Patent ID: 12256047

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, an example of an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Further, the same or similar elements and portions in the drawings will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Dimensional ratios in the drawings may be exaggerated for the convenience of descriptions, and may differ from actual ratios.

FIG.1is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a terminal processing system of the present exemplary embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG.1, a terminal processing system100of the present exemplary embodiment includes plural information processing devices10A,10B, . . . , and a terminal device20, each of which can access a network50. Hereinafter, when described without distinction, the information processing devices10A,10B, . . . will be simply collectively referred to as an “information processing device10”.

In the present exemplary embodiment, an image processing device which is a digital multifunction machine having an image transmission service, an image reading service and an image printing service is used as the information processing device10. Alternatively, an image processing device, a home appliance, or the like, which has only an image printing function and an image reading function, may be used as the information processing device10. In the present exemplary embodiment, a smartphone is used as the terminal device20. Alternatively, other terminal devices such as a tablet terminal and a laptop personal computer may be used as the terminal device20.

The information processing device10of the present exemplary embodiment includes a central processing unit (CPU)11, a memory12as a temporary storage area, a non-volatile storage13, an operation unit17, and a communication interface (I/F) unit18. These configurations are connected to each other via a bus B1.

The storage13is implemented by a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a flash memory. The storage13stores various databases such as a provided service database13A, a provided setting item database13B, and a prohibition setting database13C. Details of the databases will be described later.

The operation unit17communicates with a short-range communication unit27(to be described later) provided in the terminal device20within a range of a predetermined distance (10 cm in the present exemplary embodiment).

The communication I/F unit18is an interface by which the information processing device10communicates with the terminal device20and other devices. For the communication, for example, wired communication standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or FDDI are used.

Meanwhile, the terminal device20of the present exemplary embodiment is a device possessed by a user who causes the information processing device10to execute services by using the terminal processing system100(hereinafter, simply referred to as a “user”). The terminal device20includes a CPU21, a memory22as a temporary storage area, a non-volatile storage23, an input unit24, a display25, a speaker26, the short-range communication unit27, and a communication I/F unit28. These components are connected to each other via a bus B2.

The storage23is implemented by a storage device such as an HDD, an SSD, or a flash memory. The storage23as a storage medium stores a terminal processing program23A. The CPU21reads the terminal processing program23A from the storage23, develops the terminal processing program23A in the memory22, and sequentially executes processes included in the terminal processing program23A. Further, the storage23stores various databases such as a display information database23B, a history information database23C, and a setting information database23D. With these databases, it is possible to display a menu screen based on the same information, for plural information processing devices10having different services or setting items. Details of the databases will be described later.

The input unit24includes a pointing device such as a mouse, and a keyboard, and is used for performing various inputs.

The display25is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays various information pieces. The display25may be of a touch panel type to serve as the input unit24.

The short-range communication unit27communicates with the operation unit17provided in the information processing device10within a range of the predetermined distance. In the present exemplary embodiment, a communication method using Bluetooth (registered trademark) is used as a communication method performed between the short-range communication unit27and the operation unit17. It is noted that the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, other methods such as a method using near field communication (NFC), and a method using Wi-Fi (registered trademark) may be used.

The communication I/F unit28is an interface by which the terminal device20communicates with the information processing device10and other devices. For the communication, for example, wireless communication standards such as 4G, 5G, or Wi-Fi (registered trademark) are used.

When the terminal processing program23A is executed, the terminal device20implements various functions by using the above-described hardware resources. The functional configurations implemented by the terminal device20will be described.

FIG.2is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configurations of the terminal device20.

As illustrated inFIG.2, the terminal device20includes an accepting unit21A, an acquisition unit21B, a controller21C, and a generator21D as functional configurations. Each functional configuration is implemented when the CPU21reads and executes the terminal processing program23A.

The accepting unit21A of the present exemplary embodiment accepts a selection of the information processing device10as a target to which an instruction to execute a service is to be sent.

The acquisition unit21B of the present exemplary embodiment acquires provision information from the information processing device10. The provision information is information on a service provided by the information processing device10.

