Image communication apparatus and job setting method

Abstract

To prevent a user from being confused by allowing a job to be executed when a setting included in a history is applied to the setting of the job to be executed even when the use of a transmission method or a transmission destination is prohibited.SOLUTION: A job control unit configured to control execution of a job for transmitting image data based on a setting by a user in a communication method selected by the user from a plurality of communication methods; Provided is an image communication device including: a setting application unit which applies a setting included in a selected history to a newly executed job to enable the execution of the job; and a setting management unit which receives, from a specific user, a job prohibition setting for prohibiting the execution of the job by any communication system, wherein the setting application unit applies the setting included in any history when the history is selected to enable the execution of the newly executed job even when the job prohibition setting is made.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image communication apparatus and a job setting method, and more particularly to an image communication apparatus and a job setting method that have a function of storing a history of executed jobs and applying the settings included in the stored history to the settings of a job that is about to be executed (newly executed). [Background technology]

[0002] Some image forming devices are known that, upon passing user authentication, can execute jobs (transmission jobs) that transmit data to other devices using multiple communication methods (transmission methods), such as email data transmission and file transmission. Some image forming devices are also known that, upon passing user authentication, can access the transmission history (history of previously sent transmission jobs, etc.) stored in the image forming device and set up new transmission jobs by referencing the transmission history. However, it is undesirable from a security perspective for other users to be able to view history information related to transmission jobs executed by an authenticated user. Therefore, a communication device has been proposed that, upon receiving an instruction to access transmission history information, determines whether to permit access to transmission history information based on a setting for whether each transmission method is available and the transmission destinations included in the transmission history information. It has been disclosed that the settings for whether to permit or prohibit each transmission method not only allow or prohibit access to all destinations, but also allow access to only the destinations related to the authenticated user (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-234170 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Typically, the permission / prohibition settings for jobs using one of multiple communication methods (transmission methods) can be set only by an administrator or a user with administrator-equivalent authority (hereinafter referred to as an administrative user in this specification). However, jobs can be executed not only by administrative users but also by general users (users without administrative authority). If an administrative user prohibits a job using a communication method, it is possible to prohibit the use of history including the settings related to the prohibited job. However, the fact that history is recorded indicates that the job related to that history has been executed recently, and the history may have been referenced and used when setting up a new job. If an administrative user prohibits the use of a transmission method or destination related to such a job, for example, for security reasons, from the general user's perspective, a situation occurs in which jobs related to the communication method that they have been using until now can suddenly no longer be executed. If the use of a transmission method or destination that a general user frequently uses, for example, for routine tasks, is prohibited without the general user's knowledge, the general user's work may be delayed and confusion may occur. This disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to prevent confusion for users by, for example, allowing a job to be executed if the settings included in the history are applied to the settings of the job to be executed even if the use of a transmission method or destination is prohibited. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This disclosure provides an image communication device comprising: a job control unit that controls the execution of a job that transmits image data based on settings made by a user using a communication method selected by the user from a plurality of communication methods; a history storage processing unit that stores the history of executed jobs in memory; a setting application unit that accepts the selection of one of the histories and applies the settings included in the selected history to a newly executed job, thereby enabling the job to be executed; and a setting management unit that accepts a job prohibition setting from a specific user that prohibits the execution of the job using any of the communication methods, wherein the setting application unit applies the settings included in any of the histories when one of the histories is selected, thereby enabling the newly executed job to be executed, even if the job prohibition setting has been made.

