Image processing apparatus, control method, and program

Abstract

To improve convenience for a user in performing image processing suitable for a sheet.SOLUTION: An image processing apparatus can register sheet information, and comprises setting means that sets predetermined information to the sheet information, and registration means that registers the sheet information. The registration means receives operation with which the sheet information can be copied to register new sheet information, and when the name of the sheet information is changed, on the basis of the fact that the predetermined information is set to the sheet information, sets the predetermined information to the new sheet information before registering the new sheet information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image processing device, a control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, an image processing device has been disclosed in which printing conditions corresponding to each of a plurality of paper types are registered at the time of shipment (Patent Document 1). This image processing device has a function that allows a user to select printing conditions corresponding to the type of paper loaded in the paper feed tray from among the registered printing conditions. Meanwhile, the number of types of paper used in image processing devices has been increasing in recent years. Therefore, it is common for users to register printing conditions different from the printing conditions registered at the time of shipment.

[0003] Also disclosed is an image processing device in which the above printing conditions are registered in advance as a paper profile for each paper (Patent Document 2). The paper profile includes, for example, the type of paper. In this image processing device, the physical properties of the paper, such as the thickness of the paper, are measured by a media sensor. The measured physical properties of the paper are used to search for a corresponding paper profile from among multiple paper profiles. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-029120 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2020-12940 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the conventional technology described in Patent Document 1, when new printing conditions different from the printing conditions registered at the time of shipment are registered in an image processing device, the printing conditions are edited on the host computer connected to the image processing device. After the editing work, the editing work contents are transmitted from the host computer to the image processing device, and a registration work is performed on the image processing device side, so that new printing conditions are registered for each paper in the image processing device. Therefore, the more types of paper there are, the more printing conditions are registered. Therefore, in recent years, the number of registered printing conditions has increased, so it may take time and effort to search for printing conditions corresponding to the paper to be used from among the registered printing conditions, which may reduce user convenience.

[0006] On the other hand, in the conventional technology described in Patent Document 2, the physical properties of paper are measured by a media sensor, and the measurement results are registered in a paper profile. This work is performed separately for each paper profile. Furthermore, in recent years, the number of papers with different attributes that are to be used has increased, and the number of paper profiles to be registered continues to increase. Therefore, searching for a paper profile that corresponds to the paper to be used from among the registered paper profiles can be time-consuming and laborious, which may reduce user convenience.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to improve user convenience when performing image processing suitable for paper. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An image processing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an image processing device capable of registering paper information, and is equipped with a setting means for setting specified information to the paper information, and a registration means for registering the paper information, wherein the registration means accepts an operation for duplicating the paper information and registering new paper information, and when the name of the paper information is changed, sets and registers the specified information to the new paper information based on the specified information being set in the paper information. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve user convenience when performing image processing suitable for paper. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a system configuration of an image processing system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of an image processing apparatus. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a software configuration of the image processing apparatus. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a management setting mode screen displayed on the operation unit. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen in an edit mode displayed on an operation unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen in a name edit mode displayed on the operation unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a type edit mode screen displayed on the operation unit. [Figure 8] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for editing paper information and registering it as a favorite. [Figure 9] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for editing paper information and registering it as a favorite. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a notification mode screen displayed on the operation unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the present disclosure, and not all combinations of features described in the following embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the present disclosure. Note that the same reference numbers are used for the same components.

[0012] <<First embodiment>> <System configuration> <Connection configuration with server PC101> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration of an image processing system. The image processing system includes a server PC (Personal Computer) 101, a client PC 102, and an image processing device 103. The server PC 101 (also referred to as an information processing device 101) may be configured as a stationary computer. The server PC 101 has various server functions, such as a file server. The server PC 101 can be connected to each of the client PC 102 and the image processing device 103 via a wired medium or a wireless medium. After establishing communication with the client PC 102, the server PC 101 can transmit and receive various signals to and from the client PC 102 via a wired medium or a wireless medium. Similarly, after establishing communication with the image processing device 103, the server PC 101 can transmit and receive various signals to and from the image processing device 103 via a wired medium or a wireless medium.

[0013] <Connection configuration with client PC102> The client PC 102 (also referred to as the information processing device 102) may be configured as a stationary computer. The client PC 102 can be connected to each of the server PC 101 and the image processing device 103 via a wired medium or a wireless medium. After establishing communication with the server PC 101, the client PC 102 can transmit and receive various signals to and from the server PC 101 via a wired medium or a wireless medium. Similarly, after establishing communication with the image processing device 103, the client PC 102 can transmit and receive various signals to and from the image processing device 103 via a wired medium or a wireless medium.

[0014] <Connection with the image processing device 103> The image processing device 103 can be connected to each of the server PC 101 and the client PC 102 via a wired medium or a wireless medium. After establishing communication with the server PC 101 via a wired medium or a wireless medium, the image processing device 103 can transmit and receive various signals to and from the server PC 101. Similarly, after establishing communication with the client PC 102 via a wired medium or a wireless medium, the image processing device 103 can transmit and receive various signals to and from the client PC 102.

[0015] <Type of media> Examples of wired media include optical fiber cables, twisted pair cables, and coaxial cables. Examples of communication standards via wired media such as Ethernet (registered trademark) include IEEE802.3. Examples of wireless media include electromagnetic waves. Examples of communication standards via wireless media include IEEE802.11, IEEE802.15.1, etc.

[0016] <Overview of the image processing device 103> The image processing device 103 is configured as a multifunction copier (MFP: Multifunction Peripheral). The image processing device 103 has a function of copying an image formed on a recording medium such as a paper document (also called paper). The image processing device 103 has a function of forming print data on a recording medium and printing it. The print data is transmitted from outside the image processing device 103. For example, the print data is transmitted from a printer driver outside the image processing device 103. Furthermore, the printing method of the image processing device 103 may be either an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method, or may be another method. An example of another method is a thermal transfer method.

