Image processing device, image processing system, and control method of image processing device

An image processing device includes a display unit and a processor configured to determine whether or not functions of the image processing device are executable by the image processing device, and cause the display unit to display a screen including a first item corresponding to a first function that is determined to be executable and a second item corresponding to a second function that is determined to be not executable. The first item is displayed on the screen in a first display format, and the second item is displayed on the screen in a second display format that is less conspicuous than the first display format.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-121294, filed Jun. 21, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate generally to an image processing device, an image processing system, and a control method of the image processing device.

BACKGROUND

Some image processing systems include a plurality of image forming apparatuses that are connected to a network such as a local area network (LAN). In such image processing systems, it is known for the plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to the network to display a common home screen, which may be customized. However, executable functions of the image forming apparatuses may be different. As such, when the image forming apparatuses display a common home screen, there may be a case where an object such as a button corresponding to an unusable function is displayed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments provide an image processing device, an image processing system, and a control method of the image processing device in which the possibility of a user selecting an object corresponding to an unusable function is reduced.

In general, according to an embodiment, there is provided an image processing device which includes a display unit and a processor configured to determine whether or not functions of the image processing device are executable by the image processing device, and cause the display unit to display a screen including a first item corresponding to a first function that is determined to be executable and a second item corresponding to a second function that is determined to be not executable. The first item is displayed on the screen in a first display format, and the second item is displayed on the screen in a second display format that is less conspicuous than the first display format.

Hereinafter, an image processing system according to an embodiment will be described, using drawings.

FIG. 1is a block diagram of an image processing system1according to the embodiment, and a circuit configuration of hardware components of the image processing system1. The image processing system1includes a plurality of image processing devices10. The respective image processing devices10are connected to a network NW. The network NW is, for example, a communication network which includes a private network such as an intranet, an in-house LAN, or a home LAN. The network NW may be a communication network including the Internet.

When a registered user, who is registered in advance, performs login in any one of the image processing devices10, the image processing system1causes the image processing device10to display a home screen which is customized to the registered user who is logging on. That is, in a state in which a registered user does not log in, the common screen SC1as illustrated inFIG. 2is displayed on the touch panel16of the image processing device10as a home screen. In contrast to this, in a state in which a registered user logs in, a customized screen SC2which is illustrated inFIG. 3is displayed on the touch panel16of the image processing device10as a home screen.

FIG. 2is a diagram which illustrates an example of the common screen SC1. The common screen SC1includes buttons B1ato B1i, a setting button Bs, and character strings S1ato S1j. The respective buttons B1ato B1icorrespond to functions mounted on the image processing device10as standard (hereinafter, referred to as “standard functions”). The respective buttons B1ato B1iare buttons for instructing the image processing device10to execute the standard functions. The character strings S1ato S1jcorrespond to the buttons B1ato B1i, respectively, and are names which indicate what the buttons B1ato B1iare for. The setting button Bs is a button for instructing the image processing device10to display a setting screen for checking or changing setting of the image processing device10on the touch panel16. In addition, the buttons B1ato B1iare collectively referred to as a button B1. As illustrated inFIG. 2, the number of buttons B1is an example, and the number is not limited.

FIG. 3is a diagram which illustrates an example of the customized screen SC2. The customized screen SC2includes additional buttons B2A and B2B, and character strings S2A and S2B, in addition to the same elements as those in the common screen SC1. The respective additional buttons B2A and B2B correspond to a function, or the like, which is additionally mounted on the image processing device10later (hereinafter, referred to as “additional function”). The additional buttons B2A and B2B are buttons for instructing the image processing device10to execute a corresponding additional function. The character strings S2A and S2B correspond to the additional buttons B2A and B2B, respectively, and are names which indicate what the additional buttons B2A and B2B are for. In addition, the additional buttons B2A and B2B are collectively referred to as an additional button B2. The number of additional buttons B2illustrated inFIG. 3is an example, and the number is not limited. The additional button is an example of an object.

The image processing device10is, for example, an image processing device such as a printer, a copy machine, or a multifunction peripheral (MFP). The image processing device10has various functions such as scanning, printing, and copying. In the image processing device10, operations in a plurality of modes including a master mode and a slave mode are possible. In addition, in which mode the image processing device10is operated depends on its setting. The setting of the image processing device10is changed based on operations on the touch panel16and the input device17, for example. In the image processing system1illustrated inFIG. 1, one image processing device10is operated in the master mode, and other image processing devices10are operated in the slave mode. In addition, the image processing device10operated in the master mode is referred to as an “image processing device10M”. In addition, image processing devices10which are operated in the slave mode are referred to as “image processing devices10S”. When it is not necessary to distinguish between the master mode and the slave mode, e.g., when both of the master mode and the slave mode are set to targets, and the like, the image processing device is simply referred to as the “image processing device10”.