[0006] Also, from a different perspective, this disclosure provides a job setting method comprising: a step in which a control unit that controls an image communication device controls execution of a job that transmits image data based on settings made by the user using a communication method selected by the user from a plurality of communication methods; a history storage step that stores the history of executed jobs in memory; a setting application step that accepts a selection of any of the histories and applies the settings included in the selected history to a newly executed job to enable the job to be executed; and a step that accepts, from a specific user, a job prohibition setting that prohibits execution of the job using any of the communication methods, wherein the setting application step applies the settings included in any of the histories when any of the histories is selected, enabling the newly executed job to be executed even if the job prohibition setting has been made. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] In the image communication device disclosed herein, even if a job prohibition setting has been made, if any history is selected, the setting application unit applies the settings included in that history to enable the job to be executed, so even if the use of a transmission method or destination is prohibited, the settings included in the history will not immediately become unapplicable to the job settings. Therefore, compared to a case where the settings included in the history are immediately made unapplicable to the job settings, confusion among other users who are unaware that a prohibition setting has been made can be reduced. The job setting method disclosed herein also provides the same advantageous effects. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of a multifunction peripheral as an image communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of the image communication apparatus shown in FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen for accepting a job prohibition setting in the image communication apparatus shown in FIG. 2.

[0023] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen for accepting a job prohibition setting, which is different from that shown in FIG. 3; [Figure 5A] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an image transmission basic screen that accepts settings for a scan job as a transmission job. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the image transmission basic screen shown in FIG. 5A. [Figure 6] FIG. 5B is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen for selecting a destination registered in an address book on the basic image transmission screen shown in FIG. 5A; [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen for selecting a transmission job to which a selected destination is to be applied on the destination selection screen shown in FIG. 6; [Figure 8] FIG. 5B is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a history display screen that is displayed when a "recent job" button is touched on the basic image transmission screen shown in FIG. 5A; [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a history selected on the history display screen shown in FIG. 8 is called up and a registered destination is applied. [Figure 10] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a message related to job prohibition setting displayed on the basic image transmission screen shown in FIG. 9; FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen for setting an available period in the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a message related to job prohibition setting displayed on the basic image transmission screen in the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen for setting a deadline in the third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a message related to job prohibition setting displayed on the basic image transmission screen in the third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen for setting the number of times that the service can be used in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a message related to job prohibition setting displayed on the basic image transmission screen in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen for setting a permission request to an administrative user in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a message related to job prohibition setting displayed on the basic image transmission screen in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 19] 4 is a flowchart of a setting adaptation process showing an example of a process executed by a control unit 12 in the first embodiment. [Figure 20] 4 is a flowchart of a history storage process showing an example of a process executed by a control unit 12 in the first embodiment. [Figure 21] 20 is a flowchart showing a setting adaptation process that is different from the process shown in FIG. 19 and is executed by the control unit 12 in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following description is given by way of example only in all respects and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. <Configuration of image communication device> 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the appearance of an image communication apparatus according to this embodiment, which is a multifunction peripheral as an example of an image communication apparatus. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of the image communication apparatus shown in FIG.

[0010] As shown in Fig. 1, image communication device 10 includes an operation unit 11, a scanner unit 14S, a document feeder 14F, an engine unit 14E, a paper feed unit 14P, and a paper discharge unit 14X. As shown in Fig. 2, image communication device 10 further includes a control unit 12, a memory 13, and a communication circuit 15. Control unit 12 includes an operation control unit 12U, a setting management unit 12C, an image control unit 12P, a history storage processing unit 12H, a setting application unit 12S, and a job control unit 12J. Memory 13 includes a history storage unit 13H. Image communication device 10 further includes an image processing unit 14 including scanner unit 14S and engine unit 14E, both of which are shown in Fig. 1.

[0011] The control unit 12 is mainly composed of one or more processors and one or more memories as hardware resources. The processor executes a control program stored in the memory to realize the functions of the operation control unit 12U, setting management unit 12C, image control unit 12P, history storage processing unit 12H, setting application unit 12S, and job control unit 12J described above. Each element of the control unit 12 will now be described.

[0012] The operation control unit 12U controls the display of the operation unit 11 and processes user operations detected by the operation unit 11. The operation control unit 12U may include an input receiving unit 12R. The input receiving unit 12R receives settings related to jobs controlled by the job control unit 12J (described later) using one of multiple input methods. The setting management unit 12C receives settings for prohibiting specific types of jobs (job prohibition settings) from an administrative user. The image control unit 12P controls the operation of the scanner unit 14S and the engine unit 14E and image data processing. The history storage processing unit 12H stores settings related to executed jobs as job history in the history storage unit 13H and retrieves the stored history in response to user operations. That is, when a job is executed, if no job prohibition setting is set for that job, the job is stored as history in the history storage unit 13H. On the other hand, if a job prohibition setting is set for that job, the job may not be stored as history in the history storage unit 13H even if it is executed.