[0017] The image processing device 103 may have a function (also referred to as a SEND function) of reading an image formed on a recording medium to form image data and transmitting the image data to the outside. The destination of the image data is an external file server or a destination specified by an email address. The external file server is, for example, a file server realized by a function of the server PC 101, but is not limited to this. The external file server may be a server not shown. The image processing device 103 may have a function (also referred to as a remote copy function or facsimile function) of transmitting various data to an image processing device other than the image processing device 103 and printing the data at the destination image processing device.

[0018] <Other network configurations> The server PC 101 and the client PC 102 may all be configured as the same computer. For example, one computer may have a server module that realizes the functions of the server PC 101 and a client module that realizes the functions of the client PC 102. Alternatively, the image processing device 103 may be configured only with the image processing device 103 by mounting a server module that realizes the functions of the server PC 101 and a client module that realizes the functions of the client PC 102 in the image processing device 103. Alternatively, the information processing device 102 as the client PC 102 may not be configured as a stationary computer. For example, the information processing device 102 as the client PC 102 may be configured as a tablet computer, a notebook computer, or a smartphone.

[0019] <Hardware configuration of the image processing device 103> FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the image processing device 103. The image processing device 103 has a controller unit 200, an operation unit 212, a scanner 270, and a printer 295. The scanner 270 is a device to which an image is input. The printer 295 is a device to which an image is output. The controller unit 200 is connected to at least one of the scanner 270 and the printer 295. The controller unit 200 is connected to the operation unit 212. The controller unit 200 is connected to an Ethernet or a public line. With such a connection configuration, the controller unit 200 inputs and outputs image information or device information. Alternatively, the controller unit 200 controls at least one of the scanner 270 and the printer 295 based on the operation content of the operation unit 212. Alternatively, the controller unit 200 may be remotely operated via at least one of the Ethernet and the public line. A specific description will be given below.

[0020] The operation unit 212 has a configuration for accepting operations by a user (also referred to as a user of this system) and a configuration for displaying various contents. Specifically, the operation unit 212 has a display screen for displaying various contents and hard keys for accepting user operations. The display screen is, for example, a liquid crystal display, but is not particularly limited to this. The display screen may be an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. Alternatively, the display screen may be an LED (Light Emitting Diode) display. What accepts user operations may be a touch panel instead of hard keys. In this case, the hard keys and the touch panel may be arranged adjacent to each other, allowing them to be used in combination. The touch panel may be configured as a display with a touch panel by overlapping the display in the thickness direction of various displays such as a liquid crystal display, for example.

[0021] Note that an operation is not particularly limited as long as it is an act of conveying the user's intention to this system. For example, in a situation where a hard key is operated, the operation is pressing (selecting) the hard key. Also, for example, in a situation where a touch panel is operated, the operation is touching the touch panel. Also, for example, when clicking a specific location on the screen using a device such as a mouse, the operation is clicking the desired location.

[0022] The controller unit 200 has a system bus 207 and an image bus 208. A plurality of devices are arranged on each of the system bus 207 and the image bus 208. The image bus 208 is capable of transferring image data at high speed. The image bus 208 is, for example, configured as a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus. The image bus 208 may be configured as an IEEE1394 bus. Here, the IEEE1394 bus is a serial bus conforming to the IEEE1394 standard. An image bus I / F 205 is arranged between the system bus 207 and the image bus 208. The image bus I / F 205 connects between the system bus 207 and the image bus 208. The image bus I / F 205 is a bus bridge that converts the data structures of the data flowing on the system bus 207 and the data flowing on the image bus 208 into each other's data structures.

[0023] <Devices under system bus 207> First, each device connected to the system bus 207 will be described. A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 202, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 203 are connected to the system bus 207. A HDD (Hard Disc Drive) 204, an operation unit I / F 206, a network I / F 210, and a modem 250 are connected to the system bus 207. A SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) 209 and an RTC 211 are connected to the system bus 207.

[0024] The CPU 201 is a controller that controls the image processing device 103. The CPU 201 performs various controls via a system bus 207. The ROM 203 is a non-volatile memory. A boot program of the system is stored in the ROM 203. The ROM 203 functions as a boot ROM when the boot program of the system is started. The RAM 202 is a volatile memory. The RAM 202 functions as a system work memory for the operation of the CPU 201. Alternatively, the RAM 202 may function as an image memory for temporarily storing image data. That is, the RAM 202 is appropriately loaded with programs such as an operating system, system software, and application software, and various data referenced when each program is executed. The CPU 201 appropriately loads data stored in the HDD 204 into the RAM 202. The HDD 204 stores programs such as an operating system, system software, and application software, and image data. However, the storage location of various data is not limited to the HDD 204. For example, other storage devices such as a solid state drive (SSD), a secure digital (SD) card, or an embedded multi media card (eMMC) may be used. Alternatively, the CPU 201 may import data stored in a removable semiconductor memory such as a universal serial bus (USB) via an interface unit (not shown) and expand the data in the RAM 202.

[0025] The operation unit I / F 206 is an interface with the operation unit 212. The operation unit I / F 206 has a function of outputting, for example, image data to the operation unit 212 as information to be displayed on the operation unit 212. Alternatively, the operation unit I / F 206 has a function of receiving information input by a user of the system at the operation unit 212 and transmitting it to the CPU 201. The network I / F 210 is an interface with the Ethernet. The network I / F 210 is connected to the Ethernet, which is a wired medium, and inputs and outputs various information between the information processing devices 101 and 102 connected to the Ethernet. The modem 250 is a device that converts between a digital signal of the image processing device 103 and an analog signal of a public line such as a telephone line. The image processing device 103 inputs and outputs various information including image information to and from the public line through the modem 250. Although not shown in the figure, an ONU (Optical Network Unit) may be connected to the system bus 207. The ONU is an optical line terminal, and is a device that converts electrical signals into optical signals. The ONU also enables the image processing device 103 to input and output various information, including image information, to and from the optical line. The SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) 209 is a non-volatile recording medium capable of high speed operation. The SRAM 209 is used, for example, as a cache memory. The RTC (Real Time Clock) 211 is an integrated circuit that manages the system time. The RTC 211 has a primary battery or a secondary battery. As a result, the RTC 211 is powered by the primary battery or the secondary battery even when the main power supply is shut down, and is therefore able to manage the system time. For example, even when the controller unit 200 is not powered on, the RTC 211 can continue to count the time.

