Image forming apparatus, image forming method, program product, and storage medium

Abstract

The invention discloses an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, a program product, and a storage medium. An apparatus configured to transmit an image in a plurality of methods includes a storage unit configured to store a plurality of settings of the apparatus as composite settings, and a selection unit configured to select one composite setting from the stored composite settings, where the composite setting is defined for each of the plurality of methods.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One aspect of the present embodiment relates to an image forming apparatus capable of performing scanning, copying, printing, or a combination of multiple such processes, a control method thereof, a program product, and a storage medium. For example, the present invention relates to the composite setting of setting values. Background Art

[0002] When an image forming apparatus that executes operations such as scanning and fax transmission executes operations such as scanning and fax transmission, the image forming apparatus performs various settings on the operations, such as color settings and file formats. There is a technique for storing job setting information at the time of logout and referring to this information at the time of login to control the operation screen according to user authority. The job setting information is generally used for job execution protocols (scanning to a personal computer (PC) / scanning to email / scanning to File Transfer Protocol (FTP) / scanning to Universal Serial Bus (USB), etc.). In other words, even when scanning to USB is used at this time, the setting information set when scanning to PC was used last time can be referred to (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-148391).

[0003] In the case of repeatedly executing a job with the same settings (such as those used in a regular task), the job setting information can be continuously stored. During the repeated execution of jobs with the same set values, it is convenient to save the time and effort of setting up the job. However, in the method of the above technique, for example, there may be regular tasks for each job execution protocol (scanning to PC / scanning to email / scanning to FTP / scanning to USB, etc.). If the set value is changed to execute a regular task for another protocol, the changed set value is stored. Therefore, if a job for executing a regular task of the previous protocol is to be performed, the settings need to be reconfigured, which reduces usability. The job execution protocols described here are examples of various methods for sending images and the like.

[0004] In addition, composite settings including multiple set values cannot be processed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect of the embodiment, an apparatus configured to send an image in multiple ways includes: a storage unit configured to store multiple settings of the apparatus as a composite setting, and a selection unit configured to select one composite setting from the composite settings stored in the storage unit, wherein the composite setting is defined for each of the multiple ways.

[0006] Other features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] Figure 1This is an example of a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the software configuration of an image forming apparatus.

[0009] Figure 3 This is an example of a flowchart showing the processing of an image forming apparatus according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0010] Figure 4 This shows an example of an operation unit of an image forming apparatus according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0011] Figure 5A and Figure 5B This shows another example of an operation unit of an image forming apparatus according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0012] Figure 6 This is an example of a flowchart showing the processing of an image forming apparatus according to a second exemplary embodiment.

[0013] Figure 7 This shows an example of an operation unit of an image forming apparatus according to a second exemplary embodiment. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be noted that the components described in the exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0015] Hereinafter, a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to this exemplary embodiment.

[0016] The image forming apparatus 100 includes a controller unit 101, and the controller unit 101 controls a scanner 111, a printer 112, an operation unit 107, and a communication unit 109. When the user uses the copying function, the controller unit 101 controls the scanner 111 to acquire image data of an original document, and controls the printer 112 to print an image on a sheet and output the result. In addition, when the user uses the scanning function, the controller unit 101 controls the scanner 111 to acquire image data of an original document, converts the image data into code data, and transmits the code data to an external device (not shown) via the communication unit 109. The code data may be image data. These data are also referred to as scanned image data. Instructions for processing each of these functions are referred to as jobs, and the image forming apparatus 100 executes predetermined processing according to the jobs corresponding to each function.

[0017] The controller unit 101 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 102, a random access memory (RAM) 103, a read-only memory (ROM) 104, a hard disk drive (HDD) 105, an operation unit interface (I / F) 106, a network I / F 108, and a device I / F 110, and these components are connected to each other via a system bus 120.

[0018] The CPU 102 controls the entire system of the image forming apparatus 100. The RAM 103 is a system working memory for the operation of the CPU 102 and is an image memory that temporarily stores image data. The RAM 103 also stores programs and data such as an operating system, system software, and application software. In addition, the RAM 103 stores the scanned image data read by the scanner 111 and the print data received via the network from the controller unit 101. The ROM 104 stores a system startup program therein. The HDD 105 stores an operating system, system software, application software, print data, setting data, etc. In this exemplary embodiment, the HDD may simply be referred to as a disk.

