Image processing apparatus

Abstract

To provide an image processing apparatus that displays history buttons specialized for an image process corresponding to a currently selected function button and can thus improve user convenience by eliminating complexity such as difficulty of finding the history buttons.SOLUTION: An image processing apparatus includes an operation panel. The operation panel is capable of displaying both a main screen and a sub screen 121. The main screen has a menu area where a plurality of function buttons corresponding to a kind of an image process are arrayed. The sub screen has a reception area 121a that transitions from the main screen after one of the function buttons is selected to accept an instruction related to the currently selected function button. The sub screen further has a history display area 121b displayed alongside the reception area, the history display area displaying a plurality of history buttons including information on image processing that has been completed in the past and being specific to the image processing corresponding to the selected function button.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image processing apparatus. Image processing refers to various processes related to the handling of images, such as printing of images, scanning of images, transmission and reception of image files, and the like.

Background Art

[0002] An image processing apparatus capable of displaying the history of image processing is known (for example, Patent Document 1 below). For example, the image processing apparatus of Patent Document 1 displays a plurality of buttons (history buttons) related to the history of image processing in the order of the execution date and time of image processing on an operation panel. Each history button displays the type of image processing (copying, scanning, etc.), the conditions of image processing (number of copies, color or monochrome printing, single-sided or double-sided printing, etc.), and the execution date and time of image processing. When any one of the history buttons is selected via an operation panel with a touch panel, the conditions of the image processing corresponding to that history button are set as the conditions for the image processing to be performed hereafter. Thereby, the conditions set in the past can be used easily.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0004] An image processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes an operation panel capable of realizing a predetermined display form. The operation panel is capable of displaying a main screen and a sub-screen. The main screen has a menu area in which a plurality of function buttons corresponding to types of image processing are arranged. The sub-screen has a reception area that transitions from the main screen after one of the function buttons is selected and receives an instruction for image processing related to the selected function button. A first history display area for displaying a plurality of history buttons including information on image processing completed in the past specialized for the image processing corresponding to the selected function button is displayed beside the reception area on the sub-screen.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0005]

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BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0006] (Overview of the Image Processing Apparatus) FIG. 1 is an external view of the image processing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image processing apparatus 1.

[0007] The image processing apparatus 1 is configured as a multifunction device and includes, for example, the following components: A printer 3 for printing. A scanner 5 for reading images. A communication unit 7 for communicating with the outside. An operation panel 9 for receiving user operations. A CPU 11 (Central Processing Unit) for performing various calculations. A storage unit 13 for storing various information. A housing 15 for holding these components.

[0008] The operation panel 9 is provided on the upper part of the housing 15 and includes a touch panel. The operation panel 9 may include operation targets other than the touch panel such as physical buttons. However, in the description of the embodiment, there may be expressions assuming that the operation panel 9 is composed only of the touch panel.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the main screen 101 displayed on the operation panel 9. Here, the home screen is shown as an example of the main screen 101.

[0010] The main screen 101 is a screen that is displayed, for example, when a user starts using the image processing apparatus 1 or when in a standby state. From another perspective, the main screen 101 is a screen that is launched when the image processing apparatus 1 is powered on, when the image processing apparatus 1 resumes from the sleep mode, and / or when user authentication in the image processing apparatus 1 is successful.

[0011] On the main screen 101, for example, a menu area 101a and a history display area (timeline display area) 101b are displayed side by side. The menu area 101a displays a partial area of the main area 103. The range that the partial area occupies in the main area 103 may be indicated by a scroll bar 111. Also, the history display area 101b displays a partial area of the history area (timeline area) 105. The range that the partial area occupies in the history area 105 may be indicated by a scroll bar 113.

[0012] In the menu area 101a (main area 103), a plurality of function buttons 107 corresponding to types of image processing are arranged. The plurality of function buttons 107 are for selecting any one function from different functions (image processing from another perspective). The function button 107 displays information about the function corresponding to itself. In FIG. 3, as functions, "Copy", "Print", "Scan", "FAX (Facsimile)", "Mail", and "Document Box" are exemplified. When a predetermined operation (for example, one touch (for example, tap)) is performed on any one of the function buttons 107, for example, the screen displayed on the operation panel 9 switches to a screen (sub-screen 121 (for example, FIG. 4)) for performing an operation related to the function corresponding to the function button 107. That is, after selecting one of the function buttons 107 on the main screen 101, the main screen 101 transitions to the sub-screen 121. The operations related to the function are, for example, an operation for executing image processing and an operation for setting conditions of image processing (for example, the paper size when copying, etc.).

[0013] The history area 105 has a plurality of history buttons 109. Each history button 109 contains (displays) information regarding image processing (functions) performed in the past. In FIG. 3, as the information of the image processing displayed on the history button 109, the date and time when the image processing was executed, the type of the image processing (exemplified as "Copy", "FAX", or "Mail" in FIG. 3), and the conditions of the image processing (exemplified as "Color", "Black and White", etc. in FIG. 3) are exemplified. In addition, a communication destination (hereinafter also referred to as a destination) may be displayed on the history button 109. When a predetermined operation (for example, a single touch (for example, a tap)) is performed on any one of the history buttons 109, the screen displayed on the operation panel 9 switches to, for example, a history usage screen (not shown) for using the history information corresponding to the history button 109.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a sub-screen 121 displayed on the operation panel 9. More specifically, an example of the sub-screen 121 when the "Copy" function button 107 among the six function buttons 107 exemplified in FIG. 3 is selected is shown. The sub-screen 121 is a screen regarding the image processing corresponding to the selected function button 107. The sub-screen 121 includes a reception area 121a for receiving an instruction for the image processing regarding the currently selected function button 107, and a history display area 121b including a plurality of history buttons 134 containing information on image processing completed in the past specialized for the image processing corresponding to the currently selected function button 107, which are displayed side by side. The history display area 121b displays a partial area of the history area (timeline area) 135. The range occupied by the partial area in the history area 135 may be indicated by a scroll bar 123.

[0015] The image processing apparatus 1 may or may not have a function to identify a user (including a user group unless otherwise specified and as long as there are no contradictions or the like. The same applies hereinafter). For the sake of simplicity in explanation, for convenience, an aspect regardless of the presence or absence of such an identification function and authentication function is referred to as the first embodiment, and an aspect assuming an authentication function is referred to as the second embodiment, which will be described in order. However, for convenience, in the description of the first embodiment as well, there may be references to information, configurations, and operations on the premise that the image processing apparatus 1 has a function to identify (and further authenticate) a user.