The image processing device10includes a processor11, a read only memory (ROM)12, a random access memory (RAM)13, an auxiliary storage device14, a communication interface15, a touch panel16, the input device17, an image forming unit18, an image reading unit19, and a bus20.

The processor11corresponds to a nerve center of a computer which performs processing and control which are necessary for the operation of the image processing device10. The processor11controls each unit of the image processing device10to execute various functions thereof, based on system software, application software, or firmware stored in the ROM12, the auxiliary storage device14, or the like. The processor11is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), a system on a chip (SoC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or the like. Alternatively, the processor11is a combination thereof. The processor11is an example of a control unit.

The ROM12is a non-volatile memory which is read-only. The ROM12stores the above described program(s). The ROM12also stores data, various setting values, or the like, which are used when the processor11performs various processing.

The RAM13is a memory which is used in reading and writing of data. The RAM13stores data which is temporarily used when the processor11performs various processing, and is used as a so-called work area.

The auxiliary storage device14is, for example, an electric erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or the like. In addition, the image processing device10may be provided with an interface such as a card slot into which a recording medium such as a memory card, or a universal serial bus (USB) memory can be inserted, instead of, or in addition to the auxiliary storage device14.

The auxiliary storage device14may also store the above described program. In addition, the auxiliary storage device14keeps data which is necessary when the processor11performs various processing, data generated by processing in processor11, various setting values, or the like. In addition, when application software for providing an additional function on the image processing device10(hereinafter, referred to as “plugin application”) is installed, the auxiliary storage device14stores the plugin application. The auxiliary storage device14of the image processing device10M stores various plugin applications in a state in which the plugin applications can be distributed to other image processing devices10S.

In addition, the auxiliary storage device14stores a user database (DB)141including information related to each registered user. The user DB141stores information which is necessary when displaying a customized screen for each of the registered users, and various information other than that, for each of the registered users, in association with respective unique user identifiers (ID) which are associated with each of the registered users. A user DB141stored in the image processing device10M is referred to as a user DB141M, and a user DB141stored in the image processing device10S is referred to as a user DB141S. In addition, descriptions of a method in which a user who is not a registered user becomes a registered user by registering various information in the user DB141will be omitted, since this method is well-known.

The auxiliary storage device14of the image processing device10M further stores a unique apparatus ID which is associated with the respective image processing devices10, a list of plugin applications which are installed, an installation location, and an IP address, with respect to the respective image processing devices10S and the image processing device10M.

The user DB141M includes a table T1which is illustrated inFIG. 4. The table T1causes a user ID, and a unique function ID which is associated with the respective additional functions to be associated with each other. An additional button corresponding to a function ID which is associated with a user ID is displayed on a customized screen corresponding to the user ID.

The user DB141S and the user DB141M include, for example, a table T2which is illustrated inFIG. 6. The table T2causes a user ID, a function ID, and a display method corresponding to the respective function IDs to be associated with each other. The display method shows how to display an additional button when displaying a customized screen corresponding to the user ID, in the image processing device10which stores the table T2. The table T2is an example of display data for displaying a screen which is synchronized among a plurality of image processing devices.

The touch panel16functions as a display device which displays a screen for informing an operator of the image processing device10of various information. In addition, the touch panel16functions as an input device which receives a touch operation of the operator. The touch panel16is an example of a display unit which displays a screen. The display device is an example of the display unit.

The input device17receives an operation of an operator of the image processing device10. The input device17is a keyboard, a mouse, a touch pad, or the like, for example.

The image forming unit18forms an image, or the like, on a sheet-shaped recording medium such as paper. For this reason, the image forming unit18is provided with a printer such as a laser printer, or an ink jet printer, for example.

The image reading unit19reads an image from a sheet-shaped recording medium such as paper. For this reason, the image reading unit19is provided with a scanner, or the like. The scanner is, for example, a type of a reduced optical system in which an imaging element such as a charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensor is provided. Alternatively, the scanner is, for example, a contact image sensor (CIS) type which is provided with an imaging element such as a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor. Alternatively, the scanner may be of other well-known types.

The bus20includes a control bus, an address bus, a data bus, or the like, and transmits a signal which is delivered in each unit of the image processing device10.

