Image forming apparatus and setting value calling method

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus that is excellent in operability for a user in calling a setting value.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises: a display unit that displays an execution screen reflecting a first setting value related to execution of a job; a storage unit that stores a second setting value related to execution of the job as collective setting; and a control unit that executes the job on the basis of the collective setting. When the first setting value is changed to a third setting value before an instruction to call the collective setting, the control unit displays, to a user, a confirmation screen for inquiring whether to discard the third setting value and update the first setting value with the second setting value, and updates the first setting value with either one setting value of the second setting value and the third setting value on the basis of the result of confirmation made by the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus and the like.

Background Art

[0002] In an image forming apparatus such as a multifunction peripheral, a job program is known as a technology for facilitating the order related to job settings.

[0003] A job program is a technology for permanently storing settings related to a job as a program, and represents a batch setting for registering setting values related to job processing at once. By calling the registered job program, the user can reduce the number of steps when executing the job.

[0004] Regarding the call of the registered job program, for example, Patent Document 1 describes that when a registered program is called after some settings related to a job are made by the user, the settings made by the user are overwritten with the settings set in the program.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an image forming apparatus and the like that are excellent in operability for the user with respect to the call of setting values.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, an image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a display unit that displays an execution screen reflecting a first set value related to the execution of a job, a storage unit that stores a second set value related to the execution of the job as a batch setting, and a control unit that executes the job based on the batch setting. Before the call instruction of the batch setting, when the first set value is changed to a third set value, the control unit displays a confirmation screen for asking the user whether to discard the third set value and update the first set value with the second set value, and based on the confirmation result by the user, updates the first set value with either the second set value or the third set value.

[0008] Also, a method for calling a set value according to the present disclosure displays an execution screen reflecting a first set value related to the execution of a job, stores a second set value related to the execution of the job as a batch setting, and before the call instruction of the batch setting, when the first set value is changed to a third set value, displays a confirmation screen for asking the user whether to discard the third set value and update the first set value with the second set value, and based on the confirmation result by the user, updates the first set value with either the second set value or the third set value.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus or the like with excellent operability for the user regarding the call of set values.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments are examples for explaining the present disclosure, and the technical content of the description described in the claims is not limited to the following description.

[0012] In some conventional image forming apparatuses, depending on the specifications, the calling of a registered job program (batch setting) is restricted after some settings related to a job are made by the user. In such an image forming apparatus with such specifications, if the user changes even one setting related to the job, it is necessary to reset the setting when calling the job program.

[0013] Also, in the technology according to Patent Document 1 described above, when a registered program is called after some settings related to a job are made by the user, the settings made by the user are overwritten with the settings set in the program, so there is a risk that the setting content by the user may be overwritten unintentionally.

[0014] In the present disclosure, with regard to the calling of setting values such as job programs registered in an image forming apparatus, an image forming apparatus and the like with excellent operability for the user are realized in the following embodiments.

[0015] [1 First Embodiment] In the first embodiment, when the setting value related to the execution of a job has been changed from the initial value preset by the user in the image forming apparatus before the calling instruction of the job program is made, the user is inquired whether to overwrite and update the setting value related to the execution of the job with the setting value related to the job program, and it is determined whether to update the setting value related to the execution of the job based on the setting value related to the job program or to update (change) it based on the setting value changed from the initial value by the user. [1.1 Functional Configuration] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view for explaining the overall configuration of the multifunction machine 10 as an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of the multifunction machine 10. The multifunction machine 10 is an example of an image forming apparatus capable of realizing various types of jobs such as printing, copying, faxing, and image transmission in one housing. In the first embodiment, the form of the multifunction machine 10 is described as an example of the image forming apparatus. However, the image forming apparatus is not particularly limited as long as it has a configuration capable of collectively setting setting values related to job processing as job programs, and may be a printer, a copier, a fax device, etc. that limit various types of job functions.

[0016] The multifunction machine 10 includes a control unit 11, a display unit 13, an operation input unit 15, a communication unit 17, an image forming unit 19, an image input unit 21, and a storage unit 23.

[0017] The control unit 11 controls the entire multifunction machine 10. The control unit 11 is composed of one or a plurality of processing devices (for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an SoC (System on Chip), etc.). The control unit 11 realizes its functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 23.

