JP5207112B2 - Information processing apparatus, information processing program, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing program, and an image forming apparatus.

  A printer (image forming apparatus) as a kind of information processing apparatus has a function of connecting to a network such as a LAN or the Internet, and receives service requests such as print processing from a plurality of user terminals via the network. There is something.

  Such a printer is provided with a menu for performing various function settings (hereinafter simply referred to as a menu) in order to respond to usage requests from each user (user), and can realize an optimum output result for each user. I am doing so.

  On the other hand, since the printer is shared by a plurality of users, any user can access the menu. For example, there is a possibility that the printer itself may become unusable due to an erroneous operation of a certain user. It was.

  Further, it may be difficult for a user who is unfamiliar with the operation of the printer to find a desired item from among complicated menu items.

  In order to solve such a problem, for example, various techniques for restricting access to a menu have been proposed.

  For example, in the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-229978, a menu displayed on the operation panel when user information is registered in a storage area in the device, password authentication is performed at the time of use, and access permission is given. A method for displaying items registered as the user's usage authority and a method for restricting the use by not displaying a menu when the usage upper limit is exceeded from the past usage history have been proposed.

  However, with this technology, the menu displayed on the operation panel or the like only displays OFF or ON depending on whether the user has access rights or the usage limit such as the number of prints has not been exceeded. There is a problem that some restrictions cannot be used.

  Further, since the menu is not displayed, there is a possibility that the user may determine that the printer does not have a function to be used.

  In addition, in JP-A-1-1992258, in addition to control for displaying only authorized menus, a relation for storing connection information between lower-level item information and higher-level item information is provided, and according to the user's selection. A method for extracting and displaying all related items has been proposed.

However, in this technology, a menu that is not suitable for the environment to be used (for example, a menu for a network environment that does not need to be set) is displayed only by the relation between the upper and lower item information. For unskilled users, there is a problem that the menu structure becomes complicated and the convenience is lowered.
JP 2003-229978 A JP-A-1-1992258

  An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing program, and an image forming apparatus that can perform menu display that is easy to use for each user and can improve convenience.

In order to solve the above-described problem, an information processing apparatus according to the invention of claim 1 includes an access history acquisition unit that acquires an access history for information related to a menu screen for selecting any one of a plurality of options, and the access history acquisition unit And changing means for changing the content of the information relating to the menu screen based on the access history by the user, and access analyzing means for analyzing the access state for the information relating to the menu screen, wherein the access analyzing means comprises the number of accesses for each user. An upper limit value is set in the statistics of the above, and the tendency of item access from the entire user is acquired .

An information processing apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the access history acquisition means stores information on a menu screen associated with a user by the information on the menu screen as the access history. The number of times read from the storage means is counted for each user or for each group into which the user is divided based on a predetermined condition.

The information processing apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein the access history acquisition means calculates the number of times each option is selected as the access history for each user or each group. It is characterized by counting.

The information processing apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to the second or third aspect, wherein the access history acquisition means calculates the number of selection errors for each of the options as the access history. It counts every time or every said group.

The information processing apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to any one of the second to fourth aspects, wherein the access history acquisition means is the number of successful selections for each option as the access history. Is counted for each user or each group.

The information processing apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the changing means is configured to display the menu display divided into a plurality of layers. The hierarchy is changed.

An information processing apparatus according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to any one of the second to sixth aspects, wherein an experience value setting means for setting an experience value related to use of the apparatus is provided for each user. , Experience value updating means for increasing or decreasing the experience value according to a predetermined condition, comparison means for comparing the experience value with a preset threshold, and the group to which the user belongs according to a comparison result of the comparison means And belonging group changing means for changing.

The information processing apparatus according to an invention of claim 8 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the experience value update means sets the number of selection errors or the number of selection successes of the options acquired by the access history acquisition means. Based on this, the experience value is increased or decreased.

The information processing apparatus according to claim 9 is the information processing device according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the experience value updating means sets weighting by a predetermined weighting factor for each option, and takes the weighting into account. The experience value is increased or decreased.

An information processing apparatus according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the access history acquisition means is a protocol used for displaying a menu screen or selecting the option. An access history is acquired every time.

An information processing apparatus according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, wherein the selection means selects one of the options displayed on the menu screen. And a questionnaire totaling unit for totaling questionnaires with a plurality of levels of questionnaire items that indicate the degree of expectation that the setting related to the option is reflected on the device for each user, and the changing unit includes the questionnaire totaling unit The content of the information related to the menu screen is changed in consideration of the tabulation result obtained by the above.

An information processing apparatus according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to the eleventh aspect, wherein the questionnaire totalization unit sets a weight by a predetermined weighting factor for each questionnaire item, and takes a questionnaire into consideration the weighting. It is characterized by counting.

An information processing program according to a thirteenth aspect of the invention is based on an access history acquisition process for acquiring an access history for information related to a menu screen for selecting any one of a plurality of options, and an access history based on the access history acquisition process. A change process for changing the content of the information on the menu screen, and an access analysis process for analyzing an access state with respect to the information on the menu screen. The access analysis process sets an upper limit value in the statistics of the number of accesses for each user. And acquiring the item access tendency from the entire user .

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus includes: an access history acquisition unit that acquires an access history for information related to a menu screen for selecting any one of a plurality of options; and the access history acquisition unit based on the access history acquired by the access history acquisition unit. A change means for changing the content of information relating to the menu screen; and an access analysis means for analyzing an access state with respect to the information relating to the menu screen, wherein the access analysis means sets an upper limit value in statistics of the number of accesses for each user. And acquiring the item access tendency from the entire user .

  According to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the content of the information on the menu screen is changed based on the access history as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided. A menu screen suitable for the use environment can be provided at an appropriate timing.
Moreover, there is a possibility that the access of a specific user is strongly reflected only by the simple number of accesses. However, according to the invention of claim 1, the access history reflecting the usage tendency of the entire user. It can be.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the number of times the information related to the menu screen is read as the access history is counted for each user or each group as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided. A menu screen suitable for the usage environment of the user or group can be provided at an appropriate timing.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the number of times each option is selected as the access history is counted for each user or each group as compared to the case where this configuration is not provided. It is possible to provide a menu screen suitable for the usage environment of a group or at an appropriate timing.

  According to the invention described in claim 4, since the number of selection errors for each option is counted for each user or each group as an access history as compared to the case where this configuration is not provided, Menu screens suitable for the use environment of a person or group can be provided at an appropriate timing.

  According to the invention described in claim 5, since the number of successful selections for each option is counted for each user or each group as an access history, compared to the case where the present configuration is not provided, Menu screens suitable for the use environment of a person or group can be provided at an appropriate timing.

  According to the invention described in claim 6, since the change means changes the hierarchy when the menu display is displayed divided into a plurality of hierarchy as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided. It becomes easy to reach a desired option and the like, and a menu screen more suitable for the use environment of the user or group can be provided.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, since the group to which the user belongs is changed according to the comparison result of the comparison means as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided, the use environment of the user Even when the change occurs, it is possible to provide a more suitable menu screen by belonging to an appropriate group.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, since the experience value is increased or decreased based on the number of selection errors or the number of successful selections for each option as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided, Even when the usage environment changes, a more appropriate menu screen can be provided by belonging to an appropriate group.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, since the experience value is increased or decreased in consideration of the weighting compared to the case where the present configuration is not provided, the user's usage environment has changed. However, it is possible to provide a more suitable menu screen by belonging to an appropriate group.

