on the operation panel27, a list of two or more of the setting items of the MFP1containing the standard word of the MFP1identified by the searching unit514and further presents the user with (displays for the user) a setting screen corresponding to the setting item selected by the user from the list.

In the following sections, as for processes performed by elements other than the functional units511to515included in the processing unit51, the subject of the operations will be referred to as the “processing unit51”.

Next, the search screen will be explained.FIG. 4is a drawing illustrating an example of a first search screen according to the present embodiment. When configuring a setting into the MFP1, the user enters a keyword on the search screen to arrange a desired one of the plurality of setting items to be displayed on the operation panel27.FIG. 4illustrates an example in which the user had entered “fax” as a keyword and had subsequently pressed the “START SEARCH” button in the upper right part, so that a search result corresponding to the keyword was displayed. After that, when the “facsimile initial setting” button illustrated inFIG. 4is pressed, a transition is made to the setting screen illustrated inFIG. 5.FIG. 5is a drawing illustrating an example of the setting screen according to the present embodiment.

Further,FIG. 9is a drawing illustrating an example of a second search screen according to the present embodiment.FIG. 9illustrates an example in which the user had entered “fastening” as a keyword and had subsequently pressed the “START SEARCH” button in the upper right part, so that a search result (“STAPLES SETTING 1” and “STAPLES SETTING 2”) corresponding to the keyword was displayed (details of the process will be explained later). In this situation, pieces of information of “STAPLES SETTING 1” and “STAPLES SETTING 2” are associated with the “staples” serving as the standard word of the MFP1.

Next, a data registration process performed when a multifunction peripheral is replaced with another multifunction peripheral will be explained.FIG. 10is a drawing for explaining the data registration process performed when a multifunction peripheral is replaced with another according to the present embodiment. Of the multifunction peripherals in the present example, it is assumed that the multifunction peripheral A is replaced with the multifunction peripheral B (the MFP1). Further, it is also assumed that the multifunction peripheral C and another multifunction peripheral D have already been installed in the same sub-network.

In that situation, the user registers (the numeral (1) inFIG. 10) the first dictionary information related to the multifunction peripheral A that has so far been used and is to be replaced, into the multifunction peripheral B (the MFP1), either by using the memory card3or by performing an operation on the operation panel27.

Further, during regularly-performed processes, the multifunction peripheral B (the MFP1) has registered therein (the numeral (2) inFIG. 10) pieces of model information related to the multifunction peripheral C and the multifunction peripheral D by using Management Information Base (MIB) information. In this situation, when there is a server that collectively manages the multifunction peripheral C, the multifunction peripheral D, and the like, the multifunction peripheral B (the MFP1) obtains and registers therein (the numeral (3) inFIG. 10) the pieces of model information of the multifunction peripheral C and the multifunction peripheral D stored in the server. Further, the user registers the first dictionary information related to the multifunction peripheral C and the multifunction peripheral D into the multifunction peripheral B (the MFP1), either by using the memory card3or by performing an operation on the operation panel27. In addition, the user registers the second dictionary information related to the multifunction peripheral B into the multifunction peripheral B (the MFP1), by using the memory card3, by performing an operation on the operation panel27, or by using another mean.

Next, processes including a setting item searching process performed by the MFP1will be explained.FIG. 11is a flowchart illustrating the processes including the setting item searching process performed by the MFP1according to the present embodiment. When configuring a setting into the MFP1, the user enters, via the operation panel27, the identification information of another multifunction peripheral (e.g., the multifunction peripheral A) that was used before being replaced with the MFP1. In response, the obtaining unit512obtains the identification information of the other multifunction peripheral (e.g., the multifunction peripheral A) different from the MFP1(step S1).

In this situation, for example, the user enters a keyword (e.g., “fastening”) which he/she previously used when he/she was using the multifunction peripheral A. Accordingly, the receiving unit513receives the entered keyword (e.g., “fastening”), which is the keyword entered by the user (step S2).

Subsequently, on the basis of the entered keyword (e.g., “fastening”) and the first dictionary information (FIG. 6) related to the other multifunction peripheral (e.g., the multifunction peripheral A) corresponding to the identification information obtained at step S1, the searching unit514conducts a search and identifies the standard word (e.g., “binding”) of the other electronic device (e.g., the multifunction peripheral A) (step S3).

After that, on the basis of the standard word (e.g., “binding”) of the other multifunction peripheral (e.g., the multifunction peripheral A) identified at step S3and the second dictionary information (FIG. 8), the searching unit514conducts a search and identifies the standard word (e.g., “staples”) of the MFP1(step S4).

Subsequently, on the basis of the standard word (e.g., “staples”) of the MFP1identified at step S4, the presenting unit515presents the user with a setting item containing the standard word of the MFP1(FIG. 9) (step S5). For example, the presenting unit515displays, on the operation panel27, a list of two or more of the setting items of the MFP1containing the standard word of the MFP1identified by the searching unit514and further presents the user with (displays for the user) a setting screen corresponding to the setting item selected by the user from the list.

