Patent ID: 12216947

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, an explanation is given of embodiments according to the present disclosure with reference to the drawings. It is not intended that the embodiments below limit the present disclosure, and all of the combinations of the characteristics explained in the present embodiments are not necessarily essential. The same reference sign is assigned for explanations of the same configuration.

First Embodiment

In the present embodiment, an explanation is given of the example in which, in a case where a manual corresponding to the screen being displayed on a display unit of an image printing apparatus is present, the user is notified of the presence of the manual by use of a notification unit (for example, an LED). As described above, in the present embodiment, the notification unit is equipped separately from the display unit, so that a notification is provided by the notification unit separately from display of a screen by the display unit. The user recognizes an event (for example, the presence of a manual page) indicated by notification by the notification unit (for example, LED being turned on). Then, upon checking the LED being turned on, the user performs a predetermined operation to the image printing apparatus in a case where the user desires to check the manual for the screen being displayed on the display unit. Upon receiving the predetermined operation, the image printing apparatus displays a two-dimensional code indicating the location of the manual page on the display unit. The user can check the corresponding manual on a mobile terminal by reading the two-dimensional code being displayed on the display unit with the camera of the mobile terminal.

<System Configuration>

FIG.1is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing system according to the present embodiment and a schematic configuration of the outer appearance thereof. As illustrated inFIG.1, the information processing system according to the present embodiment includes an image printing apparatus101, a mobile terminal105, and a manual server106. In the explanation of the present embodiment, it is assumed that the image printing apparatus101is a multi-function printer (MFP). However, it is also possible that the image printing apparatus101is a single function printer (SFP). The image printing apparatus101includes an operation panel102, a feeding unit103, and a discharge tray104. The sheets that are set in the feeding unit103are conveyed one by one to a printer (not illustrated inFIG.1), so that printing is performed on a sheet and the sheet is discharged from the discharge tray104. The operation panel102is a reception unit (input unit) that receives input of a setting value or an instruction for execution of processing from the user. The operation panel102is equipped on the outer surface of the image printing apparatus101.

InFIG.1, the example in which a two-dimensional code displayed on the operation panel102of the image printing apparatus101is read by the mobile terminal105such as a smartphone or a tablet is illustrated. In this example, a two-dimensional code indicates a URL corresponding to a predetermined address of the manual server106. A browser of the mobile terminal105accesses the address corresponding to the read URL, so that the manual page of the manual server106is displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal105.

<Explanation of the Operation Panel>

FIG.2is a diagram illustrating the outer appearance of the operation panel102, which is an operation unit. As illustrated inFIG.2, the operation panel102includes a display device201, up/down keys204, an OK key202, a return key203, a two-dimensional code key205, and an LED206(notification unit).

The up/down keys204, the OK key202, the return key203, and the two-dimensional code key205are included in the hard key group319(seeFIG.3) to be described later. The display device201is a liquid crystal display device or an organic EL display device, for example. The display device201in the present embodiment is smaller than the display screen of the mobile terminal105, as illustrated inFIGS.1and2. Therefore, the information amount that can be displayed by the display device201is less than the mobile terminal105. The up/down keys204, the OK key202, and the return key203are keys (buttons) used for selecting a function, for setting, or the like.

The two-dimensional code key205is a key used for receiving an instruction for generating a two-dimensional code from the user. A QR code (registered trademark) is an example of the two-dimensional code. InFIG.2, “QR” is written on the two-dimensional code key205as a notation indicative of a two-dimensional code. In the example ofFIG.2, in a case where the two-dimensional code key205is pressed, a two-dimensional code corresponding to the contents being displayed on the display device201at that moment is generated. The generated two-dimensional code is displayed on the display device201. The code in the present embodiment is not limited to a two-dimensional code, and it is also possible that the code is a barcode, or the like. Furthermore, depending on the contents being displayed on the display device201, a predetermined message may be displayed instead of a two-dimensional code. Details of these will be described later.

The LED206is a notification unit that indicates whether the two-dimensional code key205is effective. In the present embodiment, the LED206is turned on in a case where the two-dimensional code key205is effective and is turned off in a case where the two-dimensional code key205is ineffective. By the two-dimensional code key205being effective, it means that, in a case where the two-dimensional code key205is pressed, it is possible to display the corresponding two-dimensional code. In a case where the two-dimensional code key205is pressed while the LED206is on, the two-dimensional code corresponding to the contents being displayed on the display device201at that moment is generated.