The controller21C of the present exemplary embodiment performs a control so as to display a first menu screen on the display25. Display information is information that is set in the own device and that indicates whether to display each of plural services. The first menu screen is a menu screen that is based on (i) the provision information and (ii) the display information and that allows the user to select a service to be executed by the information processing device10.

When display information corresponding to a service that the information processing device10cannot provide is information indicating that the service is to be displayed on the first menu screen, the controller21C of the present exemplary embodiment performs a control so as to display the service on the first menu screen in a grayed-out state.

When a service that the information processing device10can provide and for which display information is not set is displayed on the first menu screen, the controller21C of the present exemplary embodiment performs a control so as to set the display information to information indicating that the service is not to be displayed.

When the number of times a service has been executed by the information processing device10is equal to or greater than a first threshold number of times, the controller21C of the present exemplary embodiment performs a control to change display information corresponding to the service.

When the number of times a service has been executed by the information processing device10is less than a second threshold number of times, the controller21C of the present exemplary embodiment performs a control to change display information corresponding to the service.

When performing (i) a control so as not to display a service on the first menu screen or (ii) a control so as to display a service in a grayed-out state on the first menu screen, the controller21C of the present exemplary embodiment performs a control so as to further present a reason why the control is performed.

More specifically, display information may be information preset for each of plural roles.

The generator21D of the present exemplary embodiment generates the first menu screen based on the provision information and the display information.

The controller21C of the present exemplary embodiment displays a second menu screen on the display25. The second menu screen is a menu screen that is based on (i) the provision information and (ii) setting information that indicates a setting item to be applied when a service is executed by the information processing device10.

When the setting information is included in the provision information, the controller21C of the present exemplary embodiment performs a control to display the setting information on the second menu screen.

When (i) the setting information is not included in the provision information or (ii) the setting information is not set, the controller21C of the present exemplary embodiment performs a control to display provided setting information on the second menu screen. The provided setting information is information that indicates a predetermined setting item to be applied when a service is provided by the information processing device10.

The accepting unit21A of the present exemplary embodiment further accepts an instruction indicating whether to apply a setting item corresponding to (i) the setting information or (ii) the provided setting information displayed on the second menu screen, to cause the information processing device10to execute a service.

When the instruction accepted by the accepting unit21A is an instruction indicating that the setting item is applied to provide the service, the controller21C of the present exemplary embodiment further performs a control such that the setting item is applied and the service is executed by the information processing device10.

The accepting unit21A of the present exemplary embodiment further accepts a change of the setting information.

When the setting information accepted by the accepting unit21A is not included in the provision information, the controller21C of the present exemplary embodiment performs a control so as to change the setting information to the provided setting information.

Next, the provided service database13A of the present exemplary embodiment will be described with reference toFIG.3. As illustrated inFIG.3, the provided service database13A of the present exemplary embodiment stores information pieces such as a service and availability in association with each other.

The service is information indicating a service that the information processing device10has. The availability is information indicating whether the corresponding service can be provided by the information processing device10.

In the present exemplary embodiment, an image transmission service, an image reading service, an image printing service and an Internet fax service are employed as the service. Alternatively, the service may include other services such as a service for transmitting images read by an image reading service to a server. Further alternatively, a single service, or a combination of plural services may be applied.

Next, the provided setting item database13B of the present exemplary embodiment will be described with reference toFIG.4. As illustrated inFIG.4, the provided setting item database13B of the present exemplary embodiment stores information pieces such as a service, a provided item, a providable setting, and a provided setting in association with each other.

The service is the same information as the service in the provided service database13A. The provided item is information indicating an item that is applicable when the corresponding service is provided by the information processing device10. The providable setting is information indicating a setting that is applicable when the corresponding service is provided by the information processing device10. The provided setting is the same information as the above-described provided setting information.

In the present exemplary embodiment, resolution, format, magnification, and color printing are employed as the provided item. Alternatively, the provided item may include other items such as destination and double-side reading, and a single item, or a combination of plural items may be applied.

Next, the prohibition setting database13C of the present exemplary embodiment will be described with reference toFIG.5. As illustrated inFIG.5, the prohibition setting database13C of the present exemplary embodiment stores information pieces such as a provided item, a provided setting, a prohibition item, and a prohibition setting in association with each other.

