Image forming device and method for controlling image forming device

Abstract

Provided is an image forming apparatus and the like, which makes it easy to understand the operation sequence and efficiently perform the operation when registering the batch settings related to job processing according to the setting history of the job. The image forming apparatus comprises a display unit; and a storage unit, which stores the setting history related to the settings of the past job processing and the batch settings of the settings related to the job processing registered in batch. It also comprises a setting control unit, which displays a setting history screen including the setting history on the display unit, displays a setting screen reflecting the setting content based on the selected setting history on the display unit according to the selected setting history, and displays a registration button for performing the registration process for the batch setting on the setting screen; and a registration control unit, which performs the registration process for the batch setting according to the operation of the registration button.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus and the like that store settings when performing job processing. Background Art

[0002] Some image forming apparatuses such as multifunction peripherals have a device that registers job settings in advance and calls up the settings to execute the job.

[0003] The technology of Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that "a setting history of a job can be selected and setting contents can be registered, and the setting contents can be displayed as custom buttons and read easily."

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-125686 Summary of the invention

[0007] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] In Patent Document 1, in order to permanently refer to the settings temporarily stored according to the setting history of the job, it is re-registered as a custom button, but the timing of registration that can be considered may be different in the case of registration from the setting history and the case of not registering from the setting history. In addition, if the same fixed operation process is performed in the case of registration from the setting history and the case of not registering from the setting history, redundant operations will be performed in the registration of the selected setting history. For example, if the user sets the registration name himself, the operation itself is cumbersome, and various names appear depending on the user, and there is a possibility that the registration of the setting history is unclear. Moreover, even if the setting history is finally registered, there may be a case where the setting has already been registered, and the operation may become useless.

[0009] In view of the above-mentioned actual situation, the present disclosure provides an image forming apparatus and the like which can easily understand the operation procedure and efficiently perform the operation when registering batch settings related to job processing based on the setting history of the job.

[0010] Solutions for solving problems

[0011] The image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure that stores settings for performing job processing includes:

[0012] Display unit;

[0013] a storage unit that stores a setting history related to past job processing settings and a batch setting of settings related to job processing that are registered in batches;

[0014] A setting control unit, which displays a setting history screen including the setting history on the display unit, and, based on the selected setting history, displays a setting screen reflecting the setting contents based on the selected setting history on the display unit, and displays a registration button for performing registration processing for the batch settings on the setting screen; and a registration control unit, which performs registration processing for the batch settings based on an operation of the registration button.

[0015] In a control method of an image forming apparatus disclosed herein, the image forming apparatus includes a display unit and a storage unit that stores a setting history related to past job processing settings and a batch setting of settings related to job processing that are batch-registered.

[0016] The control method comprises: a setting control step of displaying a setting history screen including the setting history on the display unit, displaying a setting screen reflecting setting contents based on the selected setting history on the display unit according to the selected setting history, and displaying a registration button for performing registration processing for the batch setting on the setting screen; and

[0017] The registration control step performs registration processing of the batch settings according to the operation of the registration button.

[0018] Effects of the Invention

[0019] According to the present disclosure, the number of operation steps when registering / reflecting settings can be reduced, or important information can be easily confirmed, thereby achieving an effect of preventing the user from having to worry about changing settings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 It is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 This is a flowchart showing the job program registration process of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a flowchart showing a registration name input process of a job program of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 5 It is an explanatory diagram showing a main screen displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 6 It is an explanatory diagram showing a default setting screen displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 7 It is an explanatory diagram showing a setting change on a setting screen displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 8 It is an explanatory diagram showing a name input screen displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0027] Fig. 9 It is an explanatory diagram showing a setting history screen displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0028] Fig.10 It is an explanatory diagram showing a setting screen displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment after switching from the setting history screen.

[0029] Fig.11 This is a flowchart showing a registration name input process of a job program of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment.

[0030] Fig.12 It is an explanatory diagram showing a name input screen displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment.

[0031] Fig.13 This is a flowchart showing a process of displaying a program name in the setting history of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment.