[0019] The operation unit I / F 106 is an interface unit with the operation unit 107 and outputs information to be displayed thereon to the operation unit 107. In addition, the operation unit I / F 106 receives the information input by the user from the operation unit 107.

[0020] The network I / F 108 is connected to the communication unit 109 and controls various communications with external devices. The device I / F 110 connects the controller unit 101 to the scanner 111 and the printer 112 that read and print image data to perform input and output of image data.

[0021] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the software configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to this exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 Each block in is software stored in the ROM 104 or the HDD 105, and the CPU 102 reads this software into the RAM 103 and executes it to implement the processing in the flowcharts described below.

[0022] The screen control unit 211 controls the operation unit 107 via the operation unit I / F 106. The screen control unit 211 receives the information input by the user using the operation unit 107 and generates a screen to be displayed on the operation unit 107.

[0023] The scanner control unit 212 controls the scanner 111 via the device I / F 110 to read the original document placed on the document table and generate image data.

[0024] The network control unit 213 controls the communication unit 109 via the network I / F 108 to send image data to an external device.

[0025] The scan and send application 214 uses the screen control unit 211, the scanner control unit 212, and the network control unit 213 to implement an application for scanning a document and sending the document to an external device. The scan and send application 214 sends the acquired image data via the network according to various protocols. The image data is sent to the network via the network control unit 213. The various protocols include transport protocols such as File Transfer Protocol (FTP), Server Message Block (SMB), and Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP).

[0026] In addition, the scan and send application 214 can also transfer image data to a Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory via a USB interface. This is called scan to USB. For example, scan to a personal computer (PC) means sending the scanned image to a PC connected to the USB, rather than a USB memory. Scan to PC also includes sending the scanned image to a PC connected to the network using FTP or SMB. Scan to email means sending the following to a PC connected to the network. For example, via the Internet or an intranet, the scanned image is sent to another PC by email using SMTP.

[0027] The image forming apparatus 100 may have the following specifications. The image forming apparatus 100 may not include a unit for explicitly clearing job setting values. For example, if the main button is pressed on the operation unit 107, the screen may simply return to the main screen, and the job setting values may be retained. One aspect of this embodiment is also effective for such an image forming apparatus.

[0028] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the processing of job setting value management to be performed by the image forming apparatus 100 according to this exemplary embodiment. According to this exemplary embodiment, the scan and send application 214 is used as an example to describe how to manage job setting values, but this is merely an example, and the present disclosure is not limited to this example. Copying, faxing, and other applications may also be used. Figure 3 The processing in the flowchart in is implemented by the CPU 102 in the image forming apparatus 100 reading out the programs for implementing each software module stored in the ROM 104 or the HDD 105 into the RAM 103 and executing the programs.

[0029] In step S301, the scan and send application 214 displays a scan function selection screen on the operation unit 107.

[0030] Figure 4 and Figure 5AExamples of a scanning function selection screen and a scan transmission screen displayed on the operation unit 107 are shown. The scan transmission application 214 according to the present exemplary embodiment first selects a protocol for scan transmission, then performs settings for the selected protocol, and operates to execute a job. Figure 4 A scanning function selection screen is shown, which is used to prompt a user to select a scan transmission protocol that the user wants to use. Figure 5A A scan transmission screen in the case where the protocol is "Scan to USB" is shown. According to the present exemplary embodiment, the "setting state" is defined as a set of multiple setting values regarding the scan transmission application 214. The scan transmission application 214 has multiple scanning functions, and the setting state can be switched by switching the scan transmission protocol. The setting state of each scan transmission protocol and the type of the currently selected scan transmission protocol are controlled to be non-volatile. "Non-volatile" is defined as a property in which once a changed setting value remains the same value unless it is explicitly changed to another value. For example, in the case where the power of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned off and then on, the setting state of each scan transmission protocol and the type of the currently selected scan transmission protocol remain their values before the power is turned on again.