[0026] <Devices under image bus 208> Next, devices connected to the image bus 208 will be described. A RIP (Raster Image Processor) 260 and a device I / F 220 are connected to the image bus 208. A scanner image processing unit 280, a printer image processing unit 290, an image rotation unit 230, and an image compression / expansion unit 240 are connected to the image bus 208. The RIP 260 is a component that generates a raster image (also called a bitmap image). Specifically, the RIP 260 interprets a PDL (Page Description Language) code and develops it into a bitmap image. The device I / F 220 is connected to at least one of the scanner 270 and the printer 295, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. The scanner image processing unit 280 corrects, processes, and edits input image data. The printer image processing unit 290 performs printer correction, resolution conversion, and the like on print output image data. The image rotation unit 230 rotates image data. The image compression / expansion unit 240 performs compression and expansion processing.

[0027] <Software configuration of the image processing device 103> FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the image processing device 103. As described above with reference to FIG. 2, the CPU 201 executes a part or all of the program stored in the ROM 203 on the RAM 202, thereby realizing the functions described below and the processing related to the flowcharts described below. The display unit 302 realizes the function of displaying the state of the image processing device 103 or an operation menu on the operation unit 212. The input unit 303 realizes the function of receiving an operation instruction from a user on the operation unit 212. The paper information management unit 304 realizes the function of registering various information by processing various information and storing various information in the paper DB 305. The paper DB 305 is realized by the RAM 202 or the HDD 204. For example, among the various information registered in the paper DB 305, information being edited may be expanded in the RAM 202, and information after editing may be stored in the HDD 204. In this way, the RAM 202 and the HDD 204 may be used appropriately in consideration of the temporal locality and spatial locality of the various information. The control unit 301 has a function as a logical control entity of the image processing device 103. Specifically, the control unit 301 realizes the function as a control entity of a display unit 302, an input unit 303, and a paper information management unit 304.

[0028] <Paper information> Next, the management of paper information by the paper information management unit 304 in FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 4 to FIG. 7. Each of FIG. 4 to FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of each operation mode displayed on the operation unit 212. Here, the operation mode is a mode for managing paper information, and is provided for each processing content as described later. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of the management setting mode displayed on the operation unit 212. Each of FIG. 4(a) and FIG. 4(b) shows an example of a management setting window 401 displayed when the operation mode is the management setting mode. The management setting window 401 includes a paper information list 404. In each of FIG. 4(a) and FIG. 4(b), a paper type selection dropdown list 411 and a sort selection dropdown list 412 are displayed in the area above the paper information list 404. The paper type selection dropdown list 411 is a list used to select the type of paper to be displayed. The sort selection dropdown list 412 is a list for rearranging the contents to be displayed in the paper information list 404. The sorting method may be, for example, ascending order or descending order, either of which is registered in paper DB 305. Here, management setting window 401 may be displayed on the entire screen of operation unit 212, or may be displayed in a reduced form on a portion of the screen of operation unit 212. Alternatively, the size of management setting window 401 may be logically made larger than the screen of operation unit 212, and a portion of management setting window 401 may be displayed on the screen of operation unit 212. The same applies to other windows hereinafter.

[0029] When the paper type selection drop-down list 411 in FIG. 4(a) is selected, the options 413 in FIG. 4(b) are displayed. In the example in FIG. 4(b), four options are displayed as the options 413: "All", "Base paper", "User-defined paper", and "Favorite". When "All" is selected, all paper types registered in the paper DB 305 in FIG. 3 are displayed in the paper information list 404. When the base paper (also referred to as base information) is selected, the base paper is displayed in the paper information list 404. The base paper will be described later. When the user-defined paper (also referred to as user-defined information) is selected, the user-defined paper is displayed in the paper information list 404. The user-defined paper will be described later. When the favorite (also referred to as favorite information) is selected, the paper information registered as the favorite is displayed in the paper information list 404. As for the favorites, some of the base papers are registered in advance at the time of product shipment by default. Also, they can be set by the "Add favorites button 506" described later with reference to FIG. 5. In this case, favorites are set for each paper type. That is, a favorite is an index set for each type of paper, and is information set in paper information to facilitate selection by the user, for example. For example, a paper corresponding to a base paper is assigned a paper ID for each paper and managed. A paper corresponding to a user-defined paper is assigned a paper ID for each paper and managed. Since favorites are set from among base paper and user-defined paper, they are managed by acquiring their paper IDs. Specifically, the base paper management list and the user-defined paper management list each hold a paper ID that manages the paper. Specifically, the favorite management list can be created by acquiring the paper ID of the favorite from each of the base paper management list and the user-defined paper management list, and adding it to its own management list. Since each paper ID is managed in the paper information management unit 304 in association with paper information, if a paper ID is acquired, the paper information corresponding to that paper ID can also be acquired.

[0030] In Fig. 4(a), paper information list 404 includes paper information 405 to 408. Without specifying any of paper information 405 to 408, and including paper information other than paper information 405 to 408, it is also referred to as paper information. Note that, although paper information 405 to 408 is shown in the example of Fig. 4(a), the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the number of information items displayed in paper information list 404 exceeds the maximum number of items that can be displayed, a scroll bar may be displayed on the right end of paper information list 404. When this scroll bar is operable, paper information list 404 includes paper information that can be displayed other than paper information 405 to 408.