[0032] Fig.14 It is an explanatory diagram showing a setting history screen displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the following embodiment is an example for describing the present disclosure, and the technical scope of the invention described in the claims is not limited to the following description.

[0034] [1. First embodiment]

[0035] When registering a setting history in a job program or changing setting contents from default, the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment displays a program registration button that can be registered in the job program, thereby indicating that the user can register the program for job settings.

[0036] In addition, "job program" is a technology for manually storing job-related settings permanently, and represents batch settings for batch registering settings related to job processing. In the case of repeatedly executing a standardized job through a job program, the user can batch set by calling and executing the job program, thereby having the effect of reducing the number of steps for setting when executing the job.

[0037] In addition, "settings history" is a technology that automatically stores settings related to jobs. When the image forming device performs job processing, it stores information related to the job operation as a job operation history. The information related to the job operation includes various setting information, but it is not assumed that the job operation history reuses the setting information. Therefore, the image forming device extracts the setting information from the job operation history and stores it as the setting history.

[0038] [1.1 Overall structure]

[0039] Figure 1 It is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 1 The image forming apparatus 10 shown is an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral) and has a plurality of modes related to job processing.

[0041] The job processing mode is a mode that enables general copying, faxing, scanning, etc. The image forming apparatus 10 can execute a copy job in the copy mode, a fax job in the fax mode, and a scan job in the scanner mode.

[0042] The following briefly explains the copy job.

[0043] First, a document is placed on document reading unit 130 and a copy operation is performed using operation unit 160. The user can check the set document size, paper size, and copy settings (such as single-sided printing, double-sided printing, and integrated printing) on ​​display unit 150.

[0044] When the user performs a start operation from the operation unit 160 , the copy process is executed. Specifically, the document reading unit 130 reads the document set by the user. The control unit 100 described later generates image data from the document read by the document reading unit 130 .

[0045] The image forming unit 140 generates an image based on the image data on the paper fed from the paper tray 1410, and outputs it to the paper discharge tray 1420. In the present embodiment, the paper is recording paper or recording paper on which an image is formed. The paper may be not only ordinary plain paper, but also various paper media such as thick paper and glossy paper, and may include films, etc., if an image can be formed.

[0046] Fax jobs are briefly described below.

[0047] When sending a fax, a document is set in document reading unit 130 and a fax sending operation is performed through operation unit 160. The user can check the set document size and sending settings (sending destination fax number, etc.) through display unit 150.

[0048] If the user performs a fax start operation from the operation unit 160, the fax process is executed. The control unit 100 described later performs a communication process with the destination of the other party through the communication unit 170 described later. Then, when the state that can be sent is ensured, the control unit 100 performs necessary processing such as changing the compression format of the compressed file sent by the other party, and then sequentially sends it to the other party via the communication line.

[0049] In addition, when receiving a fax, the control unit 100 receives a compressed file sent from the other party while performing a communication process in the communication unit 170 described later, and performs decompression processing on the received compressed file by the compression / decompression processing unit (not shown). Then, various image processing is performed on the image data, and the image data is output to the image forming unit 140. The image forming unit 140 forms an output image on recording paper based on the output image data.

[0050] As a function of transmitting the document image data read in addition to the FAX mode, the document image data can be transmitted by mail to an address stored in storage unit 120 described later.

[0051] Next, the scanning job will be briefly described.

[0052] First, a document is placed on the document reading unit 130 and a scanning operation is performed using the operation unit 160. The user can check the set document size and output image settings (image file type, etc.) through the display unit 150.

[0053] When the user performs a scanning start operation from the operation unit 160 , the scanning process is executed. Specifically, the document reading unit 130 reads the document set by the user. The control unit 100 described later generates image data from the document read by the document reading unit 130 .

[0054] The image forming apparatus 10 performs various jobs while combining these functions (copy function, fax function, and scan function). At this time, for multiple setting items in each job, each time the user performs a setting operation input, the setting value of the previous operation setting is automatically extracted from the job operation history through the automatic supplement function and displayed as the setting history.

