Image forming apparatus, method for controlling image forming apparatus, and program

Abstract

To reduce time and effort of a user in job setting.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus executes a job related to image processing, and has a first operation mode for storing, in non-volatile storage means, a setting value set by a user to execute the job, and a second operation mode for not storing, in the storage means, the setting value set by the user to execute the job.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to job settings.

Background Art

[0002] Image forming apparatuses capable of executing jobs such as copying, scanning, and faxing are known. When causing an image forming apparatus to execute a job, a user may want to execute the job with the same setting values as the previous setting values.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a method of authenticating a user who logs in and storing job setting values for each user.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When multiple users repeatedly execute jobs with the same setting values such as regular operations, in the method of Patent Document 1, each of the multiple users needs to set the same setting values. Therefore, when the job setting values are changed, a method of storing the job setting values without associating them with a user can be considered. However, in this method, if a user changes the setting values to execute another job temporarily, the changed setting values will be stored. In this case, the user needs to manually perform the setting to return to the previous setting values, which causes inconvenience to the user.

[0006] An object of this disclosure is to reduce the labor of the user when setting a job.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The image forming apparatus of the present disclosure is an image forming apparatus that executes a job related to image processing, and has a first operation mode in which set values set by a user to execute the job are stored in a non-volatile storage means, and a second operation mode in which the set values set by the user to execute the job are not stored in the storage means.

Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the technology of the present disclosure, the labor of the user at the time of job setting can be reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the technology of the present disclosure will be exemplarily described with reference to the drawings. The components described in the following embodiments are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the technology of the present disclosure thereto.

[0011] <Embodiment 1> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a controller unit 101, a scanner 111, a printer 112, a display operation unit 107, and a communication unit 109.

[0012] The controller unit 101 controls the operation of the entire image forming apparatus 100. Specifically, the controller unit 101 controls the scanner 111, the printer 112, the display operation unit 107, and the communication unit 109. The controller unit 101 includes a CPU 102, a RAM 103, a ROM 104, an HDD 105, a display operation unit I / F 106, a network I / F 108, and a device I / F 110, which are connected by a system bus 120.

[0013] The RAM 103 is a system work memory for the operation of the CPU 102 and an image memory for temporarily storing image data. The RAM 103 stores programs such as an operating system, system software, and application software, or data. Also, the RAM 103 stores the data of the scanned image obtained by the scanner 111 reading a document, or stores the print data received by the controller unit 101 via a network. The ROM 104 stores the system boot program. The hard disk drive (HDD) 105 is a non-volatile storage unit that stores an operating system, system software, application software, print data, setting data, and the like. The CPU 102 performs various controls for executing jobs described later by reading the programs stored in the ROM 104 into the RAM 103 and executing them.

[0014] The display operation unit I / F 106 is an interface unit with the display operation unit 107. The display operation unit 107 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display unit (touch panel) having a touch panel function and physical buttons. For example, the physical buttons include a home button for returning to the home screen.

[0015] The operation performed by the user at the display operation unit 107 is converted into a signal by the display operation unit I / F 106 and received by the CPU 102. For example, the position touched by the user on the touch panel of the display operation unit 107 is detected, and a signal representing the information of that position is generated. The CPU 102 can identify the position touched by the user on the touch panel by analyzing the signal. Also, the display operation unit I / F 106 outputs the information of the screen to be displayed on the touch panel of the display operation unit 107 to the display operation unit 107.

[0016] The network I / F 108 is connected to the communication unit 109 and performs various communication controls with an external device (not shown).

[0017] The device I / F 110 connects the printer 112 and the controller unit 101. The printer 112 has a mechanism for printing the image indicated by the image data on a recording medium. Also, the device I / F 110 connects the scanner 111 and the controller unit 101. The scanner 111 reads a document and generates scan image data representing the content of the read document. The generated scan image data is input to the controller unit 101 via the device I / F 110.

[0018] Note that the HDD 105 may be included in an external device that is different from the image forming apparatus 100. In this case, the CPU 102 stores data in the HDD 105 of the external device via the communication unit 109, and also acquires data from the HDD 105 of the external device via the communication unit 109.

[0019] When the controller unit 101 receives an execution instruction for the copy function from the user, it causes the scanner 111 to read the original document to obtain the scanned image data of the original document, and controls the printer 112 to print the scanned image on paper. When the controller unit 101 receives an execution instruction for the scan transmission function from the user, it causes the scanner 111 to read the original document to obtain the scanned image data of the original document. Then, it converts the scanned image data into code data and transmits it to an external device (not shown) via the communication unit 109. A series of processes based on execution instructions for each function such as the copy function and the scan transmission function are called jobs. The image forming apparatus 100 also functions as a job processing apparatus that executes jobs corresponding to each function. The functions corresponding to the jobs executed by the image forming apparatus 100 are not limited to the copy function and the scan function.

[0020] [Function Configuration] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.