Hereinafter, an operation of the image processing system1according to the embodiment will be described based on FIGS.2to12. In addition, contents of processing in the following operation descriptions are an example, and it is possible to appropriately use various processing from which the same result can be obtained.

FIGS. 6 to 8are flowcharts of control processing using the processor11of the image processing device10S (hereinafter, referred to as “processor11S”). The processor11S executes the control processing based on the control program stored in the ROM12, the auxiliary storage device14, or the like.

The processor11S in Act1inFIG. 6generates an image corresponding to the common screen SC1which is illustrated inFIG. 2. In addition, the processor11S instructs the touch panel16to display the generated image. Upon receiving the instruction, the touch panel16displays the common screen SC1. The common screen SC1is a screen which is displayed on the touch panel16when a registered user has not logged in.

In Act2, the processor11S determines whether or not a login operation is performed. The processor11S determines No in Act2, and proceeds to Act3, when a login operation is not performed.

In Act3, the processor11S determines whether or not an operation other than the login operation is performed. When an operation other than the login operation is not performed, the processor11S determines No in Act3, and returns to Act2. In this manner, the processor11S repeats Act2and Act3until some operation is performed.

When an operation other than the login operation is performed in a standby state in Act2and Act3, the processor11S determines Yes in Act3, and proceeds to Act4.

In Act4, the processor11S performs processing corresponding to the operation. The processor11S returns to Act2after the processing in Act4.

An operator who logs into the image processing device10S performs the following login operation. That is, the operator operates the touch panel16and the input device17, for example, and inputs a password corresponding to a user ID. Alternatively, for example, the operator causes his ID card to be read by a card reader provided in the image processing device10S. The ID card stores information such as a user ID which is necessary for login.

When a login operation is performed in the standby state in Act2and Act3, the processor11S determines Yes in Act2, and proceeds to Act5.

In Act5, the processor11S determines whether or not it is successful in login. In addition, the processor11S determines whether or not the login is successful by referring to the user DB141S or the user DB141M, for example. In addition, since it is possible to use a well-known method for processing the login, descriptions thereof will be omitted. When the login is successful, the processor11S determines Yes in Act5, and proceeds to Act6. Hereinafter, a user ID of a user which is successful in login will be referred to as a “login user ID”.

In Act6, the processor11S performs synchronization processing illustrated inFIG. 8.

In Act31inFIG. 8, the processor11S generates a request for requesting a transmission of the table T1to the image processing device10M. In addition, the processor11S instructs the communication interface15to transmit the generated request to the image processing device10M. Upon receiving the request, the communication interface15transmits the request to the image processing device10M. The transmitted request is received by a communication interface15of the image processing device10M. After the processing in Act31, the processor11S proceeds to Act32.

Meanwhile, a processor11of the image processing device10M (hereinafter, referred to as “processor11M”) stands by to receive a request using the communication interface15. When a request is received, the processor11M instructs the communication interface15to transmits the table T1to the image processing device10S. Upon receiving the instruction, the communication interface15transmits the table T1to the image processing device10S. The transmitted table T1is received by the communication interface15of the image processing device10S.

Meanwhile, in Act32, the processor11S of the image processing device10S stands by to receive the table T1using the communication interface15. Upon receiving the table T1, the processor11S determines Yes in Act32, and proceeds to Act33.

In Act33, the processor11S causes a portion of the table T2related to the login user ID to synchronize with the table T1. That is, the processor11S compares a record in the table T1, in which a value of a user ID field is the login user ID with a record in the table T2, in which a value of a user ID field is the login user ID. In addition, when there is a functional ID which is included in the table T1, but it is not included in the table T2, in the compared record, the processor11S adds a new record to the table T2for each of the functional IDs. In addition, the processor11S sets a value of a user ID field of the new record to a login user ID, a value of a functional ID field to the functional ID, and a value of a display method field to “not set yet”. In addition, when there is a functional ID which is included in the table T2, but it is not included in the table T1, in the compared record, the processor11S deletes the record for that functional ID in the table T2. After the processing in Act33, the processor11S proceeds to Act34.

In Act34, the processor11S checks whether or not there is an additional button of which a display method to display in a customized screen related to a user who is in the middle of logging in, has not been set yet. That is, the processor11S checks whether or not there is a record in which a value of the user ID field is the login user ID, and of which a display method is not set yet, in the table T2. When there is an additional button of which a display method is not set yet, the processor11S determines Yes in Act34, and proceeds to Act35.

In Act35, the processor11S selects one additional button which is determined to be Yes in the processing in Act34. That is, the processor11S selects one record for which a display method is not set yet in Act35. After the processing in Act35, the processor11S proceeds to Act36.