  According to the invention described in claim 10, since the access history is acquired for each protocol used for display of the menu screen or selection of options as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided, A menu screen more suitable for the usage environment of the group can be provided.

  According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, since the contents of the information on the menu screen are changed in consideration of the result of the counting by the questionnaire counting means, compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided, It is possible to provide an easy-to-use menu screen that reflects the intention.

  According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, since the questionnaires are tabulated in consideration of the weighting compared to the case where the present configuration is not provided, the menu is easier to use that accurately reflects the user's intention. A screen can be provided.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, since the content of the information on the menu screen is changed based on the access history as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided, the use of the user or group A menu screen suitable for the environment can be provided at an appropriate timing.
Moreover, there is a possibility that the access of a specific user is strongly reflected only by the simple number of accesses. According to the invention of claim 13, the access history reflecting the usage tendency of the entire user. It can be.

According to the invention described in claim 14, since the content of the information on the menu screen is changed based on the access history as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided, the use of the user or group A menu screen suitable for the environment can be provided at an appropriate timing.
Moreover, there is a possibility that the access of a specific user is strongly reflected only by the simple number of accesses, but according to the invention of claim 14, the access history reflecting the usage tendency of the entire user. It can be.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment as an example of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Here, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the same members, and duplicate descriptions are omitted. In addition, since description here is the best form by which this invention is implemented, this invention is not limited to the said form.

  (First embodiment)

  An information processing system S1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 1, the information processing system S1 according to the first embodiment is a type of information processing apparatus such as a multifunction device (printer function, scanner function, etc.) via a network N such as a LAN. Device 500) and information processing apparatuses 100, 200, and 300 including personal computers or the like.

  As will be described in detail later, the information processing apparatus 500 stores a table T1 in which authentication information and menu information for each user (user) (information on the menu screen) are stored in a storage device (NVRAM (nonvolatile RAM) 510). doing.

  In addition, it is assumed that each of the information processing apparatuses 100 to 300 has a user A, a user v, and a user C as users.

  In the present situation, it is assumed that user A belongs to group A, user v belongs to group B, and user C belongs to group C.

  Taking the information processing apparatus 100 of the user A as an example, authentication information (user name, password, etc.) is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 500 by the operation of the user A ((1) in FIG. 1).

  In the information processing apparatus 500, user authentication is performed from the user name and path name, and when the user is authenticated as a regular user, the group name to which the user A belongs: group A is used as an identifier, and menu information corresponding to the identifier is extracted. Menu information is created ((2) in FIG. 1). If the user is not authenticated as a regular user, menu information is not generated.

  The information processing apparatus 100 receives the menu information transmitted from the information processing apparatus 500 ((3) in FIG. 1), so that the information processing apparatus 100 of the user A uses the group A optimized for the user A. The menu screen can be displayed.

  If the user A is not authenticated as a regular user, a message such as “The menu cannot be displayed because the regular user is not registered” is displayed.

  Next, the configuration of the information processing apparatus (multifunction machine) 500 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. It should be noted that a configuration that is not related to the present invention is omitted.

  The information processing apparatus (multifunction machine) 500 receives the authentication information and menu display request of the information processing apparatuses 100 to 300 via the network N, and transmits the created menu information and the like to the information processing apparatuses 100 to 300. (IF) card 501, an external interface 502 such as a USB, a user interface unit (U / I unit) 503 configured by a liquid crystal panel, operation buttons, and the like, and a controller unit 504 configured by a microcomputer or the like and controlling each unit. And an image forming unit 505 configured by a printer engine or the like that performs image formation (printing) on a predetermined medium in the printing function of the multifunction peripheral, and a ROM 510 that stores data of a menu information prototype (model) Authentication information, menu settings, menu information (related to menu screens) NVRAM (nonvolatile RAM: memory that does not lose the stored contents even when the apparatus power is off) 520, and RAM 530 that temporarily stores the menu information being created and the created menu information. ing.

  The data on the RAM 530 is written into the NVRAM 520 at a predetermined timing.

  Although not particularly limited, the wired interface card 501 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like.

In addition, for example, the wired IF card 501 includes a WEB server, and executes status display of the information processing apparatus 500 and setting menu display and setting by HTTP protocol communication with the information processing apparatuses 100 to 300 via the network N. Can be done.

  Next, the configuration of the menu information D1 stored in the RAM 530 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The menu information D1 includes a group identifier 532 for identifying a group (in this embodiment, four groups A to D), menu management information 533, a generated menu 511, and items (options). And a set value 521.

  The menu management information 533 includes a menu access history 534 and menu display information 535.

  The menu access history 534 further includes information on the menu selection accumulation count, setting accumulation count, setting error accumulation count, and function execution accumulation count in accordance with the number of menus, setting items, and function execution buttons.

  Here, the cumulative number of menu selections is the sum of the number of selections for each menu screen, the cumulative number of settings is the sum of the number of selections for each item (option), and the cumulative number of setting mistakes is originally for each item (option). The cumulative number of times that settings that cannot be set (ie, setting mistakes) have been made, and the cumulative number of function executions means the cumulative number of times that the function has been successfully executed for each item (option).

  Next, a group to which a user belongs will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the present embodiment, an experience value is given to each user, and the user is assigned to each group (four groups A to D) based on a comparison result between the experience value and a predetermined threshold value.

  Specifically, users who have experience values exceeding the threshold 1000 (for example, users A, B, and C) belong to the group A, and users with experience values of 500 to 1000 (for example, the user v) belong to the group B. , W, x, y, z) belong to group C and users whose experience values exceed 100 to 500 (for example, user a, i, u, d) belong to group D, and experience values belong to group D Belong to a user whose threshold is less than 100 (for example, users 7, 8, and 9).

  When the setting is successful (when the selection of the option is successful), the experience value of the corresponding user is increased, and when the experience value exceeds the threshold set for each of the groups A to D, the upper group is automatically set. The affiliation is transitioned to.

  In addition, if the setting is wrong (when the choice is wrongly selected), the experience value of the corresponding user is lowered, and if it falls below the threshold value, the lower group is transitioned to.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 5, a state where the user transitions to another group will be described.

  In the example shown here, the increase / decrease in the experience value is +1 when the setting is successful, and is −2 when the setting is missed.

  In FIG. 5, for example, when the user v succeeds in the setting on the menu screen, the current experience value “999” is “+1” to become the experience value “1000”, and the threshold value (1000) of the group B is reached. Transition to group A.

  For example, when the user (d) fails to set the menu screen, the current experience value “100” is “−2” to become the experience value “98”, which is below the threshold value (100) of the group D. Therefore, transition to group D is made.

  Thereby, the menu screen suitable for each user's skill can be provided.

  In addition, when registering a user, the initial value of each user experience value may be determined based on self-report or may be determined based on an administrator's judgment.

  Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 6, the processing procedure of the menu creation process executed by the information processing system S1 having the above configuration will be described.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 6, it is assumed that a menu screen for the information processing apparatus 100 of user A is generated.