[0018] The display unit 13 is a display device that displays various types of information to the user and the like. The display unit 13 can be configured by, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, or the like. The display unit 13 displays a job execution screen and the like as an execution screen related to the execution of a job described later.

[0019] The operation input unit 15 is an input device that receives inputs such as information, operations, and instructions from the user and the like. The operation input unit 15 can be configured by various input devices such as operation keys like hard keys and software keys, and buttons. Note that the operation input unit 15 can be configured as a touch panel capable of input via the display unit 13. When the operation input unit 15 is configured as a touch panel, it can detect the user's touch operation on the display object displayed via the display unit 13. In this case, as the input method of the touch panel, for example, general methods such as a resistive film method, an infrared method, an electromagnetic induction method, and a capacitance method can be adopted.

[0020] The communication unit 17 includes, for example, a wired / wireless interface or both for communicating with other devices (such as external terminal devices not shown) via a network NW such as a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), the Internet, a telephone line, or a fax line. Further, for example, the communication unit 17 may include an interface related to (short-range) wireless communication technologies such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), IrDA (Infrared Data Association), and wireless USB (Universal Serial Bus).

[0021] The image forming unit 19 feeds the recording paper from the paper feed tray 25, forms an image based on the image information on the recording paper, and then discharges the recording paper to the paper discharge unit 27. The image forming unit 19 can be configured by, for example, a laser printer or the like using an electrophotographic method. In this case, the image forming unit 19 forms an image using toner supplied from a toner cartridge (not shown) according to the toner color (for example, cyan, magenta, yellow, black, etc.).

[0022] The image input unit 21 generates image information by scanning the original document. The image input unit 21 can be configured as a scanner device having, for example, an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CIS (Contact Image Sensor), an automatic document feeder (ADF), or a flatbed for placing and reading the original document. The configuration of the image input unit 21 is not particularly limited as long as it can generate image information by reading the reflected light from the original document image with the image sensor. Note that the image input unit 21 can also be configured as an interface capable of acquiring document data stored in an external storage medium such as a USB memory or a print job transmitted from an external terminal device.

[0023] The storage unit 23 is one or more storage devices that store various programs and various data necessary for the operation of the multifunction device 10. The storage unit 23 can be configured by, for example, storage devices such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a ROM (Read Only Memory).

[0024] In the first embodiment, the storage unit 23 stores a control program 231, a job control program 233, and a display control program 235, and secures a setting value storage area 237.

[0025] The control program 231 is a program that the control unit 11 reads when comprehensively controlling the multifunction machine 10. The control unit 11 that has read the control program 231 controls the driving of hardware such as the display unit 13, the operation input unit 15, the communication unit 17, the image forming unit 19, and the image input unit 21.

[0026] The job control program 233 is a program that the control unit 11 reads when executing jobs related to printing, copying, faxing, and image transmission. The control unit 11 that has read the job control program 233 shifts to a job mode (print mode, copy mode, fax mode, image transmission mode) for executing each job and executes the job. Note that when executing a job, the control unit 11 displays, on the touch panel configured as the operation input unit 15 (display unit 13), a job execution screen for receiving, as necessary, setting values and function selections necessary for job execution from the user. The control unit 11 executes each job based on the setting values and functions received via the job execution screen.

[0027] Also, the job control program 233 includes a job program 2331 and a setting value determination program 2333. The job program 2331 is a program that the control unit 11 reads when receiving a call instruction from the user, such as the selection of an operation button (call button) provided on a job execution screen or the like. The control unit 11 that has read the job program 2331 executes a job based on the setting values stored in the setting value storage area 237. In the present disclosure, the setting values stored at the time of registration of the job program 2331 and applied at the time of execution of the job program 2331 are referred to as second setting values.

[0028] The setting value determination program 2333 is a program that the control unit 11 reads in response to a call instruction of the job program 2331. The control unit 11 that has read the setting value determination program 2333 determines whether the setting value reflected when the job execution screen is displayed has been changed by an operation such as input or selection by the user. In the present disclosure, the setting value (initial value, default value) reflected when the job execution screen is displayed is referred to as the first setting value. Also, a setting value that has become a value different from the first setting value as a result of being input or selected by the user via the job execution screen is referred to as the third setting value.

