Patent Application
20080198154
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a technique for supporting an operation of an image processing apparatus, and more particularly, to an image processing apparatus and a method for supporting an operation of the image processing apparatus for providing a support of an operation that matches the level of skill of the user.
2. Description of the Related Art
Recently, sophistication of a digital electronic device, such as an image processing apparatus, makes a problem obvious that the capabilities, operations involved with the capabilities, and a combination of the capabilities are becoming more complex. For example, for complex image processing apparatus called MFP (Multi Function Peripherals), the user has to bring original documents directly to the apparatus and give an operation instruction while standing except for a part of the capabilities, such as the printer capability. This makes mental and physical stress derived from the complexity of operations far larger than a personal computer or the like. As a method for addressing such an operation problem, there have been disclosed several support techniques.
For example, Patent Document 1 (JP-A-9-152926) discloses a support technique, by which the level of skill of the operator is determined from time intervals of input operations using keys, a pointing device, or the like and the number of erroneous inputs per unit time, and increases the frequency at which the guided input capability for displaying a job content the operator is supposed to perform next is provided for a less experienced operator. Also, Patent Document 2 (JP-A-2000-47532) discloses a support technique, by which the level of skill is calculated from an average value of time intervals of key input operations so as not only to set a display screen that matches the level of skill for each operator, but also to set a display screen having a content in light of the eyesight or the age of the operator by specifying the level of skill of the operator.
The support technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 relates to the guided input capability to provide a support at the level that matches the level of skill of the user, and because the number of items set for a particular operation capability and the setting procedure of this guided input capability are limited, this technique is effective for a job that needs inputs step by step in order; however, in the case of the user interface with which a large number of items can be inputted in parallel and the user does not necessarily have to set all the items as with an MFP, the guided input capability has the opposite effect of making the input operations more complex. For example, in a case where the default value that is initially set in the MFP is adopted unless the user gives a setting instruction, input operations possibly become more complex because of the guided input capability.
In addition, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2 concerns about the typical user interface of the MFP. However, changing display screens correspondingly to the level of skill means that a screen totally different from the one displayed last is displayed when the level of skill of the operator changes. This may possibly throw the user into confusion and an operation may time take longer locally.
Further, both the techniques of Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 determine the level of skill on the basis of time intervals of key input operations or the like. However, even with a well experienced operator, time intervals of key input operations may possibly become longer for an operation capability he seldom uses. In addition, time intervals of key input operations vary with an operation capability being chosen and input information involved (for example, information about a choice between two or character inputs, such as an address). It is therefore impossible to determine the level of skill correctly unless the time intervals of key input operations in light of the operation capability being chosen and input information involved are applied. As a result, there is case where a support capability undesirable for the user is added, which contrarily makes operations easier without the guided input capability.
The invention was devised to solve the problems discussed above, and has an object to provide an image processing apparatus enabling the user to improve the operation ability without throwing the user into confusion even when furnished with a wide variety of capabilities, and a method for supporting an operation of the image processing apparatus.
In order to solve the problems discussed above, an image processing apparatus of the invention includes: an instruction unit configured to provide plural operation instructions to a user by displaying one of plural operation screens and plural operation items; an operation skill level calculation unit configured to calculate a level of skill of the user for an operation instructed by the instruction unit for one of each operation screen and each operation item displayed by the instruction unit according to an operation by the user; and an operation support unit configured to support the operation instructed by the instruction unit according to the level of skill calculated by the operation skill level calculation unit.
Also, another image processing apparatus of the invention includes: instruction means for providing plural operation instructions to a user by displaying one of plural operation screens and plural operation items; operation skill level calculation means for calculating a level of skill of the user for an operation instructed by the instruction means for one of each operation screen and each operation item displayed by the instruction means according to an operation by the user; and operation support means for supporting the operation instructed by the instruction means according to the level of skill calculated by the operation skill level calculation means.
