Image formation device, image processing system, and control method for image formation device

Abstract

To provide an image formation device that provides an easy-to-understand and efficient operation procedure for registering collective setting related to job processing from a job setting history.SOLUTION: An image formation device, which stores setting for job processing, includes: a display unit; and a storage unit that stores a setting history related to setting for past job processing and collective setting that collectively registers setting related to job processing. The image formation device further includes: a setting control unit that displays a setting history screen including the setting history on the display unit, and in response to selection of the setting history, displays a setting screen on the display unit that reflects setting contents based on the selected setting history, and displays a registration button on the setting screen that performs registration processing for the collective setting; and a registration control unit that performs the registration processing to the collective setting in response to an operation on the registration button.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus or the like that stores settings for job processing. [Background technology]

[0002] Some image forming apparatuses, such as multifunction peripherals, have job settings registered in advance and execute jobs by calling up the settings.

[0003] The technology of Patent Document 1 discloses that "job setting history can be selected, setting contents can be registered, and can be displayed as a custom button for easy reading." [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-125686 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In Patent Document 1, settings temporarily stored in a job's setting history are re-registered as custom buttons for permanent reference. However, the timing at which registration is possible may differ depending on whether the setting is registered from the setting history or not. Furthermore, if the same set of operational procedures were required for both registration from the setting history and registration from other sources, selecting and registering from the setting history would result in redundant operations. For example, if the user were to set the registration name themselves, the operation itself would be cumbersome, and different users may create different names, making it unclear whether the registration was from the setting history. Furthermore, even if registration processing from the setting history is performed, the settings may already be registered, resulting in a waste of time.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, the present disclosure provides an image forming apparatus and the like that allows easy and efficient operation procedures when registering batch settings related to job processing from the job setting history. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus that stores settings for job processing, A display unit; a storage unit that stores a setting history relating to past job processing settings and a collective setting that collectively registers settings relating to job processing; a setting control unit that displays a setting history screen including the setting history on the display unit, and in response to a selection of the setting history, displays a setting screen on the display unit that reflects setting contents based on the selected setting history, and displays a registration button on the setting screen that performs a registration process for the batch setting; a registration control unit that performs a registration process to the batch setting in response to an operation on the registration button; The present invention is characterized by the following features.

[0008] The present disclosure also provides a method for controlling an image forming apparatus including a display unit and a storage unit that stores batch settings that collectively register settings related to past job processing, the method comprising: a setting control step of displaying a setting history screen including the setting history on the display unit, and in response to a selection of the setting history, displaying a setting screen on the display unit that reflects setting contents based on the selected setting history, and displaying a registration button on the setting screen that performs a registration process for the batch setting; a registration control step of performing a registration process to the batch setting in response to an operation on the registration button; The present invention is characterized by the following features.

[0009] The present disclosure also provides a program for executing a control method for an image forming apparatus including a display unit and a storage unit that stores a setting history relating to settings of past job processes and a collective setting that collectively registers settings relating to job processes, the program comprising: On the computer, a setting control step of displaying a setting history screen including the setting history on the display unit, and in response to a selection of the setting history, displaying a setting screen on the display unit that reflects setting contents based on the selected setting history, and displaying a registration button on the setting screen that performs a registration process for the batch setting; a registration control step of performing a registration process to the batch setting in response to an operation on the registration button; This is a program for executing the above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, the number of operational steps required when registering / reflecting settings can be reduced, or important information can be easily confirmed, thereby preventing users from having to go through the hassle of changing settings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 6 is a flowchart showing a job program registration process of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing a registration name input process for a job program of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a home screen displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a default setting screen displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a setting change on a setting screen displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a name input screen displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a setting history screen displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a setting screen after transition from a setting history screen displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing a registration name input process for a job program of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a name input screen displayed on a display unit of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] 11 is a flowchart showing a process for displaying a program name in the setting history of an image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a setting history screen displayed on a display unit of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments are merely examples for explaining the present disclosure, and the technical scope of the inventions described in the claims is not limited to the following description.

