Image forming apparatus, control method, and program

Abstract

To improve usability of an image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus executing a job according to an application has: display control means that displays, at the initial start-up of the image forming apparatus, a first screen for selecting whether to enable or disable storage settings for causing nonvolatile storage means to, when a user changes setting values related to the job, store the setting values after the change; and setting means that, when the storage settings are enabled, automatically performs settings of the job according to the application on the basis of setting values corresponding to the application stored in the storage means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to job settings. [Background technology]

[0002] Image forming apparatuses are known that can execute jobs corresponding to applications such as copying, scanning, faxing, etc. When instructing execution of a job, a user may set various setting values for items such as color selection and file format selection.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a method of registering job setting values for each user who uses an image forming apparatus in advance and then calling up the registered setting values. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-270109 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When an image forming device is exclusively used by one person, it is more convenient to use an image forming device that automatically saves the setting values from the previous use and automatically sets the saved setting values the next time the device is used, rather than an image forming device that registers setting values for each user as in Patent Document 1. On the other hand, when an image forming device that does not have such a user authentication function is shared by multiple users, the user who used the device this time may be different from the user who will use it next time, and so it may be inconvenient if the setting values from the previous use are automatically set.

[0006] The technology of the present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to improve the usability of image forming apparatuses. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The image forming apparatus of the present disclosure is an image forming apparatus that executes a job according to an application, and is characterized by having a display control means that displays a first screen at the initial startup of the image forming apparatus for selecting whether or not to enable a save setting that stores the changed setting value in a non-volatile storage means when a user changes a setting value related to the job, and a setting means that, if the save setting is enabled, automatically sets the job according to the application based on the setting value corresponding to the application stored in the storage means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the technology of the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the usability of an image forming apparatus. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a startup process. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a save setting screen. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating setting value management. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a scan function selection screen. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a job execution screen. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a startup process. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a save setting screen. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating setting value management. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the technology of the present disclosure will be described in detail by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. The components described in the following embodiments are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the technology of the present disclosure to only the components described in the following embodiments.

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

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

[0013] The RAM 103 serves as a system work memory for the operation of the CPU 102 and as an image memory for temporarily storing image data. The RAM 103 also stores programs such as an operating system, system software, and application software, as well as data. The RAM 103 also stores scanned image data obtained by the scanner 111 reading an original, and stores print data received by the controller unit 101 via a network.

[0014] The ROM 104 stores a system boot program. The hard disk drive (HDD) 105 is a non-volatile storage unit that stores an operating system, system software, application software, print data, setting data, etc. The CPU 102 reads the program stored in the ROM 104 into the RAM 103 and executes it, thereby performing various controls for executing jobs, which will be described later.

[0015] The CPU 102 also operates as a storage control unit, for example, by storing setting values in a nonvolatile storage unit such as the HDD 105 and reading out setting values stored in the nonvolatile storage unit.

[0016] The operation display unit I / F 106 is an interface unit with the operation display unit 107. The operation display unit 107 includes, for example, a display unit (touch panel) with a touch panel function and physical buttons, etc. For example, the physical buttons include a home button for returning to the home screen.

[0017] An operation performed by the user on operation display unit 107 is converted into a signal by operation display unit I / F 106 and received by CPU 102. For example, the position touched by the user on the touch panel of operation display unit 107 is detected, and a signal representing information about that position is generated. CPU 102 can identify the position touched by the user on the touch panel by analyzing the signal. Furthermore, operation display unit I / F 106 outputs information about a screen to be displayed on the touch panel of operation display unit 107 to operation display unit 107.

[0018] The network I / F 108 is connected to a communication unit 109 and controls various communications with external devices (not shown). The device I / F 110 connects a printer 112 to the controller unit 101. The printer 112 has a mechanism for printing an image represented by image data on a recording medium. The device I / F 110 also connects a scanner 111 to the controller unit 101. The scanner 111 reads an original document and generates scanned image data representing the contents of the read original document. The generated scanned image data is input to the controller unit 101 via the device I / F 110.

[0019] The HDD 105 may be included in an external device that is a device different from the image forming apparatus 100. In this case, the CPU 102 stores data in the HDD 105 of the external device via the communication unit 109, and also acquires data from the HDD 105 of the external device via the communication unit 109.

[0020] When an instruction to execute the copy function is received from a user, the controller unit 101 acquires scanned image data of the document by having the scanner 111 read the document, and controls the printer 112 to print the scanned image on paper. When an instruction to execute the scan transmission function is received from a user, the controller unit 101 acquires scanned image data of the document by having the scanner 111 read the document. The controller unit 101 then converts the scanned image data into code data and transmits it to an external device (not shown) via the communication unit 109. A series of processes based on an instruction to execute each function, such as the copy function and the scan transmission function, is called a job. The image forming apparatus 100 executes predetermined processes in accordance with jobs corresponding to each function. The image forming apparatus 100 also functions as a job processing apparatus that executes jobs corresponding to each function. The functions corresponding to jobs executed by the image forming apparatus 100 are not limited to the copy function and the scan transmission function.

[0021] [Function Configuration] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment.

[0022] The image forming apparatus 100 includes a plurality of applications 220 (hereinafter, applications may also be referred to as apps) for realizing each function. The plurality of applications 220 include a copy application 221 that executes a job for the copy function described above, a scan transmission application 222 that executes a job for the scan transmission function, and a fax application 223. Of the plurality of applications 220, an application selected by the user is executed. The scan transmission application 222 is an application that executes a job for transmitting scanned image data obtained by scanning an original with the scanner 111 to an external device. The application 220 shown in FIG. 2 is an example of an application that executes a job related to image processing, and may include other applications.