<Functional Configuration of the Image Printing Apparatus>

FIG.3is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the control system of the image printing apparatus101according to the present embodiment. The image printing apparatus101includes a CPU301, a ROM302, a RAM303, a printing unit304, a scanning unit305, an interface306, and an operation panel102.

The CPU301entirely controls the image printing apparatus101via a system bus. The ROM302stores program codes of the main body, initial value data, and various kinds of tables. The RAM303is an image buffer that temporarily saves image data read by the scanning unit305and print image data sent via the interface306.

The printing unit304includes a printing engine of an inkjet system, and the printing unit304prints an image saved in the RAM303on a print sheet. The scanning unit305performs photo-electric conversion for converting an optically-read image into electrical image signals by use of a contact image sensor. The interface306performs wireless or wired network communication, and the interface306is used for transmission and reception of information or a command to and from an external device.

The operation panel102includes the display device201, the hard key group319, and the LED206. The display device201displays a state of the image printing apparatus101, various kinds of menu screens, main body information of the image printing apparatus101, or the like. Furthermore, the display device201displays a two-dimensional code. The CPU301controls the operation panel102equipped on the outer surface of the image printing apparatus101. The CPU301is capable of displaying desired information on the display device201arranged on the operation panel102and is capable of monitoring operations performed by the user to the hard key group319on the operation panel102.

In the ROM302of the present embodiment, a “program for controlling generation of a two-dimensional code”, a “two-dimensional code correspondence table”, and “product information” are stored in addition to the various kinds of data described above.

The “program for controlling generation of a two-dimensional code” is a program for making the CPU301to execute the two-dimensional code generation control processing (seeFIGS.4A and4B) to be described later. The “two-dimensional code correspondence table” (seeFIG.5) is information to be referred to in a process of turning the LED206on. Furthermore, the “two-dimensional code correspondence table” is information to be referred to in a two-dimensional code generation process as well.

The “two-dimensional code correspondence table” stores a “category” for indicating a URL of a linked destination corresponding to a screen ID for identifying the display screen being displayed on the display device. Furthermore, the two-dimensional code correspondence table stores an “error code”. A “category” included in the two-dimensional code correspondence table indicates the name of an operation explanation page in the manual at a linked destination. An “error code” included in the two-dimensional code correspondence table indicates the error number on an error handling method explanation page in the manual at a linked destination. Details of the contents of the two-dimensional code correspondence table will be described later with reference toFIG.5.

The “product information” is information including a “product code” and a “product destination”. The product information is utilized as a constituent element of a URL indicating a linked destination in a case of generating a two-dimensional code. A “product code” is a number for specifying the model of the image printing apparatus101. A “product destination” is a number for specifying the region to which the product is shipped.

<Processing by the Image Printing Apparatus>

Although the image printing apparatus101performs various kinds of processing, the following explanation is mainly given of the two-dimensional code generation control processing. The two-dimensional code generation control processing includes control processing for turning the LED206on and off, processing in response to pressing of the two-dimensional code key205, and URL generation processing.

<Control Processing for Turning the LED on and Off and Processing in Response to Pressing of the Two-Dimensional Code Key>

FIGS.4A and4Bare totally a flowchart illustrating the two-dimensional code generation control processing in the present embodiment. InFIGS.4A and4B, the control processing for turning the LED206on and off and the processing in response to pressing of the two-dimensional code key205are included. The series of processes illustrated in the flowchart ofFIGS.4A and4Bis performed by the CPU301retrieving a program code stored in the ROM302into the RAM303and executing the program code. Alternatively, a part or all of the functions in the steps ofFIGS.4A and4Bmay be implemented by hardware such as an ASIC or an electronic circuit. The symbol “S” in the explanation of each process means that it is a step of the flowchart.

In S401, the power supply of the image printing apparatus101is turned on, so that the processing starts. The CPU301of the image printing apparatus101repeats the processes from S402in a case where the power supply is on.

In S402, the CPU301displays a predetermined screen on the display device201in response to an operation by the user through the operation panel102. In the explanation of the present example, a screen is displayed on the display device201in response to an operation by the user through the operation panel102. However, it is also possible that a screen is displayed on the display device201in response to reception of a print job from an external host apparatus (not illustrated in the drawings), or the like.

