Image forming apparatus, control method thereof, storage medium, and program product

Abstract

The invention provides an image forming apparatus, a control method thereof, a storage medium, and a program product. An image forming apparatus that executes a job related to image processing includes: a setting unit configured to set a UI screen corresponding to an application for executing the job such that the UI screen is in a state of a type selected by a user from among a plurality of types; a management unit configured to store a changed setting value associated with the information about the set type in a case where the user changes the setting value on the UI screen in the state of the set type to execute the job; and a control unit configured to, in a case where a current setting type is changed to another type based on a selection of a user, display a UI screen in a state of the another type using a setting value associated with information on the another type among the setting values stored by the management unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to job settings for an image forming apparatus. Background Art

[0002] Image forming apparatuses that can execute jobs such as copying, scanning, and faxing are known. When causing the image forming apparatus to execute a job, a user may want to execute the job with the same set value as a previous set value (see Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2017-60064).

[0003] The above technique discloses a method for authenticating a user to be logged in and saving job set values for each user.

[0004] In the case where multiple users repeatedly execute a job having the same set value (such as a routine task), the method in the above technique requires setting the same set value for each user, which is time-consuming.

[0005] Therefore, a method can be considered in which, when changing a job set value, the job set value is saved without being associated with a user.

[0006] However, there may be multiple routine tasks having different job set values, and in this case, when a user changes a job set value to perform another routine task, saving the changed set value requires the user to manually change the set value each time starting another routine task, which increases the workload of the user.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to save the work of a user when setting a job. Summary of the Invention

[0008] An image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure is an image forming apparatus that executes a job related to image processing, the image forming apparatus including: a setting unit configured to set a UI screen corresponding to an application for executing the job such that the UI screen is in a state of a type selected by a user from multiple types; a management unit configured to store a changed set value associated with information about the set type when the user changes a set value on the UI screen in the state of the set type to execute the job; and a control unit configured to, when changing a current set type to another type based on a user's selection, use a set value associated with information about the other type among the set values stored by the management unit and display a UI screen in the state of the other type.

[0009] Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus;

[0011] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus;

[0012] Figure 3A and Figure 3B is a diagram showing an example of the job execution screen;

[0013] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the processing in the image forming apparatus;

[0014] Figure 5 is a diagram for explaining the set values stored for each slot number;

[0015] Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the job execution screen; and

[0016] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the processing in the image forming apparatus. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, an exemplary description of embodiments of the technology according to the present disclosure will be given with reference to the drawings. The components described in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the technology according to the present disclosure only thereto.

[0018] <First Embodiment>

[0019] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a controller unit 101, a scanner 111, a printer 112, a display operation unit 107, and a communication unit 109.

[0020] The controller unit 101 controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 100. Specifically, the controller unit 101 controls the scanner 111, the printer 112, the display operation unit 107, and the communication unit 109. The controller unit 101 includes a CPU 102, a RAM 103, a ROM 104, an HDD 105, a display operation unit I / F 106, a network I / F 108, and a device I / F 110, which are connected via a system bus 120.

[0021] The RAM 103 is a system working memory for the CPU 102 to operate, and an image memory for temporarily storing image data. The RAM 103 also stores data or programs such as an operating system, system software, and application software. The RAM 103 also stores data on a scanned image obtained by reading an original document through the scanner 111, and stores print data received by the controller unit 101 via a network. The ROM 104 stores a system startup program. The hard disk drive (HDD) 105 is a non-volatile storage unit that stores an operating system, system software, application software, print data, setting data, and the like. The CPU 102 reads out the program stored in the ROM 104 into the RAM 103 and executes the program to perform various controls for executing the jobs described later.

[0022] The display operation unit I / F 106 is an interface unit with the display operation unit 107. The display operation unit 107 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display unit (touch panel) having a touch panel function, physical buttons, and the like. For example, the physical buttons include a home button for returning to the home screen.

[0023] Operations performed by the user on the display operation unit 107 are converted into signals by the display operation unit I / F 106 and received by the CPU 102. For example, the position touched by the user on the touch panel of the display operation unit 107 is detected, and a signal indicating information about the position is generated. The CPU 102 can identify the position touched by the user on the touch panel by analyzing the signal. In addition, the display operation unit I / F 106 outputs information about the screen displayed on the touch panel of the display operation unit 107 to the display operation unit 107.

[0024] The network I / F 108 is connected to the communication unit 109 and performs various controls for communication with an external device (not shown).