[0031] Figure 4 The shown scanning function selection screen 410 includes a title 411 and a selection button 412 for the scan transmission protocol "Scan to PC". The scanning function selection screen 410 further includes a selection button 413 for the scan transmission protocol "Scan to Email". The scanning function selection screen 410 further includes a selection button 414 for the scan transmission protocol "Scan to FTP", a selection button 415 for the scan transmission protocol "Scan to USB", a setting button 416, and a cancel button 417. The title 411 is an area for displaying the title of the application.

[0032] The selection button 412 for the scan transmission protocol "Scan to PC" is a button to be selected in the case of setting to send scan data to a PC (not shown). The selection button 413 for the scan transmission protocol "Scan to Email" is a button to be selected in the case of setting to send scan data as an attachment to an email. The selection button 414 for the scan transmission protocol "Scan to FTP" is a button to be selected in the case of setting to send scan data to an FTP server (not shown).

[0033] Specifically, similar to the scanner 111, the selection button 415 for the scan transmission protocol "Scan to USB" is a button to be selected when setting to send scan data to a USB memory connected to the image forming apparatus 100. The transmission destination and the storage destination may be a portable non-volatile storage medium such as a Secure Digital (SD) card, a flash memory, and a Digital Versatile Disk (DVD)-RAM instead of the USB memory.

[0034] One of the selection buttons 412 to 415 is selected, and the selected button is visibly shown as being selected. For example, in Figure 4 , the outline and the text therein of the selected button are highlighted. This example shows that the selection button 415 for the scan transmission protocol "Scan to USB" is in the selected state. The setting button 416 is a button enabled when any one of the selection buttons 412 to 415 is selected, and if pressed, a setting screen for the selected scan transmission protocol is displayed. In this example, since the selection button 415 for the scan transmission protocol "Scan to USB" is in the selected state, if the setting button 416 is pressed, the scan transmission screen 420 for the scan transmission protocol "Scan to USB" is displayed. If the cancel button 417 is pressed, the process of the scan transmission application 214 terminates without performing any operation.

[0035] Figure 5A The scan transmission screen 420 shown includes a title 421 and a registration button 423, a change button 424, and a delete button 425 for registering, changing, and deleting settings for selecting frequently used settings, respectively. In addition, the scan transmission screen 420 includes selection boxes 426 to 429 for selecting the original size, resolution, color setting, and double-sided / single-sided setting, a scan execution button 430, and a cancel button 431. In the selection box 422 for selecting frequently used settings, a setting to be used can be selected from the already registered frequently used settings. If a frequently used setting is selected in the selection box 422, the scan setting values registered as the selected frequently used setting are restored. If no frequently used setting is selected, "Not selected" is set in the selection box 422. Even in this state, each of the selection boxes 426 to 429 for scan settings can be set. The registration button 423 is a button for newly registering a combination of frequently used settings by name, and if this button is pressed, the frequently used setting storage screen 440 is displayed.

[0036] Figure 5BThe shown frequently used setting storage screen 440 includes a title 441, an edit box 442 for inputting a name, an OK button 443, and a cancel button 444. The edit box 442 is an edit box for inputting the name of a new frequently used setting. The OK button 443 is a button for storing the frequently used setting. If this button is pressed, the combination of the scan settings selected in the selection boxes 426 to 429 is stored together with the name that has been input into the edit box 442. The cancel button 444 is a button for canceling the setting. If this button is pressed, the input to the edit box 442 is canceled, and the screen returns to the scan transmission screen 420.

[0037] Return Figure 5A , the change button 424 is a button for changing and storing the details of an existing frequently used setting. Specifically, the change button 424 is a button for changing the selected details in the selection boxes 426 to 429 for selecting scan settings. The change button 424 is also used to overwrite and store the details of an existing frequently used setting. The delete button 425 is a button for deleting an existing frequently used setting. In the selection boxes 426 to 429 for selecting scan settings, the user can select each setting detail using the selection boxes. The scan execution button 430 is a button for instructing the start of the execution of a scan transmission job, and the cancel button 431 is a button for canceling the start of the execution of a scan transmission job.

[0038] Return to the flowchart. In step S302, based on the user pressing the setting button 416 on the scan function selection screen 410, the scan transmission application 214 receives an instruction to display the scan transmission screen via the screen control unit 211.