[0021] The image forming apparatus 100 includes a plurality of applications 220 for realizing each function, and among the plurality of applications 220, the application selected by the user is activated. The applications 220 include a copy application 221 that executes the job of the copy function described above, a scan transmission application 222 that executes the job of the scan transmission function, a fax application 223, and the like. The scan transmission application 222 is an application that executes a job of transmitting the scanned image data obtained by scanning the original document by the scanner 111 to an external device. The application 220 shown in FIG. 2 is an example of an application that executes a job related to image processing operating on the image forming apparatus 100.

[0022] The screen control unit 211 performs display control to display on the touch panel of the display operation unit 107 the screen provided by the currently operating application. Also, based on the signal from the display operation unit 107, the screen control unit 211 identifies the position touched by the user on the touch panel of the display operation unit 107. Then, it instructs the currently operating application to execute the process associated with the operation button or the like corresponding to the position touched by the user.

[0023] The job control unit 212 automatically sets the jobs of the operating application. For example, when the application is launched in the "normal mode" described later, the job is set by storing the set value stored in the HDD 105 in the RAM 103. Also, when switched to the "normal mode", the job is set by storing the set value stored in the HDD 105 in the RAM 103.

[0024] When it is identified that the job execution button has been pressed, the job execution unit 213 acquires the set value stored in the RAM 103 and causes the currently operating application to execute a job based on the acquired set value. For example, when the currently operating application is a scan transmission application, when the execution of the job is instructed, the job control unit 212 causes the scanner 111 to read the document placed on the document table through the device I / F 110 and generate scan image data.

[0025] The network control unit 214 controls the communication unit 109 through the network I / F 108 and transmits data to an external device.

[0026] The operation mode control unit 215 sets the operation mode to either "normal mode" or "temporary mode". The operation mode control unit 215 also functions as a switching unit for these two operation modes. The details of the operation mode will be described later.

[0027] The functions of each block in FIG. 2 are realized by the CPU 102 reading a predetermined program stored in the ROM 104 or the HDD 105 into the RAM 103 and executing it, but it is not limited to this. For example, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) for accelerating calculations, or hardware such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) may also be used. Each function may be realized by the cooperation of software and hardware such as an application specific IC, or some or all of the functions may be realized by hardware only. Note that each functional unit 211 to 215 in FIG. 2 may be configured to be included in the application 220.

[0028] [Regarding the operation mode] The image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment operates in either the "normal mode" or the "temporary mode" as the operation mode. In the present embodiment, the operation mode is a mode (value) that determines how to handle the set values of the jobs set by the user.

[0029] When the operation mode is set to the "normal mode", the set values of the jobs set by the user via the job execution screen described later are controlled to be stored in the non-volatile storage unit. "Stored in the non-volatile storage unit" is defined as the set values set by the user being held with the same content unless the user gives an explicit instruction to change the set values. For example, the set values of the jobs set by the user are stored in the RAM 103 for the execution of the current job and further stored in the HDD 105 so as to be used also for the execution of subsequent jobs. An explicit instruction from the user to change the set values is, for example, in the case of being set to the normal mode, the user pressing a button provided for changing the set values.

[0030] When the operation mode is set to the "temporary mode", the setting values of the jobs set by the user are controlled to be stored in the volatile memory unit via the job execution screen described later. "To be stored in the volatile memory unit" is defined as the setting values of the jobs performed by the user being reset to the initial values (default values) at a specific timing. For example, the setting values of the jobs set by the user are stored in the RAM 103 for the execution of the current job, but are controlled not to be stored in the HDD 105.

[0031] The specific timing is, for example, the timing when the power of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned off. For example, when the power of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned off and then turned on again, if it was set to the "normal mode", the setting values of the jobs set by the user last time are controlled not to be erased. On the other hand, if it was set to the "temporary mode", when the power is turned off, the setting values of the jobs are controlled to be set to the initial values (reset).

[0032] The specific timing is not limited to the timing when the power of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned off. Other specific timings may include the timing when a job is executed, the timing when transitioning from the job execution screen of the job to a home screen (not shown), and the timing when the user logs out.

[0033] [Regarding the job execution screen of the job] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a job execution screen displayed during the operation of an application launched via a home screen (not shown). In FIG. 3, as an example, a job execution screen displayed during the operation of the scan transmission application 222 is shown. The user can set the setting values of each setting item during the job execution of the scan transmission application 222 and instruct the execution of the job via the job execution screen shown in FIG. 3.

[0034] FIG. 3(a) is a diagram showing a job execution screen of a scan transmission application displayed when the operation mode is set to the "normal mode". The job execution screen 310 shown in FIG. 3(a) includes a title display area 311 and a destination display area 312. The title display area 311 is an area for displaying the name of the application in operation. The destination display area 312 is an area for displaying the selected destination.

[0035] The job execution screen 310 includes a plurality of operation buttons. For example, the plurality of operation buttons are a job execution button 318, an operation mode switching button 317, and setting buttons 313 to 316. The screen control unit 211 identifies the operation button pressed by the user, and the application performs processing corresponding to the identified operation button.