[0016] <First Embodiment> Hereinafter, the image processing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be schematically described in the following order. 1.1. Terms and the like 1.2. Configuration of the image processing apparatus 1 (Figs. 1 and 2) 1.3. Operations of the image processing apparatus 1 related to the main screen 101 (Fig. 3) 1.4. Operations of the image processing apparatus 1 related to the sub-screen 121 (Figs. 4 to 6)

[0017] (1.1. Terms and the like) "Image" may include only characters. The format of "image data" may be various, for example, it may be in vector format or raster format. In the description of the embodiment, for convenience, "image" and "image data" may not be strictly distinguished.

[0018] "Image data" may be appropriately converted in format during the process of image processing. For example, the image data may be different when it is stored in the image processing apparatus 1 and when image processing (such as printing, scanning, FAX, transmission / reception of image files, etc.) is performed. However, in the description of the embodiments, for the sake of convenience, the description of such format conversion may be omitted, and the image data before and after the conversion may be described as the same. Also, the image data may be modified such that the image quality changes or a part of the image is cut out when image processing is performed. Even in such cases, in the description of the embodiments, for the sake of convenience, the image data before and after the modification may not be distinguished.

[0019] The information displayed on various parts of the various screens of the operation panel 9 (for example, the history buttons 109, 134) may be displayed by, for example, text and / or by symbol images. In the description of the embodiments, for example, when information is displayed on the operation panel 9 or when a part (such as a button) displayed on the operation panel 9 contains information, unless there is a particular contradiction, etc., the above information may be displayed by text and / or symbol images. Examples of the parts where the information is displayed include, in addition to the history buttons 109, 134, the function buttons 107, the execution button 125, the setting button 131 (described later), the return button 133 (described later), the areas around these buttons, and the title bars 115 and 127 (described later).

[0020] "Text" may refer to, for example, information displayed as a character string and / or information displayed based on text data. Therefore, for example, the text may be a character string displayed based on image data, or may be a symbol or only one character displayed based on text data. "Symbol image" may refer to, for example, information displayed as a symbol or a figure, etc., and / or information displayed based on image data. Therefore, for example, the symbol image may be a symbol displayed based on text data, or may be one or more characters displayed based on image data. As can be understood from the above description, text and symbol image may be classifications that partially overlap.

[0021] The "button" displayed on the operation panel 9 does not have to imitate a physical button. For example, the button may be indicated only by text and / or a symbol image, and may not have a frame line surrounding the text and / or the symbol image. Also, from another perspective, for example, the boundary between the area for detecting the user's operation and the surrounding area does not have to be expressed by a frame line or a difference in color.

[0022] In the description of the embodiment, for convenience, terms indicating specific modes such as "tap", "double tap", and "long tap" may be used for operations on the operation panel 9. However, these terms may be generalized to the upper concept of "predetermined operation".

[0023] (1.2. Configuration of the Image Processing Apparatus) The image processing apparatus 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 has an operation panel 9 and is configured to be capable of performing one or more types of image processing. Its specific configuration may be various configurations, for example, it may be a known configuration. In the present embodiment, as described above, a printer 3, a scanner 5, and a communication unit 7 are provided as the configuration for performing image processing. As modes different from the present embodiment, for example, there are a mode having only one of the printer 3 and the scanner 5, and a mode not having the communication unit 7. Also, the configurations of each part (3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 13) of the image processing apparatus 1 may be various configurations, for example, they may be known configurations.

[0024] The image processing apparatus 1 has, for example, a housing 15 that houses the various components (3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 13) described above. The size and shape of the image processing apparatus 1 (or the housing 15 from another perspective) are arbitrary. For example, the image processing apparatus 1 may have a size (mass) that can be carried by one person like a home multifunction device or printer, or may have a size (mass) that cannot be carried by one person like a business multifunction device or printer.

[0025] The operation method (or social positioning from another perspective) of the image processing apparatus 1 is arbitrary. For example, the image processing apparatus 1 may be placed at home and used for household or personal use, or may be placed in a company and used by specific multiple users, or may be placed in a store such as a convenience store and used by an unspecified number of users. Note that when it is assumed that an unspecified number of users will use it, the image processing apparatus 1 may authenticate the users and permit access only to the image data related to those users.

[0026] The configuration of the printer 3 is arbitrary. For example, the printer 3 may be configured to perform printing on a sheet of paper (sheet-fed paper from another perspective) placed in a tray (not shown) and discharge the printed paper. The printer 3 may have only one tray or may have a plurality of trays. The plurality of trays contribute to accommodating, for example, sheets of different sizes. From another perspective, the printer 3 may or may not have a function of selecting the size of the paper. In the description of this embodiment, the former will be taken as an example. Also, the printer 3 may be configured to be capable of color (as well as monochrome and grayscale) printing, may be configured to be capable of only grayscale (and monochrome) printing, or may be configured to be capable of only monochrome printing. In the description of this embodiment, a configuration capable of color printing will be taken as an example.

[0027] Also, for example, the printer 3 may be an inkjet printer that discharges ink to perform printing, may be a thermal printer that heats thermal paper or an ink ribbon to perform printing, or may be an electrophotographic printer (e.g., a laser printer) that transfers toner attached to a photoreceptor irradiated with light. The inkjet printer may be a piezo type that applies pressure to the ink by a piezoelectric body or a thermal type that applies pressure to the ink by bubbles generated in the heated ink. Also, for example, the printer 3 may be a line printer in which the head has a length extending across the width of the paper (the direction intersecting the paper conveyance direction), or may be a serial printer in which the head moves in the width direction of the paper.

[0028] The scanner 5, for example, although not particularly shown, scans by imaging a document placed on the document glass along the document glass by a plurality of imaging elements that move under the document glass.

[0029] The communication unit 7 enables communication between the image processing apparatus 1 and other devices. Examples of other devices include a personal computer (PC), a mobile terminal (such as a smartphone), other image processing apparatuses, and a server. Examples of the server include a file server, a mail server, and a Web server. The communication may be directly performed with other devices or may be indirectly performed via a network. Examples of the network include a telephone network, the Internet, a private network, and a LAN (Local Area Network). Also, the communication may be wired communication, wireless communication, short-distance communication, or long-distance communication.