[0029] The display control program 235 is a program that the control unit 11 reads when performing display control of a job execution screen or the like by adjusting the display position, display size, etc. of various contents displayed on the touch panel. The control unit 11 that has read the display control program 235 performs display control of an input object for receiving input of various setting values by the user, a selection object for receiving selection of setting values, functions, etc., and a display object for displaying a confirmation screen or the like described later.

[0030] The setting value storage area 237 is a storage area that stores the first setting value related to the execution of a job (the setting value when updated with the second setting value or the third setting value), the second setting value, etc. The setting value stored in the setting value storage area 237 is appropriately read by the control unit 11 that has read the job control program 233 and is used for the execution of the job.

[0031] [1.2 Flow of processing] Next, the flow of processing according to the first embodiment will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 3. The processing described in FIG. 3 is processing executed by the control unit 11 reading the control program 231, the job control program 233 (job program 2331, setting value determination program 2333), the display control program 235, etc.

[0032] First, the control unit 11 determines whether it has received an instruction to display a job execution screen related to jobs such as printing, copying, faxing, and image transmission (step S100). If it is determined that the instruction to display the job execution screen has been received, the control unit 11 reads the first set value related to the execution of the job from the set value storage area 237 (step S100; Yes → step S110).

[0033] Then, the control unit 11 displays the job execution screen reflecting the read first set value on the touch panel (step S120). If it is determined that the instruction to display the job execution screen has not been received, the control unit 11 waits until the instruction to display the job execution screen is received (step S100; No).

[0034] After the job execution screen is displayed, the control unit 11 determines whether it has received an instruction from the user to call the job program 2311 (step S130). If it is determined that the instruction from the user to call the job program 2311 has been received, the control unit 11 determines whether the first set value has been changed by the user to the third set value (step S130; Yes → step S140). If it is determined that the instruction from the user to call the job program 2311 has not been received, the control unit 11 continues to display the job execution screen (step S130; No → step S120).

[0035] If the control unit 11 determines that the first set value has not been changed by the user to the third set value, it updates the first set value with the second set value, which is the set value related to the job program 2331, and ends the process (step S140; No → step S150).

[0036] On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that the first set value has been changed by the user to the third set value, it discards the third set value and displays a confirmation screen on the touch panel to inquire the user whether to update the first set value with the second set value (step S140; Yes → step S160).

[0037] Then, the control unit 11 determines whether it has received an instruction (update permission instruction) from the user to permit updating the first set value with the second set value (step S170). If it is determined that the update permission instruction has not been received (step S170; No), the control unit 11 decides not to update the first set value with the second set value but to update (change) it with the third set value. Then, the control unit 11 updates (changes) the first set value with the third set value (step S180) and ends the process.

[0038] On the other hand, if it is determined that the update permission instruction has been received, the control unit 11 decides to update the first set value with the second set value and discards the third set value changed from the first set value (step S170; Yes → step S190). Then, the control unit 11 updates the first set value with the second set value (step S150) and ends the process. Incidentally, when updating the first set value with the second set value, all of the first set value is updated with the second set value. However, when updating the first set value with the third set value, the first set value that has not been changed to the third set value does not necessarily have to be updated.

[0039] [1.3 Operation Example] Next, an operation example according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a display configuration example of a copy job execution screen W10 which is an example of a job execution screen. The copy job execution screen W10 is a job execution screen that receives selection of set values and functions necessary for job execution from the user when executing a copy job. The copy job execution screen W10 can be displayed, for example, by selecting a migration instruction button to the copy mode provided on a home screen (not shown).

[0040] The copy job execution screen W10 includes a function menu area R10, a setting button switching button B16, a black-and-white start button B18, a color start button B20, a number-of-copies input box Bx10, and a reset button B22.