  When this process is started, first, in step S100, the user A makes a menu display request (instruction) from the information processing apparatus 100 to the information processing apparatus 500, and the process proceeds to step S101.

  In step S101, the information processing apparatus 500 receives the menu display request from the user A and the authentication information (user name, password, etc.) of the user A, and proceeds to step S102.

  In step S102, personal authentication based on the authentication information (determination of whether or not the user is a regular user) is performed. If the determination result is “No”, the process proceeds to step S104, and a message indicating that the user is not a regular user (for example, A message such as “The menu cannot be displayed because the registered user is not registered” is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 100 of the user A, and the process is terminated. Thereby, when the user A is an unauthorized user, it is possible to avoid an unauthorized setting change by a menu operation. Further, when the user A has a valid access authority, there is a possibility that there is an input error in the authentication information (user name, password, etc.), so it is possible to try retransmitting the authentication information.

  On the other hand, if “Yes” is determined in step S102 (if the user is authenticated as a regular user), it is determined whether or not a new menu is created. If “No”, the process proceeds to step S107. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to step S105.

  In step S105, the same menu identifier as the group name to which user A belongs (group A in the example shown in FIG. 4) is searched, and the process proceeds to step S106.

  In step S106, the menu information (A) corresponding to the matched menu identifier is loaded into the RAM 530, and the process proceeds to step S107.

  In step S107, the display order of the items (options) of the menu information (A) loaded in the RAM 530, the display method (including font size, type, color change, etc.), the additional display method (help display and alert) Menu information (A ′) (see FIG. 2) is generated by changing the prototype (model) of the menu information corresponding to (including addition of display etc.), and the process proceeds to step S108.

  In step S108, the generated menu information (A ') is transmitted to user A, and the process proceeds to step S109.

  In step S109, the menu screen is displayed on the information processing apparatus 100 of the user A based on the menu information (A ′) received from the information processing apparatus 500, and the process ends.

  Thereby, the menu screen suitable for the user A can be provided accurately, and convenience can be improved.

  For other users shown in FIG. 4, the menu creation process similar to that described above can provide an appropriate menu screen according to the skill (experience value, etc.) of the user, thereby improving convenience. Can do.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the state in which the menu information optimized by changing the prototype (model) of the menu information by the menu creation process will be described.

  FIG. 7A shows a configuration example of menu information (A) as a prototype (model) of menu information.

  In the menu information (A), the menu is composed of a menu M1 that is divided into functions in a large category, a page M2 that is divided into functions in a middle category, items (options) M3 and items that are divided into functions in a small category. It consists of each set value.

  In the menu information (A), the top menu is 10000, pages 10100 to 10500 are prepared there, and items 10101 to 10110 and respective setting values are arranged on the page 10100.

  Thereafter, the menus are arranged in order of increasing numbers, such as menus 20000, 30000,...

  Specific items are not particularly limited. For example, when the IPP protocol is used for communication between the information processing apparatuses 100 to 300 and the information processing apparatus 500, the printer URI, timeout, port number, and DNS use are used. And setting items related to the maximum number of sessions.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, since the group A is a group to which a user with a high skill (experience value) belongs, the menu information (A) corresponding to the group A has a relatively high level as described above. Although all the setting items may be displayed, the menu information (B) to (D) corresponding to the other groups B to D may be configured not to display items that are difficult to set. .

  In the example of the created menu information (A ′) shown in FIG. 7B, a menu M1 ′ that is divided into functions in the large classification, a page M2 ′ that is divided into functions in the middle classification, and a small The display order of items and the like is changed in the item (option) M3 ′, which is the functional classification of the classification.

  For example, in the menu M <b> 1 ′, which is a function classification in the large classification, the first menu is changed to 30000 and the second menu is changed to 40000.

  Such change (optimization) of the menu display can be performed based on the result of analyzing the access history of the menu selection frequency, the setting frequency, and the function execution frequency under the control of the controller unit 504, for example.

  Thereby, for example, it is possible to make a change such as arranging the menu of setting items of frequently used functions so that they are displayed at the top, and the operability for the user can be improved.

  FIG. 8A shows another configuration example of the menu information (A) as a prototype (model) of menu information.

  In FIG. 8A, in the menu information (A), a major category (menu) M4, a middle category (page) M5, and a minor category (item) M6 are arranged in a predetermined layout.

  Further, in the large classification (menu) M4 and the like, the menus are arranged in order of increasing numbers such as menus 10000, 20000, 30000,.

  In the example of the created menu information (A ′) shown in FIG. 8B, items such as items in the major classification (menu) M4 ′, middle classification (page) M5 ′, and minor classification (item) M6 ′. The display order has been changed.

  For example, in the large classification (menu) M4 ', the top menu is changed to 30000 and the second menu is changed to 40000.

  Such change (optimization) of the menu display can be performed based on the result of analyzing the access history of the menu selection frequency, the setting frequency, and the function execution frequency under the control of the controller unit 504, for example.

  Thereby, for example, it is possible to make a change such as arranging the menu of setting items of frequently used functions so that they are displayed at the top, and the operability for the user can be improved.

  The change mode of the menu display is not limited to the examples of FIGS. 7 and 8. For example, the font size and type (Gothic font, Mincho font, etc.) of the character for displaying a specific item, The color or the like may be changed. It is also possible to change the size and background color of the display item box. Further, for a specific item, a help display that conveys notes on setting, a symbol for calling attention such as “!”, And the like may be additionally displayed.

  Next, an example of how to change the menu when changing (optimizing) the menu will be described with reference to FIG.

The following (1) to (5) can be considered as a method of change.
(1) Menu access history menu selection cumulative number, set cumulative number, function execution cumulative number of access times when the number of cumulative access thresholds exceeds the threshold value of the cumulative number set for that layer, display order and display method order To change.
(2) When the accumulated number of mistakes in setting menu access history exceeds a threshold, the additional display method level is changed.
(3) When displaying the menu, the menu is generated so that the menu, setting items, and function execution buttons are arranged in the display order.
(4) When the menu is displayed, the menu is generated by a method according to the display method so that the menu, the setting item, and the function execution button are displayed.
(5) For setting items and function execution buttons, a menu is generated so as to display a method for calling attention, etc., in accordance with the level of the setting error accumulation count and function execution error accumulation count.

  As a method of calling attention, for example, when user A makes a mistake first, “Please pay attention to the setting contents” is displayed.

  Also, if you make a mistake for the second time, the message “Please refer to help” is displayed.

  Thereafter, when the user (B) makes a mistake first, “Please pay attention to the setting contents” is displayed (that is, the display contents of the user (B) are not related to the history of the user A). Is possible).

  A user name that has been set incorrectly, a frequently set user name, or a correctly set user name may be displayed to prompt the user to inquire about the setting method. .

  Further, the setting content may be displayed on the user information processing apparatus as reference information. In that case, it is recommended to remove setting items that cannot be disclosed due to security reasons such as passwords.

  Next, the procedure of the menu information update process executed in the information processing system S1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the example of FIG. 10, it is assumed that the menu information of the user A belonging to the group A in FIG. 4 is updated.

  When this process is started, a menu screen (for example, a menu screen as shown in FIG. 7B or FIG. 8B) is displayed on the information processing apparatus 500 on the information processing apparatus 100 of the user A in step S200. The operation (operation such as selection of a predetermined item) is executed, and the process proceeds to step S201.