[0031] In the area below the paper information list 404, from left to right on the page, a details / edit button 421, a copy button 422, and a delete button 423 are displayed. When the details / edit button 421, the copy button 422, and the delete button 423 are not particularly limited, they are referred to as input buttons 420. The details / edit button 421 is a button that realizes a function of displaying details of paper information and making it editable. The copy button 422 is a button that realizes duplicating and saving paper information selected from the paper information list 404. Specifically, when the copy button 422 is pressed, the name registration window 601 of FIG. 6 is displayed and name input is accepted. Then, it is a button that realizes duplicating paper information selected from the paper information list 404, changing the name to the input name, and saving it as a user-defined paper. For example, when the paper selected from the paper information list 404 is a base paper and the copy button 422 is pressed, it is a button that realizes a function of duplicating paper information corresponding to the base paper and then making it editable. When paper information selected from the paper information list 404 is duplicated, the favorite information is not inherited. The delete button 423 is a button that realizes a function of deleting paper information. The OK button 402 on the lower right side of the management setting window 401 is a button that realizes a function of notifying the system that the operation of the details / edit button 421, the duplicate button 422, and the delete button 423 has been completed. When the management setting window 401 of FIG. 4 is operated by a user, the input unit 303 of FIG. 3 detects the user's operation and notifies the control unit 301 of FIG. 3 of which location (also called coordinates) on the screen of the operation unit 212 of FIG. 2 has been operated. The control unit 301 of FIG. 3 determines which input button 420 has been operated from the bitmap of the screen displayed on the operation unit 212 of FIG. 2 and the above coordinates, and performs processing according to the input button 420. Thereafter, the control unit 301 of FIG. 3 generates a screen to be displayed next, and notifies the display unit 302 of FIG. 3 of the contents. In this manner, processing is performed in response to the user's operation, and the screen of the operation unit 212 in FIG. 2 transitions in accordance with each operation mode.

[0032] <Base paper and user-defined paper> Next, the base paper and the user-defined paper will be described. The base paper and the user-defined paper are each an index for specifying the type of paper. Paper information is set for each of these paper types. The paper information is composed of at least one setting value. Items specified by the setting value include, for example, the name of the paper, the type of paper, the surface properties of the paper, the color of the paper, and information specifying the adjustment of the secondary transfer voltage for the paper. These setting values ​​relate to the image quality of the image formed on the paper.

[0033] <Setting value> Among the items specified by the setting values, examples of the names of paper include "thin paper 1", "plain paper 1", and "heavy paper 1". More specifically, for example, plain paper is uncoated paper with a rough surface. Other examples include fine paper, matte paper, and gloss paper. Fine paper is uncoated paper with good surface properties. Matte paper is coated paper with no gloss on the surface. Gloss paper is coated paper with a gloss on the surface. If there are multiple types of plain paper, numbers can be assigned as suffixes in the order of registration, such as "plain paper 1" and "plain paper 2". Multiple types of plain paper are plain paper with different sizes, such as A4 plain paper and A3 plain paper. For example, plain paper 1 and plain paper 2 are papers with different basis weights.

[0034] Among the items specified by the setting values, the paper type indicates the type of paper at the time of editing the paper information list 404. For example, among the paper types, the base paper is a default setting value set in which paper information for paper that is assumed to be basically used, such as plain paper or high-quality paper, is registered in advance at the time of product shipment. The base paper is registered in the image processing device 103 as a default setting value set. Therefore, the base paper is set to be uneditable. Therefore, when editing paper information specified as the base paper, the base paper is duplicated. The duplicated base paper is provisionally registered in the RAM 202 or HDD 204 by the paper information management unit 304 as a temporary user-defined paper (also referred to as temporary user information or provisional paper information) until the paper information is registered. When the provisionally registered temporary user-defined paper is officially registered by the paper information management unit 304, the temporary user-defined paper is registered as a user-defined paper (new paper information). In other words, the user-defined paper is displayed as a paper that is created by duplicating the base paper as a temporary user-defined paper, editing the temporary user-defined paper, and registering the paper after editing. Note that when a user-defined paper is selected from the paper information list 404 and the details / edit button 421 is pressed, the temporary user-defined paper is not generated.

[0035] <Edit mode: Paper information> For example, when the paper type selection drop-down list 411 in FIG. 4(a) is selected, and the user selects the base paper from among the options 413, and then the details / edit button 421 is operated, the screen transitions to a screen where the paper information can be edited. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an edit mode screen displayed on the operation unit 212. FIG. 5 shows an example of an edit window 501 displayed when the operation mode is the edit mode. The edit window 501 includes information specifying the name of the paper, the type of paper, the basis weight of the paper, the surface properties of the paper, the color of the paper, and the adjustment of the secondary transfer voltage for the paper as items specified by the setting values. Among these, the information specifying the basis weight of the paper, the surface properties of the paper, the color of the paper, and the adjustment of the secondary transfer voltage for the paper is also called the paper parameters. Change buttons 502 and 503 are displayed at the right end of each of the items specified by the multiple setting values ​​as buttons for changing the items specified by each setting value. A transition is made to a setting value change screen corresponding to the one of the multiple change buttons 502 and 503 that was operated. The setting value change screen accepts changes to the setting values ​​(editing contents) of each item (edit target), and the changed setting values ​​are saved (updated). As shown in Fig. 5, change buttons 502 and 503 corresponding to the paper type are not displayed. This is because they are uniquely determined by operations in the management setting window 401 in Fig. 4, and are not changed by the user. Also, the next button 504 and previous button 505 may be made operable when the paper parameters cannot be displayed all at once on the edit window 501.