[0041] The function menu area R10 includes setting buttons for receiving input and selection of setting values for various setting items related to the execution of a copy job. FIG. 4 is an illustration showing, as an example of the setting buttons, a paper selection button B10, a duplex copy button B12, and a program call button B14 displayed in the function menu area R10. Here, the paper selection button B10 is a button for receiving selection of the paper to be used for copying. The duplex copy button B12 is a button for receiving selection of the operation mode of duplex copying (e.g., single-sided → single-sided, single-sided → double-sided). The program call button B14 is a button for receiving an instruction from the user to call the job program 2331. When the program call button B14 is selected by the user, the control unit 11 displays a job program selection screen to be described in the next figure and calls the registered job program 2331 selected by the user. Note that the setting buttons displayed in the function menu area R10 are not limited to the paper selection button B10, the duplex copy button B12, and the program call button B14. For example, it is also possible to arrange setting buttons related to reading settings for reading the original image and finishing settings such as the presence or absence of staples.

[0042] Also, FIG. 4 is also an illustration of a copy job execution screen W10 that the control unit 11 displays reflecting a first set value as an initial value (default) when an instruction to display a job execution screen is input by the user. FIG. 4 is an illustration showing, as an example of the first set value, the set value "A4" displayed in the display area of the paper selection button B10 and "single-sided → single-sided" displayed in the display area of the duplex copy button B12. Note that the first set value can be made to be displayed by sequentially switching the setting buttons displayed in the function menu area R10 by selecting the setting button switching button B16, thereby displaying the first set value corresponding to the setting button.

[0043] The black-and-white start button B18 is a button for receiving an execution instruction for copying with a black-and-white image. The color start button B36 is a button for receiving an execution instruction for copying with a color image. When receiving a selection instruction for the black-and-white start button B18 or the color start button B20, the control unit 11 executes a job related to copying.

[0044] The copy quantity input box Bx10 is an input box for receiving input of the copy quantity. Also, the reset button B22 is a button for receiving a reset instruction for the set values and function selections received on the copy job execution screen W10. When receiving a selection instruction for the reset button B22 by the user, the control unit 11 resets the received set values and function selections.

[0045] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of the display configuration of a job program selection screen W20 displayed by the control unit 11 in response to selection of the program call button B14 by the user. The job program selection screen W20 includes a job program selection area R12 and an OK button B24.

[0046] The job program selection area R12 is a display area that displays the registered job programs 2331 so that they can be selected. FIG. 5 is an example showing two registered job programs 2331 displayed in the job program selection area R12. The job programs 2331 can be provided with titles (program names) so that they can be distinguished among the job programs 2331. FIG. 5 shows that two job programs 2331, "2-up double-sided" as job program 1 and "untitled" as job program 2, are registered.

[0047] The OK button B24 is a button for receiving a confirmation instruction for the job program 2331 selected in the job program selection area R12. When at least one job program 2331 out of the job programs 2331 displayed in the job program selection area R12 is selected by the user and the OK button B24 is selected, the control unit 11 executes the processes after step S130 in FIG. 3 regarding the call of the selected job program 2331.

[0048] FIG. 6 is an operation example corresponding to the process according to step S140; No → step S150 in FIG. 3, and is a diagram for explaining a display configuration example of the copy job execution screen W30 in which the control unit 11 updates the first set value with the second set value which is the set value related to the job program 2331 when it is determined that the first set value has not been changed to the third set value by the user.

[0049] In FIG. 6, a case where the job program 2331 related to "2-up double-sided" is selected by the user on the job program selection screen W20 in FIG. 5 will be described.

[0050] On the copy job execution screen W10 illustrated in FIG. 4, when the first set value is not changed by the user, in response to the call instruction of the job program 2331 related to "2-up double-sided", the first set value is updated with the second set value related to the job program 2331 related to "2-up double-sided" (for example, the N-up print button B26 (2-up), the double-sided copy button B12 (double-sided → double-sided)).

[0051] FIG. 7 is an operation example corresponding to the process according to step S140; Yes → step S160 in FIG. 3, and is a diagram for explaining a display configuration example of the confirmation screen M10 for asking the user whether to discard the third set value and update the first set value with the second set value when the control unit 11 determines that the first set value has been changed to the third set value by the user.

[0052] In the copy job execution screen W10 illustrated in FIG. 4, when the user changes the first setting value to the third setting value (for example, paper selection: from A4 to A3, double-sided copy: single-sided → single-sided to double-sided → single-sided), the control unit 11, in response to the call instruction of the job program 2331 related to "2-up double-sided", displays a confirmation screen M10 to inquire whether to update the first setting value with the second setting value (N-up printing (2-up), double-sided copy (double-sided → double-sided)) related to the job program 2331 related to "2-up double-sided".