[0030] The image processing apparatus 1 may be configured to enable any one or more of the various communications as described above. In the description of this embodiment, an aspect in which the image processing apparatus 1 enables the various communications as described above is taken as an example. Although not particularly illustrated, the communication unit 7 includes various components for realizing the various communications as described above. The communication unit 7 may be regarded as including only a hardware configuration (for example, a connector, an antenna, an amplifier, a filter, an RF (Radio Frequency) circuit), or may be regarded as including a software configuration (a functional unit constructed by a CPU executing a program) in addition to the hardware configuration.

[0031] As described above, the operation panel 9 includes a touch panel. Although not particularly illustrated, the touch panel has a display device and a position input device that overlaps the screen of the display device. The configurations of the display device and the position input device are arbitrary.

[0032] For example, the display device may be constituted by a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. These displays have a relatively large number of pixels arranged regularly and can display an image including an arbitrary shape based on image data. The display device may be capable of displaying a color image, or may be capable of displaying only a grayscale image (and monochrome image), or may be capable of displaying only a monochrome image (binary image).

[0033] Also, for example, the position input device may be an electrostatic type or a pressure-sensitive type. The electrostatic type detects a change in capacitance on the screen and / or in its vicinity accompanying the contact or proximity of a finger or a pen. The pressure-sensitive type detects the pressure applied to the screen. In addition, the position input device may be one that utilizes surface acoustic waves, one that utilizes infrared light, or one that utilizes electromagnetic induction. Also, the position input device may not require a dedicated pen or may require a dedicated pen.

[0034] In the description of this embodiment, for convenience, the operation on the operation panel 9 (operation on software buttons, etc.) may be expressed in terms of contact. However, as understood from the above description, the operation may be detected in a non-contact state.

[0035] The CPU 11 constructs a functional unit that executes various processes by executing the programs stored in the storage unit 13. Examples of such a functional unit include a control unit. The control unit controls the operations of the printer 3, the scanner 5, the communication unit 7, and the operation panel 9. Note that the control unit may include a logic circuit configured to perform only certain operations in addition to the part constructed by the CPU 11.

[0036] The memory unit 13 includes, for example, various memories such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and an auxiliary storage device, although not particularly shown. Note that the combination of the CPU 11 and the memory unit 13 may be regarded as a computer. The program for the above-described CPU 11 to construct the control unit 17 is stored, for example, in the ROM and / or the auxiliary storage device of the memory unit 13.

[0037] The above-described various components (3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 13) are connected, for example, by a bus 21. In FIG. 2, all the components are schematically connected to one bus 21. In an actual product, a plurality of buses may be connected in an appropriate form. For example, an address bus, a data bus, and a control bus may be provided. Also, a crossbar switch and / or a link bus may be applied. Further, an interface (not shown) may be interposed between the bus 21 and each unit (3, 5, 7, and 9, etc.).

[0038] FIG. 2 is merely a schematic diagram. Therefore, for example, the CPU and the memory unit (the control unit from another perspective) may be provided in a plurality and dispersed. For example, a CPU (a control unit that controls each unit from another perspective) included in each unit (3, 5, 7, and / or 9) and a higher-level CPU (a higher-level control unit that controls the control unit of each unit) may be provided. In such a case, the control unit mentioned in the description of the embodiment may be regarded as the higher-level control unit, or may be regarded as a combination of the control unit of each unit and the higher-level control unit. As understood from the above, the control unit and each unit (3, 5, 7, and / or 9) do not necessarily have to be clearly distinguishable.

[0039] (1.3. Operation of the Image Processing Apparatus Related to the Main Screen) The main screen 101 shown in FIG. 3 is displayed, for example, across the entire screen of the operation panel 9. The main screen 101 may include, for example, as described above, a main area 103, a history area 105, and scroll bars 111 and 113 (may be displayed).

[0040] On the main screen 101, a menu area 101a and a history display area 101b are displayed side by side. The history display area 101b includes a plurality of history buttons 109 that contain information on image processing completed in the past regarding a plurality of types of image processing corresponding to the function buttons 107 in the menu area 101a. In addition, the main screen 101 may include appropriate parts such as a title bar 115 at the topmost part.

[0041] Below, a general explanation will be given in the following order. 1.3.1. Operations of the image processing apparatus 1 related to the main area 103 1.3.2. Operations of the image processing apparatus 1 related to the history area 105 (mainly operations until transitioning to the sub-screen 121)

[0042] (1.3.1. Operations of the image processing apparatus related to the main area) The display mode of the main area 103 and the processing executed when any one of the function buttons 107 is selected may be various, and for example, it may be the same as known ones.

[0043] In the example of FIG. 3, as described above, a partial area of the main area 103 is displayed in the menu area 101a. Different from the illustrated example, the entire main area 103 may be displayed in the menu area 101a. From another perspective, the plurality of function buttons 107 may be provided in a number greater than the upper limit number that can be displayed simultaneously (illustrated example), or may be provided in a number less than or equal to the upper limit number. In the mode where a partial area of the main area 103 is displayed in the menu area 101a, the scrolling direction (left - right direction in the illustrated example) is arbitrary.

[0044] The number of the plurality of function buttons 107 and the types of functions corresponding to the function buttons 107 may be set as appropriate. The number of the function buttons 107 may be increased or decreased by the user. The function buttons 107 illustrated in FIG. 3 are as follows.

[0045] Note that, hereinafter, the function button 107 may be referred to by the text displayed within the function button 107. The same applies to other buttons.

[0046] "Copy" is for setting and / or executing the function (copy function) of printing the image read by the scanner 5 on the printer 3.

[0047] "Print" is for setting and / or executing the function of printing an image based on data stored in a recording medium (not shown) connected to the image processing apparatus 1 on the printer 3. The recording medium is, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. Note that in the description of the embodiment, when referring to "print", unless otherwise specified and as long as there are no contradictions, it is not limited to that by the "Print" of this function button 107 (for example, printing by receiving a print job from the outside may be included). Please note this.

[0048] "Scan" is for setting and / or executing the function related to saving the image read by the scanner 5 as data. Note that the storage destination is, for example, an auxiliary storage device (non-volatile memory from another perspective) including the storage unit 13, a recording medium connected to the image processing apparatus 1, or another device that communicates with the image processing apparatus 1 via the communication unit 7. Note that in the description of the embodiment, when referring to "scan", unless otherwise specified and as long as there are no contradictions, it is not limited to that by the "Scan" of this function button 107 (for example, scanning performed in copying may be included). Please note this.

[0049] "FAX" is for setting and / or executing related to FAX. In FAX transmission, for example, the image of the transmission original is read by the scanner 5, and the data of the read image is transmitted by the communication unit 7. In FAX reception, for example, the data of the image is received by the communication unit 7, and printing based on the received image data is performed by the printer 3.