[0025] The device I / F 110 connects the printer 112 to the controller unit 101. The printer 112 has a mechanism for printing an image shown by image data on a print medium. The device I / F 110 also connects the scanner 111 to the controller unit 101. The scanner 111 reads an original document and generates scanned image data showing the content of the read original document. The generated scanned image data is input to the controller unit 101 via the device I / F 110.

[0026] Incidentally, the HDD 105 may be included in an external device that is a device different from the image forming apparatus 100. In this case, the CPU 102 stores data in the HDD 105 of the external device via the communication unit 109, and also obtains data from the HDD 105 of the external device via the communication unit 109.

[0027] When receiving an instruction to execute a copying function from the user, the controller unit 101 obtains scanned image data regarding an original by causing the scanner 111 to read the original, and controls the printer 112 to print the scanned image on a sheet. When receiving an instruction to execute a scan and send function from the user, the controller unit 101 obtains scanned image data regarding an original by causing the scanner 111 to read the original. Then, the controller unit 101 converts the scanned image data into code data and transmits the data to an external device (not shown) via the communication unit 109. A series of processes based on instructions to execute respective functions such as a copying function and a scan and send function are referred to as jobs. The image forming apparatus 100 also functions as a job processing apparatus that executes jobs corresponding to respective functions.

[0028] Functions corresponding to jobs executed by the image forming apparatus 100 are not limited to a copying function and a scanning function.

[0029] [Functional Configuration]

[0030] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.

[0031] The image forming apparatus 100 includes a plurality of applications 220 for implementing respective functions, and an application selected by the user from the plurality of applications 220 is activated and run. The plurality of applications 220 include a copying application 221 that executes a job corresponding to the above-described copying function, a scan and send application 222 that executes a job corresponding to the scan and send function, a facsimile application 223, and the like. The scan and send application 222 is an application for executing a job of transmitting scanned image data obtained by scanning an original with the scanner 111 to an external device. Figure 2 The plurality of applications 220 shown are examples of applications that execute jobs related to image processing operated on the image forming apparatus 100.

[0032] The image forming apparatus 100 further includes a screen control unit 211, a job control unit 212, a job execution unit 213, a network control unit 214, a slot setting unit 215, and a setting value management unit 216.

[0033] The screen control unit 211 performs display control to display a screen provided by the operating application on the touch panel of the display operation unit 107. In addition, the screen control unit 211 identifies a position touched by the user on the touch panel of the display operation unit 107 based on a signal from the display operation unit 107. Then, the screen control unit 211 instructs the operating application to execute processing associated with an operation button or the like corresponding to the position touched by the user.

[0034] The job control unit 212 automatically performs job settings for the applications in operation. For example, the job settings are performed by storing the setting values stored in the HDD 105 in the RAM 103. When it is determined that the job execution button has been pressed, the job execution unit 213 acquires the setting values stored in the RAM 103, and causes the application in operation to execute a job based on the acquired setting values. For example, when the application in operation is a scan transmission application, when an instruction to execute a job is given, the job control unit 212 causes the scanner 111 to read the original document placed on the platen glass through the device I / F 110 to generate scan image data. The network control unit 214 controls the communication unit 109 through the network I / F 108 to send data to an external device.

[0035] The slot setting unit 215 sets the slot numbers described later. The setting value management unit 216 stores the setting values in the non-volatile storage unit in association with the slot numbers. When the user changes the setting values to execute a job, the setting value management unit 216 automatically updates the setting values associated with the currently set slot numbers to the changed setting values.

[0036] The functions of the respective blocks are implemented by reading a predetermined program stored in the ROM 104 or the HDD 105 into the RAM 103 by the CPU 102 and executing the program, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Additionally, for example, hardware such as a graphics processing unit (GPU) or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) for accelerating calculations can be used. The respective functions can be implemented by cooperation between software and hardware such as an application-specific IC, or part or all of the functions can be implemented only by hardware. Incidentally, Figure 2 the functional units 211 to 216 in can be configured to be included in the respective applications 220. Figure 2 The functional units 211 to 216 in can be configured to be included in the respective applications 220.

[0037] [Regarding Slots]

[0038] In this embodiment, application management is the value (setting value) of each setting item for jobs of respective units called "slots". Each unit for managing setting values is also called a "setting slot". For example, it is assumed that the scan transmission application 222 manages job setting values by associating the job setting values with one of the four slot numbers "1", "2", "3", and "4". The slot numbers selected by the user are also managed for each application.

[0039] The set values associated with each slot number and the slot number finally selected by the user are controlled to be stored in the non-volatile storage unit. The expression "stored in the non-volatile storage unit" is defined as maintaining the same content unless the user gives a clear instruction to change it. For example, the set value associated with a certain slot number is controlled to be stored in the HDD 105 as the non-volatile storage unit until the user gives a clear instruction to change the set value. Therefore, for example, when the image forming apparatus 100 is powered on again, the values before the re-power-on are maintained as the set values and the slot numbers associated with each slot number.