[0053] The confirmation screen M10 includes, for example, an inquiry content such as "Do you want to discard the current settings (the third setting value) and call the program?", an OK button B28, and a cancel button B30. When the user checks the inquiry content and permits the update of the first setting value with the second setting value related to the job program 2331, the user selects the OK button B28. When receiving the selection instruction of the OK button B28 by the user, the control unit 11 discards the third setting value changed by the user on the copy job execution screen W10, and updates the first setting value with the second setting value (N-up printing (2-up), double-sided copy (double-sided → double-sided)) related to the job program 2331 related to "2-up double-sided". On the other hand, when the user checks the inquiry content and deems it not possible to update the first setting value with the second setting value related to the job program 2331, the user selects the cancel button B30. When receiving the selection instruction of the cancel button B30 by the user, the control unit 11 does not update the first setting value with the second setting value related to the job program 2331, and maintains the third setting value changed by the user on the copy job execution screen W10.

[0054] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of the display configuration of the copy job execution screen W40 in which the third setting value is maintained when the selection instruction of the cancel button B30 by the user is received on the confirmation screen M10 of FIG. 7.

[0055] The copy job execution screen W40 according to FIG. 8 has the same configuration as the copy job execution screen W10, and shows that the third set value (for example, paper selection: from A4 to A3, double-sided copy: single-sided → single-sided to double-sided → single-sided) changed by the user is maintained.

[0056] As described above, according to the first embodiment, when the set value related to the execution of the job is changed by the user from the initial value preset in the image forming apparatus before the call instruction of the job program is made, the user is inquired whether to overwrite and update the set value related to the execution of the job with the set value related to the job program, and it is determined whether to update the set value related to the execution of the job based on the set value related to the job program or to update (change) it based on the set value changed by the user from the initial value. Therefore, it is possible to facilitate the update of the set value related to the call of the job program and prevent the setting content by the user from being overwritten unintentionally.

[0057] [2 Second Embodiment] In the second embodiment, in the first embodiment, when the first set value is changed to the third set value by the user, the changed third set value (set item) is displayed, and instead of the second set value corresponding to the set item, a selection of the third set value for updating the first set value is received.

[0058] Regarding the functional configuration and processing flow of the multifunction machine 10 according to the second embodiment, since it can be the same as that described in the first embodiment, the description here is omitted.

[0059] [2.1 Operation Example] In the second embodiment, in the flowchart of FIG. 3 according to the first embodiment, when the first set value has been changed to the third set value (step S140; Yes), the control unit 11 displays a change setting display screen W50 illustrated in FIG. 9 instead of the confirmation screen M10 (see FIG. 7) displayed in step S160.

[0060] FIG. 9 is an example of the display configuration of the change setting display screen W50 according to the second embodiment. The change setting display screen W50 includes a change setting display area R14 and an OK button B32.

[0061] The change setting display area R14 is a display area that displays setting items related to the third set value changed by the user. The setting items (third set value) displayed in the change setting display area R14 are configured to be selectable by the user one or more times. FIG. 9 is an example in which the change setting display area R14 displays "paper selection" and "duplex copying" as setting items related to the third set value changed by the user.

[0062] The OK button B32 is a button for receiving a selection confirmation instruction for the setting items related to the third set value displayed in the change setting display area R14. When, for example, a setting item related to "paper selection" is selected by the user and the OK button B32 is selected, the control unit 11 receives a selection for replacing the third set value related to the "paper selection" with the second set value of the setting item "paper selection" in the job program 2331 and making it an update target for the first set value.

[0063] The control unit 11 performs the update process in step S150 of FIG. 3 using the third set value received as an update target for the first set value. In this case, the third set value (setting item) selected in the change setting display area R14 is not subject to the deletion process in step S190. If the OK button B32 is selected without any of the setting items displayed in the change setting display area R14 being selected, the update target for the first set value is the second set value.

[0064] If the combination of the third set value related setting item selected in place of the second set value and other second set values related to the job program 2331 becomes impossible, the control unit 11 can also limit the selection of the third set value.