[0050] "Mail" is for the setting and / or execution related to email, and is used for sending and receiving confirmation of emails with attached image files, etc. In this function, for example, part or all of the content of an email received by the communication unit 7 may be printed by the printer 3. And / or, the image data read by the scanner 5 may be attached to an email in the form of an image file and sent by the communication unit 7. Further, the image data stored in the document box may be attached in the form of an image file and included in the email sent by the communication unit 7.

[0051] "Document box" is for the setting and / or execution related to the function of browsing information of any number of image data stored in an auxiliary storage device (non-volatile memory from another perspective) included in the storage unit 13, and performing image processing on the selected image data. The image processing is, for example, printing, transmission by FAX or transmission by email.

[0052] As described above, for example, when any of the function buttons 107 is tapped, the screen displayed on the operation panel 9 switches to a sub-screen 121 (for example, FIG. 4) for performing operations related to the function corresponding to the function button 107. FIG. 4 shows the sub-screen that transitions when the function button 107 corresponding to "Copy" is selected.

[0053] (1.3.2. Operation of the image processing apparatus related to the history area) The display mode of the history area 105 may be various, and for example, it may be the same as known ones.

[0054] The position, shape, and area of the history display area 101b are arbitrary. In the example of FIG. 3, the history display area 101b is located on one side in the horizontal direction (the right side in the illustrated example) in the rectangular main screen 101 with the horizontal direction as the longitudinal direction (the entire screen of the operation panel 9 from another perspective), and is in the shape of a rectangle with the vertical direction as the longitudinal direction. The width of the history display area 101b is less than 1 / 2 or less than 1 / 3 of the width of the main screen 101. Note that, among the main screen 101, most (for example, 80% or more) excluding the history display area 101b is the menu area 101a.

[0055] In the example of FIG. 3, as described above, a part of the history area 105 is displayed in the history display area 101b. Different from the illustrated example, all of the history area 105 may be displayed in the history display area 101b. From another perspective, the plurality of history buttons 109 may be provided in a number greater than the upper limit number that can be displayed simultaneously (the illustrated example), or may be provided in a number equal to or less than the above upper limit number. In the mode in which a partial area of the history area 105 is displayed in the history display area 101b, the scrolling direction (the vertical direction in the illustrated example) is arbitrary.

[0056] The plurality of history buttons 109 are arranged in a column in a predetermined direction, for example, in the order of the date and time when the image processing corresponding to the history button 109 was executed. The arrangement direction of the plurality of history buttons 109 is arbitrary. In the example of FIG. 3, the arrangement direction is the vertical direction of the main screen 101, the longitudinal direction of the history display area 101b, and the direction in which the history area 105 is scrolled. The plurality of history buttons 109 may be arranged in a new order (the illustrated example) or an old order from one side to the other side in the arrangement direction (from above to below in the illustrated example), or may be switchable between a new order and an old order by performing a predetermined operation on the operation panel 9. In the description of the present embodiment, for the sake of convenience, it is assumed that they are arranged in a new order.

[0057] When image processing is executed via an operation on the function button 107, or when image processing is executed via an operation on the history button 109, a new history button 109 related to the image processing is added. When the image processing that is the source for adding the history button 109 and the new image processing performed via the operation on the history button 109 are the same, the history button 109 may be newly added, or only the execution date and time of the image processing corresponding to the operated history button 109 may be updated (from another perspective, only the display position of the history button 109 may be changed). Here, the image processing being the same may mean, for example, being the same except for the execution date and time. However, there may also be differences other than the execution date and time. Note that for the image processing executed via an operation on the history button 109, unlike the description of this embodiment, the history button 109 may not be added.

[0058] The type of image processing for which the history button 109 is generated is arbitrary. For example, even if the image processing apparatus 1 has the six functions exemplified on the main screen 101, it is not necessary for the history button 109 to be generated for all of them. For example, the history button 109 may be generated only for image processing in which printing is performed by the image processing apparatus 1, such as "Copy" and "Print" (and printing in the "Document Box"). Also, for example, the history button 109 may be generated only for image processing in which scanning is performed by the image processing apparatus 1, such as "Copy", "Scan", "FAX", and "Mail". Also, for example, the history button 109 may be generated only for image processing in which communication is not performed, such as "Copy", "Print", and "Scan" (and printing in the "Document Box").

[0059] Regarding the image processing performed when a signal including a print job or the like is transmitted from another device (e.g., a PC) to the communication unit 7, the history button 109 may or may not be added. When added, for example, when a user who has transmitted a print job from a PC to the image processing apparatus 1 confirms a print failure in front of the image processing apparatus 1, reprinting can be performed via the history button 109. In the description of the present embodiment, basically, the description of the addition of the history button 109 associated with the image processing instructed to be executed by such communication with the outside is omitted. In the aspect where it is added, in the description of the present embodiment, as long as there is no contradiction, etc., an instruction to execute image processing by an external signal may be added to the location where the instruction to execute image processing for the operation panel 9 is described.

[0060] The number of history buttons 109 provided in the history area 105 is limited to a predetermined upper limit value or less. In other words, the number of history buttons 109 (including those displayed by scrolling) that can be displayed in the history display area 101b is limited to a predetermined upper limit value or less. Therefore, for example, as described above, when the history buttons 109 are added one after another and the number of history buttons 109 reaches the upper limit value, and then a new history button 109 is added, the oldest history button 109 is deleted. In other words, the oldest history button 109 becomes non-displayable.

[0061] The specific value of the above upper limit value is arbitrary. As an example, it is 5, 10, or 20. Also, the upper limit value may be set by the manufacturer of the image processing apparatus 1 and may not be changeable by the administrator or user of the image processing apparatus 1, or may be settable by the administrator of the image processing apparatus 1. In an aspect where the display mode of the history area 105 can be made different for each user, the above upper limit value may be settable by the user.

[0062] The display mode when the number of history buttons 109 has not reached the upper limit is arbitrary. For example, only the number of history buttons 109 less than the upper limit may be displayed, or dummy history buttons (for example, history buttons that do not display information internally) may be displayed together so that a total of the number of history buttons up to the upper limit is displayed. In the former mode, the length of the history area 105 may or may not change according to the number of history buttons 109.