  In step S201, the information processing apparatus 500 receives the menu setting change or function execution request from the user A and the authentication information (user name, password, etc.) of the user A, and proceeds to step S202.

  In step S202, personal authentication based on the authentication information (determination of whether or not the user is an authorized user) is performed. If the determination result is “No”, the process proceeds to step S203, and a message indicating that the user is not an authorized user (for example, A message such as “The menu setting cannot be changed because it is not registered as a regular user” is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 100 of the user A, and the process ends.

  Thereby, when the user A is an unauthorized user, it is possible to avoid an unauthorized setting change by a menu operation. Further, when the user A has a valid access authority, there is a possibility that there is an input error in the authentication information (user name, password, etc.), so it is possible to try retransmitting the authentication information.

  On the other hand, if “Yes” is determined in step S202 (when the user is authenticated as a regular user), the process proceeds to step S204, and after changing the setting or executing the function, the process proceeds to step S205.

  In step S205, it is determined whether or not an error has occurred. If “No”, the process proceeds to step S207, and if “Yes”, the process proceeds to step S206.

  In step S206, the cumulative number of setting mistakes for the corresponding item of user A is incremented, and the process proceeds to step S207.

  In step S207, the menu selection accumulation count, the setting accumulation count, and the function execution accumulation count (or the setting success accumulation count) of the item corresponding to the user A are incremented, and the process proceeds to step S208.

  In step S208, each of the menu selection accumulation count, setting accumulation count, function execution accumulation count, and setting error accumulation count is compared with a preset threshold value, and the process proceeds to step S209. The order of the setting item, function execution display order, display method, and additional display method is updated, and the process is terminated.

  Thereby, it is possible to provide an appropriate menu screen according to the change in the usage environment of the user A, and the convenience can be further improved.

  For other users shown in FIG. 4, the menu information update process similar to that described above can provide an appropriate menu screen according to the change in the user's usage environment, further improving convenience. Can do.

  Here, a display example of the menu screen for each group will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12.

  FIG. 11 shows an example in which items that cannot be used (or items that cannot be set (options)) are changed for each group.

  In other words, in FIG. 11, items with gray background (grayed out items) indicate items that cannot be used (or items that cannot be set (options)), and in group A, where the user's skill is the highest, out of eight items. , 0 (that is, all items can be used), 2 for group B to which the next highest skill user belongs, 4 for group C, and 5 for group D to which the lowest skill user belongs It is not possible (or cannot be set).

  Thus, according to the skill of the user, it is possible to use items that are difficult to set or items that may cause a situation such as stoppage of the device if the settings are incorrect, thereby improving the convenience of the user and the information processing device. 500 security can be improved.

  In the menu display example shown in FIG. 12, the items displayed for each group are limited.

  That is, for the group A having the highest user skill, all items (eight items in the example of FIG. 12) are displayed in a normal display mode.

  Next, in group B to which the user with the highest skill belongs, the number of display items is reduced to 6, and for example, an item with high access frequency (item 10107 in FIG. 12) is arranged at the top, and the box is surrounded by a double line. It stands out.

  For items with low access frequency, the box border is changed so that the degree of attention of the user changes.

  Further, in the group C, for example, the number of display items is reduced to four, and the higher items are displayed so that the degree of attention of the user is changed so as to be displayed larger.

  Further, in the group D to which the user with the lowest skill belongs, the display items are limited to three and, for example, the background color is changed for each item so that the degree of attention of the user is changed.

  As a result, according to the skill of the user, it is possible to improve the convenience of the user and prevent the display of items that are difficult to set or items that may cause a situation such as a device stoppage if the settings are incorrect. 500 security can be improved.

  Further, by devising the display mode so that the degree of attention of the user changes depending on the access frequency of the item, it is possible to make it easier to access a desired item, and the convenience of the user can be further improved.

  (Second Embodiment)

  Next, an image forming system S2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 13, the image forming system S2 according to the second embodiment is configured by a printer PR1 as an image forming apparatus and a personal computer or the like via a network N such as a LAN. The processing apparatus 100 (user A), 200 (user B), and 300 (user C) are comprised.

  In the present embodiment, the type of the printer PR1 is not particularly limited, and may be any of a laser printer, a full color printer, an ink jet printer, and the like.

  As will be described in detail later, the printer PR1 stores usage history data in storage devices (RAM601, NVRAM (nonvolatile RAM) 602).

  The usage history includes access information obtained by counting the number of accesses for each menu, questionnaire information obtained by collecting questionnaires for setting items for each user, network communication information in which packet communication types are recorded, and the like.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that a common setting menu for the printer PR1 is displayed in any of the information processing apparatuses 100 to 300.

  Next, the configuration of the printer PR1 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. It should be noted that a configuration that is not related to the present invention is omitted.

  The printer PR1 receives authentication information and menu display requests of the information processing apparatuses 100 to 300 via the network N, and transmits a created menu information and the like to the information processing apparatuses 100 to 300. A RAM 601 that temporarily stores access information, questionnaire information, and network communication information; an access analysis unit 603 that analyzes an access state based on a count result of the access information, questionnaire information, and network communication information; NVRAM (nonvolatile RAM: a memory that does not lose the stored contents even when the apparatus power is off) 602 that stores the counting results of questionnaire information and network communication information as a usage history, an external interface 610 such as a USB, a liquid crystal panel, Consists of operation buttons, etc. User interface unit and (U / I unit) 611, a controller unit 612 for controlling each formed by a microcomputer or the like, and a composed image forming unit 613 in the printer engine or the like.

  The data on the RAM 601 can be written to the NVRAM 602 at a predetermined timing.

  Although not particularly limited, the network interface 600 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like.

  Further, for example, the network I / F 600 includes a WEB server, and executes status display of the printer PR1 and setting menu display and setting by HTTP protocol communication with the information processing apparatuses 100 to 300 via the network N. Can be done.

  Here, a configuration example of a menu provided by the printer PR1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The example shown in FIG. 15 includes a menu M10 that is a function classification in a large classification, a page M11 that is a function classification in a middle classification, an item M12 that is a function classification in a small classification, and a setting value M13 for each item. The

  As the menu M10, for example, when the printer PR1 is a multifunction peripheral (having a printer function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, etc.), the menu 10000 is a printer function setting menu, the menu 20000 is a scanner function setting menu, and a menu 30000. Can correspond to the setting menu of the facsimile function.

  When a desired setting menu in the menu M10 is selected and clicked, the display of the page M11, the item M12, and the setting value M13 of each item is switched to the corresponding one.

  Note that the menu configuration of FIG. 15 is an example, and the present invention is not limited to the menu display format and the like, and can be widely applied to menu screens of various display formats.

  Next, a processing procedure of menu display processing executed by the image forming system S2 having the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 16, it is assumed that a menu screen for the information processing apparatus 100 of user A is displayed. Although not particularly limited, in the present embodiment, the HTTP protocol is used for communication between the information processing apparatus 100 and the printer PR1.

  When this process is started, first, in step S301, a menu display request is sent from the information processing apparatus 100 of the user A to the printer PR1 using an HTTP Get method request message.

  Next, in step S302, the printer PR1 sends setting menu data to the information processing apparatus 100 using an HTTP Get method request / response, and the user A displays the received menu on the screen.