[0023] The start-up control unit 210 controls the processing performed when the image forming apparatus 100 is started up.

[0024] The screen control unit 211 performs display control to display a screen provided by a currently running application on the touch panel of the operation display unit 107. Furthermore, the screen control unit 211 identifies the position touched by the user on the touch panel of the operation display unit 107 based on a signal from the operation display unit 107. Then, the screen control unit 211 instructs the running application to perform a process associated with an operation button or the like corresponding to the position touched by the user.

[0025] When the "save setting" described later is enabled, the setting control unit 212 stores the setting values related to the job that the user has changed in order for the application to execute the job in the HDD 105. Also, when the "save setting" is enabled, when the application is executed, the setting values stored in the HDD 105 are stored in the RAM 103, thereby automatically setting the job according to the application.

[0026] Unless otherwise specified, the setting value hereinafter refers to the value of a group of items that are set to execute a job. The "group of items" refers to a group of items that are set to execute a job by a running application. For example, if the running application is the scan sending application 222, the group of items refers to a group of items: "document size," "resolution," "color settings," and "double-sided / single-sided." For example, the setting values for the item "document size" are "A4," "A3," and "B4."

[0027] When it is determined that the job execution button has been pressed, the job execution unit 213 acquires setting values stored in RAM 103 and causes the running application to execute a job based on the acquired setting values. For example, if the running application is the scan transmission application 222, when the job execution unit 213 is instructed to execute a job, it causes the scanner 111 to read a document placed on the platen via the device I / F 110 and generates scanned image data.

[0028] The network control unit 214 controls the communication unit 109 via the network I / F 108 to transmit image data to an external device.

[0029] 2 may be configured to be included in an application. In this embodiment, the description will be given assuming that the functions of the screen control unit 211, setting control unit 212, and job execution unit 213 are also included in the application.

[0030] 2 is realized by CPU 102 reading a predetermined program stored in ROM 104 or HDD 105 into RAM 103 and executing it, but this is not limiting. Other hardware, such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) for accelerating calculations, may also be used. Each function may be realized by a combination of software and hardware such as a dedicated IC, or some or all of the functions may be realized solely by hardware.

[0031] [About save settings] Image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment has a save setting for job settings when an application executes a job (hereinafter also simply referred to as a save setting), and the "save setting" is set to either enabled or disabled.

[0032] When "Saved Settings" is enabled, the setting values changed by the user to execute a job via the job execution screen 700 (see FIG. 7), which will be described later, are maintained unchanged unless the user explicitly instructs to change the setting values. For example, the setting values changed by the user are stored in RAM 103 for the execution of the current job, and are also controlled to be stored in HDD 105 so that they will be used the next time the application is executed.

[0033] When "Saved Settings" is set to disabled, setting values changed by the user to execute a job via a job execution screen 700 (see FIG. 7) described later are not stored in HDD 105. Therefore, when an application is executed while "Saved Settings" is set to disabled, the initial values are set as setting values.

[0034] 3 is a flowchart for explaining the startup processing of image forming apparatus 100 in this embodiment. The series of processing steps shown in the flowchart in FIG. 3 are performed by CPU 102 by loading program code for implementing the startup processing stored in ROM 104 or HDD 105 into RAM 103 and executing the program code. Some or all of the functions of the steps in FIG. 3 may be implemented by hardware such as an ASIC or electronic circuit. The symbol "S" in the description of each process indicates each process (step) in the flowchart, and the same applies to subsequent flowcharts.

[0035] This flowchart starts when the power of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned from OFF to ON.

[0036] In S301, the activation control unit 210 acquires the value of the "activated flag."

[0037] The value of the started flag is, for example, either ON or OFF, and is stored in HDD 105. For example, when image forming apparatus 100 is shipped, the value of the started flag is stored as OFF in HDD 105. When a save setting, which will be described later, is performed when image forming apparatus 100 is first started, the value of the started flag is changed to ON, and thereafter the value of the started flag is stored as ON in HDD 105. Start control unit 210 acquires the value of the started flag, and if the value indicates OFF, it can determine that the current start is the first start. Therefore, at least the first start after shipping is determined to be the first start. Note that when an initialization operation is performed to return image forming apparatus 100 to the state at the time of product shipment, the value of the started flag is changed to OFF. Therefore, the first start after the initialization operation is also included in the first start.

[0038] In S302, the start-up control unit 210 determines whether the current start-up of the image forming apparatus 100 is the first start-up based on the value of the acquired start-up flag. If the start-up control unit 210 determines that the current start-up is the first start-up (YES in S302), the process proceeds to S303.

[0039] In S303, the start control unit 210 causes the screen control unit 211 to display a save setting screen on the touch panel of the operation display unit 107, allowing the user to select whether to enable or disable the "save setting."

[0040] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a save setting screen. A title area 411 included in the save setting screen 400 in Fig. 4 is an area that displays the name of the screen to inform the user that the displayed pop-up is a save setting screen.

[0041] The save setting screen 400 includes radio buttons 412 and 413. The radio button 412 is a radio button for validating the "save setting" described above. The radio button 412 is a radio button for invalidating the "save setting" described above. The OK button 414 is controlled so that it can be pressed when either the radio button 412 or the radio button 413 is selected.