[0036] <Edit mode: Add to favorites button 506> The edit window 501 displays a favorites add button 506. The favorites add button 506 is a button for instructing to register or cancel a favorite. When the edit window 501 is displayed for the first time after the operation of the details / edit button 421, the ON / OFF state is displayed according to the item selected from the options 413 in FIG. 4(b). For example, when it is ON, the favorites add button 506 may be displayed in color (yellow, etc.). When it is OFF, the favorites add button 506 may be displayed in no color (the same color as the background color). The display state of ON / OFF is switched by operating the favorites add button 506. Specifically, when "Favorites" is selected in the options 413, the favorites add button 506 is turned ON, and the paper information of the base paper or the paper information of the user-defined paper registered as a favorite is displayed in the edit window 501. When any one of "Base paper", "User-defined paper", and "All" is selected in the options 413, and a favorite is associated with the selected item, the favorites add button 506 is turned ON. On the other hand, if any of "Base Paper", "Custom Paper" and "All" is selected in the options 413 and no favorites are associated with the selected item, the Add to Favorites button 506 is set to OFF. When the Add to Favorites button 506 is operated while it is ON, the registration of the favorite may be cancelled. On the other hand, when the Add to Favorites button 506 is operated while it is OFF, the favorite may be registered. An OK button 507 is located on the lower right side of the editing window 501. When the OK button 507 is operated, a setting value indicating the registration or cancellation of the Add to Favorites button 506 is saved. The editing content edited for the editing target is saved.

[0037] <Name edit mode> Among the items, when the change button 502 corresponding to the name of the paper is operated, a setting value change screen for editing the name is displayed. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen in a name edit mode as a setting value change screen for editing the name. FIG. 6 shows an example in which a name registration window 601 is displayed when the operation mode is the name edit mode. The name registration window 601 is a display example of a setting value change screen for editing the name. The name registration window 601 includes a keyboard for accepting a change in the name of the paper, an OK button 602, and a cancel button 603. When the keyboard is operated and the OK button 602 is operated, the input unit 303 in FIG. 3 stores the contents of the keyboard operation as a new name of the paper. Specifically, when the OK button 602 in FIG. 6 is operated, the display of the screen returns from the name registration window 601 to the edit window 501. After that, when the input unit 303 of FIG. 3 detects that the OK button 507 of FIG. 5 has been operated, the control unit 301 of FIG. 3 changes the name of the setting value and stores it in the paper DB 305 by the paper information management unit 304 of FIG. 3, and returns the operation mode to the management setting mode of FIG. 4. In the management setting mode of FIG. 4, although not shown, the newly registered paper information is displayed in the paper information list 404. On the other hand, if the cancel button 603 is operated after the keyboard is operated, the input unit 303 of FIG. 3 discards the keyboard operation contents, and the control unit 301 of FIG. 3 returns the operation mode to the management setting mode screen of FIG. 4. For example, in the example of FIG. 6, the character string "customized thin paper" is input. After that, if the OK button 602 of FIG. 6 is operated and the OK button 507 of FIG. 5 is operated, the operation contents (also called the edit contents) are stored, and if the cancel button 603 is operated, the operation contents (also called the edit contents) are discarded. That is, when the change button 502 corresponding to the name of the paper is operated, the name can be edited. This makes it possible to distinguish the paper from other papers based on the edited name.

[0038] Return to the description of FIG. 5. When the change button 502 or 503 is operated to change the setting value and the OK button 507 is pressed, the edit screen for changing the paper information in FIG. 7 is displayed. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an edit mode screen as an edit screen for changing the paper information. FIG. 7 shows an example in which an edit-prohibited notification window 701 is displayed when the operation mode is a base paper edit mode. In the example of FIG. 7, the edit-prohibited notification window 701 is displayed as a pop-up screen (notification) for selecting whether or not to register the changed setting value as new paper information. The notification content of "The base paper cannot be edited. The edited paper type will be registered as a user-defined paper" is displayed in the notification area of ​​the edit-prohibited notification window 701. A cancel button 703 is displayed on the lower left side of the notification area of ​​the edit-prohibited notification window 701. An OK button 702 is displayed on the lower right side of the notification area of ​​the edit-prohibited notification window 701. When it is detected that the cancel button 703 has been operated by the input unit 303 in FIG. 3, the control unit 301 in FIG. 3 returns the operation mode to the management setting mode screen in FIG. 4 without saving the setting values.

[0039] On the other hand, when the input unit 303 in FIG. 3 detects that the OK button 702 has been operated, the control unit 301 in FIG. 3 changes the setting value and stores it in the paper DB 305 by the paper information management unit 304 in FIG. 3. After that, the control unit 301 in FIG. 3 returns the operation mode to the management setting mode screen in FIG. 4. Although not shown, the newly registered paper information is displayed in the paper information list 404 in FIG. 4. The control unit 301 in FIG. 3 creates a temporary user-defined paper by duplicating the base paper. After the temporary user-defined paper is created and registered, the paper type becomes a user-defined paper. Therefore, the paper type is displayed as a user-defined paper. Also, the paper type may be displayed as a base paper until the paper information is edited and changed.

[0040] <Ground weight edit mode; Surface property edit mode; Color edit mode; Secondary transfer voltage edit mode> Returning to FIG. 5, when the change button 502 corresponding to the basis weight of the paper is operated, the operation mode changes to basis weight edit mode, and a setting value change screen for editing the basis weight of the paper is displayed. Here, basis weight represents the weight of paper per unit area. In this embodiment, it is expressed in g / m 2 (grams per square meter) is used, but another unit may be used. For example, ream weight may be used. Ream weight represents the weight of 1000 sheets of paper. Alternatively, when the change button 502 corresponding to the surface property of the paper is operated, the operation mode becomes surface property editing mode, and a setting value change screen for editing the surface property of the paper is displayed. Here, surface property represents the roughness of the paper surface. In the example of FIG. 5, the surface property of the paper is indicated as "fine paper". Alternatively, the surface property of the paper may be indicated as "plain paper". Alternatively, the surface property of the paper may be indicated as "recycled paper". Note that when the basis weight is 90 g / m 2 Although thicker paper is generally treated as cardboard, the surface of cardboard or normal paper is often processed to be plain. Therefore, it is possible to express the surface property of the paper as "high-quality paper" or the like. Alternatively, when the change button 502 corresponding to the color of the paper among the items is operated, the operation mode becomes a color edit mode, and a setting value change screen for editing the color of the paper is displayed. In the example of FIG. 5, the color of the paper is shown as "white". In this embodiment, names representing general colors such as white, red, and blue are specified, but other colors such as DIC (color samples issued by Dai Nippon Ink and Chemicals) may be used as long as they can be distinguished from other colors. Alternatively, when the change button 502 corresponding to information specifying the adjustment of the secondary transfer voltage for the paper among the items is operated, the operation mode becomes a secondary transfer voltage edit mode, and a setting value change screen for adjusting the secondary transfer voltage for the paper is displayed.