[0065] For example, FIG. 10 shows a display configuration example of a notification screen M12 that notifies that the setting item related to "double-sided copy" cannot be selected when "double-sided copy" is selected by the user as the setting item related to the third setting value in the change setting display area R14 illustrated in FIG. 9, due to reasons such as a conflict with the function related to "card scan" or inability to be combined in terms of specifications.

[0066] Also, FIG. 11 has the same purport as FIG. 10 and shows a display configuration example of a notification screen M14 that notifies that the function related to "card scan" becomes invalid when a setting item related to the third setting value is selected (for example, "This function cannot be selected. It is restricted by the following functions. Is it okay if the following setting becomes invalid? Card scan").

[0067] FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a data configuration example of a determination table for the control unit 11 to determine whether a combination with another second setting value related to the job program 2331 becomes impossible for the selected setting item related to the third setting value.

[0068] In the figure, the rows marked as "previous setting" represent the second setting values (setting items) related to the job program 2331, and the columns marked as "subsequent setting" in the figure represent the third setting values (setting items). Here, "Yes" in the figure indicates that there is no problem with the combination of the second setting value (setting item) and the third setting value (setting item), and "No" in the figure indicates that the combination of the second setting value (setting item) and the third setting value (setting item) is impossible.

[0069] For example, when "duplex copying (duplex → simplex)" is selected by the user as the setting item related to the third setting value, this selection corresponds to the combination of the row "card scan" and the column "duplex copying" (the dotted frame in the figure). Since the combination of "duplex copying" as the setting item related to the third setting value and "card scan" as the setting item related to the second setting value corresponds to "No" (not allowed), these setting items cannot be combined. The control unit 11 can determine the permissibility of the combination of the setting item related to the third setting value and the setting item related to the second setting value by referring to the determination table illustrated in FIG. 12.

[0070] As described above, according to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects according to the first embodiment, since it is possible to select a third setting value (setting item) as the update target for the first setting value instead of the second setting value, a job program call with better convenience can be performed. Also, when the combination of the selected third setting value (setting item) and another second setting value (setting item) related to the job program is not allowed, since that fact is notified or the function related to the other second setting value (setting item) is restricted, the user can make an appropriate job program call.

[0071] [3 Third Embodiment] In the third embodiment, the setting items to be displayed in the change setting display area R14 of the change setting display screen W50 illustrated in FIG. 9 include, in addition to the setting items related to the third setting value (second embodiment) changed by the user, other setting items that are updated in response to a call instruction of the job program 2331.

[0072] Regarding the functional configuration and processing flow of the multifunction device 10 according to the third embodiment, since they can be the same as those described in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the description here is omitted.

[0073] [3.1 Operation Example] FIG. 13 is an example of the display configuration of the change setting confirmation screen W60 according to the third embodiment. The change setting confirmation screen W60 includes a change setting display area R16, a scroll bar SB10, and an OK button B32.

[0074] The change setting confirmation screen W60 has the same configuration as the change setting display area R14 illustrated in FIG. 9, and in addition to the setting items related to the third set value changed by the user (for example, "paper selection" and "duplex copying"), it also includes other setting items (for example, "magnification", "original document") that are updated in response to the call instruction of the job program 2331. It is a display area for displaying.

[0075] For other setting items that cannot be displayed at once in the change setting display area R16, they can be displayed by scrolling the scroll bar SB10 provided on the right end side of the change setting display area R16 downward in the figure.

[0076] At this time, in the change setting display area R16, it is also possible to display them in a distinguishable manner by making the display forms (for example, display character font, display character size, display character color, frame, etc.) of the setting items related to the third set value changed by the user and other setting items different. By making the display forms of the setting items related to the third set value changed by the user and other setting items different, the user can easily distinguish the third set value he / she changed from other set values updated along with the call instruction of the job program 2331.

[0077] As described above, according to the third embodiment, in addition to the effects according to the second embodiment, other set values (setting items) updated in response to the call instruction of the job program are also displayed together, so that the user can grasp the overall picture of the set values (setting items) updated along with the call instruction of the job program.

[0078] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible. That is, embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means modified within the scope not departing from the gist of the present disclosure are also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0079] In addition, although the above-described embodiments have parts that are separately described for convenience of explanation, it goes without saying that they may be combined and executed within a technically possible range.