In S403, the CPU301refers to the two-dimensional code correspondence table as illustrated inFIG.5, so as to determine whether there is a linked destination for a manual corresponding to the screen being displayed on the display device201. In a case where there is a linked destination for a manual, the processing proceeds to S404, and, otherwise, the processing proceeds to S405.

FIG.5is a diagram illustrating an example of the two-dimensional code correspondence table500. In the present embodiment, a screen ID for identifying a screen is assigned for each screen to be displayed on the display device201. In the two-dimensional code correspondence table500, a screen ID, an error code, and a category are stored in association with each other. The category included in the two-dimensional code correspondence table500indicates the name of an operation explanation page in the manual at the linked destination. InFIG.5, a screen ID for which a corresponding category is not present (ID_1000) does not have a corresponding manual page (linked destination). Contrarily, a screen ID for which a corresponding category is present has a corresponding manual page. In that category, a character string corresponding to the manual page in the manual server106is described.

In S403, the CPU301refers to the two-dimensional code correspondence table500, so that, in a case where a category corresponding to the screen ID is present, the CPU301determines that a linked destination for a manual is present. The categories in the two-dimensional code correspondence table500include a category of “ERR”, which is indicative of an error. In a case where the category is “ERR”, an “error code” is stored in association with the category. An “error code” is an error number corresponding to an error handling method explanation page in the manual at the linked destination.

Returning toFIG.4A, the explanation is continued below. In a case where there is a linked destination for a manual, the CPU301turns on the LED206(also referred to as a two-dimensional code lamp) in S404. On the other hand, in a case where there is not a linked destination for a manual, the CPU301turns off the LED206in S405. In a case where the LED206has already been turned on in S404, the CPU301does not have to perform the turn-on control in S404. Similarly, in a case where the LED206has already been turned off in S405, the CPU301does not have to perform the turn-off control in S405. Upon completion of S404, the processing proceeds to S406. Upon completion of S405, the processing proceeds to S409.

After turning on the LED206in S404, the CPU301determines in S406whether the automatic guide display flag, which is stored in the ROM302, is on. The automatic guide display flag is a flag indicating whether a guide screen is to be automatically displayed, and the initial value thereof is set to on. In a case where the automatic guide display flag is on, the processing proceeds to S407, so that the CPU301displays the guide screen. The guide screen is a screen for explaining an operation guide of the LED206and the two-dimensional code key205. For example, the guide screen is a screen including such explanation as “If the two-dimensional code key205is pressed while the LED206is on, a two-dimensional code for displaying a manual will be displayed.” (seeFIG.9B). Details of the guide screen will be described later. After the guide screen is displayed in S407, the CPU301sets the automatic guide display flag to off in S408. Then, the processing proceeds to S409. On the other hand, in a case where it is determined in S406that the automatic guide display flag is not on, the processing proceeds to S409.

As described above, the initial value of the automatic guide display flag is set to on. For example, in a case where the LED206is turned on for the first time after the user purchases the image printing apparatus101, the guide screen is displayed. Accordingly, it is possible to present the user with a functional explanation and an operational explanation of the two-dimensional code key205and the LED206in a case where the user operates the image printing apparatus101for the first time. However, it is bothersome that the guide screen is displayed every time, and the operability for the user is deteriorated. By turning off the automatic guide display flag after the first time the guide screen is displayed, the operability for the user can be improved.

In S409, the CPU301determines whether the two-dimensional code key205is pressed. In a case where the two-dimensional code key205is pressed, the processing proceeds to S410. Otherwise, the processing proceeds to S414. In S410, the CPU301determines whether the LED206(two-dimensional code lamp) is on. In a case where the LED206is on, the processing proceeds to S411, and, in a case where the LED206is not on, the processing proceeds to S413.

In a case where the LED206is on, the CPU301performs a two-dimensional code generation process in S411. The two-dimensional code to be generated is a code representing a URL for accessing the manual page corresponding to the screen being displayed on the display device201. Details of the two-dimensional code generation process will be described later. Thereafter, in S412, the CPU301displays the generated two-dimensional code on the display device201. Then, the processing proceeds to S414. The user will browse the manual page corresponding to the URL indicated by the two-dimensional code by use of the mobile terminal105.