[0041] <Example of operation> Next, an example of the operation of editing paper information and registering favorites will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the process of editing paper information and registering favorites. In FIG. 8, it is determined whether the paper to be edited is a base paper or a user-defined paper. If it is determined that the paper to be edited is a user-defined paper, the favorite of the user-defined paper is updated. Here, updating the favorite means changing the edited content before editing to the edited content after editing, and further storing the edited content after editing in the RAM 202 or the HDD 204 by the paper information management unit 304. For example, updating the favorite of the user-defined paper means changing the favorite of the user-defined paper from the edited content before editing to the edited content after editing, and further storing the edited content after editing in the RAM 202 or the HDD 204. Note that the content stored in the RAM 202 may be stored in the HDD 204 as appropriate. Here, editing of paper information specifically refers to editing of each setting value constituting the paper information. In addition, the editing content includes changing the favorite in addition to changing the setting value.

[0042] In addition, if it is determined that the paper to be edited is a base paper, the operation changes depending on the following determination. If it is determined that the paper name and paper parameters have not been changed, the favorites of the base paper are updated. If it is determined that the paper name has been changed, a new paper type is registered based on the paper type selected including the changed favorite. Here, registering the paper type means that the paper information management unit 304 stores the paper information for each paper type in the RAM 202 or the HDD 204. The contents stored in the RAM 202 may be stored in the HDD 204 as appropriate. The firmware related to the processing of FIG. 8 is stored in the HDD 204 of the image processing device 103, and is read into the RAM 202 and executed by the CPU 201. In addition, the flowchart of FIG. 8 is started based on the control unit 301 accepting that the input unit 303 has detected the operation of the details / edit button 403 in FIG. 4.

[0043] <Edit base paper> In S800, the CPU 201 judges whether the base paper is selected in the management setting window 401 of FIG. 4 or whether the user-defined paper is selected. If it is judged that the base paper is selected, the CPU 201 proceeds to S802. In S802, the CPU 201 creates a temporary user-defined paper by duplicating the base paper, and proceeds to S804. Specifically, the CPU 201 copies each setting value included in the base paper. The CPU 201 provisionally registers the temporary user-defined paper for temporarily storing each copied setting value in the RAM 202 or the HDD 204 in the paper information management unit 304. Here, the CPU 201 also copies the favorite setting corresponding to the selected base paper. On the other hand, if it is judged that the user-defined paper is selected, the CPU 201 proceeds to S804. Here, the base paper and the user-defined paper are each an index for identifying the type of paper, as described above. Paper information is managed for each of these paper types. The paper information is composed of at least one setting value. Items specified by the setting values ​​include the name of the paper, the type of paper, the surface properties of the paper, the color of the paper, and information specifying the adjustment of the secondary transfer voltage for the paper.These setting values ​​affect the quality of the image formed on the paper.On the other hand, when the paper information of the base paper is edited, the temporary user setting paper is created by duplicating the base paper, and is used until the paper information is registered.

[0044] In S804, if a user-defined paper is selected and a change to the name or paper parameters is received, CPU 201 updates the paper information for the user-defined paper and proceeds to S806. In S804, if a base paper is selected and a change to the name or paper parameters is received, CPU 201 updates a temporary user-defined paper, which is a copy of the base paper, and proceeds to S806. Here, the paper parameters refer to information that specifies the paper basis weight, paper surface properties, paper color, and secondary transfer voltage adjustment for the paper, among the items specified by the setting values, as described above.

[0045] In S806, the CPU 201 determines whether the OK button 507 has been operated. If it is determined that the OK button 507 has been operated, the CPU 201 proceeds to S808. On the other hand, if it is determined that the OK button 507 has not been operated, the CPU 201 returns to S804. In S808, the CPU 201 determines whether the base paper or the user-defined paper has been selected in the management setting window 401 of FIG. 4. If it is determined that the base paper has been selected, the CPU 201 proceeds to S812. On the other hand, if it is determined that the user-defined paper has been selected, the CPU 201 proceeds to S810. Note that the favorite information when it is determined in S806 that the OK button 507 has been operated is the favorite information indicated by the edited content.

[0046] <Custom paper> In S810, the CPU 201 acquires the setting value of the favorites add button 506 associated with the user-defined paper. In S811, the CPU 201 updates the favorites setting value of the user-defined paper according to the setting value of the favorites add button 506 acquired in S810, and ends the process of this flowchart. Here, if the favorites add button 506 is ON, the setting value of the favorites add button 506 is information indicating a state in which the favorites setting is enabled. On the other hand, if the favorites add button 506 is OFF, the setting value of the favorites add button 506 includes information indicating a state in which the favorites setting is disabled. The setting value of the favorites add button 506 may include paper information corresponding to a state in which the favorites setting is enabled. Note that, if a paper ID corresponding to a state in which the favorites setting is enabled is acquired, paper information associated with the paper ID can also be acquired as paper information corresponding to a state in which the favorites setting is enabled.