[0036] The operation mode switching button 317 is a button for switching the set operation mode to another operation mode. When the operation mode switching button 317 displayed on the job execution screen 310 in the "normal mode" is pressed, the job execution screen displayed on the display operation unit 107 transitions to the job execution screen 320 in FIG. 3(b), and the operation mode is switched to the "temporary mode".

[0037] The job execution button 318 is an operation button for instructing the application in operation to execute a job based on the set values set on the job execution screens 310 and 320. When the job execution button 318 displayed on the job execution screens 310 and 320 of the scan transmission application 222 is pressed, the scan transmission job is executed.

[0038] The setting buttons 313 to 316 are operation buttons for the user to set the job. The user can change the set values of each setting item at the time of job execution by pressing the setting buttons 313 to 316. The job execution screens 310 and 320 in FIG. 3 include a destination setting button 313, a paper size setting button 314, a resolution setting button 315, and a file format setting button 316 as job setting buttons.

[0039] The destination setting button 313 is an operation button for setting the destination, such as adding, deleting, or modifying the address of the transmission destination of the scanned image data. When the destination setting button 313 is pressed, a screen (not shown) for selecting the transmission destination is displayed. When an address is selected on that screen, the scan transmission app 222 sets the selected address as the transmission destination.

[0040] The paper size setting button 314 is an operation button for setting the size when the scanner 111 reads the document. When the paper size setting button 314 is pressed, a screen (not shown) including options for the reading size is displayed, and the user can set the desired reading size on that screen.

[0041] The resolution setting button 315 is an operation button for setting the resolution when the scanner 111 reads the document and converts it into scanned image data. The resolution setting button 315 includes a "+" button for increasing the resolution and a "-" button for decreasing the resolution. The user can operate the "+" button and the "-" button to set the desired resolution.

[0042] The file format setting button 316 is an operation button for changing the file format of the scanned image data obtained by the scanner 111 reading the document. When the file format setting button 316 is pressed, a screen (not shown) is displayed, and the user can set the desired file format on that screen.

[0043] FIG. 3(b) is a job execution screen 320 that is displayed when the operation mode is set to the "temporary mode". For the same configuration as the job execution screen 310, the same reference numerals are used and the description is omitted.

[0044] The title display area 321 of the job execution screen 320 is an area that displays the name of the running application and indicates that the set operation mode is the "temporary mode". Also, to enable the user to recognize that the currently set operation mode is the "temporary mode", the background color of the title display area 321 in Fig. 3(b) is different from the background color of the title display area 311 in Fig. 3(a). In this embodiment, the character string and background color of the title display area 321 express that the set operation mode is the "temporary mode", enabling the user to recognize the currently set operation mode. The method of expressing to the user the currently set operation mode is not limited to this method. For example, the overall color tone of the job execution screen 320 may be changed to be different from that of the job execution screen 310 to indicate the "temporary mode". Or, the color or shape of the job execution button 318 on the job execution screen 320 may be made different from that of the job execution button 318 on the job execution screen 310 to indicate the "temporary mode".

[0045] The operation mode switching button 327 on the job execution screen 320 is a button for switching the operation mode to the "normal mode". When the operation mode switching button 327 is pressed by the user, the screen displayed on the display operation unit 107 transitions to the job execution screen 310, and the operation mode is set to the "normal mode".

[0046] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the operation mode is switched in response to the pressing of a button provided for switching the operation mode on the job execution screens 310 and 320 displayed on the touch panel of the display operation unit 107. Other methods may be used to switch the operation mode. For example, an operation button for switching the operation mode may be provided on a home screen (not shown). Or, a physical button for switching the operation mode may be included in the display operation unit 107, and the operation mode may be switched in response to the pressing of that button.

[0047] [Flowchart] FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining job setting value management executed by the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. A series of processes shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 are performed by the CPU 102 expanding and executing program codes stored in the ROM 104 or the HDD 105 in the RAM 103. Further, some or all of the functions of the steps in FIG. 4 may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC or an electronic circuit. Note that the symbol "S" in the description of each process means each step in the flowchart, and the same applies to the subsequent flowcharts.

[0048] In FIG. 4, a flowchart of job setting value management when the scan transmission application 222 among a plurality of applications is started is shown. The scan transmission application 222 is an example, and for other applications such as copy and fax transmission being started, the same processing as the flowchart of FIG. 4 is performed.

[0049] Note that the image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment is an image forming apparatus that does not perform user authentication. For this reason, it is assumed that the user can operate the image forming apparatus 100 without logging in.

[0050] When the user designates the scan transmission application 222 on a home screen (not shown) and the screen control unit 211 issues an instruction to display a job execution screen of the job to the scan transmission application 222, the flowchart of FIG. 4 starts.

[0051] In S401, the scan transmission application 222 acquires an instruction to display a job execution screen from the screen control unit 211.