The provided item is the same information as the provided item in the provided setting item database13B. The provided setting is the same information as the above-described provided setting information. The prohibition item is information indicating an item that is unapplicable when the provided setting corresponding to the corresponding provided item is applied by the information processing device10. The prohibition setting is information indicating a setting that is unapplicable when the provided setting corresponding to the corresponding provided item is provided by the information processing device10. The example illustrated inFIG.5indicates that magnification of 5 or more times is unapplicable when the information processing device10applies 400 dpi or more as the resolution.

Next, the display information database23B of the present exemplary embodiment will be described with reference toFIG.6. As illustrated inFIG.6, the display information database23B of the present exemplary embodiment stores information pieces such as a role, a service, and display information in association with each other.

The role is information indicating a role when the user causes the information processing device10to execute a service. The service is the same information as the service in the provided service database13A. The display information is the same information as the above described display information.

In the present exemplary embodiment, any of information pieces including information indicating that the corresponding service is displayed, information indicating that the corresponding service is not displayed, and information indicating that whether to display the corresponding service is not specified is employed as the display information. Alternatively, the information indicating whether to display the corresponding service is not specified may not be employed as the display information. Hereinafter, the information indicating whether to display the corresponding service is not specified will b e referred to as unspecified information.

Next, the history information database23C of the present exemplary embodiment will be described with reference toFIG.7. As illustrated inFIG.7, the history information database23C of the present exemplary embodiment stores information pieces such as a role, a service, and a service execution date and time in association with each other.

The role is the same information as the role in the display information database23B. The service is the same information as the service in the provided service database13A. The service execution date and time is information indicating the date and time when the corresponding service is executed by any of the information processing devices10.

Next, the setting information database23D of the present exemplary embodiment will be described with reference toFIG.8. As illustrated inFIG.8, the setting information database23D of the present exemplary embodiment stores information pieces such as a role, a service, an execution item, and an execution setting in association with each other.

The role is the same information as the role in the display information database23B. The service is the same information as the service in the provided service database13A. The execution item is information indicating an item that is applied when the corresponding service is executed by the information processing device10. The execution setting is information indicating a setting that is applied when the corresponding service is executed by the information processing device10. The execution setting may not be specified.

Next, an operation of the terminal device20of the present exemplary embodiment will be described with reference toFIG.9toFIG.20. When the user activates the terminal device20, the CPU21of the terminal device20executes the terminal processing program23A, thereby executing terminal processing illustrated inFIG.9. Here, descriptions will be made on a case where databases have already been constructed. Here, descriptions will be made on a case where the terminal device20has plural roles.

In step200inFIG.9, the CPU21waits until accepting a selection of the information processing device10. Specifically, the CPU21waits until accepting information indicating that a communication between the operation unit17and the short-range communication unit27has been successful, via the communication I/F unit28, from the information processing device10selected by the user (hereinafter, referred to as a target information processing device). When the terminal device20has plural roles, the CPU21also accepts an instruction indicating that a role is selected, from the target information processing device.

In step202, the CPU21performs a control so as to display a role selection screen on the display25in a predetermined format.

As illustrated inFIG.10, on the role selection screen of the present exemplary embodiment, an urging message for input of a role, and roles stored in the display information database23B are displayed. As an example, when the role selection screen illustrated inFIG.10is displayed on the display25, the user selects any of the roles through the input unit24.

In step204, the CPU21acquires provision information and prohibition setting information. Specifically, the CPU21acquires the provided service database13A, the provided setting item database13B, and the prohibition setting database13C from the target information processing device via the communication I/F unit28.

In step206, the CPU21executes first menu screen display processing which is a process of displaying a first menu screen on the display25. Details of the first menu screen display processing of the present exemplary embodiment will be described later with reference toFIGS.12A and12B.

In step208, the CPU21determines whether an unset service is displayed on the first menu screen. Specifically, the CPU21determines whether an unset service that is providable by the target information processing device but has no setting of display information, is displayed on the first menu screen. The CPU21proceeds to step210when an affirmative determination is made in the process in step208, and proceeds to step212when a negative determination is made.

In step210, the CPU21registers display information corresponding to the unset service, as information indicating that the service is not displayed, in the display information database23B.