[0042] Returning to the description of the flowchart in Fig. 3, in S304, the activation control unit 210 determines via the screen control unit 211 whether either the radio button 412 or the radio button 413 on the save setting screen 400 has been selected and the OK button 414 has been pressed. If the OK button 414 has not been pressed (NO in S304), the activation control unit 210 repeats S304 and waits for the OK button 414 to be pressed.

[0043] If it is determined that the OK button 414 has been pressed (YES in S304), the start control unit 210 advances the process to S305.

[0044] In S305, the start-up control unit 210 stores in RAM 103 the value of the "save setting" that indicates the content selected by the user on the save setting screen 400. The value of the "save setting" is either a value indicating validity or a value indicating invalidity. When radio button 412 is selected and the OK button 414 is pressed, the value indicating that the "save setting" is valid is stored in RAM 103. When radio button 413 is selected and the OK button 414 is pressed, the value indicating that the "save setting" is invalid is stored in RAM 103.

[0045] In S306, the startup control unit 210 stores in the HDD 105 the value of the "save setting" that indicates the content selected by the user on the save setting screen 400. If the value indicating that the "save setting" is valid is stored in the RAM 103 in S305, the value indicating that the "save setting" is valid is stored in the HDD 105. If the value indicating that the "save setting" is invalid is stored in the RAM 103 in S305, the value indicating that the "save setting" is invalid is stored in the HDD 105.

[0046] In this way, when the OK button 414 is pressed, whether to enable or disable the "save setting" is confirmed. In the present embodiment, as an example, the "save setting" made via the save setting screen 400 in FIG. 4 will be described as being applied to all applications included in the multiple applications 220 of the image forming apparatus 100. Alternatively, the "save setting" made via the save setting screen 400 in FIG. 4 may be applied only to some applications, for example, the scan transmission application. In that case, the save settings of the other applications may be set to be enabled or disabled in advance.

[0047] In S307, the start-up control unit 210 changes the value of the started flag stored in the HDD 105 to ON. That is, the value of the started flag stored in the HDD 105 is changed to ON so that the next start-up is determined to be the second or subsequent start-up. Then, the start-up control unit 210 advances the process to S308.

[0048] Furthermore, if it is determined in S302 that the current activation is the second or subsequent activation (NO in S302), the activation control unit 210 advances the process to S308.

[0049] In S308, the start-up control unit 210 executes the start-up process of the image forming apparatus 100. Then, this flowchart ends.

[0050] [Job setting value management process] Fig. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the management of job setting values executed by an application of the image forming apparatus 100 in this embodiment. The series of processes shown in the flowchart in Fig. 5 are performed by the CPU 102 loading into the RAM 103 and executing program code for implementing each functional unit stored in the ROM 104 or the HDD 105. Also, some or all of the functions of the steps in Fig. 5 may be implemented by hardware such as an ASIC or an electronic circuit.

[0051] Fig. 5 shows the flow of job setting value management when the scan transmission application 222, one of multiple applications, is running. The scan transmission application 222 is an example of a running application, and the same processing as in the flowchart of Fig. 5 is performed when other applications, such as copy and fax, are also running. The flowchart of Fig. 5 starts, for example, when the user selects the scan transmission application 222 on a home screen (not shown).

[0052] It should be noted that the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment is an apparatus that does not perform user authentication, and therefore, a user can operate the image forming apparatus 100 without logging in.

[0053] In S501, the scan transmission application 222 displays a scan function selection screen on the touch panel of the operation display unit 107.

[0054] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a scan function selection screen. The scan function selection screen 600 in Fig. 6 includes a title area 611, buttons 612 to 615, a settings button 616, and a cancel button 617. The title area 611 is an area where the title of the application is displayed.

[0055] Buttons 612 to 615 are buttons for the user to select a transmission protocol for a scanned image obtained by the scanner scanning a document. Button 612 is a button for selecting the scan transmission protocol "Scan to PC" for transmitting scanned image data to a PC (not shown). Button 613 is a button for selecting the scan transmission protocol "Scan to Email" for transmitting scanned image data as an email attachment. Button 614 is a button for selecting the scan transmission protocol "Scan to FTP" for transmitting scanned image data to an FTP server (not shown). Button 615 is a button for selecting the scan transmission protocol "Scan to USB" for transmitting scanned image data to a USB memory (not shown) connected to image forming apparatus 100.

[0056] The user can select only one of buttons 612 to 615, and the selected button is displayed so that the user can identify that it has been selected. Fig. 6 shows that button 615 for the scan transmission protocol "Scan to USB" is the button selected by the user, and as an example, the outer casing and internal text of the selected button 615 are highlighted.

[0057] The setting button 616 is a button that can be pressed by the user only when any of the buttons 612 to 615 is selected. When the setting button 616 is pressed, a job execution screen 700 (see FIG. 7) for the scan transmission protocol indicated by the selected button among the buttons 612 to 615 is displayed. When the cancel button 617 is pressed, the scan transmission application 222 ends the processing and returns to the home screen, although this is omitted from the flowchart in FIG. 5.

[0058] In S502, when the Set button 616 is pressed, the scan transmission application 222 acquires, via the screen control unit 211, a display instruction for the job execution screen for the scan transmission protocol selected on the scan function selection screen 600. In the example of Fig. 6, the button 615 for the scan transmission protocol "Scan to USB" is selected. Therefore, when the Set button 616 is pressed in the state of Fig. 6, a display instruction for the job execution screen for the scan transmission protocol "Scan to USB" is acquired.