[0040] [Regarding the job execution screen]

[0041] Figure 3A and Figure 3B are diagrams showing examples of the job execution screen, which is a user interface screen (UI screen) displayed during the operation of an application activated via the home screen (not shown). As an example, Figure 3A and Figure 3B show the job execution screen displayed during the operation of the scan send application 222. By Figure 3A and Figure 3B shown job execution screen, the user can give instructions to set (change) the set values of each setting item during the job execution in the scan send application 222, and execute the job.

[0042] The job execution screen according to the present embodiment includes tabs 317 to 320 for the user to select the slot number. When any one of the tabs 317 to 320 is pressed, a job setting screen corresponding to the slot number indicated by the pressed tab is displayed.

[0043] Figure 3A is a diagram showing the job execution screen of the scan send application displayed when the slot number is set to "1". The job execution screen 310 includes a plurality of operation buttons. For example, the plurality of operation buttons are a job execution button 321 and setting buttons 313 to 316. The screen control unit 211 identifies the operation button pressed by the user, and the application performs processing corresponding to the identified operation button.

[0044] The setting buttons 313 to 316 are operation buttons for the user to perform job settings.

[0045] The user can change the set values of each setting item during the job execution by pressing the setting buttons 313 to 316. Figure 3A and Figure 3BThe job execution screens 300 and 310 include the following job setting buttons: a destination setting button 313, a sheet size setting button 314, a resolution setting button 315, and a file format setting button 316.

[0046] The destination setting button 313 is an operation button for setting a destination by, for example, adding, deleting, or modifying the address to which the scanned image data is to be sent. When the destination setting button 313 is pressed, a screen (not shown) for selecting a transmission destination is displayed. When an address is selected on this screen, the scanning and sending application 222 sets the selected address as the transmission destination. The set address is displayed in the transmission destination display area 312.

[0047] The sheet size setting button 314 is an operation button for setting the size when the scanner 111 reads the original document. When the sheet size setting button 314 is pressed, a screen (not shown) including options for reading the size is displayed, and the user can set the desired reading size on this screen.

[0048] The resolution setting button 315 is an operation button for setting the resolution when the scanner 111 reads the original document and converts the original document into scanned image data. The resolution setting button 315 includes a “+” button for increasing the resolution and a “-” button for decreasing the resolution.

[0049] The user can set the desired resolution by operating the “+” button and the “-” button.

[0050] The file format setting button 316 is an operation button for changing the file format of the scanned image data obtained by reading the original document with the scanner 111. When the file format setting button 316 is pressed, a screen (not shown) is displayed, and the user can set the file format to the desired file format on the screen.

[0051] The job execution button 321 is an operation button for instructing the application in operation to execute a job based on the set values set via the job execution screens 300 and 310. When the job execution button 321 displayed on the job execution screens 300 and 310 of the scanning and sending application 222 is pressed, the scanning and sending job is executed.

[0052] The tabs 317 to 320 are buttons for the user to select the above slot numbers. The tab 317 is a button for changing the slot number to “1”. The tab 318 is a button for changing the slot number to “2”, the tab 319 is a button for changing the slot number to “3”, and the tab 320 is a button for changing the slot number to “4”. In the HDD 105, the currently set slot number is stored.

[0053] In this embodiment, in response to a press on tabs 317 to 320 on job execution screens 300 and 310 displayed on the touch panel of the display operation unit 107, the slot number is set to the changed slot number. The method for changing the slot number can be a method other than using tabs. For example, the slot number can be displayed in a drop-down menu instead of a tab. Or, a physical button for changing the slot number can be included in the display operation unit 107 to change the slot number in response to a press on the button.

[0054] Figure 3A The job execution screen is shown in the case where the slot number is set to "1". Thus, in Figure 3A , the tab 317 corresponding to the set slot number "1" is controlled to be displayed more prominently than the other tabs 318 to 320.

[0055] The title display area 301 is an area for displaying the name of the application in operation.

[0056] The title display area 301 is controlled to be displayed such that the background of the title display area 301 and the background of the tab 317 corresponding to the slot number "1" have the same color or pattern, so that the user can recognize that the set slot number is "1". Such a display enables the user to recognize the currently set slot number.

