Abstract:
A system and method for generating customized user interface on a multifunction peripheral. The multifunction peripheral has an intelligent controller with a processor and memory, and a document processing engine with functional subsystems subject to software control by the intelligent controller. The intelligent controller functions as a webserver operating through a network interface. A variety of device control applications are stored with each applications configured to engage a corresponding subset of the functional subsystems. Image files generate an interface image corresponding to a device control application on a touchscreen multifunction peripheral interface. The webserver receives selection data corresponding to at least one selected device control application from an associated web client and outputs a web page displaying image files corresponding to each selected device control application image to the web client via the network interface generating a preview image of a customized user interface.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION DATA 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/491,553 filed Apr. 28, 2017, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/455,348, filed Mar. 10, 2017, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/334,634, filed May 11, 2016, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/455,785, filed Mar. 10, 2017, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/360,581, filed Jul. 11, 2016, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    This application relates generally to configuring device interfaces. This application is more particularly directed to remote customization of touchscreen interfaces for multifunction peripherals via a web interface. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Document processing devices include printers, copiers, scanners and e-mail gateways. More recently, devices employing two or more of these functions are found in office environments. These devices are referred to as multifunction peripherals (MFPs) or multifunction devices (MFDs). As used herein, MFPs are understood to comprise printers, alone or in combination with other of the afore-noted functions. It is further understood that any suitable document processing device can be used. 
         [0004]    Earlier on, MFPs were operated by users via electromechanical switches, such as pressing a dedicated “copy” button, or by dialing a fax number and hitting a “send” switch when a connection was made to a remote facsimile machine. MFPs have become substantially more powerful, and, correspondingly, more complex for users to operate. MFP devices now typically employ a touchscreen user interface. Various functions and controls can be displayed and selected by a screen having touch-selectable areas. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    In accordance with an example embodiment of the subject application, a system and method for generating customized user interface on a multifunction peripheral is presented. The multifunction peripheral has an intelligent controller with a processor and memory, and a document processing engine with functional subsystems subject to software control by the intelligent controller. The intelligent controller functions as a webserver operating through a network interface. A variety of device control applications are stored with each applications configured to engage a corresponding subset of the functional subsystems. Image files generate an interface image corresponding to a device control application on a touchscreen multifunction peripheral interface. The webserver receive selections data corresponding to at least one selected device control application from an associated web client and outputs a web page displaying image files corresponding to each selected device control application image to the web client via the network interface generating a preview image of a customized user interface. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]    Various embodiments will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims and accompanying drawings wherein: 
           [0007]      FIG. 1  an example embodiment of a remotely operable user customizable MFP interface system; 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is an example embodiment of a document rendering system; 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is an example embodiment of a webserver for a user interface customization tool; 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is a flowchart of an example embodiment of a user interface customization system; 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  is an example embodiment of a first interactive preview screen for user interface customization; 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  is an example embodiment of a second interactive preview screen for user interface customization; 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  is an example embodiment of a third interactive preview screen for user interface customization; 
           [0014]      FIG. 8  is an example embodiment of a fourth interactive preview screen for user interface customization; 
           [0015]      FIG. 9  is an example embodiment of a fifth interactive preview screen for user interface customization; and 
           [0016]      FIG. 10  is an example embodiment of a sixth interactive preview screen for user interface customization. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0017]    The systems and methods disclosed herein are described in detail by way of examples and with reference to the figures. It will be appreciated that modifications to disclosed and described examples, arrangements, configurations, components, elements, apparatuses, devices methods, systems, etc. can suitably be made and may be desired for a specific application. In this disclosure, any identification of specific techniques, arrangements, etc. are either related to a specific example presented or are merely a general description of such a technique, arrangement, etc. Identifications of specific details or examples are not intended to be, and should not be, construed as mandatory or limiting unless specifically designated as such. 
         [0018]    MFP touchscreen user interfaces provide access to a large array of device functions, such as faxing, scanning, printing or e-mailing of documents. Additional selections may be added for functions such as paper size selection, collation, hole punching, stapling, duplex printing or N-up printing of multiple pages on a single sheet. A touchscreen may be used for logging in users, such as with a user ID and password. Touchscreens may also be used for charging job costs to an identified charge account. 
         [0019]    It is often desirable for end users to customize their MFP device user interface. For example, a company may wish to eliminate options entirely for color printing to save on printing cost. A company may have a specific need for certain or specialized job functions that might require a user to navigate a complex set of menus each time such a function is to be used. Changing software code for customized interfaces is a complex procedure and therefore generally reserved to the MFP manufacturer. Larger companies may have the resources to hire a device manufacturer to generate a specific user interface for use with a large number of its devices. However, this is cost prohibitive to most end users. 