In Act36, the processor11S determines whether or not it is possible to use the function corresponding to the additional button selected in Act35(such function referred to hereinafter as “the additional function”). That is, the processor11S determines whether or not it is possible to use the additional function which is specified in a function ID included in the record which is selected in Act35. In addition, the case in which the additional function is unusable is, for example, where a plugin application corresponding to the additional function (hereinafter, referred to as “corresponding plugin application”) is not installed in the image processing device10S. When the corresponding additional function can be used, the processor11S determines Yes in Act36, and proceeds to Act42. In contrast to this, when the corresponding additional function is unusable, the processor11S determines No in Act36, and proceeds to Act37.

The processing in Act36is an example of processing to determine whether the additional function is executable or non-executable.

In Act37, the processor11S determines whether or not the image processing device10S is set so that a corresponding plugin application is to be installed. When it is set so that the corresponding plugin application is to be installed, the processor11S determines Yes in Act37, and proceeds to Act38.

In Act38, the processor11S determines whether or not it is possible to install the corresponding plugin application. Here, the case in which it is not possible to install the plugin application is a case, for example, in which the image processing device10S is not compatible with the plugin application for the reason that the image processing device10S cannot operate the plugin application, or the like. Alternatively, for example, there is a case in which the number of plugin applications to be installed is limited due to a license of the plugin application, and the number reached the upper limit, or the like. Such a determination is performed, for example, by asking the image processing device10M. When it is possible to install the corresponding plugin application, the processor11S determines Yes in Act38, and proceeds to Act39.

In Act39, the processor11S causes the touch panel16to display a screen for asking an operator of the image processing device10S whether or not the corresponding plugin application should be installed. For this reason, the processor11S generates an image corresponding to the screen. In addition, the processor11S instructs the touch panel16to display the generated image. Upon receiving the instruction, the touch panel16displays the screen. The screen is a screen illustrated inFIG. 9, for example.FIG. 9illustrates an example of a screen displayed on the touch panel16. The screen includes a popup P1. The popup P1includes the character string S11, and the buttons B11and B12. The character string S11includes a character string which indicates that the corresponding plugin application is not installed, and a character string which asks whether or not to install the corresponding plugin application. An example of the character string S11is “There is no application. Do you want to install the application?” The button B11is a button for instructing the image processing device10S to install the corresponding plugin application. The button B12is a button for instructing the image processing device10S not to install the corresponding plugin application. After the processing in Act39, the processor11S finishes displaying of the popup P1, and proceeds to Act40, when the button B11or B12is operated.

In Act40, the processor11S determines whether or not to install the corresponding plugin application. When it is instructed that the installation of the corresponding plugin application is to be performed, for example, by an operation of the button B11, or the like, the processor11S determines to install the corresponding plugin application. When the corresponding plugin application is installed, the processor11S determines Yes in Act40, and proceeds to Act41.

In Act41, the processor11S installs the corresponding plugin application. In addition, the processor11S obtains the corresponding plugin application to be installed from the image processing device10M, for example. After the processing in Act41, the processor11S proceeds to Act42.

In Act42, the processor11S sets the additional button selected in Act35so as to be normally displayed. That is, the processor11S sets a value of field of a display method of the record which is selected in Act35to a “normal display”. After the processing in Act42, the processor11S returns to Act34.

Meanwhile, when the image processing device10S is not set so that the corresponding plugin application is to be installed, the processor11S determines No in Act37, and proceeds to Act43. In addition, when it is not possible to install the corresponding plugin application, the processor11S determines No in Act38, and proceeds to Act43. In addition, in Act40, when it is instructed so as not to install the corresponding plugin application, for example, by an operation of the button B12, or the like, the processor11S determines so as not to install the corresponding plugin application. When the corresponding plugin application is not installed, the processor11S determines No in Act40, and proceeds to Act43.

In Act43, the processor11S determines whether or not the image processing device10S is set so that the additional button is displayed using a dotted line, to indicate that the additional function corresponding to the additional button is unusable. When the additional button is set to be displayed using a dotted line, the processor11S determines Yes in Act43, and proceeds to Act44.

In Act44, the processor11S sets the additional button selected in Act35to be displayed using a dotted line. That is, the processor11S sets a value of field of a display method of the record which is selected in Act35to a “dotted line display”. After the processing in Act44, the processor11S proceeds to Act45.