[0057] Figure 3B FIG. is a diagram showing the job execution screen 310 of the scan transmission application displayed in the case where the slot number is set to "2". Thus, in Figure 3B , the tab 318 corresponding to the set slot number "2" is controlled to be displayed more prominently than the other tabs 317, 319, and 320. Figure 3B The title display area 311 in is controlled to be displayed with a background that matches the background of the tab 318 for which the currently set slot number is "2".

[0058] In addition, Figure 3B the background of the title display area 311 in is controlled to be displayed Figure 3A different from the background of the title display area 301 in, so that the user can recognize that the set slot number is "2". Therefore, in this embodiment, the background of the title display area of the job execution screen is controlled to be different for each currently set slot number. That is, in this embodiment, the job execution screen provided by the application is controlled such that multiple types of job execution screens are displayed, and each type of job execution screen has a different background for each slot number.

[0059] Incidentally, the method of representing the slot number currently set for the user to identify is not limited to this. For example, the overall color of the job execution screens 300 and 310 may be changed according to the currently set slot number. Alternatively, different strings may be displayed in the title display areas 301 and 311 for each currently set slot number.

[0060] In the present embodiment, the job execution screens 300 and 310 are not provided with a button for resetting the set value to the initial value. Therefore, the following description will be given based on the assumption that the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus in which, when the set value of the set item group on the job execution screen 310 is changed, the set value is maintained until the next set value is changed.

[0061] [Flowchart]

[0062] Figure 4 is a flowchart for explaining the job setting value management executed by the image forming apparatus 100 in the present embodiment. The CPU 102 expands the program code stored in the ROM 104 or the HDD 105 in the RAM 103 and executes the program code to perform Figure 4 a series of steps shown in the flowchart in Figure 4 In addition, part or all of the functions of the steps in

[0063] Figure 4 can be implemented by hardware such as an ASIC or an electronic circuit. It should be noted that the symbol "S" in the description of each step refers to an operation (step) in the flowchart, and the same applies to the subsequent flowcharts. Figure 4 shows the flow of job setting value management in the case where the scan transmission application 222 among a plurality of applications is activated. The scan transmission application 222 is an example, and in the case where another application such as a copy application or a fax transmission application is activated, the same processing as

[0064] shown in the flowchart in

[0065] is performed. It should be noted that the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is an image forming apparatus that does not perform user authentication. Therefore, the user can operate the image forming apparatus 100 without logging in. Figure 4 The processing shown in the flowchart in

[0066] is started in response to the user specifying the scan transmission application 222 on the home screen (not shown) and the screen control unit 211 instructing the scan transmission application 222 to display the job execution screen.

[0067] In S402, the scan transmission application 222 acquires the slot number stored in the HDD 105 and loads the acquired slot number into the RAM 103, thereby setting the acquired slot number.

[0068] In S403, the scan transmission application 222 acquires the setting value associated with the slot number stored in the RAM 103 from among the setting values of the jobs of the scan transmission application 222 stored in the HDD 105. Then, the acquired setting value is stored in the RAM 103. When the setting value of the scan transmission application 222 is not stored in the HDD 105, the initial setting value is stored in the RAM 103.

[0069] In the present embodiment, the setting values of the scan transmission application 222 associated with the respective slot numbers are stored in the HDD 105. For example, files for the respective slot numbers are stored in the HDD 105, and the files include the setting values set by the user when the corresponding slot numbers have been set. In S403, the file corresponding to the slot number stored in the RAM 103 is acquired from the HDD 105, and the acquired file is stored in the RAM 103, thereby restoring the setting value corresponding to the currently set slot number to the RAM. This method is an example of a method for managing the setting values of the respective slot numbers, and another method may be used. For example, the setting values may be managed in one file by managing the setting values associated with multiple slot numbers so that the setting values can be distinguished within one file. Alternatively, software such as a database may be used to manage the setting values associated with the respective slot numbers.

[0070] Figure 5 It is a diagram for explaining the setting values of the scan transmission application 222 stored in the HDD 105. Figure 5 Each row in the table in shows the setting values of the setting item group associated with the slot number stored in a separate file in the HDD 105.

[0071] The "setting item group" refers to the setting item group for the job to be executed by the application in operation. For example, when the application in operation is the scan transmission application 222, the setting item group refers to the following setting item group: "destination", "sheet size", "resolution", and "file format". It should be noted that the setting values stored in the HDD 105 do not have to be all the setting values that can be set on the job execution screens 300 and 310. For example, the "setting item group" does not have to include the "destination" item, and the setting value for "destination" does not have to be stored in the HDD 105.

[0072] In S404, the scan transmission application 222 displays a job execution screen on the touch panel of the display operation unit 107 that reflects the setting values stored in the RAM 103.