  In step S303, the printer PR1 selects a setting value for an item that the user A wants to set by using a drop-down or a radio button, and clicks a setting (confirmation) hyperlink, thereby making HTTP Post. Frame data whose item settings have been changed by the method request message is sent to the printer PR1.

  In step S304, when receiving the frame data, the printer PR1 detects an item whose set value has been changed, and proceeds to step S305.

  In step S305, the printer PR1 increments the access count of the item whose setting has been changed by the access analysis unit 603, updates the access information, and proceeds to step S306.

  In step S306, the printer PR1 changes the setting and sends a notification that the setting has been completed to the information processing apparatus 100 using an HTTP Post method response message.

  Next, in step S307, the user A sends an HTTP Get method request message to the printer PR1 based on the URL in the received HTTP Post method response message. The printer PR1 sends the setting completion data by the HTTP Get method request / response, and the received information processing apparatus 100 displays the setting completion and proceeds to step S308.

  In step S308, if the information processing apparatus 100 resets an item in the same frame, the process returns to step S303 to perform an item setting operation.

  In step S309, if there is a frame change, the process returns to step S301 to display a new frame.

  Further, when the printer PR1 is powered off, the access analysis unit 603 stores the number of accesses of the web server in the NVRAM 602 as a usage history for each item and user, and ends the process (step S310).

  Although not appearing in the flowchart of FIG. 16, the network interface 600 displays the access analysis unit 603 when a session is established from each user A, B, C to the printer PR 1 using a protocol other than the web server. The network communication information is notified of the protocol used for network communication.

  In response to this, the access analysis unit 603 updates the network communication information.

  When the printer PR1 is powered off, the access analysis unit 603 saves the number of protocol accesses as a use history in the NVRAM 602.

  Thereby, a menu screen suitable for each user can be provided based on the access information.

  Here, an example of access information analysis by the access analysis unit 603 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the example shown in FIG. 17, the upper limit value of statistics is set to “5”.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the item 10101 is 10 times from the user A, 2 times from the user B, and 1 time from the user C.

  The item 10102 is three times from the user A, four times from the user B, and twice from the user C.

  The item 10103 is three times from the user A, four times from the user B, and twice from the user C.

  Each item has a priority set as a kind of weighting coefficient.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 17, the priority “± 0” is set for the item 10101, the priority “+1” is set for the item 10102, and the priority “+1” is set for the item 10103.

  In consideration of the above number of times, the item 10101 is prioritized. However, simply by the number of accesses, there is a possibility that the access of a specific user is strongly reflected.

  Therefore, in the example of FIG. 17, when an upper limit value (“5” in the present embodiment) is provided for the statistics of the number of accesses, and the tendency of item access from the entire user is acquired, the items 10102 and 10103 are higher. The access history can reflect the usage trend of the entire user.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 18, an analysis example of the access count of protocols other than the web server will be described.

  In the example shown in FIG. 18A, for convenience, the m protocol, the n protocol, and the o protocol are used. However, as protocols other than a specific web server, LPD, FTP, IPP, which are printing protocols, and management protocols are used. An example of the protocol is SNMP.

  In the example shown in FIG. 18A, the m protocol is 10 times, the n protocol is 8 times, and the o protocol is 5 times.

  Each protocol has a priority set as a kind of weighting coefficient.

  In the example shown in FIG. 18A, the priority “+2” is set for the m protocol, the priority “+1” is set for the n protocol, and the priority “± 0” is set for the o protocol.

  As shown in FIG. 18A, when the menu related to the m protocol is the item 10102, the n protocol is the item 10103, and the o protocol is the item 10101, the m protocol having a large number of sessions (access number) is displayed. The related item 10102 is higher in item access.

  Further, when the rank is calculated in consideration of the priority, the display rank is in the order of items 10102, 10103, and 10101 as shown in FIG.

  Thus, a menu screen having an item order suitable for each user can be provided according to the frequency of use of each protocol.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 19 to FIG. 21, an example will be described in which a questionnaire regarding item setting is acquired from each user, and the questionnaire count result is reflected in the change in the display order of items.

  Since the result shown in FIG. 18 and the like is the access frequency derived only from the number of accesses to each item, the number of accesses not related to the setting change such as an erroneous operation is also incorporated.

  Therefore, in the following example, the user A, B, and C are surveyed about the setting change, and the user's intention, which is the answer result, is incorporated into the analysis of access, thereby displaying items that are easier for the user to use. Technology that can be ranked as follows.

  In the example shown in FIG. 19, there are four levels of questionnaire items (strongly desired, desired, changed if possible, set incorrectly), and each user A, B, C can set a predetermined setting from the menu screen. When done, the user's intention for the item change can be acquired by selecting any one of the questionnaire items.

  In the example shown in FIG. 19, after selecting any one of the questionnaire items with the radio button, clicking the “answer” button transmits the questionnaire response to the printer PR 1 side.

  Next, based on the flowchart of FIG. 20, a processing procedure of a questionnaire analysis process executed in the image forming system S2 will be described.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 20, it is assumed that a questionnaire is acquired for user A. Although not particularly limited, in the present embodiment, the HTTP protocol is used for communication between the information processing apparatus 100 and the printer PR1.

  When this process is started, first, in step S401, for the item that user A wants to set, the setting value is selected by a drop-down or radio button, and the setting (confirmation) hyperlink is clicked, thereby making HTTP Post. Frame data whose item settings have been changed by the method request message is sent to the printer PR1.

  Next, in step S402, when the printer PR1 receives the frame data, the printer PR1 detects an item whose set value has been changed, and proceeds to step S403.

  In step S403, the printer PR1 increments the access count of the item whose setting has been changed by the access analysis unit 603, updates the access information, and proceeds to step S404.

  In step S404, whether or not the number of accesses is equal to or less than a preset threshold value (in this embodiment, “1”. That is, a response to a questionnaire is requested every time each item is accessed). If “Yes”, the process proceeds to step S410. If “No”, the process proceeds to step S405.

  In step S405, the printer PR1 sends the questionnaire frame to the information processing apparatus 100 using an HTTP Post method response message.

  Next, in step S406, the user A sends an HTTP Get method request message to the printer PR1 based on the URL in the received HTTP Post method response message.

  In step S407, the printer PR1 transmits the questionnaire frame data by the HTTP Get method request / response, and the received information processing apparatus 100 displays the questionnaire frame.

  Next, in step S408, the user A selects one of the radio buttons of the questionnaire (see FIG. 19) and clicks the hyperlink of the answer, so that the frame in which the questionnaire is answered by the HTTP Post method request message is displayed. Data is sent to the printer PR1.

  In step S409, the printer PR1 increments the count of the user intention table for each item from the questionnaire response in the access analysis unit 603, updates the questionnaire information, and proceeds to step S410.

  In step S410, the printer PR1 changes the setting, and sends a notification that the setting has been completed using an HTTP Post method response message.

  In step S411, the user A sends an HTTP Get method request message to the printer PR1 based on the URL in the received HTTP Post method response message. The printer PR1 sends setting completion data by an HTTP Get method request / response, and the information processing apparatus 100 that has received the setting completion displays.

  Next, in step S412, if there is an item to be reset in the same frame, the process returns to step S401 and the item setting operation is performed.