[0059] In S503, the scan transmission application 222 acquires the value of the "save setting" stored in the HDD 105. As described above, the value of the "save setting" stored in the HDD 105 is either a value indicating validity or a value indicating invalidity. Then, the scan transmission application 222 loads the acquired value of the "save setting" into the RAM 103 and restores it.

[0060] In S504, the scan transmission application 222 determines whether the "save setting" is valid based on the value of the "save setting" acquired in S503. If the scan transmission application 222 determines that the "save setting" is valid (YES in S504), the process proceeds to S505.

[0061] In S505, the scan transmission application 222 stores the setting values of the scan transmission application 222 stored in the HDD 105 in the RAM 103, thereby setting the job.

[0062] As will be described in detail later, when the "save setting" is enabled, assume that the user changes a setting value via the job execution screen 700 (see FIG. 7) of the scan transmission application. In this case, the changed setting value is stored in the HDD 105 as the setting value of the scan transmission application. If the setting value of the scan transmission application has already been stored in the HDD 105, the setting value stored in the HDD 105 is updated to the setting value changed by the user. As described above, in this embodiment, when the "save setting" is enabled, the setting value set by the user is associated with each application and stored in the HDD 105. Therefore, the scan transmission application 222 can restore, to the RAM 103, the setting value set the user the last time the application was executed. Therefore, when the "save setting" is enabled, the next time the scan transmission application 222 is selected on the home screen and the process transitions to S505, the setting value of the scan transmission application stored in the HDD 105 is stored in the RAM 103. If the setting value has not been changed while the "save setting" is enabled, the initial value stored in the HDD 105 is stored in the RAM 103 in S505.

[0063] It is assumed that the job execution screen 700 (see FIG. 7) of this embodiment does not have a button for resetting the setting value to the initial value. The operation display unit 107 also does not have an operation means for resetting the setting value to the initial value. Therefore, if the setting value is changed while "save setting" is enabled, the setting value will be maintained as it is until it is changed again.

[0064] If the scan transmission application 222 determines that the "save setting" is invalid (NO in S504), the process proceeds to S506. In S506, the scan transmission application 222 stores a value (initial value) indicating the initial state of the scan transmission application as a setting value of the scan transmission application 222 in the RAM 103. For example, the HDD 105 stores an initial value for each application. Therefore, the scan transmission application 222 can restore the initial value of the scan transmission application in the RAM 103.

[0065] In step S507 , the scan transmission application 222 displays a job execution screen that reflects the setting values stored in the RAM 103 on the touch panel of the operation display unit 107 .

[0066] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a job execution screen of a scan transmission application. The job execution screen 700 in Fig. 7 includes a title area 721, pull-down menus 722 to 725, a scan execution button 726, a cancel button 727, and a save settings button 728. The title area 721 is an area that displays the name of the application that is currently running.

[0067] Pull-down menus 722 to 725 are provided for each of the job item groups described above, and display the currently set setting values, that is, the setting values stored in RAM 103. When pull-down menus 722 to 725 are pressed, a list is displayed that allows the user to specify a setting value.

[0068] If the "Saved Settings" is invalid, as a result of the processing in S506, the initial values are stored as setting values in the RAM 103. Therefore, when the process moves from S506 to S507, the job execution screen 700 is displayed with the initial values displayed as setting values in the pull-down menus 722 to 725 of each item group.

[0069] If the "save settings" is enabled, as a result of the processing in S505, the setting values used when the scan transmission application was executed last time are stored as setting values in the RAM 103. Therefore, when the process transitions from S505 to S507, a job execution screen is displayed in which the setting values used in the previous job corresponding to the scan transmission application are displayed in the pull-down menus 722 to 725 of each item group.

[0070] When pull-down 722 is pressed, a list of setting values for the size when the scanner 111 reads a document is displayed. The size selected by the user from the list is set as the setting value for the changed size. When pull-down 723 is pressed, a list of resolutions for the scanned image is displayed, and the resolution selected by the user from the list is set as the setting value for the changed resolution. When pull-down 723 is pressed, a list including at least color and monochrome is displayed, and the setting value selected by the user from the list is set as the setting value for the changed color setting. When pull-down 724 is pressed, a list including single-sided and double-sided is displayed, and the setting value selected by the user from the list is set as the setting value for double-sided / single-sided when scanning a document.

[0071] The scan execution button 726 is a button for executing a job. When the scan execution button 726 is pressed, the job is executed according to the setting values stored in the RAM 103, which are the setting values displayed in the pull-down menus 722 to 725.

[0072] When the cancel button 727 is pressed, the scan sending application 222 ends the process and returns to the home screen, although this is not shown in the flowchart of Fig. 5. The save setting button 728 is a button for displaying the save setting screen 400 of Fig. 4.

[0073] In S508, the scan transmission application 222 waits for a user operation on the operation display unit 107, and acquires the details of the operation when the user operates the operation display unit 107. When the user presses an operation button on the job execution screen 700 displayed on the touch panel of the operation display unit 107, the scan transmission application 222 acquires information about the pressed operation button via the screen control unit 211. Furthermore, when the user presses a home button (not shown) included in the operation display unit 107 for returning to the home screen, the scan transmission application 222 acquires information that the home button has been pressed.

[0074] In S509, the scan transmission application 222 switches the process in response to the operation on the operation display unit 107 by the user.

[0075] If the scan transmission application 222 determines in S509 that the type of the acquired user operation is "job setting," it executes the processes of S510 to S513. "Job setting" refers to, for example, an operation in which the user presses one of the pull-down menus 722 to 725 on the job execution screen 700 in Fig. 7 to change setting values related to the job of the scan transmission application, such as document size, resolution, and color settings.