[0039] In step S303, the scan transmission application 214 reads the setting state stored in the HDD 105 into the RAM 103 and restores the setting state.

[0040] In step S304, the scan transmission application 214 displays on the operation unit 107 the scan transmission screen that reflects the setting state in the RAM 103.

[0041] In step S305, the scan transmission application 214 waits for a user operation via the screen control unit 211. In step S306, if the detected type of user operation is "Settings", the scan transmission application 214 advances the process to step S307. If the type is "Common Settings", the scan transmission application 214 advances the process to step S309. If the type is "Execute", the scan transmission application 214 advances the process to step S315. Further, if the detected type of user operation is "Return to Home Screen", the scan transmission application 214 terminates the process in the flowchart. The type of user operation "Settings" includes operations for performing settings related to the scan transmission job, such as changing the original size, resolution, or color settings. The type of user operation "Common Settings" includes operations for switching common settings based on an operation on the selection box 422, operations for newly registering common settings, and operations for changing or deleting existing settings. The type of user operation "Execute" is an operation equivalent to pressing the scan execution button 430. The type of user operation "Return to Home Screen" is an operation for returning from the scan transmission screen to the home screen, and corresponds to, for example, pressing a home button (not shown) provided as a physical button on the operation unit 107.

[0042] In step S307, the scan transmission application 214 reflects the set value changed based on the user operation in the set state in the RAM 103. In step S308, the scan transmission application 214 reflects the set value changed based on the user operation in the file in the HDD 105 that stores the current set state.

[0043] In step S309, when the type of the detected user operation is selection of a common setting in the selection box 422 (selection in step S309), the scan transmission application 214 advances the process to step S312. When the type is new registration of a common setting selected by pressing the registration button 423, entering a name in the edit box 442, and then pressing the OK button 443 (registration in step S309), the scan transmission application 214 advances the process to step S310. When the change button 424 is pressed (change in step S309), the scan transmission application 214 advances the process to step S311. When the delete button 425 is pressed (delete in step S309), the scan transmission application 214 advances the process to step S314. In step S312, the scan transmission application 214 reads the common setting selected by the user and stored in the HDD 105 into the RAM 103 to restore the common setting. Next, in step S313, the scan transmission application 214 stores the common setting selected by the user as the current setting value in a file in the HDD 105 and advances the process to step S305. In step S310, the scan transmission application 214 stores the combination of the setting values of the newly registered common setting in the HDD 105 and advances the process to step S307. In step S311, the scan transmission application 214 stores the combination of the setting values of the changed common setting in the HDD 105 and advances the process to step S307. In step S314, the scan transmission application 214 deletes the combination of the setting values of the common setting specified to be deleted from the HDD 105 and advances the process to step S305.

[0044] In step S315, the scan transmission application 214 executes scanning using the scanner 111 via the scanner control unit 212 according to the setting state stored in the RAM 103 to generate scan image data. During the operation in step S315, the scan transmission application 214 displays a dialog box (not shown) on the scan transmission screen to notify the user that scanning is being performed. In step S316, the scan transmission application 214 sends the scanned image data to the USB memory via the network control unit 213 according to the setting state stored in the RAM 103. During the operation in step S316, the scan transmission application 214 displays a dialog box (not shown) on the scan transmission screen to notify the user that the sending process is being performed.

[0045] As described above, according to the process described in this exemplary embodiment, in the case where there are multiple setting modes for each protocol to be repeatedly executed, it is possible to execute the protocol without resetting the setting mode each time, thereby improving usability.

[0046] The second exemplary embodiment will focus on the differences from the first exemplary embodiment. According to the above exemplary embodiment, the setting state of the common settings of each scan transmission protocol is controlled to be non-volatile. Therefore, the setting state can be restored by simply switching the scan transmission protocol, and it is possible to perform repeated execution without having to reset the setting state each time. However, the current settings of each scan transmission protocol cannot be known on the scan function selection screen, and cannot be known until the user advances the process to the scan transmission screen. Therefore, in the second exemplary embodiment, a configuration is described in which the current settings of each scan transmission protocol can be known when the scan function selection screen is displayed.