[0073] For example, when exiting the scan transmission application 222 in a state where the slot number "1" is selected, the slot number "1" is stored in the HDD 105. It is also assumed that setting values are stored in the HDD 105 as Figure 5 shown. In this state, when the scan transmission application 222 is activated and Figure 4 the processing shown in the flowchart in starts again, in S402, the slot number "1" is restored to the RAM 103. In S403, the Figure 5 setting values associated with the slot number "1" among the setting values shown are restored to the RAM 103. As a result, in S404, as Figure 3A shown, a job execution screen 300 that reflects the setting values associated with the slot number "1" is displayed.

[0074] In S405, the scan transmission application 222 waits for the user to operate the display operation unit 107, and when the user operates the display operation unit 107, the scan transmission application 222 obtains the content of the operation. When the user presses an operation button on the job execution screens 300 and 310 displayed on the touch panel of the display operation unit 107, the scan transmission application 222 obtains information about the pressed operation button via the screen control unit 211. In addition, when the home button (not shown) included in the display operation unit 107 for returning to the home screen is pressed, the scan transmission application 222 obtains information that the home button has been pressed.

[0075] In S406, the scan transmission application 222 switches between steps in response to the user's operation of the display operation unit 107.

[0076] If it is determined in S406 that the type of the obtained user operation is "job setting", the scan transmission application 222 executes S407 and S408. For example, "job setting" refers to pressing Figure 3A and Figure 3B any one of the setting buttons 313 to 316 on the job execution screens 300 and 310 to change setting items related to the scan transmission job, such as adding or deleting a transmission destination, resolution setting, etc.

[0077] In S407, the scan transmission application 222 obtains the changed setting value of the setting item changed by the user this time. Then, the scan transmission application 222 updates the setting value of the setting item changed this time among the setting values stored in the RAM 103 so that the setting value of the setting item changed this time becomes the changed setting value.

[0078] In S408, the scan transmission application 222 updates the set value stored in the HDD 105 and associated with the currently set slot number to the changed set value.

[0079] For example, when the user changes the set value of any setting item via the job execution screen 300 where the slot number is set to "1", the set value included in the file corresponding to the slot number "1" in the HDD 105 is updated to the changed set value. For example, Figure 3A when the content of "sheet size" on the job execution screen 300 in

[0080] is changed from "A4" to "B4", "B4" is obtained as the changed set value. Then, after the change, the set value of "sheet size" associated with the slot number "1" stored in the HDD 105 is updated to "B4". Then, the scan transmission application 222 returns the process to S406.

[0081] As described above, when the set value is changed by a user operation, the set value stored in the HDD 105 associated with the currently set slot number is updated without an instruction from the user to store the set value.

[0082] Next, if it is determined in S406 that the type of the acquired user operation is "change slot number", the scan transmission application 222 executes S409 to S411. The user operation of the type "change slot number" corresponds to the operation of pressing any one of the tabs 317 to 320 other than the tab corresponding to the currently set slot number.

[0083] In S409, the scan transmission application 222 updates the slot numbers stored in the HDD 105 and the RAM 103 so that the slot number corresponding to the tab selected by the user from the tabs 317 to 320 is set.

[0084] In S410, the scan transmission application 222 obtains the set value associated with the changed slot number stored in the RAM 103 from among the set values of the scan transmission application 222 stored in the HDD 105. Then, the acquired set value is stored in the RAM 103 so that the set value associated with the changed slot number is restored to the RAM 103.

[0085] In step S411, the scan transmission application 222 reflects the set value stored in the RAM 103 on the job execution screen displayed on the touch panel.

[0086] For example, assume that the operation obtained in S405 is an operation of pressing tab 318 corresponding to slot number "2". As Figure 5 shown, it is also assumed that the setting value corresponding to slot number "2" is stored in HDD 105. In this case, in S411, display control is performed such that the job execution screen 310 in the Figure 3B displayed state is shown.

[0087] As described above, when the user performs an operation to change the slot number, the job execution screen reflecting the setting value stored in HDD 105 associated with the changed slot number is displayed. Therefore, even when the user temporarily changes the slot number to "1" to change the setting value and executes a job, when the user changes the slot number back to "2", the setting value previously set by the user in the state where the slot number is "2" is restored to the job execution screen 310.

[0088] Next, when it is determined in S406 that the type of the user operation is "job execution", the scan sending application 222 executes S412 and S413. The user operation of the type "job execution" is an operation to execute a job and is an operation corresponding to pressing the job execution button 321.

[0089] In S412, the scan sending application 222 generates scan image data of the original document by causing the scanner 111 to scan the original document via the job control unit 212 according to the setting value stored in RAM 103. During job execution, the scan sending application 222 displays a dialog box (not shown) in the foreground of the job execution screens 300 and 310 to notify the user that scanning is in progress.