In contrast to this, when the additional button is not set to the dotted line display, in a case in which it is not possible to use the additional function corresponding to the additional button, the processor11S determines No in Act43, and proceeds to Act45.

In Act45, the processor11S determines whether or not the additional button is set to non-display, in a case in which it is not possible to use the additional function corresponding to the additional button. When the additional button is set to non-display, in a case in which it is not possible to use the additional function corresponding to the additional button, the processor11S determines Yes in Act45, and proceeds to Act46.

In Act46, the processor11S sets so that the additional button selected in Act35is set to non-display. That is, the processor11S sets a value of field of a display method of the record which is selected in Act35to “non-display”. After the processing in Act46, the processor11S returns to Act34.

In contrast to this, when the additional button is not set to non-display in a case in which it is not possible to use the additional function corresponding to the additional button, the processor11S determines No in Act45, and returns to Act42.

In this manner, the processor11S repeats Act34to Act46until there is no additional button which is determined to be Yes in the processing in Act34, that is, until there is no record which is to be determined to be Yes in the processing in Act34. In addition, when there is no additional button of which a display method is not set on a customized screen related to a user who is in the middle of logging in, the processor11S determines Yes in Act34, and finishes the synchronization processing illustrated inFIG. 8. The processor11S finishes the processing in Act6inFIG. 6according to finishing of the synchronization processing, and proceeds to Act7.

In Act7, the processor11S generates an image corresponding to a customized screen SC3which is illustrated inFIG. 10, with reference to the table T2. An additional button B2corresponding to an additional function which is specified in a function ID included in a record in which a value of field of a user ID is a login user ID is displayed on the customized screen SC3. However, when a value of field of the display method of the record is the “normal display”, the additional button B2is displayed without a change in appearance, as illustrated in the additional button B2A. However, when a value of field of the display method is a “display using a dotted line”, as illustrated in the additional button B2B, an appearance of the button is displayed by being changed to a dotted line. In addition, when a value of field of the display method is “non-display”, the additional button B2is not displayed on the customized screen SC3, and also the character string S2corresponding to the additional button B2is not displayed. In addition, the processor11S instructs the touch panel16to display the generated image. Upon receiving the instruction, the touch panel16displays the customized screen SC3. After the processing in Act7, the processor11S proceeds to Act8.

A display method of the additional button B2when a value of field of the display method is the “normal display” is an example of a first display format. A display method of the additional button B2when a value of field of the display method is the “display using a dotted line” is an example of a second display format.

In Act8, the processor11S determines whether or not the setting button Bs is operated. When the setting button Bs is not operated, the processor11S determines No in Act8, and proceeds to Act9.

In Act9, the processor11S determines whether or not a condition for logout is satisfied. When an operation for instructing logout is performed, the processor11S determines that the condition for logout is satisfied. Alternatively, when a non-operation time exceeds a certain time, the processor11S determines that the condition for logout is satisfied. When the condition for logout is not satisfied, the processor11S determines No in Act9, and proceeds to Act10.

In Act10, the processor11S determines whether or not any one of additional button B2is operated. When the additional button is not operated, the processor11S determines No in Act10, and proceeds to Act8. In this manner, the processor11S repeats Act8to Act10until any one of buttons B2is operated, depending on whether the setting button Bs is operated or the logout condition is satisfied.

When the setting button Bs is operated in the standby state of Act8to Act10, the processor11S determines Yes in Act8, and proceeds to Act11.

In Act11, the processor11S generates an image corresponding to the setting screen. In addition, the processor11S instructs the touch panel16to display the generated image. Upon receiving the instruction, the touch panel16displays the setting screen. On the setting screen, a button for performing various setting, a button for returning to the customized screen SC3, or the like, is displayed. After the processing in Act11, the processor11S proceeds to Act12.

In Act12, the processor11S determines whether or not the button for returning is operated. When the button for returning is not operated, the processor11S determines No in Act12, and proceeds to Act13.

In Act13, the processor11S determines whether or not an operation for changing setting is performed. When the operation of instructing a change in setting is not performed, the processor11S determines No in Act13, and proceeds to Act14. In this manner, the processor11S repeats Act12and Act13until the button for returning is operated, or the operation of instructing a change in setting is performed.

When the button for returning is operated in the standby state in Act12and Act13, the processor11S determines Yes in Act12, and returns to Act7.

When the operation of instructing a change in setting is performed in the standby state of Act12and Act13, the processor11S determines Yes in Act13, and proceeds to Act14.