On the other hand, if the two-dimensional code lamp (LED206) is not on in the case where the two-dimensional code key205is pressed in S409, the processing proceeds to S413, so that, in S413, the CPU301displays the same guide screen as in S407. Although it is predictable that the user understands the functional explanation and operational explanation of the LED206and the two-dimensional code key205, it is possible that the user has forgotten the explanations. That is, even though the user presses the two-dimensional code key205in the case where the LED206is not on, a two-dimensional code is not displayed on the display device201since a corresponding manual page is not present. For notifying the user of such an operational explanation again as a reminder, the guide screen is displayed on the display device201in S413. Thereafter, the processing proceeds to S414.

In S414, the CPU301determines whether to perform a screen transition. In a case where the screen transition is performed, the processing returns to S402, and, in a case where the screen transition is not performed, the processing proceeds to S415. For example, after the two-dimensional code is displayed in S412, in a case where the user operates the hard key group319after checking the manual page, the screen will transition from the screen displaying the two-dimensional code to the screen displayed prior to the two-dimensional code. In a case where the user operates the hard key group319in the state where the guide screen is displayed in S413, the screen will transition to the screen displayed prior to the guide screen. Furthermore, although it is possible that the screen transition is performed in response to an operation through the hard key group319, it is also possible that a predetermined event, or the like, is a trigger for the screen transition. In a case where the power supply is not turned off in S415, the CPU301returns to S409, so as to repeat the processing. In a case where the power supply is turned off, the processing of the present flowchart will end.

The above is the explanation of the two-dimensional code generation control processing. As for the process of S410, although an explanation has been given of the example in which the CPU301determines whether the LED206is on, it is also possible that the CPU301refers to the two-dimensional code correspondence table500so as to determine whether there is a linked destination for a manual.

As described above, it is possible that the display device201appropriately switches multiple screens to be displayed as a predetermined screen for which a manual is present. Furthermore, in a case where the two-dimensional code key205receives an operation from the user, the CPU301displays the code corresponding to the screen being displayed on the display device201out of the two-dimensional codes corresponding respectively to the multiple screens.

<Two-Dimensional Code Generation Process>

FIG.6is a diagram illustrating details of the two-dimensional code generation process in S411ofFIG.4B. In S601, the CPU301obtains the category corresponding to the screen ID of the screen being displayed on the display device201from the two-dimensional code correspondence table500as illustrated inFIG.5. In S602, the CPU301refers to the product information stored in the ROM302and obtains product destination information. In S603, the CPU301refers to the product information stored in the ROM302and obtains a product code.

In S604, the CPU301determines whether the category obtained in S601is ERR, which is indicative of an error. In a case where the category is indicative of an error, the processing proceeds to S605, so that the CPU301obtains the corresponding error code from the two-dimensional code correspondence table500. The error code is used as a parameter for the manual server106to search for the page corresponding to the error. Thereafter, the processing proceeds to S606. In a case where the category is not ERR which is indicative of an error in S604, the process of S605is skipped.

In S606, the CPU301links the obtained product destination information, product code, category, and error code (only in a case where the category is ERR) to the base URL, which indicates the manual server106, so as to generate a URL. In S607, the CPU301generates a two-dimensional code by converting the URL generated in S606into the two-dimensional code.

Specific Operation Example 1

Next, explanations are given of specific operation examples with reference to the drawings. Operation example 1 is an example in which a screen for which the two-dimensional code key205is effective is displayed on the display device201. Specifically, operation example 1 is an example of a scene in which the user attempts to carry out maintenance of the image printing apparatus101.

FIGS.7A through7Care diagrams for explaining operation example 1. In a case where the user presses a button in the hard key group319to carry out maintenance of the image printing apparatus101, such a maintenance menu screen as illustrated inFIG.7Ais displayed on the display device201. It is assumed that the screen ID of the screen illustrated inFIG.7Ais “ID_1002”. In the two-dimensional code correspondence table500ofFIG.5, the category corresponding to the screen ID “ID_1002” is “MAINTE”. That is, in the present example, a category corresponding to the screen ID of the screen being displayed on the display device201is present. Therefore, the LED206is turned on immediately after the screen ofFIG.7Ais displayed on the display device201. The timing of turning on the LED206may not be immediately after a predetermined screen is displayed. That is, the timing of turning on the LED206may be at the same time of displaying a predetermined screen or may be immediately before switching to a predetermined screen.