[0090] In S413, the scan sending application 222 sends the scanned image data to an external device corresponding to the setting value (address) of the "destination" setting item stored in RAM 103 through the network control unit 214. The scan sending application 222 displays a dialog box (not shown) in the foreground of the job execution screens 300 and 310 to notify the user that the sending process is in progress until the sending of the scan image data is completed.

[0091] In addition, if the scan sending application 222 determines in S407 that the type of the obtained user operation is "return to home screen", the scan sending application 222 ends the processing shown in this flowchart. The user operation of the type "return to home screen" is an operation of pressing the home button (not shown) on the display operation unit 107. If the screen returns to the home screen and the scan sending application 222 is selected, the processing shown in the flowchart in Figure 4 is started again.

[0092] At this time, when the "Return to Home Screen" button is pressed, the set slot number is stored in the HDD 105. Therefore, in the Figure 4 processing shown in the flowchart of

[0093] and started when the user activates the Scan Send Application 222, then in S403, the set value associated with the slot number stored in the HDD 105 is stored in the RAM 103 (restored to the RAM 103). In S405, a job execution screen as follows is displayed, and in this job execution screen, for each set value associated with the slot number stored in the HDD 105, the setting items are automatically set in advance. In this way, the set value set at the previous exit of the application is restored to the job execution screen.

[0094] In the present embodiment, the slot number and the set value are stored in the non-volatile storage unit so that even when the image forming apparatus 100 is powered off, the set value previously set by the user can be restored to the job execution screen.

[0095] <Second Embodiment>

[0096] In the present embodiment, a method for managing job set values different from the method in the first embodiment will be described. The differences between the present embodiment and the first embodiment will be mainly described. Unless otherwise specified, the configuration and processing are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0097] [Regarding the Temporary Slot]

[0098] In this embodiment, the slot number includes a number corresponding to a "temporary slot". The job setting values changed by the user via the job execution screen where the "temporary slot" is set are controlled to be stored in a volatile storage unit. The expression "stored in a volatile storage unit" is defined such that the job setting values set by the user are reset to initial values at a specific time. For example, the job setting values set by the user are controlled to be stored in the RAM 103 for executing the current job, rather than stored in the HDD 105. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the slot number is changed to a number corresponding to the "temporary slot", control is performed such that the job execution screen displaying the item values of each setting item is the initial value.

[0099] In the first embodiment, the job setting values changed by the user via the job execution screen are controlled to be "stored in a non-volatile storage unit" and restored in the next job. However, in the case of executing a one-off job that is not planned to be executed again, the user may intend to set the job based on the initial values. Therefore, in this embodiment, a temporary slot is provided so that the user can set the job based on the initial values.

[0100] [Regarding the job execution screen]

[0101] Figure 6 FIG. is a diagram showing a job execution screen 600 according to this embodiment. The same reference numerals are given to the components having the same configuration as those of the job execution screen 300 according to the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0102] In this embodiment, a tab 612 for the user to select a temporary slot is included. "0" is shown as an example of the slot number indicating the temporary slot, but different numbers, strings, or graphics can be used.

[0103] Figure 6 FIG. shows the job execution screen in a state where the slot number is set to "0". Therefore, in Figure 6 , the tab 612 corresponding to the set slot number "0" is controlled to be displayed more prominently than the other tabs 317 to 320.

[0104] The title display area 611 is controlled to have a background that enables the user to recognize that the set slot number is "0". For example, the title display area 611 is controlled to be displayed such that the background of the title display area 611 and the background of the tab 612 corresponding to the selected slot number "0" have the same color or pattern. Such a display makes it easy for the user to recognize the currently set slot number.

[0105] [Flowchart]

[0106] Figure 7This is a flowchart for explaining the process of job setting value management executed by the image forming apparatus 100 in the present embodiment. The CPU 102 expands the program code stored in the ROM 104 or the HDD 105 in the RAM 103 and executes the program code to perform Figure 7 a series of steps shown in the flowchart in Figure 7 In addition, part or all of the functions of the steps in

[0107] can be implemented by hardware such as an ASIC or an electronic circuit. Figure 4 The flowchart in Figure 7 is obtained by adding new steps to the flowchart in Figure 7 Therefore, in the flowchart of Figure 4 steps that are the same as those in the flowchart of Figure 7 are given the same reference numerals. Therefore, in the description of the flowchart of Figure 4 steps that are different from those in the flowchart of

[0108] In the present embodiment, S701 is executed after S402. In S701, the scan transmission application 222 determines whether the currently set slot number is a "temporary slot" number, and branches the process according to whether the "temporary slot" is set. If the scan transmission application 222 determines that the currently set slot number is a "temporary slot" number (Yes in S701), the process proceeds to S702.