[0052] In S402, the scan transmission app 222 acquires the value indicating the currently set operation mode stored in the HDD 105. Then, since the scan transmission app 222 branches the process according to the currently set operation mode, it determines whether the currently set operation mode is the "normal mode" or the "temporary mode". Since the value indicating the currently set operation mode is stored in the HDD 105, the scan transmission app 222 can determine whether the currently set operation mode is the "normal mode" or the "temporary mode".

[0053] If the scan transmission app 222 determines that the currently set operation mode is the "temporary mode", the process proceeds to S404. In S404, the scan transmission app 222 stores, on the RAM 103, as the set values of the set item group of the job of the scan transmission app 222, the value indicating the initial state (referred to as the initial value or the default value). In the description of the flowchart of FIG. 4, the "set item group" refers to the collection of the set items of the job executed by the running application. For example, when the running application is the scan transmission app 222, the set item group indicates the collection of the set items of "destination", "paper size", "resolution", and "file format".

[0054] If the scan transmission app 222 determines that the current operation mode is the "normal mode", the process proceeds to S403. In S403, the scan transmission app 222 stores the set values of the set item group of the scan transmission app 222 stored in the HDD 105 in the RAM 103. If the set values of the scan transmission app 222 are not stored in the HDD 105, the initial values of the set values are stored on the RAM 103 in the same manner as in S404.

[0055] Note that the set values stored in the HDD 105 do not have to be all the set values that can be set on the job execution screen 310. For example, the "set item group" may not include "destination", and the set value of "destination" does not have to be stored in the HDD 105.

[0056] In S405, the scan transmission application 222 displays, on the touch panel of the display operation unit 107, a job execution screen that reflects the set values of the set item group stored on the RAM 103.

[0057] In the present embodiment, when the user makes settings such as changing the set values of the set item group via the job execution screen 310 in the "normal mode", the set values of the set item group that have been set are stored in the HDD 105. For example, when the scan transmission application 222 ends in the state shown in the job execution screen 310 of FIG. 3(a), the set values of the set items of "destination", "paper size", "resolution", and "file format" shown in the job execution screen 310 are stored in the HDD 105. That is, "manager@example.com, cashier@example.com" is stored in the HDD 105 as the set value of the "destination" set item. "A4" is stored in the HDD 105 as the set value of the "paper settings" set item. "300 dpi" is stored in the HDD 105 as the set value of the "resolution" set item. "PDF" is stored in the HDD 105 as the set value of the "file format" set item.

[0058] Therefore, next, when the scan transmission application 222 is started and the transition to S403 occurs, these set values stored in the HDD 105 are stored in the RAM 103. Then, in S405, a job execution screen in which the set values of "destination", "paper size", "resolution", and "file format" are automatically set in advance with the set values stored in the HDD 105 is displayed. In this way, the set values set in the previous "normal mode" state are restored to the job execution screen 310. Also, in the present embodiment, since the set values set in the "normal mode" are stored in the non-volatile storage unit, even when the power of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned off, the set values set in the previous "normal mode" can be restored to the job execution screen 310.

[0059] Note that it is assumed that the job execution screens 310 and 320 of the present embodiment are not provided with buttons for resetting the set values to the initial values. It is also assumed that the display operation unit 107 is not provided with an operation unit for resetting the set values to the initial values. Therefore, when the set values of the set item group on the job execution screen 310 in the "normal mode" are changed, they are maintained as they are until the next change.

[0060] On the other hand, when the initial values of the set item group are stored on the RAM 103, in S405, a job execution screen in which the set values of "destination", "paper size", "resolution", and "file format" are the initial values is displayed.

[0061] In S406, the scan transmission application 222 waits for the user's operation on the display operation unit 107, and when the user operates the display operation unit 107, it acquires the content of the operation. When an operation button on the job execution screens 310 and 320 displayed on the touch panel of the display operation unit 107 is pressed by the user, the scan transmission application 222 acquires the information of the pressed operation button via the screen control unit 211. Also, when a home button (not shown) for returning to the home screen included in the display operation unit 107 is pressed, the scan transmission application 222 acquires that the home button has been pressed.

[0062] In S407, the scan transmission application 222 switches the process according to the user's operation on the display operation unit 107.

[0063] In S407, when the scan transmission application 222 determines that the type of the acquired user operation is "job setting", it executes the processes of S408 to S410. "Job setting" means, for example, an operation of changing the set items related to the scan transmission job, such as adding or deleting a transmission destination or changing the resolution setting, by pressing any of the setting buttons 313 to 316 on the job execution screens 310 and 320 in FIG. 3.

[0064] In S408, the scan transmission app 222 acquires the set value after the change of the set items set by the user this time. Then, the scan transmission app 222 updates the set value of the set item set this time among the set item group stored on the RAM 103 to the set value after the change.

[0065] In S409, the scan transmission app 222 acquires the value indicating the currently set operation mode stored in the HDD 105. Then, since the scan transmission app 222 branches the process according to the currently set operation mode, it determines whether the currently set operation mode is the "normal mode" or the "temporary mode".