[0047] Since the second exemplary embodiment is a variant of the first exemplary embodiment, only the differences will be described.

[0048] Figure 7 The scan transmission screen 610 is shown. Only the differences from Figure 4 will be described. Figure 7 An example is shown in which the setting state 612 of each currently enabled scan transmission protocol is displayed. In this example, the current setting state of the scan transmission protocol "Scan to USB" is clear at a glance, where the state indicates that the original size is A4, the resolution is 300 dpi, the color setting is color, and the duplex / single-sided setting is single-sided. Therefore, if there is no need to change the settings on the scan transmission screen 420, the user can execute the scan with the current setting state by pressing the scan execution button 613.

[0049] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the process of job setting value management to be executed by the image forming apparatus 100 according to the second exemplary embodiment. Figure 6 Shows the flowchart modified from Figure 3 Only the differences from Figure 3 will be described.

[0050] Figure 6 The flowchart in

[0051] is implemented by the CPU 102 in the image forming apparatus 100 reading the programs for implementing each software module stored in the ROM 104 or the HDD 105 into the RAM 103 and executing the programs. This program is also called a control program.

[0052] In step S502, when the user presses the setting button 416 on the scan function selection screen 410 (the "setting" in step S502), the scan sending application 214 advances the process to step S304 and displays the scan sending screen 420. However, if the user checks the setting status 612 of each currently enabled scan sending protocol on the scan function selection screen 410 and performs a scan using that setting, in other words, when the scan execution button 613 is pressed (the "execute scan" in step S502), the scan sending application 214 advances the process to step S315 and performs a scan.

[0053] As described above, according to the process described in this exemplary embodiment, a job that is repeatedly executed with the same settings can be performed without having to reset the settings each time, and the currently enabled setting status can be easily checked, thereby improving usability.

[0054] As described above, an HDD 105 serving as an example of a storage unit is disclosed, and the storage unit stores a plurality of settings of the image forming apparatus 100 capable of sending images in a plurality of methods as composite settings.

[0055] The CPU 102 selects one composite setting from the composite settings stored in the HDD 105.

[0056] It is possible to use Figure 4 、 Figure 5A and Figure 5B shown screens for selection. It has been described that composite settings are defined for each of the plurality of methods, such as Figure 4 、 Figure 5A and Figure 5B shown conventional tasks. The method is Figure 4 、 Figure 5A and Figure 5B shown communication methods. As described in the example of scan to USB, the method for sending an image includes transferring the image from the HDD 105 of the image forming apparatus 100 to the non-volatile memory via the USB I / F 113 under the control of the CPU 102. Examples of the non-volatile memory include the USB memory 114.

[0057] The CPU 102 changes the setting values of each function included in one composite setting selected through the Figure 4 、 Figure 5A and Figure 5B user interface (UI).

[0058] The CPU 102 deletes one composite setting from among a plurality of composite settings stored in the HDD 105. The image forming apparatus 100 executes an image forming job. Further, for functions used in the job, the image forming apparatus 100 displays the composite settings stored in the HDD 105. An example of the display unit is the operation unit 107. Examples of the image forming job include a scanning job, a copying job, and a printing job.

[0059] The plurality of methods include a method for sending an acquired image to an information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication interface. Further, there is a method for attaching the image to an e-mail and sending it to the information processing apparatus. Further, there is a method for transferring and storing the image in a predetermined non-volatile memory. For example, composite settings can be defined for at least two of these methods. The plurality of methods include, for example, "Scan to USB", "Scan to PC", and "Scan to e-mail". An example of the computer is the CPU 102.

[0060] The above exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure include the following configurations.

[0061] (Configuration 1) An image forming apparatus configured to send an image in a plurality of methods, the image forming apparatus including a storage unit configured to store a plurality of settings of the image forming apparatus as a composite setting, and a selection unit configured to select one composite setting from the composite settings stored in the storage unit, wherein the composite setting is defined for each of the plurality of methods.

[0062] (Configuration 2) The image forming apparatus according to Configuration 1, further including: a change unit configured to change a set value for each function included in one composite setting selected by the selection unit; and a deletion unit configured to delete one composite setting from the composite settings stored in the storage unit.