[0055] Regarding the job processing mode of the image forming apparatus, when the user operates the operation unit 160 to activate the job processing mode, the control unit 100 of the image forming apparatus 10 displays the initial screen of the activated job processing mode on the screen of the display unit 150. At this time, the initial setting values ​​of the setting items can be displayed, and the setting items can be changed from the operation unit 160.

[0056] [1.2 Functional structure]

[0057] [1.2.1 Image forming device]

[0058] Reference Figure 2 The functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described. Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0059] The control unit 100 is a functional unit for controlling the entire image forming apparatus 10. The control unit 100 realizes various functions by reading and executing a control program stored in the storage unit 120, and is composed of one or more computing devices (for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit)). The functions realized by the control unit 100 are described below.

[0060] The control unit 100 has a setting processing function for performing setting processing, an image forming processing function for performing image forming processing, etc. As the image forming processing function, the control unit 100 executes a copy function, a fax function, a scanner function, etc.

[0061] The control unit 100 includes a setting control unit 101 and a registration control unit 102 .

[0062] The setting control unit 101 controls processing related to job setting.

[0063] The registration control unit 102 controls the processing registered in the operation program.

[0064] The storage unit 120 is a functional unit that stores programs and data and is composed of, for example, a semiconductor memory such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0065] The storage unit 120 stores setting history data 121 and operation program data 122 .

[0066] The document reading unit 130 reads an image of a document and is composed of, for example, a scanner having a device that converts optical information into an electric signal, such as a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device).

[0067] For example, the document reading unit 130 reads a document placed on a table within a range set by the document size. The document may be placed on a table or on an automatic document feeder (ADF).

[0068] The image forming unit 140 is a functional unit for forming image data on a recording medium (e.g., recording paper). Figure 1 The recording paper is supplied from the paper tray 1410, and after an image is formed on the surface of the recording paper in the image forming unit 140, the paper is discharged from the paper discharge tray 1420. The image forming unit 140 is composed of a laser printer using an electrophotographic method, etc. In addition, the paper tray 1410 is usually provided with one or more and stores the paper.

[0069] The display unit 150 displays various states of the image forming apparatus 10 and the state of operation input, and is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic EL panel, or electronic paper using an electrophoretic method.

[0070] The operation unit 160 is a button, switch, etc. that receives operation input from the user. The operation unit 160 can be implemented by a hardware input device such as a switch or a keyboard, or by a touch panel or the like formed integrally with the display unit 150. In this case, the method for detecting the input of the touch panel may be a conventional detection method such as a resistive film method, an infrared method, an electromagnetic induction method, or an electrostatic capacitance method.

[0071] The operation unit 160 of the present embodiment includes a hardware input device and a touch panel of the display unit 150 , and can be operated separately.

[0072] The communication unit 170 is a functional unit for communicating with other devices. For example, the communication unit 170 has an interface that can be connected to a network, and can communicate with other devices via a wired / wireless LAN (Local Area Network). In addition, image data can be sent and received from other devices (such as USB memory) via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface, etc. In addition, it can be connected to a communication network such as a public line network, LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet, and a compressed file can be sent to the outside via a communication network by a communication method such as fax or email.

[0073] The image forming apparatus 10 may further include necessary functions in addition to the above-mentioned configurations. For example, by including a fee management unit, a management unit may be provided that allows the image forming apparatus 10 to be used only when the user pays a fee.

[0074] [1.3 Processing Flow]

[0075] based on Figure 3 , describing the setting process of the image forming apparatus. Figure 3 This is a flowchart showing the job program registration process of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0076] In the following embodiments, an example regarding registration of a job program in the copy mode is described, but the present invention is not limited thereto and can be applied to cases in other modes.

[0077] The image forming apparatus 10 displays the copy setting screen on the display unit 150 (step S102 ).

[0078] The setting control unit 101 in the control unit 100 of the image forming apparatus 10 checks whether the setting history has been selected and the screen has been switched to the copy setting screen (step S104 ).