         [0020]    One solution to providing a user customizable interface includes generating a customization interface for users to use. Such capability requires a customization interface that is user-friendly and includes a mechanism for customization that will be fully compatible with their device and readily savable for automatic loading. Such a system is taught by co-pending U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/491,553, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0021]    Device user interface customization can be accomplished via software running on an intelligent controller of an MFP. User interaction for customization can be accomplished by use of the MFPs integrated touchscreen. Device function customization is suitably accomplished by selection from a menu of callable applications, such as embedded web applications. While this is very useful, it using an MFP touchscreen for customization doesn&#39;t allow a user an opportunity to visualize how the custom interface will appear once loaded, particularly as the interface is being setup. Also, a user interface is advantageously updated and customized according to in-house corporate requirements, corporate look-and-feel, and contract of professional services. User interface customization can be completed with a customization file or a series of user interface controls to be configured. With this approach, the user cannot visualize the end result and editing and customization yields unpredictable results. Additionally, it may be inconvenient for an administrator to physically approach one or more MFPs to generate a customized menu. 
         [0022]    In accordance with the subject application,  FIG. 1  illustrates an example embodiment of a remotely operable user customizable MFP interface system  100  which allows for immediate visualization of how a customized interface screen will appear once implemented. MFP  110  includes a user interface  120  including a touchscreen  130 . MFP  110  is in networked data communication to a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN) or the global Internet, or any combination thereof, via connection to cloud  140 . Also connected to cloud  140  is an administrative terminal  150  which facilitates remote customization of a user interface for MFP  110  as will be detailed below. 
         [0023]    Turning now to  FIG. 2 , illustrated is an example embodiment of a document rendering system  200  suitably comprised within an MFP, such as with MFP  110  of  FIG. 1 . Included in controller  201  are one or more processors, such as that illustrated by processor  202 . Each processor is suitably associated with non-volatile memory, such as ROM  204 , and random access memory (RAM)  206 , via a data bus  212 . 
         [0024]    Processor  202  is also in data communication with a storage interface  208  for reading or writing to a storage  216 , suitably comprised of a hard disk, optical disk, solid-state disk, cloud-based storage, or any other suitable data storage as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0025]    Processor  202  is also in data communication with a network interface  210  which provides an interface to a network interface controller (NIC)  214 , which in turn provides a data path to any suitable wired or physical network connection  220 , or to a wireless data connection via wireless network interface  218 . Example wireless connections include cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, wireless universal serial bus (wireless USB), satellite, and the like. Example wired interfaces include Ethernet, USB, IEEE 1394 (FireWire), Lightening, telephone line, or the like. Processor  202  is also in data communication with one or more sensors  219  which provide data relative to a state of the device or associated surroundings, such as device temperature, ambient temperature, humidity, device movement and the like. 
         [0026]    Processor  202  can also be in data communication with any suitable user input/output (I/O) interface which provides data communication with user peripherals, such as displays, keyboards, mice, track balls, touch screens, or the like. Also in data communication with data bus  212  is a document processor interface  222  suitable for data communication with MFP functional units  250 . In the illustrate example, these units include copy hardware  240 , scan hardware  242 , print hardware  244  and fax hardware  246  which together comprise MFP functional hardware  250 . It will be understood that functional units are suitably comprised of intelligent units, including any suitable hardware or software platform. 
         [0027]    Hardware monitor  221  suitably provides device event data, working in concert with suitably monitoring systems. By way of further example, monitoring systems may include page counters, sensor output, such as consumable level sensors, temperature sensors, power quality sensors, device error sensors, door open sensors, and the like. Data is suitably stored in one or more device logs, such as in storage  216  of  FIG. 2 . 
         [0028]    Controller  201  is suitably provided with an embedded web server system for device configuration and administration. A suitable web interface is comprised of TOPACCESS Controller (sometimes referred to in the subject illustrations as “TA”), available from Toshiba TEC Corporation. 
         [0029]      FIG. 3  illustrates an example embodiment of a webserver for an MFP user interface customization tool  300  usable via web client access via a platform such as TOPACCESS. Customization options are selectable from embedded electronic applications (eAPPs). Embedded applications in the illustrated example include a copy eAPP  304  functional to control a device copy function with one or more selectable profiles  308 . TOPACCESS user interface link  312  provides for device interaction. Similarly, scan eAPP  316  includes selectable profiles  320  and a TOPACCESS user interface link  324 . As a user interface is built, the user can see the results via a rendering of how the configuration would look at  327 . 