[0109] In S702, the scan transmission application 222 stores initial values in the RAM 103 as the set values of the set item group for the job of the scan transmission application 222. Then, the process proceeds to S404, and the scan transmission application 222 controls to display a job execution screen as follows, on which the restored initial values in the RAM 103 are displayed as the set values of the respective set items. The initial value is a value indicating the initial state, and is, for example, the set value when the image forming apparatus 100 leaves the factory.

[0110] On the other hand, if the scan transmission application 222 determines that the currently set slot number is not a "temporary slot" number (No in S701), the process proceeds to S403 described with reference to Figure 4 In addition, in S406, if the scan transmission application 222 determines that the type of the acquired user operation is "job setting", the process proceeds to step S407. In the present embodiment, the process proceeds to S711 after S407.

[0111]

[0112] ​S711 is a step equivalent to S701, and the scan transmission application 222 determines whether the currently set slot number is a "temporary slot" number to branch the processing according to whether the "temporary slot" is set. If the scan transmission application 222 determines that the currently set slot number is not a "temporary slot" number ( "No" in S711), the processing proceeds to S408. In S408, as described above, the set value changed by the user is stored in the HDD 105 in association with the currently set slot number. After S408, the processing then returns to S405.

[0113] On the other hand, if the scan transmission application 222 determines that the currently set slot number is a "temporary slot" number ( "Yes" in S711), since the set value changed by the user is not stored in the HDD 105, S408 is skipped. Then, the processing returns to S405.

[0114] As described above, in the case where the currently set slot is the slot described in the first embodiment, the set value stored in the HDD 105 is updated to the set value changed by the user's operation. On the other hand, the set value changed by the user's operation in the state where the slot is set as a "temporary slot" is not stored in the HDD 105. Therefore, in the "temporary slot", control can be performed such that the content of the job setting performed by the user is stored in the volatile storage unit.

[0115] In addition, in S406, if the scan transmission application 222 determines that the type of the acquired user operation is "changing the slot number", the processing proceeds to S409. In this embodiment, the processing proceeds to S721 after S409.

[0116] In S721, the scan transmission application 222 determines whether the currently set slot number is a "temporary slot" number to branch the processing according to whether the changed slot is a "temporary slot".

[0117] The currently set slot number is the slot number currently stored in the RAM 103. In S409 (the previous step of this step), the changed slot number selected by the user this time is stored in the RAM 103. Therefore, in S721, the currently set slot number refers to the changed slot number.

[0118] If the scanning transmission application 222 determines that the currently set slot number is not the "temporary slot" number (No in S721), the process proceeds to S410. In S410, as described above, the set value of the changed slot number stored in the HDD 105 is restored to the RAM 103. Then, the process proceeds to S411. On the other hand, if the scanning transmission application 222 determines that the currently set slot number is the "temporary slot" number (Yes in S721), the process proceeds to S722.

[0119] In S722, the scanning transmission application 222 resets the set values of the setting item group in the scanning transmission application 222 stored in the RAM 103 to the initial values. Then, the process proceeds to S411. In the case where the process proceeds to S411, the scanning transmission application 222 controls to display a job execution screen with the initial values of the respective setting items, which are the set values restored to the RAM 103. Then, the process returns to S405. In this way, in the case of changing to the "temporary slot", S722 is performed instead of S412, thereby achieving control for resetting the set values to the initial values.

[0120] Furthermore, in S406, if the scanning transmission application 222 determines that the type of the acquired user operation is "job execution", in the present embodiment, the scanning transmission application 222 executes S731 after S412 and S413.

[0121] S731 is a step corresponding to S701, and the scanning transmission application 222 determines whether the currently set slot number is the "temporary slot" number to branch the process according to whether the "temporary slot" is set.

[0122] If the scanning transmission application 222 determines that the currently set slot number is not the "temporary slot" number (No in S731), the process returns to S405 as in the first embodiment. On the other hand, if the scanning transmission application 222 determines that the currently set slot number is the "temporary slot" number (Yes in S731), the process proceeds to S722 and S411. That is, if the temporary slot is set, S722 is performed after the job execution is completed, thereby achieving control for resetting the set values to the initial values.

[0123] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the need to set the set values every time a job is repeatedly executed with the same settings and to set a one-time job that is not planned to be repeated based on the initial values can be suppressed. In other words, the work of the user at the time of job setting can be saved.