[0079] When the setting history is selected but the screen is not transferred to the copy setting screen (step S104: No), the setting control unit 101 displays a program call button on the display unit 150 (step S106). The setting control unit 101 confirms whether the user has changed the setting items on the copy setting screen (step S108). If the setting has been changed, the setting control unit 101 displays a program registration button (step S110).

[0080] When the setting history is selected and the display is switched to the copy setting screen (step S104: Yes), the setting control unit 101 displays a program registration button (step S110).

[0081] The registration control unit 102 in the control unit 100 of the image forming apparatus 10 confirms whether the user has pressed the program registration button (step S112). If the user has pressed the program registration button, the registration control unit 102 performs a registration name input process for the program (step S114). That is, a process of inputting the file name of the operating program is performed. Then, the registration control unit 102 performs a registration process for the operating program (step S116).

[0082] Next, the registration name input process of the work program in step S114 will be described. Figure 4 This is a flowchart showing a registration name input process of a job program of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0083] The registration control unit 102 in the control unit 100 of the image forming apparatus 10 displays a name input screen for registering a program (step S122). By default, the name input item is displayed blank (step S124). The user inputs a registration name (file name), and if the registration control unit 102 confirms the registration name (step S126), the process proceeds to step S128. The user presses a name determination button, and if the registration control unit 102 confirms the situation (step S128), the process ends.

[0084] [1.4 Action Example]

[0085] based on Figures 5 to 10 A specific example of the setting process of the first embodiment is described with reference to the operation screen of .

[0086] like Figure 5 As shown, a plurality of mode icons 201 are displayed in the main screen 200 displayed on the display unit 150, and an operation icon 202 is displayed on the right side of the screen. When the user presses the copy mode icon 201a, the operation mode is switched to the main screen 200. Figure 6 The copy setting screen 220 is shown.

[0087] In the copy setting screen 220, various setting items 221 (color mode 221a, image quality 221b, paper selection 221c, double-sided copy 221d, magnification 221e, copy density 221f, sorting / grouping 221g), the number of copies input display 230, the paper configuration diagram 240 of the image forming device, the preview button 231, the reset button 232, the black and white start button 233, and the color start button 234 are displayed.

[0088] Default setting contents are displayed in the various setting items 221 .

[0089] In addition, the number of copies in the number of copies input display 230 indicates “1”.

[0090] A “program call” button 250 is displayed on the upper right of the screen, and by pressing this button 250 , the work program is called.

[0091] like Figure 7 As shown, when the settings are changed from the default by inputting various setting items 221 and the number of copies input display 230, the "program call" button 250 is changed to a "program registration" button 255. Thus, the user is informed that the changed settings can be registered as a program.

[0092] When the "Program Registration" button 255 is pressed, the program is switched to Figure 8 The file name input screen 260 is shown. The file name input screen 260 includes a “cancel” button 262 , an “OK” button 263 , a file name input display field 264 , and a software keyboard 265 .

[0093] The user can input a file name when registering a program by pressing a desired key on the displayed keyboard 265. When the user completes the input and presses the "OK" button, the file name of the work program is determined and the program registration is executed.

[0094] The above is a description of the registration process when registering a work program by changing the setting from the default on the copy setting screen 220 and switching to the file name input screen 260 , but there are other methods of registering a work program.

[0095] By pressing Figure 5 The setting history icon 202a of the main screen 200 is switched to Fig. 9 The set history screen 270 is shown.

[0096] The setting history screen 270 includes a "return" button 272, a setting history The setting history 274 has a pin icon indicating that the setting history 274 is selected. If the pin icon 276 is white, it is not selected, and if it is black, it is selected. The pin icons 276a, 276c, and 276d are white, which means they are not pinned, and the pin icon 276b is black, which means it is pinned.

[0097] If the setting history exceeds a certain number, it is deleted, but the setting history can be retained by pinning. Thus, the pinned setting history can continue to be used. However, if the pinned setting history is frequently used, it is sometimes better to register it as an operation program.