Further, the invention is a method for supporting an operation of an image processing apparatus that causes a computer in the image processing apparatus to provide a support of an operation of the image processing apparatus, including the steps of: providing plural operation instructions to a user by displaying one of plural operation screens and plural operation items; calculating a level of skill of the user for an operation instructed in the step of providing instructions for one of each operation screen and each operation item; and supporting the operation instructed in the step of providing instructions according to the level of skill calculated in the step of calculating the operation skill level.
a) is a view showing a first example of the screen shown on a touch panel;
b) is a view showing a second example of the screen shown on the touch panel;
c) is a view showing a third example of the screen shown on the touch panel;
d) is a view showing a fourth example of the screen shown on the touch panel;
e) is a view showing a fifth example of the screen shown on the touch panel;
a) is a display screen of Advice Type 1 displayed on the touch panel:
b) is a display screen of Advice Type 2 displayed on the touch panel;
a) shows a display screen of Advice Type for a less experienced user displayed on the touch panel by the level of skill;
b) shows a display screen of Advice Type for a well experienced user displayed on the touch panel by the level of skill;
Hereinafter, some embodiments of an image processing apparatus of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Like components are labeled with like reference numerals in the drawings used in the respective embodiments, and descriptions will not be repeated to the possible extent.
Operations of the image processing apparatus 10 shown in
The display control unit 62 of the control unit 6 measures the initial input start time from the touch panel 51, time intervals of operations on the touch panel 51, a depression time of the start key 52, and so forth, and displays information necessary to operate the touch panel 51 according to the items being operated and the measurement results. Computations necessary for the display control unit 62 in this instance are performed by the CPU 61.
For example, as is shown in
As is shown in
As is shown in
As is shown in
Further, as is shown in
Referring to
As is shown in
Hence, it is impossible to determine whether the user basically needs a support in choosing the capability category by category for each choice by merely measuring the state (in this embodiment, by measuring a time).
Herein, regarding the content of each category, (a) indicates the category for which the item can be understood and the item can be inputted with ease, (b) indicates the category for which the item can be understood easily whereas an input of the item takes longer, (c) indicates the category for which the item cannot be understood easily whereas an input of the item is easy, and (d) indicates those other than the categories (a), (b), and (c) described above.
Initially, after the display control unit 62 initializes the touch panel 51 (Step S1), it stands by until the screen of the basic panel is operated by means of depression (Step S2). When the basic panel is operated, it assumes that the operation of a job is started (Step S2, Yes), and acquires the input start time START_T and further initializes the key input number by resetting the counter K of the key input number to 0 (Step S3).
Subsequently, it acquires the current time CURRENT_T (Step S4), finds a difference between the input start time START_T and the current time CURRENT_T, and compares the difference with a threshold T1 of an elapsed time (Step S5).
In a case where the difference between the input start time START_T and the current time CURRENT_T is found to be less than the threshold T1 of the elapsed time (Step S5, No), it stands by while updating the current time until the start key 52 or any other key is depressed (Step S6).
In a case where the start key 52 is depressed (Step S7, Yes), it executes the set job (Step S18), and returns to the start state in Step S1 (the initialization of the touch panel), and repeats the processing described above thereafter.
Meanwhile, in a case where the start key 52 is not depressed and instead any other key is depressed in Step S7 (Step S7, No), it acquires the item the user is currently operating, the time and the key input number.
For example, the operation item, swap of the last key input time: Pre_T=Key_T, the key input time: Key_T, and the count of input number: K++ are acquired (Step S8).
Further, it acquires a time interval threshold T2 between key inputs that corresponds to the operation item (Step S9).
The time interval threshold T2 has a set value for each category shown in
In a case where the time interval of the key inputs is found to be longer than the time interval threshold value T2 In Step S10 (Step S10, Yes), it determines that the user is in trouble with operations, and displays Advice Type 1 of
For example, as is shown in
Meanwhile, in a case where the time interval of key inputs is found to be shorter than the time interval threshold T2 in Step S10 (Step S10, No), it determines that the user is not in trouble and returns to Step S4 to shift to a state where it waits for a next key input to repeat the processing described above.
Subsequently, it determines whether the display of Advice Type 1 has ended (Step S12), and when the display of Advice Type 1 ends (Step S12, Yes), it stores the current time to the key input time (KEY_T) (Step S13), and returns to Step S4 to be in a state where it waits for a next key input in the same manner as above.
In a case where a difference between the input start time START_T and the current time CURRENT_T is found to be longer than the threshold T1 of the elapsed time in Step S5, that is, when the elapsed time since the start of the input is longer than the threshold T1 (Step S5, Yes), it determines whether the key input number K is smaller than a first specific number K1 (Step S14). In a case where the key input number K is found to be smaller than the first specific number K1 (Step S14, Yes), it determines that the user has abandoned the operation of the job, and returns to Step S1 to shift to a state where it waits for an acceptance of a new job by initializing the touch panel.