[0076] In S510, the scan transmission application 222 acquires the setting value after the change made by the operation acquired in S508. Then, the scan transmission application 222 updates the setting value stored in RAM 103 to the setting value after the change made by the user. For example, if the setting value of "Document size" on the job execution screen 700 is changed from "A4" to "B4," "B4" is acquired as the changed setting value of "Document size." Then, the setting value of "Document size" of the scan transmission application stored in RAM 103 is updated to the changed "B4." Then, the scan transmission application 222 returns the process to S508.

[0077] In step S511 , the scan transmission application 222 acquires the value of the “save setting” currently stored in the RAM 103 .

[0078] In S512, the scan transmission application 222 determines whether the "save setting" is valid based on the value of the "save setting" acquired in S511.

[0079] If the scan transmission application 222 determines that the "save setting" is valid (YES in S512), the process proceeds to S513. In S513, the scan transmission application 222 stores in the HDD 105 the setting value that has been changed by the operation acquired in S508.

[0080] On the other hand, if the scan transmission application 222 determines that the "save setting" is invalid (YES in S512), it skips S513 and returns the process to S508.

[0081] In this way, when "Saved Settings" is enabled, the setting values set by the user for executing the current job are stored in HDD 105. If setting values have already been stored in HDD 105, they are updated to the setting values changed by the user for executing the current job. On the other hand, when "Saved Settings" is disabled, the setting values changed by the user's operation are controlled so as not to be stored in HDD 105.

[0082] For example, assume that the setting values shown on the job execution screen 700 in FIG. 7 are changed while the "save setting" is enabled, the job is executed, and the scan transmission application is terminated. In this case, the setting values for "document size," "resolution," "color setting," and "double-sided / single-sided" shown on the job execution screen 700 in FIG. 7 are stored in the HDD 105. That is, the setting values for "document size" are "A4," the setting value for "resolution" is "300 dpi," the setting value for "color" is "color," and the setting value for "double-sided / single-sided" is "single-sided." Therefore, when the scan transmission application is next executed while the "save setting" is enabled, the setting values are automatically set to the state of the job execution screen 700 in FIG. 7.

[0083] Next, if the scan transmission application 222 determines in S509 that the type of the acquired user operation is save setting, it executes the processes of S514 to S519. The type of user operation "save setting" is an operation in which the user presses the save setting button 728 on the job execution screen 700.

[0084] 4 as a pop-up on the touch panel of the operation display unit 107 via the screen control unit 211. If the value of the "save setting" stored in the RAM 103 indicates enable, the scan transmission application 222 displays the save setting screen 400 with the radio button 412 for selecting enable selected. If the value of the "save setting" stored in the RAM 103 indicates disable, the scan transmission application 222 displays the save setting screen 400 with the radio button 413 for selecting disable selected.

[0085] In S515, the scan transmission application 222 switches processing in response to a user operation on the save setting screen 400 displayed in S514. If the radio button 413 is selected after the radio button 412 was selected and the OK button 414 is pressed, it is determined in S515 that an operation to change the "save setting" from enabled to disabled has been performed. In this case, the process proceeds to S516.

[0086] In step S516, the scan transmission application 222 updates the setting values of the scan transmission application 222 stored in the RAM 103 to the initial values.

[0087] In S517, the scan transmission application 222 updates the setting values of the scan transmission application 222 stored in the HDD 105 to the initial values.

[0088] In S518, the scan transmission application 222 updates the value of the "save setting" stored in the RAM 103 to a value indicating the content changed by the user via the save setting screen 400. That is, when the radio button 412 is selected and the OK button 414 is pressed, the value of the "save setting" stored in the RAM 103 is updated to a value indicating valid. When the radio button 413 is selected and the OK button 414 is pressed, the value of the "save setting" stored in the RAM 103 is updated to a value indicating invalid.

[0089] In S519, the scan transmission application 222 updates the value of "save setting" stored in HDD 105 to a value indicating the content selected by the user on the save setting screen 400. That is, when the radio button 412 is selected and the OK button 414 is pressed, the value of "save setting" stored in HDD 105 is updated to a value indicating valid. When the radio button 413 is selected and the OK button 414 is pressed, the value of "save setting" stored in HDD 105 is updated to a value indicating invalid. When S519 ends, the process returns to S508.

[0090] Also, if radio button 412 is selected after radio button 413 has been selected, and the OK button is pressed, it is determined in S515 that an operation to change "save setting" from disabled to enabled has been performed. In this case, S516 and S517 are skipped, and S518 and S The process of 519 is executed.

[0091] Also, if the OK button 414 is pressed without changing the selection of the radio buttons 413 and 412, it is determined in S515 that no operation to change the "save settings" has been performed. In this case, S516 to S519 are skipped and the process returns to S508.

[0092] Next, if the scan transmission application 222 determines in S509 that the type of user operation is "job execution", it executes the processes of S520 to S521. The type of user operation "job execution" is an operation to execute a job, and is an operation equivalent to pressing the scan execution button 726.

[0093] In S520, the scan transmission application 222 generates scanned image data of the document by causing the scanner 111 to scan the document in accordance with the setting values stored in the RAM 103. While the job is being executed, the scan transmission application 222 displays a dialog (not shown) on top of the job execution screen 700 to notify the user that scanning is being executed.