[0098] Therefore, the setting history 274b displayed with the icon 276b indicating the pinning is selected by double-clicking, long pressing, etc. This operation can be set arbitrarily. Fig.10The copy setting screen 220 showing the setting contents of the setting history 274b is shown. In this case, the "register program" button 255 is displayed to inform the user that the program can be registered. The "register program" button 255 may be colored, flashed, etc. to make it more noticeable to the user. When the "register program" button 255 is pressed, the "register program" button 255 is displayed. Figure 8 The file name input screen 260 is displayed, and the user inputs a file name.

[0099] The pinning of the setting history 274b registered in the work program is released, and the pinning icon 276b turns white.

[0100] The selection of the setting history for registration of the operation program is not limited to being pinned, and it is also possible to select the setting history that is not pinned. In addition, it is also possible to select the setting history without the pinning function and register it in the operation program.

[0101] The registered setting history can also be processed in the following manner.

[0102] You can save it as the setting history directly or save it with a lower display priority. You can also delete the registered setting history. You can also let the user choose whether to save it as the setting history or delete it.

[0103] Alternatively, the setting history may be kept intact first, and then controlled according to the user's behavior (which of the setting history / operation program is used more frequently, etc.). For example, it may be determined which of the setting history / operation program is used more frequently within a certain period of time, and if the setting history is used less frequently, it may be deleted, and if the setting history is used more frequently, it may be kept intact.

[0104] In addition, for example, a folder / tab with a name such as "Working program registered" may be automatically generated on the setting history screen, and the setting history registered in the working program may be collectively displayed therein.

[0105] [1.5 Effect]

[0106] Thus, when switching from the setting history screen to the setting screen, the "register program" button is displayed on the setting screen reflecting the setting contents of the setting history, so that the user can be informed that the program can be registered, and the process can be immediately transferred to the registration process. On the other hand, when switching from a screen other than the setting history screen to the setting screen, the "register program" button is not displayed until the setting is changed from the default, so the user is not informed that the program can be registered until the "register program" button is displayed, and the process cannot be transferred to the registration process.

[0107] [2. Second Embodiment]

[0108] According to the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment, when registering the setting contents of the setting history as a job program, a name indicating the contents registered from the setting history is used as the registration name.

[0109] The configuration of the image forming apparatus is the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0110] [2.1 Processing Flow]

[0111] The operation procedure registration process of the second embodiment Figure 3 The processing is the same as that of the first embodiment, so the description is omitted.

[0112] Fig.11 This is a flowchart showing a registration name input process of a job program of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment.

[0113] The registration control unit 102 in the control unit 100 of the image forming device 10 displays a name input screen for registering an operation program (step S222). The registration control unit 102 selects the setting history and switches to the setting screen, and confirms that the setting has not been changed (step S224). When the condition is not met (step S224: No), a blank is displayed as a default name (step S226). When the condition is met (step S224: Yes), it is used as a default name. A name indicating the setting content of the setting history is displayed (step S228). For example, "History_(setting time of setting history)" is set as the name.

[0114] The registration control unit 102 checks whether the name determination button has been pressed (step S230 ), and ends the process if it has been pressed.

[0115] [2.2 Action Example]

[0116] according to Fig.12 A specific example of the name input process according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the name input screen of FIG.

[0117] In the image forming apparatus 10, the display unit 150 selects Fig. 9 The setting history 274b displayed on the setting history screen 270 shown in FIG. Fig.10 The copy setting screen 220 is displayed. When pressing Fig.10 When the "Program Registration" button 255 is pressed, the registration control unit 102 switches the screen of the display unit 150 to Fig.12 The registered name input screen shown. At this time, “History_2019 / 6 / 27-14:00:20” is displayed in the input display field 264.

[0118] When the setting history is selected and the transfer to the copy setting screen 220 is made, the registration control unit 102 displays a name that can identify which setting history the setting content is in the input display field 264. Here, the text "history" representing the setting history and "history job execution time" for identifying the setting history are used as default names. The user can modify the default name using the software keyboard 265.