Meanwhile, in a case where the key input number K is found to be greater than the first specific number K1 in Step S14 (K<K1)(Step S14, No), it determines whether the key input number K is greater than a second specific number K2 (Step S15). In a case where the key input number K is found not to be greater than the second specific number K2 (Step S15, No), it returns to Step S6 to repeat the processing described above.
Meanwhile, in a case where the key input number K is found to be greater than the second specific number K2 in Step S15 (Step S15, Yes), it determines that the user needs advice in the upper hierarchy rather than advice of the capability per se, and displays Advice Type 2 of
Regarding the determination in Step S16, it determines that the user is facing a problem, for example, which capability should be chosen for the operation he wishes to use and where the corresponding capability is present. In the example of Advice Type 2 shown in
Advice Type 1 shown in
In addition, as is shown in
The flowchart of
Depending on the items, it is possible to provide advice using a sound for advice to be provided without confusion.
As has been described, in the image processing apparatus of the first embodiment, the instruction unit (instruction means) provides plural operation instructions to the user by displaying plural operation screens or plural operation items according to the operations of the user I/F unit 5a and the control unit 6 of
The operation screen in this instance is the touch panel screen as shown in
The operation skill level calculation unit (operation skill level calculation means) calculates the user's level of skill for an operation instructed by the instruction unit (instruction means) on the basis of operations by the user for each operation screen or operation item displayed by the instruction unit (instruction means) by the processing in Steps S3 through S10 and Steps S14 and S15 in the flowchart of
Further, the operation support unit (operation support means) provides a support of the operation instructed by the instruction unit (instruction means) according to the level of skill for an operation calculated by the operation skill level calculation unit (operation skill level calculation means) by the processing in Steps S11 and S16 in the flowchart of
Also, the operation skill level calculation unit (operation skill calculation means) calculates the user's level of skill for operation according to the time interval between at least two operations by the user detected by the operation interval detection unit (operation interval detection means) by the processing in Step S8 in the flowchart of
Further, the operation skill level calculation unit (operation skill level calculation means) calculates the user's level of skill for operation according to the number of operations by the user within a specific time detected by the operation number detection unit (operation number detection means) by the processing in Steps S14 and S15 in the flowchart of
The operation support unit (operation support means) provides supports of different types according to the user's level of skill for operation calculated by the operation skill level calculation unit (operation skill level calculation mean) by the processing in Steps S11 and S16 in the flowchart of
As has been described, in the image processing apparatus of the first embodiment, it is possible to provide operation advice without disturbing the operation by the user by determining a length of key operation time for each capability, which can in turn improve the operation throughput of the user markedly. It should be noted, however, that the operation items and the flow of the operation control are not limited to those described above in this embodiment.
The user authentication unit 53 can be any means as long as it is able to identify the operator, such as existing fingerprint matching or a key input of user ID. Because the operator is identified by the user authentication unit 53, the display control unit 62 acquires the level of skill corresponding to the user ID assigned to each operation and held in the MFP according to the input user ID, and as is shown in
Regarding a method for switching the display screens by the level of skill, the display content is configured as follows. For example, as is shown in
Initially, the user authentication unit 53 executes a user authentication, (Step S21), and it acquires the current level (U_L), which is the current level of skill of the user (Step S22). It then initializes the touch panel shown in
Subsequently, it acquires the current time CURRENT_T (Step S26), finds a difference between the input start time START_T and the current time CURRENT_T, and compares the difference with a threshold T1 of an elapsed time (Step S27).
Herein, in a case where the difference between the input start time START_T and the current time CURRENT_T is found to be less than the threshold T1 of the elapsed time, that is, (CURRENT_T−START_T)>T1 is not established (Step S27, No), it stands by while updating the current time until the start key 52 or any other key is depressed (Step S28).
Subsequently, in a case where the start key 52 is not depressed and instead any other key is depressed in Step S29 (Step S29, No), it acquires the item the user is currently operating, the time, and the key input number. More specifically, it acquires the operation item, swap of the last key input time: Pre_T=Key_T, key input time: Key_T, and the count of the input number: K++ (Step S30). Further, it acquires a time interval threshold T2 of the key input time corresponding to the operation item (Step S31).