In this manner, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to realize the MFP1having improved convenience in relation to the ambiguous searches. More specifically, for example, when the multifunction peripheral A has been replaced with the MFP1, the user is able to quickly and easily arrange such a screen (FIG. 9) to be displayed that indicates the setting item with the keyword “staples” used by the MFP1, by entering the keyword “fastening” which he/she previously used when he/she was using the multifunction peripheral A.

In addition, either by using the memory card3or performing the operation on the operation panel27, the user is able to easily register the first dictionary information related to the other multifunction peripheral (e.g., the multifunction peripheral A or the multifunction peripheral C) into the MFP1. Further, the MFP1is able to easily update the second dictionary information by merging (integrating) newly-registered first dictionary information with the second dictionary information. In other words, by using the MFP1according to the present embodiment, it is possible to easily customize the second dictionary information by adding the first dictionary information thereto.

Modification Examples

In the embodiment described above, the example is explained in which, when configuring the setting into the MFP1, the user enters, via the operation panel27, the identification information of the other multifunction peripheral (e.g., the multifunction peripheral A) that was previously used before being replaced with the MFP1. Alternatively, another arrangement is also acceptable in which the other multifunction peripheral is identified on the basis of a use history generated as a result of the user using the multifunction peripherals. An example of a use history table managing the use history is presented below. In this situation, an authenticating unit that authenticates the user is provided within the processing unit51.

Under the heading “User Identifier (ID)” are pieces of identification information used for uniquely identifying each user. When a user logs into a multifunction peripheral, the authenticating unit obtains a user ID and a password entered by the user via the operation panel27and performs a user authentication process. When the user is successfully authenticated, the authenticating unit transmits the user ID, the date and time of the login, and model information of the multifunction peripheral to a server, for example, so that these pieces of information are registered into the use history table. Any publicly-known technique may be used for the user authentication process. Further, as the identification information used for identifying the user, it is also possible to use a card ID of an IC card, biological information (e.g., a fingerprint) of the user, or the like, in place of the user ID.

In that situation, on the basis of the history information (the use history table) that stores therein the pieces of identification information of the users (the user IDs) and the pieces of identification information of the multifunction peripherals used by the users (information about the models) in association with each other, the obtaining unit512(the second obtaining unit) obtains the identification information of the other multifunction peripheral that had previously been used the most by the user, in a predetermined time period before the MFP1started being used. Further, the searching unit514conducts a search and identifies the standard word of the other multifunction peripheral, on the basis of the entered keyword and the first dictionary information (FIG. 6) related to the other multifunction peripheral corresponding to the identification information obtained by the obtaining unit512(the second obtaining unit).

In this situation, “the other multifunction peripheral that had previously been used the most” may be another multifunction peripheral that was used the largest number of times or may be another multifunction peripheral that was used for the longest period of time. Further, the predetermined time period may be, for example, one year prior to a reference date/time at which the MFP1is logged into after the replacement.

Alternatively, another arrangement is also acceptable in which, in response to a request from the MFP1, the server identifies “the other multifunction peripheral that had previously been used the most” on the basis of a use history corresponding to a user ID transmitted thereto and further responds to the MFP1with the identified information.

The processing unit51included in the MFP1stores therein information about the “other multifunction peripheral that had previously been used the most” that was identified, so that when the user instructs that an ambiguous search be conducted, it is possible to identify the word searched for (i.e., the standard word of the MFP1) on the basis of the first dictionary information and the second dictionary information related to the multifunction peripheral (e.g., the multifunction peripheral A) corresponding to the stored information. With this arrangement, the user is able to conduct the ambiguous search while using the keyword of the other multifunction peripheral that had previously been used much, without the need to enter the identification number of the other multifunction peripheral.

It is possible to realize the functions described in the embodiments and the modification examples, by using one or more processing circuits. In this regard, possible examples of the “processing circuit” in the present disclosure include a processor programmed to execute the functions described above by using software, such as a processor implemented with an electronic circuit; and a device such as an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a conventional circuit module, or the like that is designed to execute the functions described above.

The program executed in any of the embodiments and the modification examples is provided as being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a Compact Disk Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM), a Flexible Disk (FD), a Compact Disk Readable (CD-R), a Digital Versatile Disk (DVD), or the like, in a file that is in an installable or executable format.

Further, it is also possible to store the program executed in any of the embodiments and the modification examples into a computer connected to a network such as the Internet, so that the program can be provided as being downloaded via the network. Further, it is also acceptable to provide or distribute the program executed in any of the devices described in the embodiments and the modification examples, via a network such as the Internet.

Further, it is also acceptable to provide the program according to any of the embodiments and the modification examples by arranging the program to be incorporated in a ROM or the like in advance.

Further, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to multifunction peripherals such as the MFP1described above, but is applicable to all electronic devices in general such as printers (standalone), projectors, electronic blackboards, personal computers, servers, smartphones, and the like.

Further, the unit for displaying the information is not limited to the operation panel27described above, but may be a display device to which no operation is input.

According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to achieve an advantage effect where convenience is improved in relation to the ambiguous searches.