In Act14, the processor11S changes setting according to operation contents in Act13. Here, the setting can be changed to any of the following:

(1) Setting of whether or not a corresponding plugin application should be installed. By changing the setting, whether the processor11S determines Yes in the processing in Act37, or determines No is changed.

(2) Setting of whether or not the additional button is displayed using a dotted line, when an additional function corresponding to the additional button is unusable. By changing the setting, whether the processor11S determines Yes or No in the processing in Act43is changed.

(3) Setting of whether or not an additional button is set to non-display, when it is not possible to use an additional function corresponding to an additional button. By changing the setting, whether the processor11S determines Yes or No in the processing in Act45is changed.

(4) Setting of a display method of an additional button. By changing the setting, it is possible to select an appearance of the additional button of which corresponding additional function is unusable. When changing the setting, the processor11S rewrites the table T2according to the change in setting.

(5) Setting of whether or not information related to the image processing device10S in which the additional function can be used is displayed, when an additional button in which corresponding additional function is unusable is operated. By changing the setting, whether the processor11S determines Yes or No in the processing in Act21is changed.

(6) Setting of whether or not an additional button is set to non-display, when the additional button in which corresponding additional function is unusable is operated. By changing the setting, whether the processor11S determines Yes or No in the processing in Act24is changed.

(7) Setting of instructing a deletion of an additional button which is displayed on the customized screen SC3. When an instruction of deleting an additional button is given, the processor11S deletes the record corresponding to the additional button from the table T2. In addition, the processor11S transmits the table T2to the image processing device10M. The image processing device10M which received the table T2updates the table T1, and causes the table T1to synchronize with the table T2. That is, the image processing device10M deletes the same record as the record which is deleted in the table T2from the table T1.

(8) Setting of instructing an addition of an additional button which is displayed on the customized screen SC3. When the instruction of adding the additional button is performed, the processor11S adds a record corresponding to the additional button to the table T2. In addition, the processor11S transmits the table T2to the image processing device10M by controlling the communication interface15. The image processing device10M which received the table T2updates the table T1, and causes the table T1to synchronize with the table T2. That is, the image processing device10M adds the same record as the record added to the table T2to the table T1.

After the processing in Act14, the processor11S returns to Act12.

When a condition for logout is satisfied in the standby state in Act8to Act10, the processor11S determines Yes in Act9, performs processing related to logout, and returns to Act1.

When any one of buttons B2is operated in the standby state in Act8to Act10, the processor11S determines Yes in Act10, and proceeds to Act15inFIG. 7. In addition, the additional button B2which is operated here is referred to as an “operation button”, hereinafter.

In Act15, the processor11S determines whether or not it is possible to use an additional function corresponding to an operation button. In addition, the case in which it is not possible to use the additional function is, for example, a case in which a plugin application (hereinafter, referred to as “corresponding plugin application”) corresponding to the additional function is not installed in the image processing device10S. When it is possible to use the additional function corresponding to the operation button, the processor11S determines Yes in Act15, and proceeds to Act20. In contrast to this, when it is not possible to use the additional function corresponding to the operation button, the processor11S determines No in Act15, and proceeds to Act16.

In Act16, the processor11S determines whether or not it is possible to install a corresponding plugin application, similarly to Act38. When it is possible to install the corresponding plugin application, the processor11S determines Yes in Act16, and proceeds to Act17.

In Act17, the processor11S causes the touch panel16to display a screen which asks an operator of the image processing device10S whether the corresponding plugin application should be installed or not, similarly to Act39. After the processing in Act17, when the button B11or B12is operated, the processor11S finishes a display of the popup P1, and proceeds to Act18.

In Act18, the processor11S determines whether or not to install the corresponding plugin application, similarly to Act40. When the corresponding plugin application is to be installed, the processor11S determines Yes in Act18, and proceeds to Act19.

In Act19, the processor11S installs the corresponding plugin application, similarly to Act41. After the processing in Act19, the processor11S proceeds to Act20.

In Act20, the processor11S executes an additional function corresponding to the operation button. After the processing in Act20, the processor11S returns to Act7inFIG. 6.

Meanwhile, when it is not possible to install the corresponding plugin application, the processor11S determines No in Act16inFIG. 7, and proceeds to Act21. In addition, in Act18, when it is instructed so as not to install the corresponding plugin application, by operating the button B12, or the like, the processor11S determines not to install the corresponding plugin application. When the corresponding plugin application is not installed, the processor11S determines No in Act18, and proceeds to Act21.

In Act21, when the additional button in which a corresponding additional function is unusable is operated, the processor11S determines whether or not information related to the image processing devices10which can use the additional function is set to be displayed. When it is set so that the information related to the image processing devices which can use the additional function is to be displayed, the processor11S determines Yes in Act21, and proceeds to Act22.