It determines whether the time interval of key inputs (CURRENT_T−Pre_T) is longer than the time interval threshold T2 (Step S32), and in a case where the former is found not to be longer than the latter (Step S32, No), it returns to Step S26 and repeats the processing described above.
Meanwhile, in a case where the time interval of key inputs is found to be longer than the time interval threshold T2 in Step S32 (Step S32, Yes), it determines that the user is in trouble, and displays Advice Type 1 of
In a case where the time interval of key inputs is found not to be longer (shorter) than the time interval threshold T2 in Step S32 (Step S32, No), it determines that the user is not in trouble with operations, and returns to Step S26 to shift to a state where it waits for a next key input to repeat the processing described above.
Subsequently, it determines whether the display of Advice Type 1 has ended (Step S34), and when the display of Advice Type 1 ends (Step S34, Yes), it stores the current time in the key input time (KEY_T) (Step S35), and returns to Step S26 to shift to a state where it waits for a next key input in the same manner as above.
In a case where the difference between the input start time START_T and the current time CURRENT_T is found to be longer than the threshold T1 of the elapsed time in Step S27, that is, in a case where an elapsed time since the start of the input is longer than the threshold T1 (Step S27, Yes), it determines whether the key input number K is smaller than a first specific number K1 (Step S36). In a case where the key input number K is found to be smaller than the first specific number K1 (Step S36, Yes), it determines that the user has abandoned the operation of the job, and returns to Step S21 to shift to a state where it waits for an acceptance of a new job by initializing the touch panel.
Meanwhile, in a case where key input number K is found to be greater than the first specific number K1 in Step S36 (Step S36, No), it determines whether the key input number K is greater than a second specific number K2 (Step S37). Herein, in a case where the key input number K is found not to be greater than the second specific number K2 (Step S37, No), it returns to Step S28 to repeat the processing described above.
Meanwhile, in a case where the key input number K is found to be greater than the second specific number K2 in Step S37 (Step S37, Yes), it determines that the user needs advice in the upper hierarchy rather than advice of the capability per se, and displays Advice Type 2 of
The flow described above is almost the same as that of the first embodiment shown in
After the job is executed, it acquires an average required time (AVE_J) of the user from the start to the end of the job (Step S41). The average required time (AVE_J) means a time calculated by averaging the execution times of the current job and several jobs in the past. Hence, by using the average required time (AVE_J), it is possible to make an evaluation by absorbing a variance in operation time of the user.
Subsequently, it calculates a user level (C_L) from TBL using the average required time (AVE_J) as an input (Step S42). Because the operation time becomes shorter as the user becomes more familiar with the operation, the TBL is set so that the user level (C_L) is set to a higher level as the operation time becomes shorter.
Subsequently, it compares the current level (U_L) with the user level (C_L) found by executing the current job (Step S43). In a case where the user level (C_L) is found to be higher than the current level (U_L) and the user level (C_L) is at the higher level (Step S43, Yes), it updates the current level (U_L) to the user level (C_L) (Step S44). Meanwhile, in a case where the user level (C_L) is found to be lower than the current level (U_L) (Step S43, No), it returns to Step S21 to execute a user authentication and repeats the processing described above.
As has been described, once the user level is determined, it is not lowered as an operation using the time measurement as a function, and it is therefore possible to support an operation by the user in a stable manner by absorbing a variety of operations by the user.
For example, when
Once the user adapts himself to the operation, the efficiency of an operation can be increased with
It is well anticipated that a key input takes a long time when the capability that has not been used is used. In this embodiment, the user level is used to switch the start screens. However, by using the user level for the display of the support information, it is possible to configure in such a manner that the support contents are switched according to the user level of the user by explaining simple capabilities for a less experienced user and explaining a combination of the capabilities for a well experienced user.
In this embodiment, one user level is assigned to one user. However, by configuring in such a manner that the user level is assigned for each capability, it is possible to enhance the convenience for the user.
For example, for the user who has used particular capabilities alone, he is well experienced with the high level of skill for these capabilities, while he is least experienced for the capabilities he has not used. Hence, by recording and managing the level for each capability, he is able to receive a sufficient support for the capabilities he has not used, which improves his operation ability markedly. It should be noted that the operation items and the operation control flow are not limited to those in this embodiment.