[0013] [1. First embodiment] In the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, when a setting history is registered in a job program or when the setting contents are changed from the default, a program registration button that enables registration in the job program is displayed to indicate to the user that the job settings can now be registered in the program.

[0014] A "job program" is a technology for manually storing job-related settings permanently, and refers to a batch setting in which job processing settings are registered in one go. In use cases where a job program is used to repeatedly execute a standard job, the user can call and execute the job program, allowing for batch settings, which has the effect of reducing the number of setting steps required when executing the same job.

[0015] Furthermore, "setting history" is a technology for automatically storing job-related settings. When an image forming device processes a job, it stores information related to the job operation as a job operation history. The information related to the job operation includes various setting information, but the job operation history does not assume that the setting information will be reused. Therefore, the image forming device extracts the setting information from the job operation history and stores it as a setting history.

[0016] [1.1 Overall structure] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. The image forming apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 is an MFP (multi-function peripheral) and has a plurality of modes for job processing.

[0017] The job processing mode is a mode that can realize general copy functions, fax functions, scan functions, etc. When the image forming apparatus 10 is in the copy mode, it can execute a copy job, when in the fax mode, it can execute a fax job, and when in the scan mode, it can execute a scan job.

[0018] A copy job will be briefly described below. First, an original is set in the original reading unit 130, and a copy operation is performed using the operation unit 160. The user can check the set original size, paper size, and copy settings (for example, single-sided printing, double-sided printing, aggregate printing, etc.) on the display unit 150.

[0019] When the user performs a start operation on the operation unit 160, the copy process is executed. Specifically, the document reading unit 130 reads the document set by the user. The control unit 100, which will be described later, generates image data from the document read by the document reading unit 130.

[0020] Image forming unit 140 generates an image based on image data on paper conveyed from paper tray 1410 and outputs the image to paper output tray 1420. In this embodiment, paper refers to recording paper on which an image is formed. This includes not only ordinary plain paper, but also various paper media such as cardboard and glossy paper, as well as film on which an image can be formed.

[0021] Next, a brief explanation of the FAX job will be given below. When sending a fax, a document is set in the document reading unit 130, and the fax sending operation is performed using the operation unit 160. The user can check the document size and sending settings (destination fax number, etc.) that have been set on the display unit 150.

[0022] FAX processing is executed when the user performs a FAX start operation on the operation unit 160. The control unit 100, which will be described later, performs communication procedures with the other party using the communication unit 170, which will also be described later. Then, when a transmission possible state is ensured, the control unit 100 performs necessary processing such as changing the compression format of the compressed file to be sent to the other party, and then performs processing to sequentially send the compressed file to the other party via the communication line.

[0023] Furthermore, when receiving a FAX, the control unit 100 (described later) receives a compressed file sent from the other party while performing a communication procedure in the communication unit 170 (described later), and performs decompression processing on the received compressed file in a compression / decompression processing unit (not shown).Then, various image processes are performed on the image data, and the result is output to the image forming unit 140. The image forming unit 140 forms an output image on a recording sheet based on the output image data.

[0024] In addition to the FAX mode, the function of sending scanned document image data also allows the document image data to be sent by e-mail to an address stored in the storage unit 120, which will be described later.

[0025] Next, a scan job will be briefly explained below. First, a document is set on the document reading unit 130, and a scanning operation is performed using the operation unit 160. The user can check the document size and output image settings (image file type, etc.) that have been set on the display unit 150.

[0026] When a user performs a scan start operation on the operation unit 160, the scan process is executed. Specifically, the document reading unit 130 reads the document set by the user. The control unit 100, which will be described later, generates image data from the document read by the document reading unit 130.