  Further, when the printer PR1 is powered off, the access analysis unit 603 stores the number of accesses in the user intention table in the NVRAM 602 as a use history for each item and intention (step S413), and ends the process.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 21, the example of an analysis of the questionnaire information by said questionnaire analysis process is demonstrated.

  In the example of (a) of FIG. 21, the user's intention is reflected by assigning a larger weight to the stronger answer among the answers whose setting is desired.

  That is, for example, “strongly desired” is set to double (× 2), “hope” is set to 1 time (× 1), and “preferably” is set to 0 times (that is, “0” regardless of the total result). .

  As a result, in the example shown in FIG. 21A, the item 10103 in the subtotal result is “9”, which is the largest and the result is the most strongly desired item.

  Then, from the priority results obtained from the analysis results of the access information, network communication information, and questionnaire information, it is determined that the highest-order item is used frequently.

  In the example shown in FIG. 21A, the display order is in the order of items 10103, 10102, and 10101 as shown in FIG. 21B from the weighting (priority) results of each information. .

  In this way, by considering the questionnaire results, the item 10103 that was second in the access frequency result is determined to be the item that is most frequently used for setting changes as a result of reflecting the user's intention. It has become.

  Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 22, it is possible to provide a menu screen in which the questionnaire result is reflected and the display order of items more suitable for each user is provided, and the convenience can be further improved.

  (Third embodiment)

  With reference to FIGS. 23 to 31, an information processing system S3 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 23, the information processing system S3 according to the third embodiment is a type of information processing apparatus such as a multifunction device (printer function, scanner function, etc.) via a network N such as a LAN. Device) 1500 and an information processing apparatus 100, 200, 300 composed of a personal computer or the like.

  The information processing apparatus 1500 stores a table T1 in which authentication information and menu information (information on a menu screen) for each user (user) are stored in a storage device (NVRAM (nonvolatile RAM) 1520).

  In addition, it is assumed that each of the information processing apparatuses 100 to 300 is a user A, a user B, and a user C.

  Taking the information processing apparatus 100 of user A as an example, authentication information (user name, password, etc.) is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 1500 by the operation of user A ((1) in FIG. 23).

  In the information processing apparatus 1500, user authentication is performed from the user name and path name, and when the user is authenticated, the user A's user name is used as an identifier, menu information corresponding to the identifier is extracted, and the user A menu information is acquired. Is created ((2) in FIG. 23). If the user is not authenticated as a regular user, menu information is not generated.

  When the information processing apparatus 100 receives the menu information transmitted from the information processing apparatus 1500 ((3) in FIG. 23), the information processing apparatus 100 of the user A displays a menu screen optimized for the user A. Can be displayed.

  If the user A is not authenticated as a regular user, a message such as “The menu cannot be displayed because the regular user is not registered” is displayed.

  Next, the configuration of the information processing apparatus (multifunction machine) 1500 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. It should be noted that a configuration that is not related to the present invention is omitted.

  The information processing apparatus (multifunction machine) 1500 receives the authentication information and menu display request of the information processing apparatuses 100 to 300 via the network N, and transmits the created menu information and the like to the information processing apparatuses 100 to 300. (IF) card 1501, an external interface 1502 such as a USB, a user interface unit (U / I unit) 1503 configured by a liquid crystal panel, operation buttons, and the like, and a controller unit 1504 configured by a microcomputer or the like and controlling each unit. And an image forming unit 1505 configured by a printer engine or the like that performs image formation (printing) on a predetermined medium in a printing function provided in the multifunction peripheral, and a ROM 1510 that stores data of a prototype (model) of menu information. Authentication information, menu settings, menu information (menu NVRAM (nonvolatile RAM: memory that does not lose the stored contents even when the apparatus power is off) 1520 for storing screen information), and RAM 1530 for temporarily storing the menu information being created and the created menu information It is configured.

  The data on the RAM 1530 is written to the NVRAM 1520 at a predetermined timing.

  Although not particularly limited, the wired interface card 1501 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like.

  Further, for example, the wired IF card 1501 includes a WEB server, and executes status display of the information processing apparatus 500 and setting menu display and setting by HTTP protocol communication with the information processing apparatuses 100 to 300 via the network N. Can be done.

  Next, the configuration of the menu information D2 stored in the RAM 1530 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The menu information D2 includes a user identifier 1532 for identifying a user, menu management information 1533, a generated menu 1511, and an item (option) setting value 1521.

  The menu management information 1533 includes a menu access history 1534 and menu display information 1535.

  The menu access history 1534 further includes information on the menu selection accumulation count, setting accumulation count, setting error accumulation count, and function execution accumulation count in accordance with the number of menus, setting items, and function execution buttons.

  Here, the cumulative number of menu selections is the sum of the number of selections for each menu screen, the cumulative number of settings is the sum of the number of selections for each item (option), and the cumulative number of setting mistakes is originally for each item (option). The cumulative number of times that settings that cannot be set (ie, setting mistakes) have been made, and the cumulative number of function executions means the cumulative number of times that the function has been successfully executed for each item (option).

  Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 26, the process procedure of the menu creation process performed by information processing system S3 of the said structure is demonstrated.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 26, it is assumed that a menu screen for the information processing apparatus 100 of the user A is generated.

  When this process is started, first, in step S500, the user A requests a menu display request (instruction) from the information processing apparatus 100 to the information processing apparatus 1500, and the process proceeds to step S501.

  In step S501, the information processing apparatus 1500 receives the menu display request from the user A and the authentication information (user name, password, etc.) of the user A, and proceeds to step S502.

  In step S502, personal authentication based on the authentication information (determination of whether or not the user is an authorized user) is performed. If the determination result is “No”, the process proceeds to step S503, and a message indicating that the user is not an authorized user (for example, A message such as “The menu cannot be displayed because the registered user is not registered” is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 100 of the user A, and the process is terminated. Thereby, when the user A is an unauthorized user, it is possible to avoid an unauthorized setting change by a menu operation. Further, when the user A has a valid access authority, there is a possibility that there is an input error in the authentication information (user name, password, etc.), so it is possible to try retransmitting the authentication information.

  On the other hand, if “Yes” is determined in step S502 (when the user is authenticated as a regular user), the process proceeds to step S504 to determine whether or not a new menu has been created. Shifts to step S507, and in the case of “Yes”, shifts to step S505.

  In step S505, the same menu identifier as the user name of user A is searched for, and the process proceeds to step S506.

  In step S506, the menu information (A) corresponding to the matched menu identifier is loaded into the RAM 1530, and the process proceeds to step S507.

  In step S507, the display order of the items (options) of the menu information (A) loaded in the RAM 1530, the display method (including change of font size, type, color, etc.), the additional display method (help display and alert) Menu information (A ′) (see FIG. 24) is generated by changing the prototype (model) of the menu information corresponding to (including addition of display etc.), and the process proceeds to step S508.

  In step S508, the generated menu information (A ') is transmitted to user A, and the process proceeds to step S509.

  In step S509, the menu screen is displayed on the information processing apparatus 100 of the user A based on the menu information (A ′) received from the information processing apparatus 1500, and the process ends.

  Thereby, the menu screen suitable for the user A can be provided accurately, and convenience can be improved.