In step212, the CPU21executes second menu screen display processing which is a process of displaying a second menu screen on the display25. Details of the second menu screen display processing of the present exemplary embodiment will be described later with reference toFIGS.16A and16B.

In step214, the CPU21determines whether an execution instruction has been accepted. Specifically, the CPU21determines whether an instruction indicating that execution items displayed on the second menu screen, and display settings determined through the second menu screen display processing are applied to execute an execution service has been accepted. That is, the CPU21determines whether a YES button25G has been selected on the second menu screen to be described later, via the input unit24. The CPU21proceeds to step216when an affirmative determination is made in the process in step214, and ends the terminal processing when a negative determination is made.

In step216, the CPU21executes the execution service. Specifically, the CPU21applies the execution items and the display settings displayed on the second menu screen, and causes the target information processing device to execute the execution service which is a service selected by the process in step428to be described later.

In step218, the CPU21performs a control so as to display a setting information registration screen on the display25in a predetermined format.

As illustrated inFIG.11, on the setting information registration screen of the present exemplary embodiment, the same information as execution items and display settings displayed on the second menu screen to be described later is displayed. As an example, when the setting information registration screen illustrated inFIG.11is displayed on the display25, the user selects a YES button25A via the input unit24if the displayed execution items and the display settings are to be registered as setting information corresponding to the execution service. Meanwhile, the user selects a NO button25B via the input unit24if the displayed execution items and the display settings are not to be registered as setting information corresponding to the execution service.

In step220, the CPU21determines whether to register the execution items and the display settings as the setting information. That is, the CPU21determines whether the YES button25A has been selected on the setting information registration screen. The CPU21proceeds to step222when an affirmative determination is made in the process in step220, and ends the terminal processing when a negative determination is made.

In step222, the CPU21registers the setting information, and ends the terminal processing. Specifically, the CPU21registers the execution items and the display settings as the setting information corresponding to the execution service, in the setting information database23D, and ends the terminal processing. Through this process, the setting information stored in the terminal device20may be optimized.

Next, details of the first menu screen display processing of the present exemplary embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS.12A and12B.

In step400inFIG.12A, the CPU21determines whether an unset service is present. Specifically, the CPU21reads the provided service database13A and the display information database23B, and determines whether an unset service is present. The CPU21proceeds to step418when an affirmative determination is made in the process in step400, and proceeds to step402when a negative determination is made.

In step402, the CPU21determines whether the display information is information indicating that the corresponding service is not displayed. Specifically, the CPU21determines whether the display information corresponding to a service corresponding to the role selected by the process in step202(hereinafter, referred to as a “target service”) is information indicating that the corresponding target service is not displayed, from the display information database23B. The CPU21proceeds to step404when an affirmative determination is made in the process in step402, and proceeds to step406when a negative determination is made.

In step404, the CPU21registers the effect that the target service is not displayed on the first menu screen, in the storage23, and proceeds to step420to be described later.

In step406, the CPU21determines whether the target service is providable. Specifically, the CPU21reads availability corresponding to the target service, from the provided service database13A, and determines whether the target service is providable by the target information processing device. The CPU21proceeds to step408when an affirmative determination is made in the process in step406.

In step408, the CPU21determines whether the display information is information indicating that the corresponding service is displayed. Specifically, the CPU21determines whether the display information corresponding to the target service is information indicating that the target service is displayed, from the display information database23B. The CPU21proceeds to step410when an affirmative determination is made in the process in step408. The CPU21proceeds to step416when a negative determination is made in the process in step408, that is, when the display information is unspecified information.

In step410, the CPU21determines whether the number of executions is equal to or greater than a first threshold number of times. Specifically, the CPU21reads the history information database23C and determines whether the number of executions, that is, the number of times the target service is executed by any of the information processing devices10for a predetermined period (for example, for one month), is equal to or greater than the first threshold number of times (for example, 5 times). The CPU21proceeds to step412when an affirmative determination is made in the process in step410. When a negative determination is made in the process in step410, the CPU21changes the display information corresponding to the target service to unspecified information, and proceeds to step418.

In step412, the CPU21registers the effect that the target service is displayed on the first menu screen, and a display area of the target service on the first menu screen (hereinafter, simply referred to as “display area”) is P1, in the storage23.