In Act22, the processor11S causes the touch panel16to display a screen containing the information related to the image processing devices10which can use the additional function. For this reason, the processor11S generates an image corresponding to the screen. In addition, the processor11S instructs the touch panel16to display the generated image. Upon receiving the instruction, the touch panel16displays the screen. The screen is, for example, the screen illustrated inFIG. 11.FIG. 11illustrates an example of a screen which is displayed on the touch panel16. The screen includes the popup P2. The popup P2includes character strings S21and S22. The character string S21includes a character string which indicates that a corresponding plugin application is not installed. In addition, the character string S21includes a character string which indicates that it is possible to use the additional function in the image processing device10which is illustrated in the character string S22. An example of the character string S21is “There is no application. The application is usable in the following device(s).” The character string S22illustrates a list of image processing devices10which can use the additional function. In addition, there is a case in which the image processing device10displayed in the character string S22includes both the image processing device10S and the image processing device10M. In the list, a device ID, an installation location, and an IP address are denoted in each of the image processing devices10. In addition, the list can be obtained by making an inquiry with respect to the image processing device10M. After the processing in Act22, the processor11S proceeds to Act23.

In ACT23, when an operation for closing the popup P2, for example, an operation in which a margin of the popup P2is operated, or the like, is performed, the processor11S finishes a display of the popup P2, and returns to Act7inFIG. 6.

Meanwhile, when the image processing device10S is set to not display the information related to the image processing device10in which the additional function can be used, the processor11S determines No in Act21, and proceeds to Act24.

In Act24, when an additional button in which a corresponding additional function is unusable is operated, the processor11S determines whether or not the image processing device10S is set so as to ask whether or not the additional button should be set to non-display. When the image processing device10S is set to not ask whether or not the additional button should be set to non-display, the processor11S determines No in Act24, and returns to Act7inFIG. 6. In contrast to this, when the image processing device10S is set so as to ask whether or not the additional button should be set to non-display, the processor11S determines Yes in Act24, and proceeds to Act25inFIG. 7.

In Act25, the processor11S causes the touch panel16to display a screen for asking whether or not the operation button in which the corresponding additional function is unusable should be set to non-display. For this reason, the processor11S generates an image corresponding to the screen. In addition, the processor11S instructs the touch panel16to display the generated image. Upon receiving the instruction, the touch panel16displays the screen. The screen is a screen illustrated inFIG. 12.FIG. 12illustrates an example of a screen which is displayed on the touch panel16. The screen includes a popup P3. The popup P3includes a character string S31, and buttons B31and B32. The character string S31includes a character string which indicates that a corresponding plugin application is not installed, and a character string which asks whether or not the operation button in which a corresponding additional function is unusable, should be set to non-display. An example of the character string S31is “There is no application. Do you want to make the button non-display?” The button B31is a button for instructing that the operation button is to set to non-display. The button B32is a button for instructing that the operation button is to set to non-display. When the buttons B31and B32are operated, the processor11S finishes a display of the popup P3after the processing in Act25, and proceeds to Act26.

In Act27, the processor11S determines whether or not the operation button should be set to non-display. When it is instructed so that the operation button should not be set to non-display, for example, by operating the button B32, or the like, the processor11S determines that the operation button should not be set to non-display. When the operation button should not be set to non-display, the processor11S determines No in Act27, and returns to Act7inFIG. 6. In contrast to this, when it is instructed so that the operation button should be set to non-display, for example, by operating the button B31, or the like, the processor11S determines that the operation button should be set to non-display. When the operation button should be set to non-display, the processor11S determines Yes in Act27, and proceeds to Act28.

In Act28, the processor11S sets the operation button to non-display. That is, the processor11S sets a value of field of a display method of a record corresponding to the operation button to “non-display”, by rewriting the table T2. After the processing in Act28, the processor11S returns to Act7in Act6.

Hitherto, the operation of the image processing device10S was described; however, the image processing device10M can also perform the same operation as that of the image processing device10S. However, in this case, the processor11M performs processing instead of the processor11S. In addition, in the above descriptions of operations, when it is necessary to receive data from the image processing device10M, the image processing device10S obtain the data through the network NW. However, such a process is not necessary for the image processing device10M, and the image processing device10M performs processing by reading data which is stored in its own auxiliary storage device14, instead of obtaining the data from another image processing device.