[0066] In S409, when the scan transmission app 222 determines that the currently set operation mode is the "normal mode", it proceeds to S410. In S410, the scan transmission app 222 updates the set value of the set item set this time among the set values of the set item group stored on the HDD 105 to the set value after the change. For example, when the content of "paper size" on the job execution screen 310 is changed from "A4" to "B4", "B4" is acquired as the set value after the change. Then, the set value of "paper size" stored on the HDD 105 is updated to the changed "B4". Then, the scan transmission app 222 returns the process to S406.

[0067] On the other hand, in S409, when the scan transmission app 222 determines that the currently set operation mode is the "temporary mode", S410 is skipped and the process returns to S406.

[0068] As described above, when the currently set operation mode is the "normal mode", for the set items whose set values are set (changed) by the user's operation, the set values stored in the HDD 105 are updated to the set values set by the user. Therefore, when set to the "normal mode", it is possible to control so that the content of the job setting by the user is stored in the non-volatile storage unit. On the other hand, when set to the "temporary mode", the set values set (changed) by the user's operation are not stored in the HDD 105. Therefore, in the "temporary mode", it is possible to control so that the content of the job setting by the user is stored in the volatile storage unit.

[0069] Next, when the scan transmission app 222 determines in S407 that the type of the acquired user operation is "operation mode change", the processes of S411 to S415 are executed. The operation whose type of user operation is "operation mode change" is an operation for switching (changing) the operation mode, and corresponds to the operation of pressing the operation mode switching button 317 or the operation mode switching button 327.

[0070] In S411, the scan transmission app 222 determines whether the operation mode set after the switching is the "temporary mode" or the "normal mode".

[0071] When the scan transmission app 222 determines that the operation mode set after the switching is the "normal mode", the processes of S412 to S414 are performed. For example, when the operation button pressed by the user is the operation mode switching button 327 on the job execution screen 320 of the "temporary mode", the scan transmission app 222 determines that the operation mode after the switching is the "normal mode".

[0072] In S412, the scan transmission app 222 updates the set values on the RAM 103 so that the set values of the set item group stored in the RAM 103 become the set values of the set item group of the job related to the scan transmission app 222 stored in the HDD 105.

[0073] In S413, the scan transmission application 222 reflects the set values of the set item group stored in the RAM 103 on the job execution screen displayed on the touch panel.

[0074] For example, assume that "manager@example.com, cashier@example.com" is stored in the HDD 105 as the set value of "destination". Also assume that "A4" is stored in the HDD 105 as the set value of "paper setting", "300 dpi" is stored in the HDD 105 as the set value of "resolution", and "PDF" is stored in the HDD 105 as the set value of "file format". In this case, when the operation mode switching button 327 on the job execution screen 320 is pressed, display control is performed so that the job execution screen 310 in the state of Fig. 3(a) is displayed.

[0075] In this way, when switching from the "temporary mode" to the "normal mode", the set values of the set item group stored in the HDD 105 overwrite the contents of the set items set in the "temporary mode". Thus, even when a job is temporarily executed in the "temporary mode", when returning to the "normal mode", it is possible to restore to the job execution screen 310 showing the contents of the set item group set in the "normal mode". Also, in this embodiment, the set values set in the "normal mode" are stored in the non-volatile storage unit. Therefore, even when the power of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned off in the "temporary mode", the contents set in the previous "normal mode" can be restored to the job execution screen 310.

[0076] In S414, in order to set the operation mode to the "normal mode", the scan transmission application 222 updates the value indicating the currently set operation mode stored in the HDD 105 to a value indicating the "normal mode".

[0077] On the one hand, when the scan transmission app 222 determines in S411 that the operation mode set after switching is the "temporary mode", the process proceeds to S415. For example, if the operation button pressed by the user is the operation mode switching button 317 on the job execution screen 310 in the "normal mode", the scan transmission app 222 determines that the operation mode after switching is the "temporary mode".

[0078] In S415, the scan transmission app 222 updates the value indicating the currently set operation mode stored in the HDD 105 to a value indicating the "temporary mode" in order to set the operation mode to the "temporary mode".

[0079] Note that in this embodiment, when switching from the "normal mode" to the "temporary mode", the content of the job settings made by the user in the "normal mode" is inherited. For example, it is assumed that the set values are set as shown in Fig. 3(a) in the "normal mode". In this case, when transitioning to the "temporary mode", the control is such that "manager@example.com,cashier@example.com" is displayed on the job execution screen 320 as the set value of the "destination". Also, the control is such that "A4" is displayed on the job execution screen 320 as the set value of the "paper settings", "300 dpi" is displayed as the set value of the "resolution", and "PDF" is displayed as the set value of the "file format".

[0080] Next, when the scan transmission app 222 determines in S407 that the type of user operation is "job execution", the processes of S416 to S417 are executed. The type of user operation being "job execution" is an operation for executing a job, corresponding to the pressing of the job execution button 318.