[0094] In S521, the scan transmission application 222 transmits the scanned image data to a device corresponding to the transmission protocol stored in the RAM 103. If the scan transmission protocol "Scan to USB" is selected, the scanned image is transmitted to the USB memory. Until transmission of the scanned image data is completed, the scan transmission application 222 displays a dialog (not shown) on top of the job execution screen 700 to notify the user that transmission processing is in progress.

[0095] Furthermore, if the scan sending application 222 determines in S509 that the type of user operation acquired is "return to home screen," the scan sending application 222 ends this flowchart. The type of user operation "return to home screen" is an operation of pressing a home button (not shown) on the operation display unit 107. When the user returns to the home screen and selects the scan sending application 222, the flowchart in FIG. 5 starts again.

[0096] For example, in an environment where an image forming apparatus is used by a single user, it may be preferable to automatically set job setting values to the setting values used in the previous job. Furthermore, in an environment where an image forming apparatus is used by multiple users, it may be preferable to set job setting values to default values. According to this embodiment, when the image forming apparatus is first started, the user can select whether to automatically store the setting values for the current job to the previous setting values or to set them to the default values. Therefore, this embodiment can improve the usability of the image forming apparatus.

[0097] <Embodiment 2> In the first embodiment, the save settings made via the save setting screen 400 in FIG. 4 have been described as being applied to all applications of the image forming apparatus 100. However, there are cases where it is preferable for the user to be able to set different "save settings" values for each application, such as enabling the "save settings" for a scan / send application and disabling the "save settings" for a copy application. Therefore, in this embodiment, a method for setting different "save settings" values for each application will be described. This embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. Portions not specifically mentioned have the same configuration and processing as the first embodiment.

[0098] [About save settings] Fig. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the startup process of image forming apparatus 100 in this embodiment. In the flowchart of Fig. 8, the same steps as those in the flowchart of Fig. 3 are assigned the same numbers in Fig. 8. Therefore, in explaining the flowchart of Fig. 8, steps different from the flowchart of Fig. 3 will be explained. In the flowchart of Fig. 8, S803 is executed instead of S303 in Fig. 3. Also, S805 to S806 are executed instead of S305 to S306.

[0099] In S803, the startup control unit 210, via the screen control unit 211, displays a save setting screen as a pop-up on the touch panel of the operation display unit 107 to allow the user to select whether to enable or disable the "save setting" for each app.

[0100] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the save setting screen of this embodiment displayed in S803. The save setting screen 900 of Fig. 9 includes check boxes 912 to 914 corresponding to each of the multiple applications 220 included in the image forming apparatus 100. As shown in Fig. 2, assuming that the applications included in the image forming apparatus 100 are a copy application, a fax application, and a scan transmission application, the check boxes 912 to 914 are provided to correspond to each of these three applications.

[0101] When check boxes 912 to 914 are checked and the OK button 915 is pressed, the "save settings" are set to be valid only for the apps corresponding to the checked check boxes. In other words, the "save settings" of the apps corresponding to the unchecked check boxes are set to be invalid.

[0102] For example, in Fig. 9, only the check box 914 corresponding to the scan transmission application is checked. Therefore, when the OK button 915 is pressed in the state of Fig. 9, the "save settings" of the scan transmission application are set to enabled. Since the check boxes 912 and 913 corresponding to the copy application and the fax application are unchecked, the "save settings" of the copy application and the fax application are set to disabled. When the cancel button 916 is pressed, the settings are disabled.

[0103] In S805, the start-up control unit 210 stores the value of the "save setting" for each application in the RAM 103. In S806, the start-up control unit 210 stores the value of the "save setting" for each application in the HDD 105.

[0104] [Job setting value management process] Fig. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the job setting value management process executed by the image forming apparatus 100 in this embodiment. The series of processes shown in the flowchart in Fig. 10 are performed by the CPU 102 loading program code stored in the ROM 104 or HDD 105 into the RAM 103 and executing it. Also, some or all of the functions of the steps in Fig. 10 may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC or electronic circuit.

[0105] The flowchart in Fig. 10, like the flowchart in Fig. 5, shows the flow of job setting value management when the scan transmission application 222 is selected from among multiple applications. In the flowchart in Fig. 10, the same steps as those in the flowchart in Fig. 5 are assigned the same numbers. Therefore, in the explanation of the flowchart in Fig. 10, steps that differ from the flowchart in Fig. 5 will be explained.

[0106] In the flowchart of FIG. 10, the processes of S1003 and S1004 are performed instead of the processes of S503 and S504 in FIG.

[0107] In S1003, the scan transmission application 222 reads the "save setting" value of the currently running application from among the "save setting" values for each application stored in the HDD 105 into the RAM 103. In the flowchart of FIG. 10, the currently running application is the scan transmission application. Therefore, in S1003, the "save setting" value of the scan transmission application is acquired from among the "save setting" values for each application stored in the HDD 105, and the acquired value is stored in the RAM 103.

[0108] In S1004, the scan transmission application 222 determines whether the "save setting" of the scan transmission application, which is the running application, is enabled based on the value of the "save setting" stored in RAM 103 in S1003. If the scan transmission application 222 determines that the "save setting" of the scan transmission application is enabled (YES in S1004), the process proceeds to S505. In S505, the scan transmission application 222 stores the setting value of the scan transmission application 222, of the setting values for each application stored in HDD 105, in RAM 103.

[0109] On the other hand, if it is determined in S1004 that the "save setting" of the scan transmission application is invalid (NO in S1004), the process proceeds to S506. In S506, the scan transmission application 222 stores the initial value of the scan transmission application in the RAM 103 as the setting value of the scan transmission application, which is the running application.