[0027] The image forming device 10 executes various jobs by combining these functions (copy function, fax function, scan function). At this time, for multiple setting items in each job, each time a user performs setting operation input, the autocomplete function automatically extracts the previously set setting values ​​from the job operation history and displays them as the setting history.

[0028] Regarding the job processing mode of the image forming apparatus, when a user operates the operation unit 160 to activate the job processing mode, the control unit 100 of the image forming apparatus 10 displays an initial screen of the activated job processing mode on the screen of the display unit 150. At this time, the initial setting values ​​of the setting items are displayed, and the setting items can be changed from the operation unit 160.

[0029] [1.2 Functional Configuration] [1.2.1 Image forming device] The functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0030] The control unit 100 is a functional unit for controlling the entire image forming apparatus 10. The control unit 100 realizes various functions by reading and executing control programs stored in the storage unit 120, and is configured with one or more arithmetic units (e.g., CPUs (Central Processing Units)). The functions realized by the control unit 100 will be described below.

[0031] The control unit 100 has a setting processing function for performing setting processing, an image forming processing function for performing image forming processing, etc. The control unit 100 executes a copy function, a FAX function, a scan function, etc. as the image forming processing function.

[0032] The control unit 100 includes a setting control unit 101 and a registration control unit 102 . The setting control unit 101 controls processing related to job settings. The registration control unit 102 controls the process of registering in the job program.

[0033] The storage unit 120 is a functional unit that stores programs and data, and is configured by, for example, a semiconductor memory such as an SSD (Solid State Drive), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or the like.

[0034] The storage unit 120 stores setting history data 121 and job program data 122.

[0035] The document reading unit 130 reads an image of a document, and is configured by a scanner device or the like equipped with a device that converts optical information, such as a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), into an electrical signal.

[0036] For example, the document reading unit 130 reads the document placed on the document table within a range set according to the document size. The document may be set on the document table or in an automatic document feeder (ADF).

[0037] Image forming unit 140 is a functional unit for forming image data on a recording medium (e.g., recording paper). For example, recording paper is fed from paper tray 1410 in Fig. 1, and after an image is formed on the surface of the recording paper in image forming unit 140, the recording paper is discharged from discharge tray 1420. Image forming unit 140 is configured, for example, by a laser printer using an electrophotographic system. Also, one or more paper trays 1410 are usually provided to store paper.

[0038] The display unit 150 displays various states of the image forming apparatus 10 and the state of operation inputs. For example, the display unit 150 is configured with a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic EL panel, electronic paper using an electrophoretic system, or the like.

[0039] The operation unit 160 is a button, a switch, or the like that accepts operation input from a user. The operation unit 160 may be realized by a hardware input device such as a switch or a keyboard, or may be realized by a touch panel or the like that is integrally formed with the display unit 150. In this case, the method for detecting input on the touch panel may be any common detection method, such as a resistive film method, an infrared method, an electromagnetic induction method, or a capacitance method. The operation unit 160 of this embodiment is equipped with a hardware input device and a touch panel of the display unit 150, both of which are operable.

[0040] The communication unit 170 is a functional unit that communicates with other devices. For example, the communication unit 170 may have an interface connectable to a network and be able to communicate with other devices via a wired / wireless local area network (LAN). It may also be able to send and receive image data from other devices (such as a USB memory) via a universal serial bus (USB) interface or the like. It may also be connectable to a communication network such as a public line network, a local area network (LAN), or the Internet, and may transmit compressed files to external devices via the communication network by a communication method such as facsimile or email.

[0041] The image forming apparatus 10 may further include necessary functions in addition to the above-described configuration. For example, a management unit may be provided that includes a billing management unit so that the image forming apparatus 10 can be used only when a fee is paid by the user.

[0042] [1.3 Processing flow] The setting process of the image forming apparatus will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the job program registration process of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. In the following embodiments, examples relating to the registration of job programs in copy mode will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this and can also be applied to other modes.