The user checks the turned-on state of the LED206and presses the two-dimensional code key205. Then, as illustrated inFIG.7B, the display device201displays a two-dimensional code including a URL for a maintenance function explanation page in the manual server106, which corresponds to the product code and the language of the product destination.

After the two-dimensional code illustrated inFIG.7Bis displayed on the display device201, the user captures the two-dimensional code with the camera of the mobile terminal105to read the two-dimensional code. Then, in a case where the browser of the mobile terminal105accesses the manual server106, which is indicated by the URL represented by the two-dimensional code, such an explanation page of the manual is displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal105as illustrated inFIG.7C. The explanation page illustrated inFIG.7Ccorresponds to the explanation page for the menu screen of the maintenance function illustrated inFIG.7A.

In this way, by checking the turn-on state of the LED206, it is possible for the user to determine whether the screen currently displayed on the display device201corresponds to the two-dimensional code key205. Furthermore, by capturing a two-dimensional code, which is displayed in response to pressing of the two-dimensional code key205, with the camera of the mobile terminal105, it is possible for the user to browse an explanation page of the manual corresponding to the display screen.

Specific Operation Example 2

FIGS.8A and8Bare diagrams for explaining operation example 2. Operation example 2 is an example of a scene in which the two-dimensional code key205is pressed in a case where the two-dimensional code key205is not effective. InFIG.8A, a screen indicating product information is displayed on the display device201. In the two-dimensional code correspondence table500, a category corresponding to the screen ID of the screen illustrated inFIG.8Ais not present. Therefore, while the screen ofFIG.8Ais displayed on the display device201, the LED206is not on. In a case where the user presses the two-dimensional code key205in this state, such a guide screen as illustrated inFIG.8Bis displayed on the display device201. InFIG.8B, the contents of the display device201being entirely scrolled are illustrated for convenience of explanation. On the display device201ofFIG.8B, a message with such contents indicating that a two-dimensional code for displaying a manual will be displayed in a case where the two-dimensional code key205is pressed while the LED206is on.

In this way, since the guide screen is displayed, it is possible for the user to check the roles of the LED206and the two-dimensional code key205. On the guide screen illustrated inFIG.8B, an example of a message for such a configuration in which the LED206is arranged on the two-dimensional code key205is illustrated. In a case where the two-dimensional code key205and the LED206are arranged apart from each other, it is possible to display a guide screen illustrating the positional relationship between the two-dimensional code key205and the LED206and the roles thereof.

Specific Operation Example 3

FIGS.9A and9Bare diagrams for explaining operation example 3. Operation example 3 is an example of a scene in which a guide screen is automatically displayed. Users who purchase the image printing apparatus101for the first time do not know what function the LED206has. Therefore, as illustrated inFIG.9A, in a case where the LED206is turned on for the first time, such a guide screen as illustrated inFIG.9Bis automatically displayed in an interrupting manner on the display device201without any operation by the user. In a case where any key in the hard key group319is pressed by the user, the screen returns to the original screen. An indication as such is included in the text on the guide display screen illustrated inFIG.9Bas well. By automatically displaying the guide screen in a case where the LED206is turned on for the first time, it is possible for the user to know the functions of the two-dimensional code key205and the LED206without reading the manual.

In the explanations of the above examples, the LED206is turned on in a case where a page corresponding to the screen being displayed on the display device201is present, and otherwise the LED206is turned off. However, the reverse is also possible. That is, it is possible that the LED206is turned off in a case where a page corresponding to the screen being displayed on the display device201is present, and otherwise the LED206is turned on. There may also be such a form in which the lighting color is changed. Furthermore, the control is not limited to turning on and off the LED206, and any of blinking, turning on, and turning off of the LED206may be used. Moreover, although the LED206is taken as an example for the explanation, other members may be used as an example of the indicator light. Additionally, another notification unit (indicator) other than the LED206may be used as long as it is possible to notify the user that the two-dimensional code key205is effective.

Specific Operation Example 4

FIGS.10A through10Care diagrams illustrating operation example 4. Operation example 4 is an example in which the user is informed that the two-dimensional code key205is effective by use of a buzzer (notification sound output device) equipped other than the display unit as a notification unit, instead of the LED206. In a case where the buzzer is used, it is possible that the LED206is not arranged on the operation panel102. Further, it is also possible that the LED206is arranged on the operation panel102and the turn-on control of the LED206is performed together with the control of an output sound of the buzzer. The buzzer sound may be output for a predetermined time period. In a case where the user presses the two-dimensional code key205after outputting the buzzer sound, the two-dimensional code is displayed on the display device201.