As described above, there is a case in which a display method (normal display, non-display, or display using dotted line) of additional buttons becomes different; however, for the same registered user, the additional buttons which are displayed on a customized screen are synchronized between a plurality of image processing devices10.

According to the image processing system1of the embodiment, the image processing device10sets a display of an additional button corresponding to an additional function that cannot be used, to a display using a dotted line. Since the additional button is set to the display using a dotted line, it gets a lower degree of attention from the user. Accordingly, in the image processing device10, it is less likely that a user will operate an additional button which corresponds to an unusable additional function.

In addition, according to the image processing system1, the image processing device10sets a display of the additional button in which a corresponding additional function is unusable to non-display. Since it is set to non-display, a user does not even know of the presence of the additional button. Accordingly, in the image processing device10, it is not possible for a user to operate the additional button which corresponds to the additional function which is unusable.

In addition, according to the image processing system1in the embodiment, the image processing device10can set a display method of an additional button in which a corresponding additional function is unusable. In addition, the image processing device10displays the additional button using a display method corresponding to the setting. Alternatively, the image processing device10sets the additional button to non-display according to the setting. Accordingly, a registered user can set an additional button in which a corresponding additional function is unusable to a display or non-display, using a desired display method.

According to the image processing system1in the embodiment, when an additional button in which a corresponding additional function is unusable is operated, the image processing device10sets the additional button to non-display. Accordingly, the image processing device10can prevent the user from again operating the additional button corresponding to the additional function which is unusable.

According to the image processing system1in the embodiment, when there is an additional button in which a corresponding additional function is unusable, the image processing device10installs a plugin application corresponding to the additional function, so that it becomes possible to use the additional function. As a result, the additional button no longer corresponds to an additional function which is unusable.

According to the image processing system1in the embodiment, when there is an additional button in which a corresponding additional function is unusable, the image processing device10S displays information related to an image processing device10in which it is possible to use the additional function. In this manner, a user who sees the information can move to the image processing device10which is identified in the information. Accordingly, the user is prevented from further operating the additional button in the image processing device10S in which the additional button which corresponds to the additional function which is unusable.

The above described embodiment also can be modified as follows.

In the above described embodiment, the image processing device10performs a display using a dotted line, as a display method of an additional button in which a corresponding additional function is unusable; however, it is not limited to this. For example, the image processing device10can use at least one of methods of using a dotted line, performing grayout, lowering opacity, lowering chroma, performing a reduced display, changing to a substitute icon which indicates that it is unusable, and changing a display using a method other than those. In addition, it may be a display method in which a plurality of the methods are combined. In addition, a display method may be selected using setting from a plurality of types of these. A display method of these is an example of the second display format.

In the above described embodiment, when an additional button in which a corresponding additional function is unusable is operated, the image processing device10sets the additional button to non-display by performing a setting of non-display in Act27. However, the image processing device10may change the display method by setting the additional button to the display using a dotted line, instead of setting the additional button to non-display.

For the additional function, an information column for displaying specific information may be used, instead of displaying additional buttons on the customized screen. When a normal display is used in the display method, the information column displays information on the image processing device10in real time, or at a specific timing. The information is, for example, information which indicates a temperature, or the number of printing sheets of the image processing device10, fault information, or information which indicates a state of toner of the image processing device, though it is not limited. Alternatively, the information may be news, or the like, which is obtained through the network NW. When a display method is the display using a dotted line, a user is unable to use the information column. The information column is an example of an object. In addition, there may be an additional function for displaying an object other than that, without being limited to the additional button, and the information column. The other object is an image, a moving image, or the like, for example.

In the above described embodiment, an additional button corresponds to an additional function. However, the additional button may be a button which executes a function which is originally installed in the image processing device10. That is, the additional button may be a button which can be added and deleted depending on setting of a registered user.

In the above described embodiment, the image processing device10obtains a plugin application which will be installed from the image processing device10M. However, the image processing device10may obtain the plugin application from a removable storage device, or the like, which is connected to the image processing device10. Alternatively, the image processing device10may obtain the plugin application from a personal computer (PC) which is connected to the network NW, a server, or the like.

A network architecture of the image processing system in the embodiment can be a client-server model. That is, the image processing device10S is a client, and the image processing device10M is a server. However, the network architecture of the image processing system in the embodiment is not limited to the client-server model. For example, the network architecture of the image processing system in the embodiment may be a peer to peer (P2P) model. In this case, the image processing device10is operated without distinction of master and slave, for example. In addition, a user DB is stored by a plurality of image processing devices10using a mechanism such as a distributed file system, or a distributed data store, for example.