[0043] The image forming apparatus 10 displays a copy setting screen on the display unit 150 (step S102). The setting control unit 101 in the control unit 100 of the image forming apparatus 10 checks whether the copy setting screen has been displayed by selecting a setting history (step S104).

[0044] If the copy setting screen was not displayed by selecting a setting history (step S104: NO), the setting control unit 101 displays a program call button on the display unit 150 (step S106). The setting control unit 101 checks whether the user has made any changes to the setting items on the copy setting screen (step S108). If any settings have been changed, the setting control unit 101 displays a program registration button (step S110).

[0045] When the copy setting screen is displayed by selecting the setting history (step S104: YES), the setting control unit 101 displays a program registration button (step S110).

[0046] The registration control unit 102 in the control unit 100 of the image forming apparatus 10 checks whether the user has pressed the program registration button (step S112). If the user has pressed the program registration button, the registration control unit 102 performs a process of inputting the registration name of the program (step S114). That is, the registration control unit 102 performs a process of inputting the file name of the job program. Then, the registration control unit 102 performs a process of registering the job program (step S116).

[0047] Next, the job program registration name input process in step S114 will be described below. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the job program registration name input process of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0048] The registration control unit 102 in the control unit 100 of the image forming apparatus 10 displays a name input screen for job program registration (step S122). By default, the name input field is left blank (step S124). The user inputs a registration name (file name), and when the registration control unit 102 confirms it (step S126), the process proceeds to step S128. The user presses the name confirmation button, and when the registration control unit 102 confirms it (step S128), the process ends.

[0049] [1.4 Example of operation] A specific example of the setting process of the first embodiment will be described based on the operation screens of FIGS.

[0050] 5, a home screen 200 displayed on the display unit 150 displays a plurality of mode icons 201, and operation icons 202 are displayed on the right side of the screen. When the user presses the copy mode icon 201a, the screen transitions to a copy setting screen 220 shown in FIG.

[0051] The copy setting screen 220 displays various setting items 221 (color mode 221a, image quality 221b, paper selection 221c, double-sided copy 221d, magnification 221e, copy density 221f, sort / group 221g), a number of copies input display 230, a paper layout diagram 240 of the image forming device, a preview button 231, a reset button 232, a black and white start button 233, and a color start button 234.

[0052] The default settings are displayed in the various setting items 221. Also, the number of copies in the copy number input display 230 is displayed as "1".

[0053] A "call program" button 250 is displayed at the top right of the screen, and pressing this button 250 allows the job program to be called.

[0054] 7, when the settings are changed from the default by inputting information into the various setting items 221 and the copy count input display 230, the "call program" button 250 changes to a "register program" button 255. This notifies the user that the changed settings can be registered as a program.

[0055] Pressing the "Register Program" button 255 transitions to a file name input screen 260 shown in Fig. 8. The file name input screen 260 includes a "Cancel" button 262, an "OK" button 263, a file name input display field 264, and a software keyboard 265.

[0056] The user can input a file name when registering a program by pressing the desired key on the displayed keyboard 265. Once input is complete and the "OK" button is pressed, the file name of the job program is determined and the program registration is executed.

[0057] The above is an explanation of the registration process when registering a job program by changing the settings from the default on the copy setting screen 220 and transitioning to the file name input screen 260, but there is another method for registering a job program. This is the case where the user presses the setting history icon 202a on the home screen 200 of FIG. 5 to transition to the setting history screen 270 shown in FIG.

[0058] The setting history screen 270 includes a "Back" button 272, setting history 274a-274d, and setting history up and down scroll buttons 275a and 275b. The setting history 274 has pinned icons 276a-276d displayed to indicate that it has been selected. If the pinned icon 276 is white, it means that it is not selected, and if it is black, it means that it has been selected. The pinned icons 276a, 276c, and 276d are white and not pinned, while the pinned icon 276b is black and pinned.