[0047] <Base paper> In S812, the CPU 201 acquires the name of the paper. Here, the name of the paper is, for example, a name such as "thin paper 1", "plain paper 1", or "thick paper 1" as shown in FIG. 4A. Specifically, the CPU 201 acquires "thin paper 1" which is a value corresponding to the name of the paper held in the edit window 501. In S814, the CPU 201 acquires the parameters of the paper. In S816, the CPU 201 acquires the setting value of the favorites add button 506 associated with the base paper. In S818, the CPU 201 judges whether the name of the paper acquired in S812 has been changed from the name of the paper in the base paper of the duplication source. If it is judged in S818 that the name of the paper has been changed from the name of the paper in the base paper of the duplication source, the CPU 201 proceeds to S830. On the other hand, if it is judged that the name of the paper has not been changed from the name of the paper in the base paper of the duplication source, the CPU 201 proceeds to S820. In S820, the CPU 201 determines whether any of the paper parameters acquired in S814 have been changed from any of the paper parameters of the base paper of the duplication source. If it is determined that any of the paper parameters have been changed from any of the paper parameters of the base paper of the duplication source, the CPU 201 proceeds to S826. On the other hand, if it is determined that any of the paper parameters have not been changed from any of the paper parameters of the base paper of the duplication source, the CPU 201 proceeds to S822. In S822, the CPU 201 updates the favorite setting value of the base paper according to the setting value of the favorite addition button 506 acquired in S816. In S824, the CPU 201 deletes the temporary user setting paper copied in S802, and ends the process.

[0048] In S826, the CPU 201 displays the non-editable notification window 701 and determines whether to register the paper as a user-defined paper. When the CPU 201 detects that the OK button 702 has been operated, it determines that the paper is to be registered as a user-defined paper, and proceeds to S828. On the other hand, when the CPU 201 detects that the Cancel button 703 has been operated, it determines that the paper is not to be registered as a user-defined paper, and proceeds to S824. In S828, the CPU 201 displays the name registration window 601 and accepts a change to the paper name. When the CPU 201 detects that the OK button 602 has been operated, it updates the name of the temporary user-defined paper. In S830, the CPU 201 updates the favorite setting value of the temporary user-defined paper in accordance with the setting value of the Add to favorites button 506 acquired in S816. In S832, the CPU 201 detects the completion of changing the setting value in the edit window 501 in FIG. 5, registers the temporary user-defined paper as a user-defined paper in the paper information management unit 304, and ends the process.

[0049] <Effect of the action> As a result, when editing the paper information of the base paper and registering it as a favorite, if neither the paper name nor the paper parameters have been changed, the favorite of the base paper is updated in S822. Also, if the paper name has been changed, the favorite of the temporary user-defined paper that is a copy of the base paper is updated in S830, and the temporary user-defined paper is registered in the paper information management unit 304 as a user-defined paper in S832. As described above, when registering a new paper, the favorite of the base paper or the user-defined paper can be appropriately changed depending on whether the paper type setting has been changed. Therefore, the operability of favorite registration can be improved. As a result, the time and effort required to search for data to perform printing suitable for the paper can be improved.

[0050] <<Second embodiment>> In the first embodiment, an example of the process of editing paper information and registering favorites has been described. In the present embodiment, an image processing device 103 that notifies which paper type's favorite setting has been updated after a series of paper information editing and favorites registration is completed will be described. By notifying which paper type's favorite setting has been updated, the user can recognize the paper type whose favorite setting has been updated, and the operability of favorites registration can be improved. Note that the present embodiment will be described with respect to the differences from the first embodiment.

[0051] <Example of operation> FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for editing paper information and registering favorites. In the flowchart of FIG. 9, it is determined whether the paper to be edited is a base paper or a user-defined paper, and if it is a user-defined paper, the favorite of the user-defined paper is updated. In the case of the base paper, if the paper name and paper parameters have not been changed, the favorite of the base paper is updated. If the paper name has been changed, a new paper type is registered based on the paper type selected including the changed favorite. Finally, it is notified which paper type favorite setting has been updated. The firmware related to the process of the flowchart of FIG. 9 is stored in the HDD 204 of the image processing device 103, read into the RAM 202, and executed by the CPU 201. Also, as described above, the flowchart of FIG. 9 is started based on the control unit 301 accepting that the input unit 303 has detected the operation of the details / edit button 403 in FIG. 4.

[0052] Since steps S900 to S932 are the same as steps S800 to S832, respectively, the description thereof will be omitted. In step S934, the CPU 201 displays one of registration completion pop-up windows 1001, 1003, and 1004 to notify the user that the favorites have been updated, as will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0053] 10 shows examples of registration completion pop-up windows 1001, 1003, and 1004. Fig. 10(a) shows the registration completion pop-up window 1001 that is displayed when the favorite base paper is updated in S922. The registration completion pop-up window 1001 displays a message indicating that the favorite base paper has been updated. When the input unit 303 detects that the OK button 1002 has been operated, the control unit 301 switches to the management setting window 401 of Fig. 4.

[0054] 10B shows a registration completion pop-up window 1003 that is displayed when the temporary user-set paper favorites are updated in S930. The registration completion pop-up window 1003 displays a message that a new paper type has been registered and that the favorites of the new paper type have been updated. When the input unit 303 detects that the OK button 1002 has been operated, the control unit 301 switches to the management setting window 401 of FIG. 4.

[0055] 10C shows a registration completion pop-up window 1004 that is displayed when the user-defined paper favorites are updated in S911. The registration completion pop-up window 1004 displays a message indicating that the user-defined paper favorites have been updated. When the input unit 303 detects that the OK button 1002 has been operated, the control unit 301 switches to the management setting window 401 in FIG.

[0056] <Effect of the action> As a result, after a series of paper information editing and favorite registration is completed, one of registration completion pop-up windows 1001, 1003, and 1004 is displayed displaying a message according to the paper type whose favorites were updated in S934. By notifying the user of which paper type the favorite settings have been updated, the user can recognize the paper type whose favorite settings have been updated, improving the operability of favorite registration.

[0057] <<Other embodiments>> In the above-described embodiments, the term "favorites" is used as an example. However, the term is not limited to this example. The term may be changed to "customized settings" or another term that is easy for the user to use.