As illustrated inFIG.13, in the present exemplary embodiment, for display areas, the display25is divided into three portions in the up-down direction and an upper area, a middle area, and a lower area are set as areas P1, P2, and P3, respectively. Alternatively, for display areas, the display25may be divided into more than three portions or two portions in the up-down direction. Further alternatively, the display25may be divided in the left-right direction.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the CPU21does not accept a scroll operation by the user on the first menu screen displayed on the display25. Alternatively, the CPU21may accept the scroll operation. In this case, even when the scroll operation is performed by the user, the display areas illustrated inFIG.13, as an example, are not moved.

Referring back to step406, when a negative determination is made, the process proceeds to step414. In step414, the CPU21registers the effect that the display area is P3, and the target service is displayed in a grayed-out state on the first menu screen, in the storage23.

In step416, the CPU21determines whether the number of executions is less than a second threshold number of times. Specifically, the CPU21determines whether the number of executions is less than the second threshold number of times (for example, 10 times), from the history information database23C. When an affirmative determination is made in the process in step416, the CPU21proceeds to step418. When a negative determination is made in the process in step416, the CPU21changes the display information corresponding to the target service from the unspecified information to information indicating that the service is displayed, and proceeds to step412.

In the present exemplary embodiment, a period determined in advance by an administrator of the target information processing device is employed as the predetermined period. Alternatively, a period determined by the user in advance may be applied. Further alternatively, a period automatically determined for each terminal device20according to the frequency or the like at which a service is executed by the target information processing device may be employed as the predetermined period.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the numbers of times determined in advance by the administrator of the target information processing device are employed as the first threshold number of times and the second threshold number of times. Alternatively, the numbers of times determined by the user in advance may be applied. Further alternatively, the numbers of times automatically determined for each terminal device20according to the frequency or the like at which a service is executed by the target information processing device may be employed as these threshold numbers of times. In the present exemplary embodiment, the number of times larger than the first threshold number of times is applied as the second threshold number of times. Alternatively, the same number of times as the first threshold number of times may be employed as the second threshold number of times.

In step418, the CPU21registers the effect that the target service or the unset service is displayed on the first menu screen, and the display area is P2, in the storage23.

In step420, the CPU21determines whether display or non-display has been determined for all target services. Specifically, the CPU21reads the storage23, and determines whether display or non-display on the first menu screen has been determined for all target services registered in the display information database23B. The CPU21proceeds to step422when an affirmative determination is made in the process in step420, and returns to step402when a negative determination is made.

In step422, the CPU21reads the storage23, and generates the first menu screen from the information registered through the above-described processing.

In step424, the CPU21determines whether there is a service that is displayed in a grayed-out state on the first menu screen, or there is a service that is not displayed on the first menu screen. That is, the CPU21determines whether at least one of the process in step404or the process in step414has been executed. The CPU21proceeds to step426when an affirmative determination is made in the process in step424, and proceeds to step428when a negative determination is made.

In step426, the CPU21performs a control so as to display a reason information screen on the display25in a predetermined format.

As illustrated inFIG.14, on the reason information screen of the present exemplary embodiment, reason information indicating at least one of reasons including the reason why the service is not displayed on the first menu screen, and the reason why the service is displayed in a grayed-out state on the first menu screen is displayed. As an example, when the reason information screen illustrated inFIG.14is displayed on the display25, the user may grasp the reason information.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the CPU21performs a control so as to display the reason information on the display25. Alternatively, the CPU21may present the reason information by voice via the speaker26.

In step428, the CPU21performs a control so as to display the first menu screen generated through the process in step422on the display25, and ends the first menu screen display processing. When the first menu screen display processing is ended, the CPU21proceeds to step208in the terminal processing (seeFIG.9).

As illustrated inFIG.15, on the first menu screen of the present exemplary embodiment, an urging message for selection of a service to be executed by the target information processing device (an image processing device A in the example illustrated inFIG.15) and services are displayed. In the example illustrated inFIG.15, an image transmission service is displayed in the area P1, an image reading service is displayed in the area P2, and an image printing service is displayed in a grayed-out state in the area P3. As an example, when the first menu screen illustrated inFIG.15is displayed on the display25, the user selects any of services displayed in a state other than the grayed-out state (the image transmission service or the image reading service in the example illustrated inFIG.15), via the input unit24.