[0059] The setting history will be deleted if it exceeds a certain number, but it can be kept by pinning it. By doing so, the pinned setting history will remain and be available for use. However, if you use the pinned setting history frequently, it may be better to register it as a job program.

[0060] Therefore, the setting history 274b displaying the pinned icon 276b is selected by double tapping, long pressing, or other operations. This operation can be set as desired. Then, the copy setting screen 220 is displayed, reflecting the settings in the setting history 274b, as shown in FIG. 10. In this case, the "Register Program" button 255 is displayed, informing the user that registration to the job program is now possible. The "Register Program" button 255 may be displayed in a color or by blinking, so as to be easily noticeable to the user. Pressing the "Register Program" button 255 displays the file name input screen 260 shown in FIG. 8, where the user can input a file name.

[0061] The setting history 274b registered in the job program is unpinned, and the pinned icon 276b turns white.

[0062] The selection of setting history for registering a job program is not limited to pinned history, and non-pinned history may be selected. Also, setting history without a pinning function may be selected and registered in a job program.

[0063] The registered setting history may be processed as follows. The setting history may be left as it is, or may be left with a lower display priority. The registered setting history may also be deleted. In this way, the user may be allowed to select whether to leave the setting history or delete it.

[0064] Alternatively, the setting history may be left as is for the time being and controlled according to the user's trends (such as which of the setting history and the job program is used more frequently). For example, it may be determined over a certain period of time which of the setting history and the job program is used more frequently, and if the setting history is used less frequently, it may be deleted, but if the setting history is used more frequently than the certain frequency, it may be left as is.

[0065] Also, for example, a folder / tab named "job program registered" may be automatically generated on the setting history screen, and the setting history registered in the job program may be displayed there.

[0066] [1.5 Effects] In this way, when transitioning from the setting history screen to the setting screen, the "Register Program" button is displayed on the setting screen reflecting the settings from the setting history, so the user is notified that program registration is possible and can immediately proceed to the registration process. On the other hand, when transitioning to the setting screen from a screen other than the setting history screen, the "Register Program" button is not displayed until the settings are changed from the default, so the user is not notified that program registration is possible until the "Register Program" button is displayed, and cannot proceed to the registration process.

[0067] [2. Second Embodiment] In the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment, when the setting contents of the setting history are registered as a job program, a registration name is used to indicate that the setting contents have been registered from the setting history. The configuration of the image forming apparatus is the same as that of the first embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0068] [2.1 Processing flow] The job program registration process of the second embodiment is the same as the process of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a registration name input process for a job program of an image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment.

[0069] The registration control unit 102 in the control unit 100 of the image forming apparatus 10 displays a name input screen for registering a job program (step S222). The registration control unit 102 selects the setting history to transition to the setting screen and confirms that the settings have not been changed (step S224). If this condition is not met (step S224: NO), a blank is displayed as the default name (step S226). If this condition is met (step S224: YES), a name indicating that the setting is the setting content of the setting history is displayed as the default name (step S228). For example, the name may be "History_(setting time of setting history)".

[0070] The registration control unit 102 checks whether the name decision button has been pressed (step S230), and if it has been pressed, ends the process.

[0071] [2.2 Example of operation] A specific example of the name input process of the second embodiment will be described based on the name input screen of FIG.

[0072] In the image forming apparatus 10, as in the first embodiment, the setting history 274b displayed on the setting history screen 270 shown in Fig. 9 is selected on the display unit 150, and the screen transitions to the copy setting screen 220 shown in Fig. 10. When the "Program Registration" button 255 in Fig. 10 is pressed, the registration control unit 102 transitions the screen on the display unit 150 to the registration name input screen shown in Fig. 12. At this time, "History_2019 / 6 / 27-14:00:20" is displayed in the input display field 264.