[0063] The image processing apparatus 1 may be capable of operations different from the above regarding the addition, deletion, and arrangement of the history buttons 109. For example, for any history button 109, by performing an operation different from the operation when using the history information corresponding to the history button 109 (switching to the history usage screen) (for example, a long tap or a double tap), deletion of the history button 109 may be prohibited, the history button 109 may always be arranged above the newest history button 109, or the history button 109 may be deleted. Note that in the description of this embodiment, for the sake of simplicity and ease of understanding, there may be descriptions or expressions on the premise that such operations are not performed.

[0064] The plurality of history buttons 109 may, for example, have the same shape and size as each other (example shown in the figure), or may have different shapes and / or sizes from each other. As an example of the latter, a mode in which the shapes and / or sizes of the plurality of history buttons 109 are different according to the type of image processing (difference such as copy or scan) can be cited.

[0065] Each history button 109 includes (displays) information on the corresponding image processing. As the information, as described above, for example, the date and time when the image processing was executed, the type of image processing, the conditions of image processing, and the user name who performed the image processing can be cited. As another example, the communication destination (transmission destination and / or reception destination) in the FAX function and / or the mail function can be cited.

[0066] The information on image processing may include information on the image data processed in the image processing. Examples of the information on the image data include the size of the image data, the type of the image (such as whether it is a document or not) discriminated by the image processing apparatus 1, and the name given to the image data by the image processing apparatus 1. In the description of this embodiment, for convenience, the description of the information on the image data as the information on the image processing is omitted.

[0067] Each history button 109 may display at least one or more of various types of information related to the above-described image processing (such as date and time, type, processing conditions, user name, and communication destination). The conditions of the image processing include various specific conditions as exemplified in the description of FIG. 3 and the descriptions of FIGS. 4 to 6 described later. In the mode in which the conditions of the image processing are displayed in the history button 109, the specific conditions to be displayed may be selected as appropriate. In FIG. 3, the conditions of color (exemplified by "Color" or "Black and White"), the magnification setting (exemplified by "100%"), and the paper conditions (exemplified by "A4") are illustrated.

[0068] The types of information on the image processing included in the history button 109 (in other words, the items displayed on the history button 109) may be the same or different among the history buttons 109. For example, the types of information displayed on the history button 109 may be different depending on the type of the image processing. More specifically, for example, the history button 109 whose type of image processing is copy may not have an item for displaying the communication destination, while the history button 109 whose type of image processing is FAX or email may have an item for displaying the communication destination.

[0069] By performing a predetermined operation on the history button 109, the history information corresponding to the history button 109 can be utilized. For example, new image processing may be performed under the image processing conditions included in the history information. Also, image processing of the type included in the history information may be performed. Specific modes for realizing such utilization of history information may also be various. For example, as described above, it may transition to the history utilization screen. The history utilization screen may be, for example, the same as or similar to the sub-screen 121. At this time, as the processing conditions, the processing conditions included in the history information may be set. And then, after the processing conditions are adjusted as they are or by the setting button (refer to the setting button 131), new image processing may be performed by an operation on the execution button (refer to the execution button 125).

[0070] (1.4. Operation of the image processing apparatus related to the sub-screen) On the sub-screen 121 shown in FIG. 4, a reception area 121a for receiving an instruction for image processing related to the selected function button 107 and a history display area 121b including a plurality of history buttons 134 containing information on image processing that has been completed in the past and specialized for the image processing corresponding to the selected function button 107 are displayed side by side.

[0071] The sub-screen 121 includes (displays) an execution button 125, a setting button 131, and a history button 134. The history button 134 contains information on image processing specialized for the function button 107 selected on the main screen 101 (Fig. 3) and completed in the past. In the example shown in Fig. 4, when the "Copy" function button 107 is selected on the main screen 101 (Fig. 3), it shows that the history button 134 contains information on image processing specialized for "Copy" and completed in the past. The history button 134 may be displayed in a manner using scrolling. In the mode where a partial area of the history area 135 is displayed in the history display area 121b, the scrolling direction (the vertical direction in the illustrated example) is arbitrary. The setting button 131 is for confirming and setting setting items such as image processing conditions. The setting button 131 may be used for confirming and setting setting items other than processing conditions (e.g., communication destination). However, hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, processing conditions may be taken as an example. The sub-screen 121 may also include (display) the following, for example. The title bar 127 of the sub-screen 121. A return button 133 for returning to the main screen 101.

[0072] The layouts of the various parts described above are arbitrary, and Fig. 4 is only an example. In the example of Fig. 4, generally speaking, an area (reception area 121a) where a plurality of setting buttons 131 are arranged and an area (history display area 121b) where a plurality of history buttons 134 are arranged are provided. On the sub-screen 121, the history display area 121b is displayed side by side with the reception area 121a. In the example of Fig. 4, the reception area 121a and the history display area 121b are arranged horizontally from left to right in the above order. The position, shape, and / or area of the history display area 121b may be the same as (the illustrated example) or different from the position, shape, and / or area of the history display area 101b on the main screen 101. In any case, the above description regarding the position, shape, and area of the history display area 101b (and the menu area 101a) may be applied to the history display area 121b (reception area 121a).

[0073] The plurality of setting buttons 131 are provided corresponding to a plurality of setting items (for example, processing conditions), for example. When a setting button 131 is tapped, for example, a screen or window for setting the corresponding item is displayed on the operation panel 9. Thereby, for example, with respect to the corresponding item, changes can be made from the current settings.

[0074] The setting button 131 displays information indicating the type of the setting item corresponding to itself. Further, the setting button 131 may display information indicating the setting state in the item corresponding to itself. In the illustrated example, the type of the setting item is shown at the upper part of the setting button 131, and the current setting state of that item is shown at the lower part of the setting button 131.

[0075] As can be understood from the above description, the number and types of the setting buttons 131 are arbitrary. In the example of FIG. 4, as the setting buttons 131 when the history button 109 corresponding to copy is selected, "paper selection", "color / black and white", "density", "reduction / enlargement", "page collation", and "single-sided / both-sided" are exemplified. At the lower part of the setting button 131, "A4", "color", "normal", "100%", "not set", and "single-sided" are exemplified as the current settings of these items. Since these are common, the description thereof is omitted.

[0076] The history button 134 on the sub-screen 121 contains information on image processing that was completed in the past and is specialized for the image processing corresponding to the function button 107 selected on the main screen 101. The information on image processing displayed on the history button 134 includes text or symbol images regarding at least one of the type of image processing, processing conditions, processing date and time, user name, and communication destination, similar to the history button 109 on the main screen 101. The types of image processing include at least copy, scan, and fax. In the example of FIG. 4, for the "Copy" function being selected, "Copy" is illustrated as the type of image processing for the history button 134. The processing conditions include at least one of image quality and page layout. In FIG. 4, as the conditions for image processing, regarding image quality, color conditions (illustrated as "Color" or "Black and White"), regarding page layout, magnification settings (illustrated as "100%" or "70%"), and paper conditions (illustrated as "A4" or "Automatic") are illustrated.