[0081] In S416, the scan transmission application 222 causes the scanner 111 to perform scanning of the document according to the set values of the set item group stored in the RAM 103 via the job control unit 212, thereby generating scan image data of the document. During the execution of the job, the scan transmission application 222 displays a dialog (not shown) for notifying the user that scanning is in progress on the front of the job execution screens 310 and 320.

[0082] In S417, the scan transmission application 222 transmits the scan image data to an external device corresponding to the item value (address) of "destination" stored in the RAM 103 through the network control unit 214. Until the transmission of the scan image data is completed, the scan transmission application 222 displays a dialog (not shown) for notifying the user that the transmission is in progress on the front of the job execution screens 310 and 320.

[0083] Also, in S407, when the scan transmission application 222 determines that the type of the acquired user operation is "return to the home screen", the scan transmission application 222 ends this flowchart. The type of user operation "return to the home screen" is an operation of pressing a home button (not shown) of the display operation unit 107. When returning to the home screen and the scan transmission application 222 is selected, the flowchart of FIG. 4 starts again.

[0084] As described above, in this embodiment, when the setting value of a job is changed while the "normal mode" is set, the changed setting value is automatically stored in the non-volatile memory unit. Therefore, according to this embodiment, when repeatedly executing a job with a certain setting value, the labor required to set the setting value of the job is reduced. Further, in this embodiment, when repeatedly executing a job with a certain setting value, if the job is temporarily executed with another setting value, the job can be executed in the "temporary mode". Even if the setting value of the job is changed in the "temporary mode", the changed setting value is not stored in the non-volatile memory unit. Therefore, when switched from the "temporary mode" to the "normal mode", it is automatically restored to the setting value set in the "normal mode". Thus, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that suppresses the labor for the user to manually restore the setting value and improves the usability.

[0085] <Embodiment 2> In this embodiment, a method of managing job setting values different from that of Embodiment 1 will be described. For this embodiment, the description will focus on the differences from Embodiment 1. For parts not specifically stated, the configuration and processing are the same as those of Embodiment 1.

[0086] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the processing of job setting value management executed by the image forming apparatus 100 in this embodiment. The series of processes shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5 are performed by the CPU 102 expanding and executing the program code stored in the ROM 104 or the HDD 105 in the RAM 103. Also, some or all of the functions of the steps in FIG. 5 may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC or an electronic circuit.

[0087] The flowchart of FIG. 5 is obtained by adding new steps to the flowchart of FIG. 4. Therefore, in the flowchart of FIG. 5, the same steps as those in the flowchart of FIG. 4 are given the same numbers in FIG. 5. Therefore, in the description of the flowchart of FIG. 5, steps different from the flowchart of FIG. 4 will be described.

[0088] [Regarding Job Settings When Switched to Temporary Mode] In Embodiment 1, when switching from the "Normal Mode" to the "Temporary Mode", it was described that the set values set by the user in the "Normal Mode" would be inherited. In the flowchart of FIG. 5 of this embodiment, when switching from the "Normal Mode" to the "Temporary Mode", a process is performed to allow the user to select whether to inherit the set values set by the user in the "Normal Mode". Therefore, in S411 in the flowchart of FIG. 5, when the scan transmission application 222 determines that the operation mode set after the switch is the "Temporary Mode", before S415, it performs the processes of S501 to S504.

[0089] In S501, the scan transmission application 222 causes a set value inheritance selection screen for the job setting item group to be displayed on the touch panel of the display operation unit 107 via the screen control unit 211. Then, the scan transmission application 222 waits for the user's selection on the inheritance selection screen.

[0090] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the inheritance selection screen. The inheritance selection screen 610 in FIG. 6 includes a message 611, an inheritance button 612, and a clear button 613. The message 611 includes text indicating that the switch is to the "Temporary Mode" and text explaining the buttons. The inheritance button 612 is a button for instructing to inherit the set values currently stored in the RAM 103 and switch to the "Temporary Mode". The clear button 613 is a button for instructing to reset the set values stored in the RAM 103 to the initial value (default value) without inheriting the set values currently stored in the RAM and switch to the "Temporary Mode".

[0091] In S502, the scan transmission application 222 determines whether the inheritance button 612 or the clear button 613 has been pressed on the inheritance selection screen 610.

[0092] In S502, when the scan transmission app 222 determines that the button pressed by the user is the clear button 613, it performs the processes of S503 to S504.

[0093] In S503, the scan transmission app 222 resets the setting values of the setting item group of the scan transmission app 222 stored in the RAM 103 to the initial values.

[0094] In S504, the scan transmission app 222 displays on the touch panel of the display operation unit 107 a job execution screen that reflects the setting values of the setting item group stored on the RAM 103. That is, since the setting values stored in the RAM 103 are the initial values, a job execution screen with the setting values of the setting item group being the initial values is displayed.