[0073] When a setting history is selected and the screen transitions to the copy setting screen 220, the registration control unit 102 displays a name in the input display field 264 that identifies which setting history the setting content belongs to. Here, the default name is the word "history" indicating the setting history and "execution time of job in history" to identify the setting history. The user can modify the default name using the software keyboard 265.

[0074] [2.3 Effects] In this way, when a setting history is selected on the setting history screen and the screen transitions to the setting screen, a name that can identify the installation history can be preset as the registration name for the job program, so the user does not need to input it each time, and the number of operation steps can be reduced. Also, since the name is based on a certain standard, it becomes easier to identify the setting history that is being cited.

[0075] 3. Third Embodiment In the image forming device of the third embodiment, when the setting history displayed on the setting history screen is registered in a job program, the file name of the job program is displayed in the setting history registered in the job program in order to show the link between the setting history and the job program. The configuration of the image forming apparatus is the same as that of the first embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0076] [3.1 Processing flow] Displaying the registered name of a job program in the setting history will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing processing for displaying the file name of a job program in the setting history of an image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment.

[0077] The setting control unit 101 in the control unit 100 of the image forming apparatus 10 checks whether the setting history icon 202a on the home screen 200 shown in FIG. 5 has been pressed (step S302). If it has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S304, where the setting history stored in the storage unit 120 is compared with the setting contents of the job program (step S304). Then, it is checked whether there is a job program whose setting contents match those in the setting history (step S306). If there is a job program whose setting contents match those in the setting history, the registered name of the job program (the file name of the job program) is displayed in the setting history display portion of the setting history screen (step S310). This notifies the user that a job program with the same contents exists.

[0078] If there is no job program that matches the setting contents of the setting history, the setting history contents are displayed as they are (step S308).

[0079] [3.2 Example of operation] A specific example of processing for displaying the registered name of a job program in the setting history of the third embodiment will be described based on the setting history screen of FIG.

[0080] Assume that the setting history icon 202a on the home screen 200 shown in FIG. 5 is pressed on the display unit 150 of the image forming apparatus 10, causing a transition to the setting history screen 270 shown in FIG. 14. In the first embodiment, the screen would transition to the setting history screen shown in FIG. 9, but the third embodiment shown in FIG. 14 differs from FIG. 9 in the display content of the setting history 274b. The setting history 274b in FIG. 14 displays the job program registration name (job program file name) of "Job program 'For approval document copy'", and does not display the content of the setting history.

[0081] When the image forming apparatus 10 compared the setting contents of the setting history 274b of the setting history data stored in the storage unit 120 with the setting contents of the job program data, they matched with a job program named "For copying approval documents." Therefore, instead of displaying the setting contents of the setting history 274b, the image forming apparatus 10 displayed the registered name of the matching job program.

[0082] [3.3 Effects] In this way, instead of displaying the setting contents of the setting history, the registered name of the job program whose setting contents match is displayed, thereby informing the user that a job program whose setting contents match exists, and preventing the user from registering a job program with the same setting contents.

[0083] [4. Modifications] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and designs that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention are also included in the scope of the claims.

[0084] It is also possible to select multiple setting histories and register them as a job program. In this case, the selected setting histories can be registered as one job program, or the selected setting histories can be registered as individual job programs.

[0085] Furthermore, if the selected setting history contains settings that are mutually exclusive (e.g., color and monochrome), the selected setting history is basically registered as an individual job program, but if the user wishes to register the selected setting history as a single job program, it is also possible to allow the user to select which settings to keep.

[0086] In addition, the programs that run on each device in the embodiments are programs that control the CPU, etc. (programs that make a computer function) so as to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments. Information handled by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (e.g., RAM) during processing, and then stored in various ROMs and HDDs, and is read, modified, and written by the CPU as needed.