Specific Operation Example 5

FIGS.11A through11Care diagrams illustrating operation example 5. Operation example 5 is an example in which a pop-up screen is displayed as a notification unit on the display device201, instead of the LED206. That is, in this case, the display unit and the notification unit are integrally equipped. In the present example, as illustrated inFIG.11A, after a predetermined time period (two seconds in the present example) has elapsed upon transition to a screen for which the two-dimensional code key205is effective, such a pop-up message1101is displayed as illustrated inFIG.11B. The pop-up message1101(pop-up screen) pops up from the bottom of the screen being displayed on the display device201. In this pop-up message1101, the function of the two-dimensional code key205is explained in such a manner as “You can refer to the manual by pressing the two-dimensional code key.”. Accordingly, it is possible for the user to recognize that the two-dimensional code key is effective. Thereafter, in a case where the user presses the two-dimensional code key205, a two-dimensional code is displayed on the display device201as illustrated inFIG.11C. In a case where the two-dimensional code is read by the camera of the mobile terminal105, a predetermined manual page is displayed on the mobile terminal105. It is also possible that the display device201is a touch panel display device and that the two-dimensional code is displayed in a case where the pop-up message1101is pressed.

As explained above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible for the user to determine whether the two-dimensional code key205is effective according to notification (for example, the turned-on state of the LED) by the notification unit without actually pressing the two-dimensional code key205. Therefore, for example, it is possible to prevent the user from pressing the two-dimensional code key205in a case where a corresponding explanation page of a manual is not present, that is, in a case where the two-dimensional code key205is not effective. Furthermore, it is possible to make a user who operates the product for the first time or a user who is not used to use the product to understand specifications of the product such as, for example, the two-dimensional code key205is effective in a case where the LED206is on. As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to appropriately prompt the user to perform an operation for displaying a code.

In a case where a two-dimensional code being displayed on the display device201is read by the mobile terminal105and a manual page is displayed on the browser of the mobile terminal105, it is possible for the user to print the contents of the manual page with the image printing apparatus101.

Furthermore, although the process of generating a two-dimensional code has been explained in S411(corresponding toFIG.6) ofFIG.4B, the present embodiment is not limited as such, and it is also possible that image data of a two-dimensional code that is preliminarily stored in the ROM302, or the like, is read out in S411. In this case, for example, a “screen ID” as illustrated inFIG.5is stored in the ROM302, or the like, in association with a file path of the image of the two-dimensional code. Then, the image of the two-dimensional code is read out through the file path corresponding to the screen ID of the screen being displayed, so as to be displayed in S412.

Second Embodiment

In the first embodiment, the example in which the two-dimensional code correspondence table500is stored in the ROM302of the image printing apparatus101has been explained. In this case, for example, if a URL for a linked destination of a manual is changed after the image printing apparatus101is sold, the two-dimensional code correspondence table500stored in the ROM302of the image printing apparatus101needs to be rewritten. In the present embodiment, an explanation is given of the example in which a redirection server is separately provided in addition to the manual server106. Furthermore, the example in which information of a URL for a linked destination of the manual server106is stored in the redirection server will be explained.

<Process of Checking a Linked Destination URL for a Manual>

FIG.12is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing performed in the process of checking whether there is a linked destination for a manual in S403ofFIG.4Ain the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the image printing apparatus101, the manual server106, and the redirection server120are mutually connected via a network. The image printing apparatus101is only required to be capable of communicating with the redirection server120, and the redirection server120is only required to be capable of communicating with the image printing apparatus101and the manual server106. That is, the image printing apparatus101may not be capable of communicating with the manual server106. The series of processes in the present embodiment is basically the same as in the first embodiment, and explanations will be given mainly of the different aspect. The different aspect from the first embodiment corresponds to the process of S403inFIG.4A. Furthermore, the image printing apparatus101of the present embodiment is not provided with the two-dimensional code correspondence table500. Instead, the redirection server120is provided with information (hereinafter referred to as a management table) corresponding to the two-dimensional code correspondence table500.