         [0030]    In the example embodiment of  FIG. 3 , customization is accomplished by another callable eAPP, customization eAPP  314 . Customization eAPP  314  include an extensible markup language (XML) eAPP parser  328 , a custom user interface and eAPP configurator  332 , and an XML user interface parser  336 . User interaction via a web interface is accomplished via configuration tool  350  which calls customization eAPP  314  with an eAPP package  354  providing interaction with XML and image files, such as GIF, TIFF, JPEG or any other suitable image file format. Such image files allow for user placement of images such as company logo&#39;s, on a user interface. Customization can also include selection of color schemes, menu layout, background images, available device functions and ordering of nested interface screens. Once a user interface is completed, it is registered and displayed at  360 . Updating or patching of eAPPS is suitably done via network connection with a manufacturer request  362 , which patches may be deemed acceptable or unacceptable for use in eAPPS at  364  or a display at  368 . In accordance with the forgoing, a platform is provided for a web based user interface to customize an MFP copier look-and-feel by selecting a template layout, adding resident applications to be placed within the template layout, customization of those applications, and customization of the look and feel using a user interface that provides a realistic preview and in-place editing thereby promoting usability and predictability of results. 
         [0031]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , illustrated is a flowchart  400  of an example embodiment of a user interface customization system. Operation commences at  404 . A preview screen, suitably initially a default user interface or previously customized user interface is displayed at  408 . A user can select to alter a background, suitably by engaging a mouse click on the preview background at block  416 . Once selected, the use selects from background options at block  420 . If a selection is made as determined at block  424 , the background is changed and a preview is generated at block  428 . The system suitably returns to preview screen  408 , now updated, if more customization is to be done. If not, the process terminates at block  432 . 
         [0032]    If a user clicks on a button on the preview interface at block  436 , they are provided with a selection screen of elements, some of which may be editable as shown in block  440 . An icon or other graphical element is selected and invoiced at block  444 , and text may be edited at block  448 . Properties of an associated application or applications may be edited at block  450 . If changes are made and accepted at block  454 , then updated views of icons are made at block  456 , and the process terminates at block  458  unless additional interface customization is to be made. If so, the process suitably returns to block  408 . Similar progress is made for text preview at block  462 , optionally terminating if complete at block  464  or returning to block  408  if more customization is desired. Changed settings are suitably previewed at block  468 , and the process ends at block  470  or returns to block  408 . If changes are not made or accepted, processing returns to block  408 . 
         [0033]    If a user clicks on a logo, or logo area on the preview interface image at block  474 , they are prompted to direct the system to a location of a desired electronic image file at  478  for selection. Once selected at block  480 , the preview image is updated at block  484  and the process terminates at block  490 . If additional customization is to be made, the process returns to block  408 . 
         [0034]      FIGS. 5-10  illustrate example embodiments of interactive preview screens for user interface customization. In  FIG. 5 , web page  500  is generated on a web interface, such as on administrative terminal  150  of  FIG. 1 . User selects to browse layouts at  502 , and layout options  504 ,  506 ,  510  and  514  are displayed. For example, the user can select layout  504  and place selectable button areas in a left justified fashion as illustrated at  520 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 6  illustrates an example embodiment of a customization screen  600  wherein the user chooses button  604  to load their own customized forms. The user inputs appropriate information at  610  and one or more custom forms are made available through the customized user interface. 
         [0036]      FIG. 7  illustrates an example embodiment of a customization screen  700  where the user selects the icon area  704  to select an icon for a button area. A listing of available icons for selection with that control is displayed on screen area  708 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 8  illustrates an example embodiment of a preview user interface screen  800  wherein a listing of possible backgrounds is presented at screen area  810 . When a selection is made to background  820 , it appears on the preview as background area  850 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 9  illustrates an example embodiment of a preview user interface screen  900  wherein a user clicks on a tagline area  910  to select the tagline “Where lives are saved” for editing. 
         [0039]      FIG. 10  illustrates an example embodiment of a preview user interface screen  1000 . Selection of the tagline area  910  in  FIG. 9  provides a text entry box  1010  in  FIG. 10  wherein a modification can be made and stored. In accordance with the forgoing, an intuitive user interface customization tool allows for interface customization, suitably remotely, while a user can see in real time how an interface will look once applied to an MFP. 
         [0040]    While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel embodiments described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodiments described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the spirit and scope of the inventions.