[0119] [2.3 Effect]

[0120] In this way, when selecting a setting history in the setting history screen and switching to the setting screen, the name that can identify the setting history can be preset as the registration name of the operation program, so the user does not have to input one by one, which can reduce the number of operation steps. In addition, since the name is based on a certain standard, it is easy to identify the setting history to be referenced.

[0121] [3. Third embodiment]

[0122] The image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment displays the file name of the work program in the setting history registered in the work program in order to indicate the association between the setting history and the work program when the setting history displayed on the setting history screen is registered in the work program.

[0123] The configuration of the image forming apparatus is the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0124] [3.1 Processing Flow]

[0125] based on Fig.13 , the display of the registered name of the work program in the setting history is explained. Fig.13 This is a flowchart showing a process of displaying the file name of a job program in the setting history of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment.

[0126] The setting control unit 101 in the control unit 100 of the image forming apparatus 10 confirms Figure 5 The setting history icon 202a of the main screen 200 shown is checked to see if it has been pressed (step S302). If it has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S304, and the setting history stored in the storage unit 120 is compared with the setting contents of the operating program (step S304). Then, it is confirmed whether there is an operating program that is consistent with the setting contents of the setting history (step S306). If there is an operating program that is consistent with the setting contents of the setting history, the registered name of the operating program (the file name of the operating program) is displayed in the display portion of the setting history of the setting history screen (step S310). In this way, the user is notified of the existence of operating programs with the same contents.

[0127] If there is no work program that matches the setting contents of the setting history, the contents of the setting history are displayed directly (step S308).

[0128] [3.2 Action Example]

[0129] based on Fig.14 A specific example of a process of displaying the registered name of a work program in the setting history of the third embodiment will be described with reference to the setting history screen of the present invention.

[0130] On the display unit 150 of the image forming apparatus 10, press Figure 5 The setting history icon 202a of the main screen 200 shown in FIG. Fig.14 If the first embodiment is used, the setting history screen 270 is switched to Fig. 9 The setting history screen, but Fig.14 The third embodiment of Fig. 9 The difference is that the display content of setting history 274b. Fig.14 The setting history 274b displays the registered name of the operation program (file name of the operation program) such as "operation program "for copying judgment documents", but does not display the content of the setting history.

[0131] When comparing the setting contents of the setting history 274b of the setting history data stored in the storage unit 120 with the respective setting contents of the operation program data, the image forming apparatus 10 matches the operation program named "for copying a ruling document". Therefore, the registered name of the matching operation program is displayed instead of displaying the setting contents of the setting history 274b.

[0132] [3.3 Effect]

[0133] Thus, by displaying the registration name of the work program with the same setting content instead of displaying the setting content of the setting history, the user is notified that there is a work program with the same setting content, and registration operation of the work program with the same setting content can be prevented.

[0134] [4.3 Effect] Modification example]

[0135] As mentioned above, the embodiment of this invention is described in detail with reference to the drawings, but the specific structure is not limited to this embodiment, and the design etc. within the scope which does not deviate from the summary of this invention are also included in the protection scope.

[0136] It is also possible to select a plurality of setting histories and register them as operation programs. In this case, the selected setting histories can be registered as one operation program, or the selected setting histories can be registered as individual operation programs.

[0137] In addition, when the selected setting history includes settings in an exclusive relationship (such as color and monochrome), the selected setting history is basically registered as each operation program, but when the user wishes to register the selected setting history as one operation program, he can select which setting to retain.

[0138] In addition, the program running in each device of this embodiment is a program that controls the CPU and the like (a program that enables the computer to function) to realize the functions of the above-mentioned embodiment. In addition, the information processed by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (for example, RAM) during processing, and then stored in various ROM, HDD, SSD storage devices, and read out by the CPU for correction and writing as needed.