[0110] Next, in S509 of FIG. 10, if the type of acquired user operation is determined to be "job setting," in FIG. 10, the processes of S510, S1011, S512, and S513 are executed instead of the processes of S510, S511, S512, and S513 of FIG. 5.

[0111] In S510, the scan transmission application 222 stores the setting values changed by the user this time in the RAM 103. Then, the process proceeds to S1011.

[0112] In S1011, the scan transmission application 222 acquires the value of the "save setting" of the scan transmission application from the RAM 103. Then, the process proceeds to S1012.

[0113] In S1012, the scan transmission application 222 determines whether the "save setting" of the scan transmission application is valid based on the value of the "save setting" of the scan transmission application acquired in S1011.

[0114] If the scan transmission application 222 determines that the "save setting" of the scan transmission application is valid (YES in S1012), the process proceeds to S513. In S513, the scan transmission application 222 stores the setting value after the current change in the HDD 105. On the other hand, if the scan transmission application 222 determines that the "save setting" of the scan transmission application is invalid (NO in S1012), S513 is skipped and the process returns to S508.

[0115] Next, in S509 of FIG. 10, if it is determined that the type of the acquired user operation is "save setting", in FIG. 10, the processes of S1014, S1015, S516, S517, S1018, and S1019 are executed instead of the processes of S514 to S519 of FIG.

[0116] In S1014, the scan transmission application 222 displays the save setting screen 900 of this embodiment shown in Fig. 9 as a pop-up on the touch panel of the operation display unit 107 via the screen control unit 211. Then, the process proceeds to S1015.

[0117] As described above, the save settings screen 900 is a save settings screen that allows the user to set whether the "save settings" are enabled or disabled for each application. However, the save settings screen 900 displayed in S1014 is displayed so as not to accept changes to the save settings of applications other than the currently running application. That is, in the case of the flowchart in FIG. 10, since the currently running application is the scan transmission application, the save settings screen 900 is displayed so that only the check box 914 for the scan transmission application can be changed to a checked or unchecked state. The check boxes 912 and 913 are displayed, for example, grayed out to indicate that they cannot be changed.

[0118] In S1015, the scan transmission application 222 switches processing in response to a user operation on the save setting screen 900. If the check box 914 is changed from checked to unchecked and the OK button 915 is pressed, it is determined in S1015 that an operation has been performed to change the "save setting" of the running scan transmission application from enabled to disabled. In this case, the process proceeds to S516.

[0119] In S516, the scan transmission application 222 updates the setting values of the scan transmission application 222 stored in the RAM 103 to the initial values. Then, the process proceeds to S517.

[0120] In S517, the scan transmission application 222 updates the setting values of the scan transmission application 222 stored in the HDD 105 to the initial values. Then, the process proceeds to S1018.

[0121] In S1018, the scan transmission application 222 updates the value of the "save setting" of the scan transmission application stored in the RAM 103 to a value indicating the content changed by the user via the save setting screen 900. That is, when the check box 914 is checked and the OK button 915 is pressed, the value of the "save setting" of the scan transmission application stored in the RAM 103 is updated to a value indicating valid. When the check box 914 is unchecked and the OK button 915 is pressed, the value of the "save setting" of the scan transmission application stored in the RAM 103 is updated to a value indicating invalid. Then, the process proceeds to S1019.

[0122] In S1019, the scan transmission application 222 updates the value of the "save setting" of the scan transmission application stored in the HDD 105 to a value indicating the content selected by the user on the save setting screen 900. That is, when the check box 914 is checked and the OK button 915 is pressed, the value of the "save setting" of the scan transmission application stored in the HDD 105 is updated to a value indicating valid. When the check box 914 is unchecked and the OK button 915 is pressed, the value of the "save setting" of the scan transmission application stored in the HDD 105 is updated to a value indicating invalid. When S1019 ends, the process returns to S508.

[0123] On the other hand, if the check box 914 on the save setting screen 900 is changed from a cleared state to a checked state and the OK button 915 is pressed, it is determined in S1015 that an operation to change the "save setting" of the running application from disabled to enabled has been performed. In this case, S516 and S517 are skipped, and the processing of S1018 and S1019 is executed.

[0124] If the check box 914 is not pressed and the OK button 915 is pressed, it is determined in S515 that no operation to change the "save settings" has been performed. In this case, the process returns to S508.

[0125] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to register for each application whether the setting values for the current job are to be stored so that they will be automatically set for the next job, or whether the setting values are to be set to the initial values. Therefore, this embodiment can further improve the usability of the image forming apparatus.

[0126] <Other embodiments> The present disclosure can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0127] The disclosure of the above-described embodiment includes the following configurations.

[0128] (Configuration 1) An image forming apparatus that executes a job according to an application, a display control means for displaying a first screen for selecting whether to enable a save setting for storing the changed setting value in a non-volatile storage means when the user changes the setting value related to the job, when the image forming apparatus is first started up; a setting unit that automatically sets a job corresponding to the application based on a setting value corresponding to the application stored in the storage unit when the saved setting is selected as valid; An image forming apparatus comprising:

[0129] (Configuration 2) The setting means When the application is selected by the user, if the save setting is enabled, the job setting is automatically performed. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,

[0130] (Configuration 3) If the save setting is selected as valid and the setting value for the job is changed by the user when the job corresponding to the application is executed, The computer further includes a storage control unit that stores the changed setting value in the storage unit in association with the application. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

[0131] (Configuration 4) The setting means If the save settings are disabled, the job settings will be automatically configured based on the default values. 4. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 3.