[0077] The specific display modes (position, shape, area, display content, generation and disappearance, etc.) of the history button 134 may be the same as or different from those of the history button 109 on the main screen 101. For example, when the sub-screen 121 is displayed after selecting the "Copy" function button 107, it is clear that the history button 134 contains information specialized for "Copy". Therefore, different from the history button 109, it may not contain "Copy" information. In any case, the above-mentioned description regarding the specific display modes, etc. of the history button 109 can be applied to the history button 134 as long as there are no contradictions, except that it is specialized for the image processing corresponding to the selected function button 107.

[0078] FIG. 5 shows an example of the sub-screen 121 that has transitioned from the main screen 101 after selecting the "FAX" function button 107 on the main screen 101 of FIG. 3. In the example shown in FIG. 5, when the "FAX" function button 107 is selected on the main screen 101 (FIG. 3), it shows that the history button 134 specialized for "FAX" is displayed. The setting button 131 on the sub-screen 121 also includes an address book button or numeric keypad for entering the FAX destination.

[0079] FIG. 6 shows an example of a sub-screen 121 transitioned from the main screen 101 after selecting the "Mail" function button 107 on the main screen 101 of FIG. 3. In the example shown in FIG. 6, when the "Mail" function button 107 is selected on the main screen 101 (FIG. 3), it shows that a history button 134 specialized for "Mail" is displayed. When transmitting image data in this "Mail" function, the data of the image read by the scanner 5 may be included in the mail transmitted by the communication unit 7, or the image data stored in the document box may be included in the mail transmitted by the communication unit 7. The setting button 131 on the sub-screen 121 also includes a "Document Box" button for accessing the document box.

[0080] On any sub-screen 121, by performing a predetermined operation on the history button 134, the history information corresponding to the history button 134 can be utilized. For example, new image processing may be performed under the image processing conditions included in the history information. Various specific modes for realizing the utilization of such history information may also be provided. For example, on the sub-screen 121, when a predetermined operation is performed on the history button 134, the currently set processing conditions may be changed to the processing conditions included in the history information corresponding to the history button 134 on which the operation was performed. Then, new image processing may be performed by an operation on the execution button 125 as it is or after the processing conditions are adjusted by the setting button 131.

[0081] In the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment, on the sub-screen 121, since the history button 134 (for example, the history button for "Copy") specialized for the image processing corresponding to the selected function button 107 (for example, "Copy") is displayed, it is possible to eliminate the complexity of having a mixture of history buttons of multiple types of image processing and making it difficult to find the required type of history button, thereby improving the convenience for the user.

[0082] <Second Embodiment> In the description of the second embodiment, basically, only the differences from the first embodiment will be described. Similarly, in the third and fourth embodiments described later, basically, only the differences from the previously described embodiments will be described. For matters not specifically mentioned, they may be the same as those in the previously described embodiments or inferred from the previously described embodiments.

[0083] Unlike the first embodiment, the second embodiment assumes a function of authenticating users. However, the second embodiment may be regarded as a subordinate concept of the first embodiment. Therefore, reference numerals indicating components are common to both embodiments.

[0084] The image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment further includes an authentication management unit that grants image processing-related permissions for each user based on the result of user authentication.

[0085] The main screen 101 in the second embodiment is shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is the main screen after user authentication, and the user name 117 is displayed in the title bar 115. In the example of FIG. 7, the user name is exemplarily shown as "xxxx". Also, the user name is displayed on the history button 109 in the second embodiment.

[0086] The sub-screen 121 in the second embodiment is shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a sub-screen (copy) transitioned from the main screen of FIG. 7.

[0087] The identification information for identifying a user may be, for example, the "user name" shown as image processing information in the description of the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the user name was used as information displayed for the user to identify or confirm the history button 109. In this embodiment, furthermore, the image data that can be accessed differs depending on the user logged in to the image processing apparatus 1, or the displayed history button 109 differs.

[0088] The "user name" may be, for example, a character string set by the user or the administrator of the image processing apparatus 1. The image processing apparatus 1 may assign another type of identification information to the user name, associate the two, and store them, and perform a search of the database or the like using the other type of identification information. That is, the identification information (user name) used externally and the identification information used internally may be different. However, since the two may be conceptually regarded as the same, in the description of the present embodiment, the user name will be described as being used internally as well.

[0089] Authentication is an operation for confirming whether a user who is attempting to use the image processing apparatus 1 (attempting to log in to the image processing apparatus 1) is a pre-registered user (a user corresponding to the user name from another perspective). The authentication method may be various methods, for example, a known method.

[0090] For example, authentication may be performed by inputting the user name and password via the operation panel 9. In the description of the present embodiment, this mode will mainly be taken as an example. Also, for example, authentication may be biometric authentication performed based on biometric information of the user detected by a detection unit (not shown) of the image processing apparatus 1. Examples of biometric information include fingerprints or irises. Also, for example, authentication may be card authentication performed based on communication between a card reader (not shown) of the image processing apparatus 1 and the user's IC (Integrated Circuit) card. The card authentication may be static authentication or dynamic authentication. Also, authentication may be performed based on information read from a storage medium (for example, a USB memory) connected to a connector (not shown) of the image processing apparatus 1. Also, for example, authentication may be performed based on communication between the communication unit 7 of the image processing apparatus 1 and a terminal (for example, a mobile terminal) owned by the user.

[0091] Of the authentication methods exemplified above, the authentication methods excluding the authentication via the communication unit 7 can be said to be methods in which authentication is performed by a user's input action on the user interface unit (for example, the operation panel 9, the detection unit that detects biometric information, the card reader, or the connector) that the image processing apparatus 1 has. Also, in the authentication methods excluding the authentication by password among the authentication methods exemplified above, the input of the user name can be omitted.

[0092] The substantial part of the authentication (for example, collation) may be performed by the image processing apparatus 1 itself (the authentication management unit), for example. However, the image processing apparatus 1 may transmit authentication information to a server (not shown) via the communication unit 7, have the server perform the collation, and grant authority to the user using the result. That is, the image processing apparatus 1 (the authentication management unit) may grant authority based on the result of user authentication and does not have to perform the user authentication itself. At least a part of the authentication management unit may be constructed, for example, by the CPU 11 executing a program stored in the storage unit 13, and may also be regarded as a part of the control unit described above.