  For other users B and C, a menu screen suitable for the user can be provided by the menu creation process similar to the above, and convenience can be improved.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 27 to FIG. 29, a state will be described in which the menu information is created by changing the prototype (model) of the menu information by the menu creation process.

  FIG. 27A shows a configuration example of menu information (A) as a prototype (model) of menu information.

  In the menu information (A), the structure of the menu is the menu M20 that is divided into functions in the large classification, the page M21 that is divided into functions in the middle classification, the item (option) M22 and the items that are divided into functions in the small classification. It consists of each set value.

  In the menu information (A), the top menu is 10000, pages 10100 to 10500 are prepared there, and items 10101 to 10110 and respective setting values are arranged on the page 10100.

  Thereafter, the menus are arranged in order of increasing numbers, such as menus 20000, 30000,...

  Specific items are not particularly limited. For example, when the IPP protocol is used for communication between the information processing apparatuses 100 to 300 and the information processing apparatus 1500, the printer URI, timeout, port number, and DNS use are used. And setting items related to the maximum number of sessions.

  In the example of the created menu information (A ′) shown in FIG. 27B, a menu M20 ′ that is divided into functions in the large classification, a page M21 ′ that is divided into functions in the middle classification, and a small The display order of items and the like is changed in the item (option) M22 ′, which is the function classification of the classification.

  For example, in the menu M <b> 1 ′, which is a function classification in the large classification, the first menu is changed to 30000 and the second menu is changed to 40000.

  Such change (optimization) of the menu display can be performed based on the result of analyzing the access history of the menu selection count, the set count, and the function execution count under the control of the controller unit 1504, for example.

  Thereby, for example, it is possible to make a change such as arranging the menu of setting items of frequently used functions so that they are displayed at the top, and the operability for the user can be improved.

  FIG. 28A shows another configuration example of the menu information (A) as a prototype (model) of menu information.

  In FIG. 28A, the menu information (A) includes a large classification (menu) M23, a medium classification (page) M24, and a small classification (item) M25 arranged in a predetermined layout.

  Further, in the large classification (menu) M23 and the like, the menus are arranged in order of increasing numbers, such as menus 10000, 20000, 30000,.

  In the example of the created menu information (A ′) shown in (b) of FIG. 28, items such as items in the large classification (menu) M23 ′, the medium classification (page) M24 ′, and the small classification (item) M25 ′. The display order has been changed.

  For example, in the large classification (menu) M23 ', the top menu is changed to 30000 and the second menu is changed to 40000.

  Such change (optimization) of the menu display can be performed based on the result of analyzing the access history of the menu selection count, the set count, and the function execution count under the control of the controller unit 1504, for example.

  Thereby, for example, it is possible to make a change such as arranging the menu of setting items of frequently used functions so that they are displayed at the top, and the operability for the user can be improved.

  FIG. 29A shows a configuration example of menu information (A) as a prototype (model) of menu information.

  In the menu information (A), the structure of the menu is the menu M30 that is divided into functions in the large classification, the page M31 that is divided into functions in the middle classification, the item (option) M32 and the items that are divided into functions in the small classification. It consists of each set value.

  In the menu information (A), the top menu is 10000, pages 10100 to 10500 are prepared there, and items 10101 to 10110 and respective setting values are arranged on the page 10100.

  Thereafter, the menus are arranged in order of increasing numbers, such as menus 20000, 30000,...

  In addition, information on the display order, display method, and number of accesses is added to each menu, page, and item.

  As for the display method, numbers and display methods are associated in advance.

  In the example of the created menu information (A ′) shown in FIG. 29B, a menu M30 ′ that is divided into functions in the large classification, a page M31 ′ that is divided into functions in the middle classification, and a small Information on the display order, display method, and number of accesses is changed in the item (option) M32 ′, which is a functional classification.

  Therefore, the information processing apparatus 1500 can change the display order and display method of each menu, page, and item based on the display order, display method, and access count information.

  Thereby, for example, it is possible to make a change such as arranging the menu of setting items of frequently used functions so that they are displayed at the top, and the operability for the user can be improved.

  The change mode of the menu display is not limited to the example of FIGS. 27 to 29. For example, the font size and type (Gothic font, Mincho font, etc.) of the character for displaying a specific item, The color or the like may be changed. It is also possible to change the size and background color of the display item box. Further, for a specific item, a help display that conveys notes on setting, a symbol for calling attention such as “!”, And the like may be additionally displayed.

  Next, an example of how to change the menu when changing (optimizing) the menu will be described with reference to FIG.

The following (1) to (5) can be considered as a method of change.
(1) When the menu access history menu selection cumulative count, set cumulative count, and function execution cumulative count access count exceeds the cumulative count threshold set for that layer, the display order and display order for that To change.
(2) When the accumulated number of mistakes in setting menu access history exceeds a threshold, the additional display method level is changed.
(3) When displaying the menu, the menu is generated so that the menu, setting items, and function execution buttons are arranged in the display order.
(4) When the menu is displayed, the menu is generated by a method according to the display method so that the menu, the setting item, and the function execution button are displayed.
(5) When displaying the menu, the menu is generated by the method according to the display method so that the menu / setting item / function execution button is displayed.
(6) Further, for the setting item / function execution button, a menu is generated so as to display a method for calling attention by a method according to the level of the setting mistake accumulation count / function execution mistake accumulation count.
(7) For setting items and function execution buttons, a menu is generated so as to display a method for calling attention, etc., according to the level of the setting mistake accumulation count and function execution mistake accumulation count.

  As a method of calling attention, for example, when user A makes a mistake first, “Please pay attention to the setting contents” is displayed.

  Also, if you make a mistake for the second time, the message “Please refer to help” is displayed.

  Thereafter, when the user (B) makes a mistake first, “Please pay attention to the setting contents” is displayed (that is, the display contents of the user (B) are not related to the history of the user A). Is possible).

  A user name that has been set incorrectly, a frequently set user name, or a correctly set user name may be displayed to prompt the user to inquire about the setting method. .

  Further, the setting content may be displayed on the user information processing apparatus as reference information. In that case, it is recommended to remove setting items that cannot be disclosed due to security reasons such as passwords.

  Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 31, the process procedure of the menu information update process performed by information processing system S3 is demonstrated.

  In the example of FIG. 31, it is assumed that the menu information of the user A is updated.

  When this process is started, a menu screen (for example, a menu screen as shown in FIGS. 27B to 29B) is displayed on the information processing apparatus 1500 on the information processing apparatus 100 of the user A in step S600. The operation (operation such as selection of a predetermined item) is executed, and the process proceeds to step S601.

  In step S601, the information processing apparatus 1500 receives a menu setting change or function execution request from the user A and the authentication information (user name, password, etc.) of the user A, and proceeds to step S602.

  In step S602, personal authentication based on the authentication information (determination of whether or not the user is a regular user) is performed. If the determination result is “No”, the process proceeds to step S603, and a message indicating that the user is not a regular user (for example, A message such as “The menu setting cannot be changed because it is not registered as a regular user” is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 100 of the user A, and the process ends.

  Thereby, when the user A is an unauthorized user, it is possible to avoid an unauthorized setting change by a menu operation. Further, when the user A has a valid access authority, there is a possibility that there is an input error in the authentication information (user name, password, etc.), so it is possible to try retransmitting the authentication information.