[0087] Here, the recording medium for storing the program may be any non-transitory recording medium, such as a semiconductor medium (e.g., a ROM or a non-volatile memory card), an optical recording medium or a magneto-optical recording medium (e.g., a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), an MO (Magneto Optical Disk), an MD (Mini Disk), a CD (Compact Disc), or a BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc)), or a magnetic recording medium (e.g., a magnetic tape or a flexible disk). Furthermore, not only are the functions of the above-described embodiments realized by executing the loaded program, but the functions of the present invention may also be realized by processing in cooperation with an operating system or other application programs, etc., based on instructions from the program.

[0088] Furthermore, when distributing the program on the market, the program can be stored in a portable recording medium and distributed, or transferred to a server computer connected via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the storage device of the server computer is of course included in the present invention.

[0089] Furthermore, some or all of the devices in the above-described embodiments may be realized as LSI (Large Scale Integration), which is typically an integrated circuit. Each functional block of each device may be individually formed into a chip, or some or all of the functional blocks may be integrated into a chip. Furthermore, the integrated circuit method is not limited to LSI, and may be realized using a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. Furthermore, if an integrated circuit technology that can replace LSI emerges due to advances in semiconductor technology, it is of course possible to use an integrated circuit based on that technology. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 10: Image forming device 100: Control unit 101: Setting control section 102: Registration control unit 120: Storage section 121: Setting history data 122: Job program data 130: Document reading unit 140: Image forming unit 150:Display section 160:Operation unit 170: Communications Department 200: Home screen 201: Mode icon 201a: Copy mode icon 202: Operation icon 202a: Settings history icon 220: Copy setting screen 221: Setting items 230: Number of copies input display 250: Program call button 255: Program registration button 260: File name input screen 264: Input display field 265: Software keyboard 270: Setting history screen 274: Settings history 276: Pinned icon

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus capable of displaying one or more setting histories relating to settings in one or more past job processes, the image forming apparatus comprising: one or more storage units for storing the one or more setting histories and batch settings related to job processing; a display unit that displays a setting history screen including the one or more setting histories stored in the one or more storage units; one or more control units; The one or more control units based on a predetermined operation on the one or more setting histories, storing the setting histories in which the predetermined operation has been performed as a batch setting in the one or more storage units; A button for switching the display of the one or more setting histories from a display of setting histories for a plurality of modes to a display of setting history for a copy mode is displayed on the setting history screen. Image forming device.

2. The one or more control units displaying an icon for each of the one or more setting histories indicating whether or not each setting history is in a selected state; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, based on the predetermined operation on a setting history for which an icon indicating that the setting history is in a selected state is displayed, the setting history for which the predetermined operation has been performed is stored as the batch setting in the one or more memory units.

3. The one or more control units The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein an icon indicating that the setting history stored as the batch setting in the one or more storage units is not in the selected state is displayed.

4. The one or more control units The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the setting history stored as the batch setting is displayed in the one or more storage units.

5. The one or more control units The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the display of the setting history stored as the batch setting in the one or more storage units is left with a lowered display priority.

6. The one or more control units The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the display of the setting history stored as the collective setting in the one or more storage units is maintained when the setting history is used more frequently than the collective setting.

7. The one or more control units The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the display of the setting history stored as the batch setting in the one or more storage units is deleted from the setting history screen.

8. The one or more control units 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the display of the setting history stored as the batch setting in the one or more storage units is deleted on the setting history screen when the setting history is used less frequently than the batch setting.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 ; and an image processing unit.

10. A control method for an image forming apparatus capable of displaying one or more setting histories relating to settings in one or more past job processes, comprising: storing the one or more setting histories in one or more storage units; displaying, on a display unit, a setting history screen including the one or more setting histories stored in the one or more storage units; a step of storing, based on a predetermined operation on the one or more setting histories, the setting histories in which the predetermined operation has been performed as a batch setting in the one or more storage units; displaying a button on the setting history screen for switching the display of the one or more setting histories from the display of the setting histories of a plurality of modes to the display of the setting history of a copy mode; A control method for an image forming apparatus including:

Images