[0093] The user name and the authentication information (for example, password or biometric information) are stored in the database of the image processing apparatus 1 (or the server) in association with each other, for example, by the operation of an administrator or individual users on the image processing apparatus 1 in advance. Then, when an operation for authentication is performed by the user, the image processing apparatus 1 refers to the database to perform authentication.

[0094] In the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment, only the history buttons related to the image processing completed in the past by the user (in FIG. 8, the user name is "xxxx") to whom the authority has been granted by the authentication management unit are displayed in the history display area 121b of the sub-screen 121. That is, when the function button 107 of "Copy" is selected on the main screen 101 after user authentication, in the sub-screen 121 after transition, the history button 134 is displayed specifically for the "Copy" history completed by that user in the past. With this configuration, the convenience when the user searches for the required history button can be further improved.

[0095] <Third Embodiment> The third embodiment relates to the fixed display (priority display) of the history button 109 on the main screen 101 and the history button 134 on the sub-screen 121. The fixed display means that, for example, when a plurality of history buttons 109 (or 134) are displayed, a specific history button 109 (or 134) is arranged at the top and displayed.

[0096] More specifically, in the third embodiment, when a specific history button 109 is set to be fixed-displayed on the main screen 101, the same specific history button 109 (denoted as the history button 134 on the sub-screen 121) is also fixed-displayed on the sub-screen 121. Also, in the third embodiment, when a specific history button 134 is set to be fixed-displayed on the sub-screen 121, the same specific history button 134 (denoted as the history button 109 on the main screen 101) is also fixed-displayed on the main screen 101.

[0097] In the area (a) of FIG. 9, a plurality of history buttons 109a, 109b, and 109c are displayed on the main screen 101. For example, if the image processing settings related to the history button 109c among these multiple history buttons 109 are frequently used, the history button 109c can be set to be fixedly displayed. In the area (b) of FIG. 9, the history button 109c set to be fixedly displayed is arranged at the top. When the function button 107 of "Copy" is selected on the main screen 101 shown in the area (b) of FIG. 9, on the sub-screen 121 shown in FIG. 10, the history button 134 is displayed specialized for "Copy". Further, on the sub-screen 121, the history button 109c (shown as the history button 134c on the sub-screen 121) set to be fixedly displayed on the main screen 101 is fixedly displayed. The setting of the fixed display performed on the main screen 101 is also reflected on the sub-screen 121, improving the convenience for the user.

[0098] Also, in the area (a) of FIG. 11, a plurality of history buttons 134a, 134c, and 134d are displayed on the sub-screen 121. For example, if the image processing settings related to the history button 134c among these multiple history buttons 134 are frequently used, the history button 134c can be set to be fixedly displayed. In the area (b) of FIG. 11, the history button 109c set to be fixedly displayed is arranged at the top. When the "Back" button 133 is pressed on the sub-screen 121 shown in the area (b) of FIG. 11, the screen transitions to the main screen 101 shown in FIG. 12. On the main screen 101, the history button 134c (shown as the history button 109c on the main screen 101) set to be fixedly displayed on the sub-screen 121 is fixedly displayed. The setting of the fixed display performed on the sub-screen 121 is also reflected on the main screen 101, improving the convenience for the user.

[0099] When the setting is made to fixedly display a specific history button on either the main screen 101 or the sub-screen 121 in this way, the corresponding history button is automatically fixedly displayed on the other screen. The fixed display is maintained until the cancellation of the fixed display setting is performed on either the main screen 101 or the sub-screen 121 (which may be the screen where the fixed display setting is made or the screen where the fixed display is automatically made). That is, it is maintained even when the transition between the main screen 101 and the sub-screen 121 is repeated. And when the cancellation of the fixed display setting is made on either one of the screens, the fixed display on the other screen is also automatically cancelled.

[0100] After the setting is made to fixedly display the history button 109 or 134 on the main screen 101 or the sub-screen 121, when transitioning to the sub-screen 121 corresponding to an image process (e.g., FAX) different from the image process (e.g., copy) corresponding to the history button, the history button 134 (copy) set to be fixedly displayed may not be displayed on the sub-screen 121 (FAX). For the sub-screen 121 in this case, refer to FIG. 5.

[0101] After that, when returning from the sub-screen 121 (FAX) to the main screen 101, the history button 109 (copy) set to be fixedly displayed may be fixedly displayed again. An example of the main screen 101 at this time is shown in FIG. 13. In the main screen 101 of FIG. 13, a history button 109f corresponding to the image process newly performed on the sub-screen 121 (FAX) is added to the main screen 101 of FIG. 12. However, also in the main screen 101 of FIG. 13, the history button 109c is fixedly displayed in the same way as the main screen 101 of FIG. 12. When the function button 107 of "copy" is selected on this main screen 101, the history button 134c is fixedly displayed in the same operation as already described (refer to FIG. 10).

[0102] The fixed display may be set only for one history button 109(134), or may be set for any number of history buttons. In the latter case, the upper limit of the number of history buttons to be fixed-displayed may be, for example, equal to or less than the number of history buttons that can be displayed in the history display area 101b or 121b. The types of images corresponding to a plurality of history buttons set to be fixed-displayed may be different from each other.

[0103] For example, transition is made from the main screen 101 shown in FIG. 12 to the sub-screen 121(“FAX”) shown in FIG. 5, and a fixed-display setting is performed for a specific history button 134 on this sub-screen 121(“FAX”). An example of the screen when returning to the main screen 101 is shown in FIG. 14. On the main screen 101 of FIG. 14, the history button 109g with the newly set fixed display is displayed following the history button 109c with the previously set fixed display. Note that FIG. 14 assumes a case where the image processing corresponding to the history button 109f shown in FIG. 13 is not performed on the sub-screen 121 of FIG. 5.

[0104] The fixed display may be in various modes, not just in the mode of being displayed at the top of a plurality of history buttons. Speaking more generally, the fixed display can be, for example, a mode in which a specific history button 109 or 134 is displayed at a certain position in the history display area 101b of the main screen 101 or the history display area 121b of the sub-screen 121 (note that it is not the history area 105 or 135). Typically, when a plurality of history buttons are displayed in a single column in the history display area, an example is a mode in which a specific history button is displayed at the head or the end.