  On the other hand, if “Yes” is determined in step S602 (if the user is authenticated), the process proceeds to step S604, where the setting is changed or the function is executed, and then the process proceeds to step S605.

  In step S605, it is determined whether an error has occurred. If “No”, the process proceeds to step S607, and if “Yes”, the process proceeds to step S606.

  In step S606, the setting error accumulation count of the item corresponding to user A is incremented, and the process proceeds to step S607.

  In step S607, the menu selection accumulation count, the setting accumulation count, and the function execution accumulation count (or the setting success accumulation count) of the item corresponding to the user A are incremented, and the process proceeds to step S608.

  In step S608, each of the menu selection cumulative count, setting cumulative count, function execution cumulative count, and setting error cumulative count is compared with a preset threshold value, and the process proceeds to step S609. The order of the setting item, function execution display order, display method, and additional display method is updated, and the process is terminated.

  Thereby, it is possible to provide an appropriate menu screen according to the change in the usage environment of the user A, and the convenience can be further improved.

  In addition, for other users B and C, an appropriate menu screen corresponding to a change in the user's usage environment can be provided by the same menu information update processing as described above, and the convenience can be further improved. it can.

  In addition, when the information processing apparatus 1500 is a multifunction machine, an example in which a push scan function of reading an object and sending it to a target PC as if sending a facsimile is provided will be briefly described.

  In the destination server address setting of the address book, when the user A makes a setting and performs the push scan function, if the server address is wrong and the connection cannot be made because of the wrong server address, for example, the user B that is set correctly The contents of the server address setting can be displayed on the user PC.

  Thereby, the user A can reset the server address using the displayed contents as reference information.

  Although the invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described based on the embodiments, the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not limited to the disclosed technology. Should not be considered. That is, the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed restrictively based on the description in the above embodiment, but should be construed according to the description of the scope of claims. All modifications that fall within the scope of the claims and the equivalent technology are included.

  When using a program, it can be provided via a network or stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

  The information processing apparatus, information processing system, information processing program, image forming apparatus, and image forming system according to the present invention can be applied to laser printers, full-color printers, facsimile machines, multifunction machines, and the like.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the information processing system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing device 500. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of menu information D1. It is explanatory drawing which shows the group to which a user belongs. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which changes the group to which a user belongs. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a menu creation process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state in which the optimized menu information is produced. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state in which the optimized menu information is produced. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the method of the change at the time of changing a menu (optimization). It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a menu information update process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of the menu screen for every group. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of the menu screen for every group. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image forming system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer PR1. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of menu information. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a menu display process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of an analysis of the access information by the access analysis part 603. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of an analysis of the access count of protocols other than a web server. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of the item of a questionnaire. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a questionnaire analysis process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of analysis of questionnaire information. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the optimization plan of a menu structure. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the information processing system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing device 1500. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of menu information D2. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a menu creation process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state in which the optimized menu information is produced. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state in which the optimized menu information is produced. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state in which the optimized menu information is produced. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the method of the change at the time of changing a menu (optimization). It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a menu information update process.

Explanation of symbols

S1 Information Processing System 100 Information Processing Device (User A)
200 Information processing device (User B)
300 Information processing device (User C)
N Network 500 Information processing device (multifunction machine)
501 Wired interface card (instruction receiving means)
502 External interface 504 Controller (menu screen display means, selection means, user identification means, group identification means, access history acquisition means, change means, experience value setting means, experience value update means, comparison means, belonging group change means)
505 Image forming unit 510 ROM
520 NVRAM (storage means)
530 RAM (storage means)
S2 Image forming system PR1 Printer (image forming apparatus)
601 RAM (storage means)
602 NVRAM (storage means)
600 Network interface (instruction receiving means)
603 Access analysis unit 610 External interface 612 Controller unit (menu screen display means, selection means, user identification means, access history acquisition means, change means, questionnaire totalization means)
613 Image forming unit S1 Information processing system 1500 Information processing device 1501 Wired interface card (instruction receiving means)
1502 External interface 1504 Controller unit (menu screen display means, selection means, user identification means, access history acquisition means, change means)
1505 Image forming unit 1510 ROM
1520 NVRAM (storage means)
1530 RAM (storage means)

Claims (14)

An access history acquisition means for acquiring an access history for information related to a menu screen for selecting one of a plurality of options;
Changing means for changing the content of the information on the menu screen based on the access history by the access history acquisition means;
An access analysis means for analyzing an access state for information on the menu screen,
The access analysis means obtains an item access tendency from the entire user by setting an upper limit on the statistics of the number of accesses for each user,
An information processing apparatus characterized by that.   The access history acquisition unit determines the number of times the information about the menu screen is read from the storage unit that stores information about the menu screen corresponding to the user as the access history for each user or the user. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein counting is performed for each group divided based on the condition.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the access history acquisition unit counts the number of times each option is selected as the access history for each user or each group. The access history acquisition means, processing according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the number of times of the selection error for each option as an access history and counts for each of the respective user or the group apparatus. Said access history acquiring unit, the number of selection success for each choice as said access history, any one of the preceding claims 2, characterized in that the counting for each of the respective user or the group The information processing apparatus described in 1. The changing unit, when the menu display is displayed in a plurality of hierarchies, the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that to change the hierarchy. Experience value setting means for setting an experience value related to the use of the device for each user;
Experience value updating means for increasing or decreasing the experience value according to a predetermined condition;
A comparison means for comparing the experience value with a preset threshold value;
Belonging group changing means for changing the group to which the user belongs according to the comparison result of the comparing means;
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 6 claim 2, characterized in that it comprises a.   The information processing method according to claim 7, wherein the experience value updating unit increases or decreases the experience value based on the number of selection errors or the number of successful selections of the options acquired by the access history acquisition unit. apparatus. The experience value updating unit sets the weighting by predetermined weighting coefficients for each of the choices, the information processing according to claim 7 or claim 8 in consideration of the weights, characterized in that to increase or decrease the experience apparatus. It said access history acquiring unit, an information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that to obtain the access history for each protocol used for display or selection of the options of the menu screen . When selecting any of the options displayed on the menu screen by the selection means, for each user, the degree of expectation that the setting related to the option is reflected on the device is expressed as a plurality of questionnaire items. The questionnaire totalization means which totals the completed questionnaire is provided,
The changing means, the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that to change the contents of consideration an aggregate result of the questionnaire collecting unit information on the menu screen.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the questionnaire totaling unit sets weighting by a predetermined weighting factor for each questionnaire item, and totals the questionnaire in consideration of the weighting. An access history acquisition process for acquiring an access history for information on a menu screen for selecting one of a plurality of options;
A change process for changing the content of the information on the menu screen based on the access history by the access history acquisition process;
An access analysis process for analyzing an access state to information on the menu screen,
The access analysis process sets an upper limit value in the statistics of the number of accesses for each user, and acquires the tendency of item access from the entire user.
An information processing program characterized by that. An access history acquisition means for acquiring an access history for information related to a menu screen for selecting one of a plurality of options;
Changing means for changing the content of the information on the menu screen based on the access history by the access history acquisition means;
An access analysis means for analyzing an access state for information on the menu screen,
The access analysis means obtains an item access tendency from the entire user by setting an upper limit on the statistics of the number of accesses for each user,
An image forming apparatus.