[0080] Also, the programs that operate in each device in the embodiment are programs that control a CPU or the like (programs that enable a computer to function) so as to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments. And the information handled by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (for example, RAM) during its processing, and then stored in a storage device such as various ROMs (Read Only Memory) or HDDs, and read by the CPU as necessary for correction and writing.

[0081] Here, as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which a program in an information processing apparatus is recorded, a semiconductor medium (for example, ROM, non-volatile memory card, etc.), an optical recording medium or magneto-optical recording medium (for example, DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), MO (Magneto Optical Disc), MD (Mini Disc), CD (Compact Disc), BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc, etc.)), a magnetic recording medium (for example, magnetic tape, flexible disk, etc.), or the like may be used. In this case, the program recorded on the recording medium is read by the computer of the information processing apparatus and executed by the computer, so that not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also based on the instructions of the program, the functions of the present disclosure are realized by processing in cooperation with an operating system or other application programs.

[0082] When distributing it on the market, the program can be stored in a portable recording medium for distribution, or transferred to a server computer connected via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the storage device of the server computer is of course also included in the present disclosure.

[0083] In addition, each functional block or various features of the devices used in the above-described embodiments can also be implemented and executed by an electric circuit, for example, an integrated circuit or a plurality of integrated circuits. The electric circuit designed to realize the functions described in this specification may include a general-purpose use processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gates or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or a combination thereof. The general-purpose use processor may be a microprocessor, or a conventional type processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The above-described electric circuit may be composed of a digital circuit or an analog circuit. Further, when an integrated circuit technology that replaces the current integrated circuit appears due to the progress of semiconductor technology, one or more aspects of the present disclosure can also use a new integrated circuit by such technology.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0084] 10 Multifunction device 11 Control unit 13 Display unit 15 Operation input unit 17 Communication unit 19 Image forming unit 21 Image input unit 23 Storage unit 231 Control program 233 Job control program 2331 Job program 2333 Setting value determination program 235 Display control program 237 Setting value storage area

Claims

1. A display unit that displays an execution screen reflecting a first setting value related to the execution of a job; A storage unit that stores, as a batch setting, a second setting value related to the execution of the job; A control unit that executes the job based on the batch setting, wherein the control unit before the call instruction of the batch setting, when the first setting value has been changed to a third setting value, displays a confirmation screen for inquiring the user whether to discard the third setting value and update the first setting value with the second setting value, An image forming apparatus, characterized in that the first setting value is updated with either the second setting value or the third setting value based on the confirmation result by the user.

2. wherein the control unit when the confirmation result by the user indicates that the first setting value is to be updated with the second setting value, updates the first setting value with the second setting value, according to the image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

3. wherein the control unit when the confirmation result by the user indicates that the first setting value is not to be updated with the second setting value, updates the first setting value with the third setting value, according to the image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

4. wherein the control unit when the first setting value has been changed to the third setting value, displays a screen for receiving a selection from the user as to whether to replace the third setting value corresponding to the changed first setting value with the second setting value and make the second setting value the update target for the first setting value, and receives a selection from the user as to whether the third setting value is to be the update target for the first setting value, according to the image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

5. wherein the control unit when a selection to make the third setting value the update target for the first setting value is received, when a combination with other second setting values related to the batch setting is not possible for the selected third setting value, restricts the selection of the third setting value, according to the image forming apparatus according to claim 2.

6. wherein the control unit displays a notification screen notifying that the selected third setting value cannot be selected in combination with the other second setting values, according to the image forming apparatus according to claim 5.

7. wherein the control unit When the third setting value is selected as an update target for the first setting value, notify that the settings related to the other second setting values become invalid, and perform control to invalidate the settings based on the other second setting values. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that.

8. The control unit Regarding the display of the third setting value corresponding to the changed first setting value, the image forming apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that all other second setting values included as the batch setting are also displayed.

9. Display an execution screen reflecting the first setting value related to the execution of the job, Store the second setting values related to the execution of the job as a batch setting, Before the call instruction of the batch setting, if the first setting value has been changed to a third setting value, display a confirmation screen for asking the user whether to discard the third setting value and update the first setting value with the second setting value, A method for calling a setting value, characterized in that the first setting value is updated with either the second setting value or the third setting value based on the confirmation result by the user.

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