As has been described, in the image processing apparatus of the second embodiment, the user identification unit (user identification means) identifies the user who executes an operation by the processing in Step S21 of the flowchart of
In this instance, the user skill level management unit (user skill level management means) 63 upgrades the level of skill of the user according to the level of skill of the user calculated by the skill level calculation unit by the processing in Step S44 of the flowchart of
In addition, the user skill level management unit (user skill level management means) 63 manages the level of the user without degrading the level of skill according to the level of skill of the user calculated by the skill level calculation unit (skill level calculation means) by the processing in Step S43 of the flowchart of
As is shown in
In other words, by providing the operation screen of the touch panel as shown in
Referring to
The personal computer 8 manages the average required time for job of each user who uses the corresponding MFP (AVE_T acquired in Step S41 of
Alternatively, by configuring in such a manner that information managed by the personal computer 8 is sent to the MFP so that the MFP only calculates the current state without managing the average required time for job and the user's current level in the MFP, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in setting the user level, which can in turn upgrade the level of the management system.
As has been described, according to the image processing apparatus in each embodiment described above, because it is possible to provide an appropriate support to the operator on the basis of an input time to the touch panel and the user authentication, the operation throughput of the user can be improved further.
According to the image processing apparatus of each embodiment described above, because a time is measured for each capability, not only is it possible to calculate the level of skill appropriately to the MFP having multiple capabilities, but it is also possible to provide advice by providing additional information on the display when necessary, which makes it possible to provide support to the user efficiently.
Further, according to the image processing apparatus of each embodiment described above, it is possible to support the user, for example, by a sound capability that provides advice by utilizing means different from a display when necessary. In addition, because a user who fails to achieve the desired capability operation can be identified accurately, it is possible to provide appropriate advice to this user.
Further, because the type of a trouble of the user can be determined on the basis of the operation time, it is possible to provide appropriate advice for a trouble of each type.
According to the image processing apparatus of each embodiment described above, because once the level of skill is determined, basically, the level is never lowered. The user is thus able to perform operations without feeing any stress.
Because the user is able to understand a time needed for him for the operation, a motivation to perform the operation efficiently can be given and the user is consequently able to reach the higher operation ability.
According to the image processing apparatus of each embodiment described above, because a time needed for each person in charge for an operation can be understood, a motivation to perform the operation efficiently can be given and the user is consequently able to reach the higher operation ability.
Further, for all the users of the MFP, a time necessary for a job can be understood for each person in charge, it is possible to understand the use situation for all the users of the MFP, which gives a motivation to improve the operation ability and the user is consequently able to reach the higher operation ability.
According to the image processing apparatus of each embodiment described above, time interval measurements can be changed for each capability or each screen and a clue can be displayed on the display. Alternatively, it is possible to provide a sound support. In addition, the support guide can be activated when the start button is not depressed within a specific time.
The image processing apparatus of each embodiment above is able to determine and display advice of a different type. Further, it is possible to configure so as not to lower the level of skill of the operator once it has been determined; however, it may be configured to lower the level of skill of the operator when the need arises.
The image processing apparatus of each embodiment above is able to calculate an average time of operation times by identifying an operator to be displayed on the control panel, to transmit the average value of the operation times to the server by identifying the operator, and to manage the operation times in the server by identifying the operator.
It is obvious that the instruction means, the operation skill level calculation means, the operation support means, the operation interval detection means, the operation number detection means, and the user identification means described in the embodiments above can be applied to a program that causes a computer to perform the method for supporting an operation of the image processing apparatus described with reference to the flowcharts shown in the embodiments.
The program is recorded in a recording medium readable by the computer, and has the capability to cause the computer to perform the method for supporting an operation of the image processing apparatus of the invention when read by the computer.
The embodiments above described a case where these capabilities are pre-recorded in the apparatus. However, the invention is not limited to this configuration, and the same capabilities may be downloaded to the apparatus from the network, or the same capabilities recorded in a recording medium may be installed in the apparatus. The recording medium can be a recording medium of any format, such as a CD-ROM, as long as it is capable of storing the programs and readable by the apparatus. The capabilities obtained by pre-installment or downloading as described above may be those achieved in cooperation with the OS (Operating System) in the apparatus or the like.