In S1201ofFIG.12, the image printing apparatus101performs a screen transition (corresponding to S402ofFIG.4A) in response to reception of an operation through a key from the user. After the screen transition, the image printing apparatus101sends the screen ID of the screen being displayed on the display device201to the redirection server120in S1202.

Upon receiving the screen ID, the redirection server120refers to the management table, which is managed by the redirection server120, in S1203, so as to search for a URL of the linked destination for the manual corresponding to the screen ID. The product code and product destination information may be separately sent from the image printing apparatus101to the redirection server120or may be sent together with the screen ID from the image printing apparatus101. The redirection server120generates the URL of the linked destination, based on the information of the product code, product destination, and category.

In S1204, the redirection server120accesses the linked destination indicated by the generated URL, so as to check whether the linked destination is accessible. In S1205, the redirection server120receives a response result from the manual server106, so as to determine whether the linked destination is accessible. In a case of being accessible, the redirection server120sends the generated URL to the image printing apparatus101in S1206. Accordingly, since it is possible for the image printing apparatus101to determine that there is a linked destination for a manual as a result of the process in S403, the LED206(two-dimensional code lamp) is turned on in S1207(corresponding to S404inFIG.4A).

In S411ofFIG.4B, a two-dimensional code including the URL received by the image printing apparatus101in S1206is generated. Specifically, the process in S607ofFIG.6is executed by use of the URL received in S1206.

Furthermore, inFIG.12, the processing in a case where there is a linked destination is illustrated. In a case where the redirection server120accesses the manual server106and no response is obtained, the redirection server120sends information indicative of inaccessible to the image printing apparatus101. In response, the image printing apparatus101determines that there is no manual of a linked destination, and the processing proceeds to S405inFIG.4A, so that the LED206is turned off.

In a case where the redirection server120cannot obtain a response from the manual server106, it is assumed that the URL of a linked destination has been changed. Therefore, in a case where the redirection server120cannot obtain a response from the manual server106, a system administrator, or the like, may separately update the management table managed by the redirection server120so as to change the URL to an appropriate URL.

As explained above, according to the present embodiment, it is not necessary to rewrite the ROM302of the image printing apparatus101even in a case where a URL of an explanation page for a manual is changed. Therefore, for example, even in a case where a manual is added after the image printing apparatus101is sold, it is possible to appropriately control the LED206to be turned on.

Other Embodiments

Although the example in which a two-dimensional code is used for accessing a linked destination of the manual server106is explained in each of the above-described embodiments, the present embodiments are not limited as such. In a case where contents corresponding to the screen being displayed on the display device201are present in an external server, a two-dimensional code representing the URL for accessing the contents may be used.

Although the example in which a two-dimensional code is displayed on the display device201in a case where the two-dimensional code key205is pressed by the user is explained in each of the above-described embodiments, the present embodiments are not limited as such in terms of the trigger for displaying the two-dimensional code. For example, it is also possible that the image printing apparatus101includes an audio input device, so that the two-dimensional code is displayed on the display device201in a case where a predetermined audio operation is input by the user to the audio input device while the LED206is on. Moreover, any reception unit may be used as long as the reception unit is capable of receiving input of a predetermined user operation.

Furthermore, although the image printing apparatus101is taken as an example in the explanation of each of the above-described embodiments, the present embodiments are not limited as such. There may be such a form of using a control apparatus including a display unit in a small size or a control apparatus including a display unit whose display capability is limited.

Embodiment(s) of the present invention can also be realized by a computer of a system or apparatus that reads out and executes computer executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (which may also be referred to more fully as a ‘non-transitory computer-readable storage medium’) to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s) and/or that includes one or more circuits (e.g., application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) for performing the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s), and by a method performed by the computer of the system or apparatus by, for example, reading out and executing the computer executable instructions from the storage medium to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s) and/or controlling the one or more circuits to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s). The computer may comprise one or more processors (e.g., central processing unit (CPU), micro processing unit (MPU)) and may include a network of separate computers or separate processors to read out and execute the computer executable instructions. The computer executable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or the storage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, one or more of a hard disk, a random-access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a storage of distributed computing systems, an optical disk (such as a compact disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), or Blu-ray Disc (BD)™), a flash memory device, a memory card, and the like.

While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-121765, filed Jun. 28, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference wherein in its entirety.