[0139] Here, the storage medium for storing the program may be any one of a semiconductor medium (e.g., a ROM, a nonvolatile memory card, etc.), an optical recording medium / magneto-optical recording medium (e.g., a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), an MO (Magneto Optical Disc), an MD (Mini Disc), a CD (Compact Disc), a BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc), etc.), a magnetic recording medium (e.g., a magnetic tape, a floppy disk, etc.). In addition, by executing the downloaded program, not only the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments can be realized, but also the functions of the present invention can be realized through joint processing by an operating system or other application programs based on the instructions of the program.

[0140] In addition, when the program is distributed to the market, it can be stored in a portable recording medium and the program can be processed, or it can be transmitted to the service timer via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the storage device of the service timer is of course also included in the present invention.

[0141] In addition, part or all of the devices in the above-mentioned embodiments may also be implemented as LSI (Large Scale Integration) of a curved integrated circuit. Each functional block of each device may be individually chip-based, or part or all of it may be integrated into a chip. In addition, the method of integrated circuitization is not limited to LSI, and may also be implemented by a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. In addition, when an integrated circuit technology that replaces LSI appears due to the advancement of semiconductor technology, an integrated circuit based on this technology may also be used.

[0142] Description of Reference Numerals

[0143] 10: Image forming device

[0144] 100: Control Department

[0145] 101: Setting control unit

[0146] 102: Registration Control Department

[0147] 120: Storage

[0148] 121: Set historical data

[0149] 122: Operation procedure data

[0150] 130: Document reading unit

[0151] 140: Image forming unit

[0152] 150: Display unit

[0153] 160: Operation Department

[0154] 170: Ministry of Communications

[0155] 200: Main screen

[0156] 201: Mode Icon

[0157] 201a: Copy mode icon

[0158] 202: Operation Icon

[0159] 202a: Set history icon

[0160] 220: Copy settings screen

[0161] 221: Setting Project

[0162] 230: Display of number of copies input

[0163] 250: "Program Call" button

[0164] 255: "Program Registration" button

[0165] 260: File name input screen

[0166] 264: Input display bar

[0167] 265: Soft keyboard

[0168] 270: Set the history screen

[0169] 274: Setting History

[0170] 276: Pinning Icons

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus storing settings when performing job processing, characterized in that: have: A display unit that displays a setting screen; a storage unit that stores a setting history related to past job processing settings and a batch setting for batch-registering settings related to job processing; a first setting control unit that displays a call button for calling the batch setting as an operation button when the setting screen is not displayed due to a switch from a setting history screen including a setting history; a second setting control unit that displays a setting history screen including the setting history on the display unit, and, in response to the setting history being selected, displays a setting screen reflecting setting contents based on the selected setting history on the display unit, and displays a registration button for performing registration processing for the batch setting as an operation button on the setting screen; as well as a registration control unit that performs registration processing for the batch settings according to an operation of the registration button, When the call button is displayed as the operation button, the second setting control unit changes the display of the call button to the registration button when the setting content is changed in the setting screen.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The registration control unit sets the registration name when executing the registration process of the batch settings to a name indicating a name based on the setting history.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The registered name includes text information based on the setting history and an execution time of a job process related to the setting history.

4. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The second setting control unit compares the setting contents of the setting history read out from the storage unit with the setting contents of the batch settings, and when the two setting contents are consistent, records the registration name of the batch settings in the setting history displayed on the setting history screen.

5. A control method for an image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus comprising a display unit for displaying a setting screen; and a storage unit for storing a setting history related to past job processing settings and a batch setting for batch registering settings related to job processing, the control method comprising: A first setting control step, in which a call button for calling the batch setting is displayed as an operation button when the setting screen is not displayed due to a switch from a setting history screen including a setting history; A second setting control step of displaying a setting history screen including the setting history on the display unit, and displaying a setting screen reflecting setting contents based on the selected setting history on the display unit in response to the setting history being selected, and displaying a registration button for performing registration processing for the batch setting as an operation button on the setting screen; as well as a registration control step of performing registration processing on the batch settings according to the operation of the registration button, In the second setting control step, when the call button is displayed as the operation button, the call button is changed to the registration button when the setting content is changed in the setting screen.

Images