[0124] Therefore, according to the present embodiment, an image forming apparatus with improved usability can be provided.

[0125] <Other embodiments>

[0126] The present disclosure may also be implemented by providing a program that implements one or more functions according to the above embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and causing one or more processors in a computer of the system or device to read and execute the program. The present disclosure may also be implemented by using a circuit (such as an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0127] According to the present disclosure, the work of the user during job setting can be saved.

[0128] Embodiments of the present invention may also be implemented as follows: a computer of a system or apparatus that reads and executes computer-executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (which may also be more fully referred to as a "non-transitory computer-readable storage medium") to perform one or more functions in the above embodiments, and / or the system or apparatus includes one or more circuits (e.g., an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) for performing one or more functions in the above embodiments; and a method performed by a computer provided in the system or apparatus, e.g., reading and executing computer-executable instructions from a storage medium to perform one or more functions in the above embodiments, and / or controlling the one or more circuits to perform one or more functions in the above embodiments. The computer may include one or more processors (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessing unit (MPU)), and may include a network of separate computers or separate processors to read and execute the computer-executable instructions. The computer-executable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or a storage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, one or more of a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a memory of a distributed computing system, an optical disc (such as a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), or a Blu-ray disc (BD) TM ), a flash device, and a memory card, etc.

[0129] Embodiments of the present invention may also be implemented by the following method, i.e., providing software (a computer program product including a computer program / instructions) that executes the functions of the above embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or various storage media, and a method in which a computer (a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessing unit (MPU)) of the system or apparatus reads and executes the computer program / instructions.

[0130] Although the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the appended claims should be given the broadest interpretation so as to cover all such variations as well as equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus that performs an operation related to image processing, the image forming apparatus comprising: A setting unit configured to set a UI screen corresponding to an application for performing the operation such that the UI screen is in a state of a type selected by a user from a plurality of types; A management unit configured to store a changed setting value associated with information about the set type when the user changes a setting value on the UI screen in the state of the set type to perform the operation; And A control unit configured to, when changing a current setting type to another type based on a user's selection, use a setting value associated with information about the other type among the setting values stored by the management unit and display a UI screen in the state of the other type.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The management unit stores the changed setting value associated with information about the plurality of types in a non-volatile storage unit.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, the image forming apparatus further comprising the non-volatile storage unit.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein The type set by the setting unit includes a first type different from the plurality of types, and The management unit does not store a setting value changed by the user on the UI screen in the state of the first type to perform the operation in the non-volatile storage unit.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein When displaying a UI screen in the state of the first type, the control unit displays a UI screen in which the setting value is an initial value.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein When the user gives an instruction to perform an operation on the UI screen in the state of the first type, the control unit displays a UI screen in which the setting value is an initial value.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, the image forming apparatus further comprising: A display unit configured to display the UI screen.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein Information indicating the state of the current setting type is stored in a non-volatile storage unit, and When the application is activated to display the UI screen, the control unit displays: a UI screen corresponding to the information indicating the state of the current setting type stored in the storage unit.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The control unit displays at least a part of the background of the UI screen in a different manner for each of the plurality of types.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein When a user operation for pressing a predetermined tab included in the UI screen is performed, the setting unit changes the current setting type to the other type.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, the image forming apparatus further comprising a scanner, Among them, The application is an application that performs an operation of transmitting scanned image data obtained by scanning an original document by the scanner.

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when the user changes the set value on the UI screen, the management unit updates the set value associated with the information on the type indicated on the UI screen to the changed set value.

13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, receive a user's job setting without authenticating the user.

14. A control method for an image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus performing an operation related to image processing, the control method comprising: setting a UI screen corresponding to an application for performing the operation such that the UI screen is in a state of a type selected by the user from a plurality of types; when the user changes a set value on the UI screen in the state of the set type to perform the operation, storing the changed set value associated with the information on the set type; and when the current set type is changed to another type based on the user's selection, using the set value associated with the information on the other type among the stored set values, and displaying a UI screen in the state of the other type.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program, the program causing a computer to perform a control method for an image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus performing an operation related to image processing, the control method comprising: setting a UI screen corresponding to an application for performing the operation such that the UI screen is in a state of a type selected by the user from a plurality of types; when the user changes a set value on the UI screen in the state of the set type to perform the operation, storing the changed set value associated with the information on the set type; and when the current set type is changed to another type based on the user's selection, using the set value associated with the information on the other type among the stored set values, and displaying the UI screen in the state of the other type.

16. A program product for causing a computer to execute the control method for the image forming apparatus according to claim 14.

Images