Next, details of the second menu screen display processing of the present exemplary embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS.16A and16B.

In step600inFIG.16A, the CPU21performs a control so as to display a setting information screen on the display25in a predetermined format. Specifically, first, the CPU21reads execution items and execution settings (hereinafter, referred to as setting information) corresponding to the execution service, from the setting information database23D. Next, the CPU21performs a control so as to display, on the display25, the setting information screen on which the setting information is displayed.

As illustrated inFIG.17, on the setting information screen of the present exemplary embodiment, the setting information corresponding to the execution service (the image transmission service in the example illustrated inFIG.17) is displayed. As an example, when the setting information screen illustrated inFIG.17is displayed on the display25, the user selects a YES button25C via the input unit24if changing the displayed setting information. Meanwhile, the user selects a NO button25D via the input unit24when not changing the displayed setting information.

In step602, the CPU21determines whether to change the setting information. That is, the CPU21determines whether the YES button25C has been selected via the input unit24, on the setting information screen. The CPU21proceeds to step604when an affirmative determination is made in the process in step602, and proceeds to step616when a negative determination is made.

In step604, the CPU21performs a control so as to display a setting information changing screen on the display25in a predetermined format.

As illustrated inFIG.18, on the setting information changing screen of the present exemplary embodiment, an urging message for input of changed setting information, and an input area25E for input of changed setting information are displayed. As an example, when the setting information changing screen illustrated inFIG.18is displayed on the display25, the user inputs desired settings (hereinafter, referred to as “change settings”), in the input area25E corresponding to items whose change is desired (hereinafter, referred to as “change items”), via the input unit24.

In step606, the CPU21determines whether change settings have been specified. The CPU21proceeds to step608when an affirmative determination is made in the process in step606, and proceeds to step610when a negative determination is made.

In step608, the CPU21determines whether the change setting is included in providable settings. Specifically, the CPU21reads the provided setting item database13B, and determines whether the change setting is included in the providable settings corresponding to the change item. The CPU21proceeds to step610when an affirmative determination is made in the process in step608, and proceeds to step612when a negative determination is made.

In step610, the CPU21sets the change setting as the execution setting. Specifically, the CPU21registers the change setting, as the execution setting corresponding to the change item, in the setting information database23D.

In step612, the CPU21sets a provided setting as the execution setting. Specifically, the CPU21reads a provided setting corresponding to the change item from the provided setting item database13B, and registers the corresponding provided setting as the execution setting, in the setting information database23D.

In step614, the CPU21determines whether changing has been completed. Specifically, the CPU21determines whether execution settings corresponding to all change items have been registered in the setting information database23D. The CPU21proceeds to step616when an affirmative determination is made in the process in step614, and returns to step606when a negative determination is made.

In step616, the CPU21determines whether the execution item is included in provided items. Specifically, first, the CPU21reads the execution item corresponding to the execution service, from the setting information database23D. Next, the CPU21determines whether the execution item is included in the provided items, from the provided setting item database13B. The CPU21proceeds to step618when an affirmative determination is made in the process in step616, and proceeds to step626when a negative determination is made.

In step618, the CPU21determines whether the execution setting is specified. Specifically, the CPU21determines whether the execution setting corresponding to the execution service is specified, from the setting information database23D. The CPU21proceeds to step620when an affirmative determination is made in the process in step618, and proceeds to step624when a negative determination is made.

In step620, the CPU21determines whether the execution setting is included in the providable settings. Specifically, the CPU21determines whether the execution setting is included in the providable settings, from the provided setting item database13B. The CPU21proceeds to step622when an affirmative determination is made in the process in step620, and proceeds to step624when a negative determination is made.

In step622, the CPU21sets the execution setting as the display setting. Specifically, the CPU21registers the effect that the execution setting is set as the display setting which is a setting corresponding to the execution item, and is a setting to be displayed on the second menu screen, in the storage23.

In step624, the CPU21sets the provided setting as the display setting. Specifically, the CPU21reads the provided setting corresponding to the execution item from the provided setting item database13B, and registers the purport that the corresponding provided setting is set as the display setting, in the storage23.