[0095] On the other hand, in S502, when the scan transmission app 222 determines that the button pressed by the user on the handover selection screen 610 is the handover button 612, it skips S503 to S504 and proceeds to S412. That is, when the handover button 612 is pressed, the same processing as the flowchart of FIG. 4 in Embodiment 1 is performed.

[0096] Thus, in this embodiment, when switching from the "normal mode" to the "temporary mode", the user can be allowed to select whether to inherit the setting values of the setting item group, and if the selection is made not to inherit the setting values, the setting values can be set to the initial values.

[0097] Note that when switching from the "normal mode" to the "temporary mode", the process may be performed to reset the setting values of the setting item group to the initial values without allowing the user to select whether to inherit the setting values of the setting item group.

[0098] [Regarding the trigger to return from the temporary mode to the normal mode] In Embodiment 1, the trigger for switching from the "temporary mode" to the "normal mode" was described as being when a user operation mode switching instruction via the job execution screen 320 was acquired. In this embodiment, a method will be described such that even when the user instructs the execution of a job and the execution of that job ends, and when the user instructs the termination of the application in operation, the mode is switched to the "normal mode".

[0099] (When an operation for instructing the execution of a job is performed) In the flowchart of FIG. 5, when the user presses the job execution button 318 and as a result the transmission of the scanned image data in S417 is completed, the execution of the job instructed by the user ends. When the execution of the job ends, in this embodiment, the process proceeds to S511.

[0100] In S511, the scan transmission application 222 acquires the value indicating the currently set operation mode stored in the HDD 105. Then, in order for the scan transmission application 222 to branch the process according to the currently set operation mode, it determines whether the currently set operation mode is the "normal mode" or the "temporary mode".

[0101] When the scan transmission application 222 determines that the currently set operation mode is the "temporary mode", the process proceeds to S421 and the processes of S421 to S423 are performed. S421 to S423 are processes for switching the operation mode from the "temporary mode" to the "normal mode".

[0102] Thus, in this embodiment, when the user performs an operation to execute a job and as a result the executed job is completed, a process for automatically switching from the "temporary mode" to the "normal mode" is performed without depending on the user's instruction. On the other hand, when the scan transmission application 222 determines in S511 that the currently set operation mode is the "normal mode", the process returns to S406 and waits for the next user operation.

[0103] (When an operation to end the application is performed) In S407 in the flowchart of FIG. 5, when the scan transmission app 222 determines that the acquired user operation is "return to the home screen", the process proceeds to S521. The "return to the home screen" operation is an operation to end the running application and return to the home screen (not shown), and in this embodiment, it is an operation of pressing the home button.

[0104] In S521, the scan transmission app 222 acquires the value indicating the currently set operation mode stored in the HDD 105. Then, the scan transmission app 222 determines whether the currently set operation mode is "normal mode" or "temporary mode".

[0105] If the scan transmission app 222 determines that the currently set operation mode is "temporary mode", the process proceeds to S522. In S522, in order to switch the operation mode from "temporary mode" to "normal mode", the scan transmission app 222 stores the value indicating that the operation mode is "normal mode" in the HDD 105. Then, the flowchart ends. Thus, in this embodiment, when the scan transmission app 222 ends the running application and triggers the transition from the job execution screen to the home screen, it is processed so as to be switched from "temporary mode" to "normal mode".

[0106] On the other hand, if the scan transmission app 222 determines in S521 that the current operation mode is "normal mode", this flowchart ends.

[0107] As described above, in this embodiment, even without an instruction from the user to switch the operation mode, the system is configured to switch from the "temporary mode" to the "normal mode". That is, when a job is executed in the "temporary mode" or when the user exits the currently running application, the "temporary mode" is terminated and the system automatically returns to the "normal mode". This reduces the user's effort in manually returning to the "normal mode".

[0108] <Other Embodiments> The present disclosure can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and causing one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus to read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0109] The disclosure of the above-described embodiments includes the following configurations.

[0110] (Configuration 1) An image forming apparatus that executes a job related to image processing, a first operation mode in which set values set by the user for executing the job are stored in a non-volatile storage means, and a second operation mode in which set values set by the user for executing the job are not stored in the storage means. An image forming apparatus characterized by the above.

[0111] (Configuration 2) When the second operation mode is set to the first operation mode, the apparatus further includes job control means for setting the set value for executing the job to the set value stored in the storage means. The image forming apparatus according to Configuration 1, characterized by the above.