[0058] The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

[0059] The disclosure of the present embodiment includes configurations typified by the following image processing device, control method, and program examples.

[0060] <Configuration 1> An image processing device capable of registering paper information, A setting means for setting predetermined information in the paper information; A registration means for registering the paper information; Equipped with The registration means is an image processing device characterized in that it accepts an operation that allows the paper information to be copied and new paper information to be registered, and when the name of the paper information is changed, it sets the specified information to the new paper information based on the specified information being set in the paper information, and registers it.

[0061] <Configuration 2> The image processing device described in configuration 1, characterized in that the registration means accepts an operation that allows the paper information to be copied and new paper information to be registered, and when at least one of the setting values ​​of the paper information is changed, sets the specified information to the new paper information based on the specified information being set in the paper information, and registers the new paper information.

[0062] <Configuration 3> The image processing device described in configuration 1, characterized in that the registration means accepts an operation that allows copying the paper information and registering new paper information, and if the setting value of the paper information has not been changed, sets the specified information to the paper information based on the specified information being set in the paper information and registers it.

[0063] <Configuration 4> 4. The image processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the operation capable of copying the paper information and registering new paper information is an operation of viewing setting values ​​of the paper information.

[0064] <Component 5> 4. The image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the predetermined information is at least favorite information.

[0065] <Component 6> The image processing device described in configuration 1 further comprises a generation means for generating temporary paper information when an operation to copy the paper information and register new paper information is accepted and at least one of the setting values ​​of the paper information is changed, and when an operation to register the temporary paper information is accepted, the registration means registers the temporary paper information as the new paper information.

[0066] <Component 7> further comprising an editing unit capable of editing each of the plurality of setting values ​​of the paper information; The image processing device according to configuration 6, characterized in that when the name of a paper as one of the plurality of setting values ​​is edited by the editing means, the registration means updates the name of the paper to the edited name of the paper and registers the provisional paper information as the new paper information.

[0067] <Component 8> The image processing device described in configuration 7, characterized in that when at least one of the multiple setting values, namely, the basis weight of the paper, the surface properties of the paper, the color of the paper, and information specifying an adjustment of a secondary transfer voltage for the paper, is edited by the editing means, the registration means updates the multiple setting values ​​to the edited multiple setting values ​​and registers the provisional paper information as the new paper information.

[0068] <Component 9> Further comprising a notification means, 9. The image processing apparatus according to any one of configurations 6 to 8, wherein the notification means issues a notification indicating that the provisional paper information is to be registered as the new paper information.

[0069] <Component 10> The image processing device described in configuration 9, characterized in that the notification means issues a notification to allow the user to choose whether or not to register the temporary paper information as the new paper information when the name of the paper information has not been changed and at least one of the paper setting values ​​has been changed.

[0070] <Component 11> A control method for an image processing apparatus capable of registering paper information, comprising: a setting step of setting predetermined information in the paper information; a registration step of registering the paper information; having The registration step is a control method characterized in that, when an operation to copy the paper information and register new paper information is received, the specified information is set in the new paper information and registered based on the specified information being set in the paper information.

[0071] <Component 12> A program for causing a computer to execute each step of the control method according to configuration 11. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 103: Image processing device 201: CPU 202: RAM 203:ROM 204:HDD 212: Operation Department 304: Paper Information Management Department

Claims

1. An image processing device capable of registering paper information, A setting means for setting predetermined information in the paper information; A registration means for registering the paper information; Equipped with The registration means is an image processing device characterized in that it accepts an operation that allows the paper information to be copied and new paper information to be registered, and when the name of the paper information is changed, it sets the specified information to the new paper information based on the specified information being set in the paper information, and registers it.

2. The image processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the registration means accepts an operation that enables copying the paper information and registering new paper information, and when at least one of the setting values ​​of the paper information is changed, sets the specified information to the new paper information based on the specified information being set in the paper information, and registers the new paper information.

3. The image processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the registration means accepts an operation that allows the paper information to be copied and new paper information to be registered, and if the setting value of the paper information has not been changed, sets the specified information to the paper information based on the specified information being set in the paper information and registers it.

4. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation for copying the paper information and registering new paper information is an operation for browsing setting values ​​of the paper information.

5. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined information is at least favorite information.

6. The image processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a generating means for generating temporary paper information when an operation to copy the paper information and register new paper information is accepted and at least one of the setting values ​​of the paper information is changed, and when an operation to register the temporary paper information is accepted, the registration means registers the temporary paper information as the new paper information.

7. further comprising an editing unit capable of editing each of the plurality of setting values ​​of the paper information; The image processing device according to claim 6, characterized in that, when the name of a paper as one of the multiple setting values ​​is edited by the editing means, the registration means registers the provisional paper information as the new paper information with the paper name updated to the edited paper name.

8. The image processing device according to claim 7, characterized in that when at least one of the multiple setting values, such as the basis weight of the paper, the surface properties of the paper, the color of the paper, and information specifying the adjustment of the secondary transfer voltage for the paper, is edited by the editing means, the registration means updates the multiple setting values ​​to the edited multiple setting values ​​and registers the provisional paper information as the new paper information.

9. Further comprising a notification means, 9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the notification unit issues a notification indicating that the provisional paper information is to be registered as the new paper information.

10. The image processing device according to claim 9, characterized in that the notification means issues a notification to allow the user to choose whether or not to register the provisional paper information as the new paper information when the name of the paper information has not been changed and when at least one of the paper setting values ​​has been changed.

11. A control method for an image processing apparatus capable of registering paper information, comprising: a setting step of setting predetermined information in the paper information; a registration step of registering the paper information; having The registration step is a control method characterized in that, when an operation to copy the paper information and register new paper information is received, the specified information is set in the new paper information and registered based on the specified information being set in the paper information.

12. A program for causing a computer to execute each step of the control method according to claim 11.

Images