In step626, the CPU21registers the effect that no display setting corresponding to the execution item is set, in the storage23.

In step628, the CPU21determines whether display settings corresponding to all execution items have been determined. The CPU21proceeds to step630when an affirmative determination is made in the process in step628, and returns to step616when a negative determination is made.

In step630, the CPU21determines whether a prohibition setting is present. Specifically, the CPU21reads the prohibition setting database13C, and determines whether a prohibition item and a prohibition setting that correspond to the execution item and the display setting are included in any execution item and any display setting that are other than the execution item and the display setting. The CPU21proceeds to step632when an affirmative determination is made in the process in step630, and proceeds to step636when a negative determination is made.

In step632, the CPU21performs a control so as to display a display setting screen on the display25in a predetermined format.

As illustrated inFIG.19, on the display setting screen of the present exemplary embodiment, (i) the execution item and the display setting and (ii) the prohibition item and the prohibition setting which correspond to the execution item and the display setting are displayed. On the display setting screen of the present exemplary embodiment, an urging message for change of the execution item and the display setting, or the prohibition item and the prohibition setting, and a selection designation area25F for selecting the execution item and the display setting, or the prohibition item and the prohibition setting are displayed.

In step634, the CPU21changes the display setting. Specifically, the CPU21registers the effect that the setting selected in the selection designation area25F on the display setting screen is set as the display setting, in the storage23.

In step636, the CPU21reads the storage23, and generates the second menu screen from the information registered through the above described process.

In step638, the CPU21performs a control so as to display, on the display25, the second menu screen generated through the process in step636, and ends the second menu screen display processing. When the second menu screen display processing is ended, the CPU21proceeds to step214in the terminal processing (seeFIG.9).

As illustrated inFIG.20, on the second menu screen of the present exemplary embodiment, the execution items and the display settings corresponding to the execution service (the image transmission service in the example illustrated inFIG.20) are displayed. When there is no display setting corresponding to the execution item (color printing in the example illustrated inFIG.20), such effect is displayed on the second menu screen of the present exemplary embodiment. That is, when the CPU21executes the process in step626, such effect is displayed on the second menu screen of the present exemplary embodiment. When the provided setting (tagged image file format (TITF) in the example illustrated inFIG.20) is set as the display setting, the reason why the process has been executed is displayed on the second menu screen of the present exemplary embodiment. That is, when the CPU21has executed the process in step624, the reason why the process has been executed is displayed on the second menu screen of the present exemplary embodiment.

As an example, when the second menu screen illustrated inFIG.20is displayed on the display25, if applying the execution items and the display settings displayed on the second menu screen to execute the execution service, the user selects the YES button25G via the input unit24. Meanwhile, when not applying the execution items and the display settings so as not to execute the execution service, the user selects a NO button25H via the input unit24.

While the exemplary embodiment has been described, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the scope described in the exemplary embodiment. Various changes or modifications may be made in the exemplary embodiment without departing from the gist of the present disclosure, and the changed or modified exemplary embodiment still falls within the scope of the present disclosure.

The above-described exemplary embodiment does not limit claims. All combinations of the features described in the exemplary embodiment are not necessarily essential for implementing the objective sought to be achieved by the present disclosure. The above-described exemplary embodiment includes inventions at various stages, and various inventions are extracted by combining plural disclosed elements. Even if some constituent requirements are deleted from all constituent requirements illustrated in the exemplary embodiment, a configuration in which some constituent requirements are deleted may be extracted as an invention as long as the effect is obtained.

For example, in the present exemplary embodiment, the terminal processing system100includes a single terminal device20accessible to the network50, and the terminal device20has plural roles. Alternatively, the terminal processing system100may include plural terminal devices20accessible to the network50, and the terminal device20may have a single role. In this case, the user's trouble in selecting any of roles on the role selection screen may be omitted. Further alternatively, the terminal processing system100may include plural terminal devices20accessible to the network50, and the terminal device20may have plural roles.