[0112] (Configuration 3) The job control means When set from the first operation mode to the second operation mode, set the setting value for executing the job to the initial value The image forming apparatus according to Configuration 2, characterized in that

[0113] (Configuration 4) Further comprising display control means for displaying a screen for allowing a user to select whether to set the setting value for executing the job to the initial value when set from the first operation mode to the second operation mode, The job control means, when the user selects to set the setting value for executing the job to the initial value, set the setting value for executing the job to the initial value, when the user selects not to set the setting value for executing the job to the initial value, set the setting value for executing the job to the setting value set by the user when the first operation mode was set. The image forming apparatus according to Configuration 2, characterized in that

[0114] (Configuration 5) Further comprising display control means for displaying a second screen for the user to set the setting value for executing the job The image forming apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that

[0115] (Configuration 6) The display control means, when the currently set mode is the second operation mode, display a representation that it is the second operation mode on the second screen The image forming apparatus according to Configuration 5, characterized in that

[0116] (Configuration 7) The display control means, when set from the second operation mode to the first operation mode, display the second screen based on the setting value stored in the storage means The image forming apparatus according to Configuration 5 or 6, characterized in that

[0117] (Configuration 8) When set to the first operation mode, if the setting value for executing the job via the second screen is changed by the user, the setting value stored in the storage means is updated with the changed setting value The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that

[0118] (Configuration 9) When a first operation is performed, set from the first operation mode to the second operation mode, The image forming apparatus further comprising operation mode control means for setting from the second operation mode to the first operation mode when a second operation is performed The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that

[0119] (Configuration 10) The first operation is an operation of pressing a button for switching the operation mode The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that

[0120] (Configuration 11) The second operation is an operation of pressing a button for switching the operation mode The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that

[0121] (Configuration 12) The second operation is an operation for instructing execution of the job The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that

[0122] (Configuration 13) The second operation is an operation for ending the running application The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that

[0123] (Configuration 14) Further comprising a scanner The job is a job for transmitting scan image data obtained by scanning a document by the scanner. The image forming apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 13, characterized in that.

[0124] (Configuration 15) The image forming apparatus according to Configuration 1, further comprising the storage means.

[0125] (Configuration 16) When set to the first operation mode, every time the set value for executing the job is changed by the user, the set value stored in the storage means is updated to the changed set value. The image forming apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 14, characterized in that.

[0126] (Configuration 17) The image forming apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 15, characterized in that the setting of the job by the user is accepted without authenticating the user.

[0127] (Configuration 18) A control method for an image forming apparatus that executes a job related to image processing, A first setting step of setting to a first operation mode in which set values set by the user for executing the job are stored in non-volatile storage means, A second setting step of setting to a second operation mode in which set values set by the user for executing the job are not stored in the storage means, A control method for an image forming apparatus, characterized by including.

[0128] (Configuration 19) A program for causing a computer to execute each means of the image forming apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 17.

Description of Signs

[0129] 100 Image forming apparatus 105 HDD 215 Operation Mode Control Unit

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus that executes a job related to image processing, a first operation mode for storing setting values set by a user for executing the job in a non-volatile storage means, a second operation mode for not storing the setting values set by the user for executing the job in the storage means, characterized in that it has an image forming apparatus.

2. When set from the second operation mode to the first operation mode, it further has job control means for setting the setting values for executing the job to the setting values stored in the storage means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it has an image forming apparatus.

3. The job control means When set from the first operation mode to the second operation mode, the setting values for executing the job are set to initial values. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that it has an image forming apparatus.

4. When set from the first operation mode to the second operation mode, it further has display control means for displaying a screen for allowing the user to select whether or not to set the setting values for executing the job to initial values. The job control means When the user selects to set the setting values for executing the job to initial values, the setting values for executing the job are set to initial values. When the user selects not to set the setting values for executing the job to initial values, the setting values for executing the job are set to the setting values set by the user when the first operation mode was set. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that it has an image forming apparatus.

5. It further has display control means for displaying a screen for setting the setting values for the user to execute the job. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it has an image forming apparatus.

6. The display control means When the currently set mode is the second operation mode, the screen is displayed with a display indicating that it is the second operation mode. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that it has an image forming apparatus.

7. The display control means When set from the second operation mode to the first operation mode, the screen based on the setting values stored in the storage means is displayed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that it has an image forming apparatus.

8. When set to the first operation mode, if the setting value for executing the job via the screen is changed by the user, the setting value stored in the storage means is updated with the changed setting value. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that.

9. When a first operation is performed, set from the first operation mode to the second operation mode, When a second operation is performed, further comprising operation mode control means for setting from the second operation mode to the first operation mode. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that.

10. The first operation is an operation of pressing a button for switching the operation mode. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that.

11. The second operation is an operation of pressing a button for switching the operation mode. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that.

12. The second operation is an operation for instructing execution of the job. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that.

13. The second operation is an operation for ending the running application. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that.

14. Further comprising a scanner, The job is a job of transmitting scan image data obtained by the scanner scanning a document. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that.

15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising the storage means.

16. When set to the first operation mode, every time the setting value for executing the job is changed by the user, the setting value stored in the storage means is updated with the changed setting value. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that.

17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by accepting the job setting by the user without performing user authentication.

18. A control method for an image forming apparatus that executes a job related to image processing, A first setting step of setting to a first operation mode in which setting values set by the user for executing the job are stored in non-volatile storage means, A second setting step of setting to a second operation mode in which setting values set by the user for executing the job are not stored in the storage means, A control method for an image forming apparatus, characterized by including.

19. A program for causing a computer to execute each means of the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

Images