[0063] (Configuration 3) The image forming apparatus according to Configuration 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is configured to execute a job for forming an image, and further includes a display unit configured to display the composite settings stored in the storage unit for functions to be used in the job.

[0064] (Configuration 4) The image forming apparatus according to Configuration 1, wherein the plurality of methods include at least two of a method for sending an acquired image to an information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication interface, a method for attaching the acquired image to an e-mail and sending the e-mail to the information processing apparatus, and a method for transferring the acquired image to a predetermined non-volatile memory and storing the acquired image in the predetermined non-volatile memory.

[0065] (Configuration 5) A method for controlling an image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus being configured to send images in multiple ways, the method including storing multiple settings of the image forming apparatus as a composite setting, and selecting one composite setting from the composite settings stored in the storage, wherein the composite setting is defined for each of the multiple ways. (Configuration 6) The method according to Configuration 5 further includes changing setting values for each function included in one composite setting selected in the selection, and deleting one composite setting from the composite settings stored in the storage.

[0066] (Configuration 7) The method according to Configuration 5, wherein the image forming apparatus is configured to execute a job for forming an image, and the method further includes displaying the composite settings stored in the storage for the function to be used for the job.

[0067] (Configuration 8) The method according to Configuration 5, wherein the multiple ways include at least two of a method for sending an acquired image to an information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication interface, a method for attaching the acquired image to an email and sending the email to the information processing apparatus, and a method for transferring the acquired image to a predetermined non-volatile memory and storing the acquired image in the predetermined non-volatile memory.

[0068] (Configuration 9) A storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the method for controlling an image forming apparatus according to any one of Configurations 5 to 8.

[0069] According to one aspect of the present embodiment, a composite setting including a plurality of settings can be processed.

[0070] Other embodiments

[0071] Embodiments of the present disclosure can also be implemented by the following method, that is, by providing software (program) 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 or a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessing unit (MPU) of the system or apparatus reads and executes the program.

[0072] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims should be given the broadest interpretation to cover all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An apparatus configured to send images in multiple ways, the apparatus comprising: a storage unit for storing a plurality of settings of the apparatus as a composite setting, and a selection unit for selecting one composite setting from the composite settings stored in the storage unit, wherein the composite setting is defined for each of the multiple ways.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a change unit for changing a setting value for each function included in the selected one composite setting; and a deletion unit for deleting one composite setting from the composite settings stored in the storage unit.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein The apparatus is configured to perform an operation for forming an image, and further comprises a display unit configured to display the composite settings stored in the storage unit for functions to be used for the operation.

4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The multiple ways include at least two of a method for sending an acquired image to a processing device via a predetermined communication interface, a method for attaching the acquired image to an email and sending the email to the processing device, and a method for transferring the acquired image to a predetermined non-volatile memory and storing the acquired image in the predetermined non-volatile memory.

5. A method for controlling an apparatus configured to send images in multiple ways, the method comprising: storing a plurality of settings of the apparatus as a composite setting, and selecting one composite setting from the stored composite settings, wherein the composite setting is defined for each of the multiple ways.

6. The method according to claim 5, further comprising: changing a setting value for each function included in the selected one composite setting; and deleting one composite setting from the stored composite settings.

7. The method according to claim 5, wherein, The apparatus is configured to perform an operation for forming an image, and the method further comprises displaying the stored composite settings for functions to be used for the operation.

8. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein The multiple ways include at least two of a method for sending an acquired image to a processing device via a predetermined communication interface, a method for attaching the acquired image to an email and sending the email to the processing device, and a method for transferring the acquired image to a predetermined non-volatile memory and storing the acquired image in the predetermined non-volatile memory.

9. A program product for causing a computer to execute the method for controlling an apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 8, the method comprising: storing a plurality of settings of the apparatus as a composite setting, and selecting one composite setting from the stored composite settings, wherein the composite setting is defined for each of the multiple ways.

10. A storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the method for controlling an apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 8, the method comprising: storing a plurality of settings of the apparatus as a composite setting, and selecting one composite setting from the stored composite settings, wherein the composite setting is defined for each of the multiple ways.

Images