[0132] (Configuration 5) a second display control means for displaying a second screen on which a user can change a setting value of a job in order to instruct execution of the job according to the application; The changed setting value is the setting value changed by the user via the second screen. 5. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 4.

[0133] (Configuration 6) When the application is selected by the user, the second screen is displayed based on the setting value set by the setting means. 6. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 5.

[0134] (Configuration 7) The second screen includes a button for transitioning to the first screen. 7. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 5 or 6.

[0135] (Configuration 8) the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus that executes a job according to an application selected from a plurality of applications, The first screen is a screen on which a user selects whether or not to enable the save setting for each of the plurality of applications. 8. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 7.

[0136] (Configuration 9) If the save setting of the selected application is selected as valid and the setting value of the job corresponding to the selected application is changed by the user, The computer further includes a storage control unit that stores the changed setting value in the storage unit in association with the selected application. 9. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 8,

[0137] (Configuration 10) The setting means If an application is selected from the plurality of applications, determining whether the saved settings of the selected application are valid; If it is determined that the saved settings are valid, job settings corresponding to the selected application are automatically performed based on the setting values associated with the selected application among the setting values stored in the storage means. 10. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 8 or 9.

[0138] (Configuration 11) The image forming apparatus further includes a determination unit that, when an operation to start the image forming apparatus is performed and the flag value is a first value, determines that the image forming apparatus is being started for the first time; the display control means displays the first screen when the determination means determines that the device is being started for the first time; The value of the flag is a first value at the time of shipment or after initialization, and when the contents of the save setting selected by the user via the first screen are stored, the value of the flag is changed to a second value. 11. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 10.

[0139] (Configuration 12) a scanner; The application is an application that executes a job in which the scanner scans an original and transmits scanned image data obtained. 12. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 11.

[0140] (Configuration 13) Changes to the job setting values by the user are accepted without user authentication. 13. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, wherein:

[0141] (Configuration 14) The initial startup of the image forming apparatus is the first startup after shipment. 14. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 13.

[0142] (Configuration 15) A method for controlling an image forming apparatus that executes a job according to an application, comprising: a display step of displaying a first screen for selecting whether to enable a save setting for storing the changed setting value in a non-volatile storage means when the user changes the setting value related to the job, at the time of initial startup of the image forming apparatus; a setting step of automatically setting a job corresponding to the application based on the setting value corresponding to the application stored in the storage means when the saved setting is valid; A control method comprising:

[0143] (Configuration 16) 15. A program for causing a computer to execute each of the means of the image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 14. [Explanation of symbols]

[0144] 100 Image forming device 210 Start control unit 222 Scan and send app

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus that executes a job according to an application, a display control means for displaying a first screen for selecting whether to enable a save setting for storing the changed setting value in a non-volatile storage means when the user changes the setting value related to the job, when the image forming apparatus is first started up; a setting unit that automatically sets a job corresponding to the application based on a setting value corresponding to the application stored in the storage unit when the saved setting is selected as valid; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. The setting means When the application is selected by the user, if the save setting is enabled, the job setting is automatically performed.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

3. The apparatus further comprises a storage control means for, when the saved settings are selected as valid and a setting value relating to the job is changed by a user when the job corresponding to the application is executed, storing the changed setting value in the storage means in association with the application.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

4. The setting means If the save settings are disabled, the job settings will be automatically configured based on the default values.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

5. a second display control means for displaying a second screen on which a user can change a setting value of a job in order to instruct execution of the job according to the application; The changed setting value is the setting value changed by the user via the second screen.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

6. When the application is selected by the user, the second screen is displayed based on the setting value set by the setting means.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5,

7. The second screen includes a button for transitioning to the first screen.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5,

8. the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus that executes a job according to an application selected from a plurality of applications, The first screen is a screen on which a user selects whether or not to enable the save setting for each of the plurality of applications.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

9. The printer further includes a storage control unit that, when the save setting of the selected application is selected as valid and the setting value of the job corresponding to the selected application is changed by the user, stores the changed setting value in the storage unit in association with the selected application.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8,

10. The setting means When an application is selected from the plurality of applications, it is determined whether the saved settings of the selected application are valid, and when it is determined that the saved settings are valid, job settings corresponding to the selected application are automatically performed based on the setting values associated with the selected application among the setting values stored in the storage means.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8,

11. The image forming apparatus further includes a determination unit that, when an operation to start the image forming apparatus is performed and the flag value is a first value, determines that the image forming apparatus is being started for the first time; the display control means displays the first screen when the determination means determines that the device is being started for the first time; The value of the flag is a first value at the time of shipment or after an initialization operation, and when the content of the save setting selected by the user via the first screen is stored, the value of the flag is changed to a second value.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

12. a scanner; The application is an application that executes a job in which the scanner scans an original and transmits scanned image data obtained.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

13. Changes to the job setting values by the user are accepted without user authentication.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

14. The initial startup of the image forming apparatus is the first startup after shipment.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

15. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus that executes a job according to an application, comprising: a display step of displaying a first screen for selecting whether to enable a save setting for storing the changed setting value in a non-volatile storage means when the user changes the setting value related to the job, at the time of initial startup of the image forming apparatus; a setting step of automatically setting a job corresponding to the application based on the setting value corresponding to the application stored in the storage means when the saved setting is valid; A control method comprising:

16. A program for causing a computer to execute each unit of the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

Images