In the present exemplary embodiment, as the acceptance of selection of the information processing device10, the effect that communication between the operation unit17and the short-range communication unit27has succeeded is accepted from the target information processing device. Alternatively, in the above acceptance, selection from plural information processing devices displayed on the display25may be accepted via the input unit24after the terminal device20activates an application for causing the information processing device10to execute a service.

In the present exemplary embodiment, when the display information is information indicating that a target service is displayed and the number of executions of the target service is equal to or greater than the first threshold number of times, the CPU21sets P1as the display area of the target service. Alternatively, when the above conditions are satisfied, the CPU21may allow the user to select whether to set P1as the display area of the target service. Even when the display information is unspecified information, and the number of executions of the target service is equal to or greater than the second threshold number of times, the CPU21may allow the user to select whether to set P1as the display area of the target service.

In the present exemplary embodiment, when the display information is unspecified information, and the number of executions of the target service corresponding to the display information is less than the second threshold number of times, the CPU21sets P2as the display area of the target service. Alternatively, when the above conditions are satisfied, the CPU21may allow the user to select whether to set P2as the display area of the target service. When the display information is information indicating that the target service is displayed, and the number of executions of the target service corresponding to the display information is less than the first threshold number of times, the CPU21may allow the user to select whether to set P2as the display area of the target service.

The CPU21may changes the display information corresponding to a service in which the number of executions is equal to or greater than the first threshold number of times, into information indicating that the service is displayed regardless of the information determined by the user in advance, or the CPU21may allow the user to select whether to apply the change.

The CPU21may change the display information corresponding to a service in which the number of executions is less than the second threshold number of times, into information indicating that the service is not displayed or into unspecified information regardless of the information determined by the user in advance, or the CPU21may allow the user to select whether to apply the change.

In the present exemplary embodiment, a menu screen displaying setting items applied when an execution service is executed by the target information processing device is employed as the second menu screen. Alternatively, a menu screen displaying setting items applied when a service is executed by any of the information processing devices10may be employed as the second menu screen.

In the present exemplary embodiment, when the change setting is not included in the providable settings, the CPU21sets the provided setting as the execution setting. Alternatively, when the above conditions are satisfied, the CPU21may allow the user to select a desired setting among the providable settings, as the change setting, or the user may be urged to re-input the change setting until the change setting is included in the providable settings.

In the present exemplary embodiment, when no execution setting is specified, or when the execution setting is not included in the providable settings, the CPU21sets the provided setting as the display setting. Alternatively, when the above conditions are satisfied, the CPU21may allow the user to select a desired setting among the providable settings, as the display setting.

In the present exemplary embodiment, before the second menu screen is displayed, the CPU21acquires the prohibition setting information from the target information processing device, and determines whether the display settings include a prohibition setting. Alternatively, it may be determined whether the display settings include a prohibition setting when the target information processing device accepts an instruction to execute an execution service by the second menu screen from the terminal device20. Also, the prohibition setting information may be stored in advance in the storage23included in the terminal device20.

In the above exemplary embodiment, the processor refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes a general-purpose processor (for example, CPU or the like), and a dedicated processor (for example, a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic device, or the like).

In the embodiments above, the term “processor” is broad enough to encompass one processor or plural processors in collaboration which are located physically apart from each other but may work cooperatively. The order of operations of the processor is not limited to one described in the embodiments above, and may be changed.

In the above exemplary embodiment, descriptions have been made on a case where the terminal processing program23A is installed in advance in the storage23. It is noted that the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the terminal processing program23A may be provided while stored in a storage medium such as a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM), or may be provided via a network.

In the above exemplary embodiment, descriptions have been made on a case where the terminal processing is implemented through a software configuration by using a computer when a program is executed. It is noted that the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the terminal processing may be implemented by a hardware configuration, or a combination of a hardware configuration and a software configuration.

In addition, the configuration (seeFIG.1) of the terminal processing system100described in the above exemplary embodiment is an example, and it is needless to say that unnecessary parts may be deleted or new parts may be added within a range that does not deviate from the gist of the present disclosure.

The flow (seeFIG.9) of the terminal processing described in the above exemplary embodiment is also an example, and it is needless to say that unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps may be added, or the processing order may be changed within a range that does not deviate from the gist of the present disclosure.

The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the disclosure and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments and with the various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the disclosure be defined by the following claims and their equivalents.