[0105] The above-mentioned "fixed position" may be the same in the history display areas 101b and 121b, for example. Also, in this case, the "fixed position" does not necessarily have to be an exactly fixed position, and it may be a position "recognizable by the user" in such a way. For example, as in the above typical example, if the start or end of the plurality of display positions where a plurality of history buttons are distributed is set as the fixed display position in either of the history display areas 101b and 121b, even if there is a slight displacement in position between the history display areas 101b and 121b, or even if the number of history buttons that can be displayed differs between the history display areas 101b and 121b, there is no practical problem. Note that, different from the description here, the "fixed position" may be different between the history display areas 101b and 121b. Also, the "fixed position" does not have to be the start or end position, and for example, it may be the central position.

[0106] As also described in the explanation of the first embodiment, the direction of the column of the plurality of history buttons is arbitrary and is not limited to the vertical direction. Also, in a mode where fixed display of two or more history buttons is possible, the above "start or end" may be replaced with "the display positions of two or more consecutive history buttons including the start or end". The order of arrangement of the two or more history buttons to be fixed-displayed may be set as appropriate. For example, it may be the order in which the fixed display is set, the chronological order (oldest or newest order), the order set by the user, or the order determined according to the type of image processing.

[0107] The operations for setting and canceling the fixed display may be appropriate ones. For example, as mentioned in Section 1.3.2, by performing an operation different from the operation (e.g., tap) when using the history information corresponding to the history button (e.g., long tap or double tap) on the history button, the fixed display may be set (or canceled if the fixed display has already been set).

[0108] When the history button 109 or 134 is fixedly displayed, information indicating that it is fixedly displayed may be shown on the history button. In the examples illustrated so far, by displaying the symbol image Sy imitating a pin inside the history button, it is shown that the history button is fixedly displayed. In addition, for example, the presence or absence of fixed display may be shown by making the frame and / or the internal color of the history button different between the fixedly displayed history button and other history buttons, or by making the shape of the frame different.

[0109] Note that the above is merely an example of the operation related to fixed display, and in addition to or instead of the above operation, other operations may be performed. For example, the fixed display may be released by a condition different from the operation directly instructing its release (for example, login of a new user). Also, for example, the setting and release of the fixed display may be performed separately on the main screen 101 and the sub-screen 121, different from this embodiment, or the setting of the fixed display may be commonly performed on the main screen 101 and the sub-screen 121 while the release may be performed separately.

[0110] <Fourth Embodiment> In the fourth embodiment, when the function button 107 selected on the main screen 101 relates to "fax" or "mail" (that is, communication), when "destination" (also referred to as "recipient" or "access information") is input on the sub-screen 121, only the history button 134 related to the input "destination" (that is, the history button specialized for a specific communication partner) is displayed in the history display area 121b.

[0111] Area (a) in FIG. 15 shows the sub-screen 121 when "fax" is selected on the main screen 101. On the sub-screen 121, a history button 134a with the destination "000-000-1111", a history button 134b with the destination "000-000-2222", and a history button 134c with the destination "000-000-3333" are displayed.

[0112] Region (b) of FIG. 15 shows sub-screen 121 in a state where "000-000-1111" is entered in the "Destination". When "000-000-1111" is entered in the "Destination", only history buttons 134a, 134d, and 134e with the destination "000-000-1111" are displayed in the history display area 121b. By displaying only the history buttons 134 related to the entered "Destination", the history buttons 134 are filtered, improving the convenience for the user.

[0113] Region (a) of FIG. 16 shows sub-screen 121 when "Mail" is selected on main screen 101. On sub-screen 121, history button 134a with the destination "xxx@xx.com", history button 134b with the destination "yyy@yy.com", and history button 134c with the destination "zzz@zz.com" are displayed.

[0114] Region (b) of FIG. 16 shows sub-screen 121 in a state where "xxx@xx.com" is entered in the "Destination". When "xxx@xx.com" is entered in the "Destination", only history buttons 134a, 134d, and 134e with the destination "xxx@xx.com" are displayed in the history display area 121b. By displaying only the history buttons 134 related to the entered "Destination", the history buttons 134 are filtered, improving the convenience for the user.

Explanation of Signs

[0115] 1…Image processing apparatus, 9…Operation panel, 101…Main screen, 101a…Menu area, 101b…History display area (second history display area), 107…Function button, 121…Sub-screen, 121a…Reception area, 121b…History display area (first history display area), 134…History button

Claims

1. The main screen has a menu area with multiple function buttons corresponding to different types of image processing, The operation panel is equipped with a sub-screen that, after selecting one of the function buttons, transitions from the main screen to display a sub-screen having a reception area for receiving instructions for image processing related to the selected function button, and the sub-screen is also equipped with a sub-screen that can display such a sub-screen. An image processing device that displays a history display area when one of the aforementioned function buttons is selected, which displays a history button containing information on image processing that has been completed in the past, specifically for the image processing corresponding to the selected function button.

2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the history display area is displayed on the sub-screen.

3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the history display area is displayed on the main screen alongside the menu area.

4. Furthermore, it includes an authentication management unit that grants image processing permissions to each user based on the results of user authentication. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the history display area displays only history buttons related to image processing previously completed by users authorized by the authentication management unit.

5. The history button selected by the user can be set to remain displayed, The aforementioned main screen displays a history button that is set to be displayed permanently. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when transitioning from the main screen to the sub-screen, at least a portion of one or more history buttons set to be fixedly displayed are controlled not to be displayed on the sub-screen.

6. When transitioning from the main screen to the sub-screen, if the image processing for the selected function button and the image processing for the history button set to be displayed permanently are different on the sub-screen, the history button set to be displayed permanently is not displayed on the sub-screen, as described in Claim 5.

7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein if a specific history button is set to be fixed on either the main screen or the sub-screen, the corresponding history button is automatically fixed on the other screen.

8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein in the history display area, a plurality of the history buttons are displayed in a row, and a history button set to be fixed in display is placed at the beginning or end of the row.

9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein when the history button is fixed in place, information indicating that the history button is fixed in place is displayed on the history button.

10. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, in which case the sub-screen relates to communication, and when access information for a specific communication partner is entered, only a history button specific to the specific communication partner is displayed in the history display area.

11. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing information displayed on the history button includes the type of image processing, processing conditions, processing date and time, user name, and text or symbol image relating to at least one of the communication destinations.

12. The image processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the processing conditions include at least one of image quality and page layout.

13. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the type of image processing includes at least copying, scanning, and faxing.

Images