[0013] When the operation control unit 12U accepts the selection of one of the histories stored in the history storage unit 13H, the setting application unit 12S applies the settings included in the selected history to the job to be executed, making the job executable. Regardless of whether a prohibition setting has been set for the job to be executed, the setting application unit 12S applies the settings included in the selected history to the job to be executed (newly executed job), making the job executable. The job control unit 12J controls the execution of jobs related to image data. Examples of jobs related to image data include a copy job that reads an image document and prints the image data, a scan job that reads an document and transmits the image data to an external device or stores it in memory 13, and a print job that expands print data received from an external device and prints the image data. A transmission job that transmits image data to an external device includes, but is not limited to, the aforementioned scan job. For example, a transmission job also includes a job that transmits image data stored in memory 13 to an external device.

[0014] There are several types of communication methods used by transmission jobs when sending image data externally. For example, there is an e-mail transmission job that sends image data as an e-mail attachment. There is also an FTP transmission job that sends image data using the FTP (File Transfer Protocol) method. There is also a desktop transmission job that sends image data to the desktop of a PC (Personal Computer) or the like. There is also a shared folder job that sends image data to a folder that has been set up in advance as a shared folder with an external device. In this specification, the communication method is also referred to as a mode. There is also an external memory device storage job that sends image data to a USB memory device connected to a USB connector (not shown in Figure 1). There is also a remote PC scan job that reads an image of a document by operating a scanner remotely from a PC connected via communication circuit 15. There is also a fax transmission job that sends image data using a fax (facsimile) communication method.

[0015] The memory 13 is configured as a combination of RAM (Random Access Memory) accessible from the control unit 12 and nonvolatile memory. DDR SDRAM (Double-Data-Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory) such as DDR4 or DDR5 may be used as the RAM. A solid-state disk (SSD) or hard disk drive (HDD) may be used as the nonvolatile memory. At least a portion of the hardware of the memory of the control unit 12 and the memory 13 may be common. The history storage unit 13H is a storage area in the memory 13 that stores job histories. The history storage unit 13H stores a finite number of job histories on a first-in, first-out basis. That is, when storing new history, if the capacity of the history storage unit 13H is full with the already stored history, the oldest history is erased and the new history is stored. According to this embodiment, when a specific user sets a prohibition setting (job prohibition setting) for job execution using one of a plurality of communication methods, the history storage processing unit can prevent jobs related to the communication method for which the job prohibition setting has been set from being stored as history, so that job history related to the prohibited communication method will eventually not be included in the history stored in memory on a first-in, first-out basis, and the effectiveness of the job prohibition setting will become apparent. Moreover, after the job prohibition setting is set, the settings included in the history will not immediately become unable to be applied to job settings, but rather, as long as there is job history for the communication method related to the job prohibition setting, the settings included in the history can be applied to job settings, so the prohibition setting is reflected gradually.

[0016] The operation unit 11 includes a display device (display unit) such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Display) that provides the user with an operation screen related to the status and operation of the image communication device 10, and an input detection device such as a touch panel that detects user operations. The operation unit 11 is also a display unit that displays an operation screen and accepts user operations.

[0017] The scanner unit 14S and engine unit 14E that make up the image processing unit 14 will now be described. The scanner unit 14S is, for example, a scanner, and includes mechanisms, circuits, and an image sensor for scanning and reading an original document, and is the unit that reads the original document. The document feeder 14F shown in FIG. 1 is included in the scanner unit 14S. In this embodiment, the engine unit 14E includes mechanisms and circuits for performing electrophotographic charging, exposure, development, transfer, and fixing, a paper feed tray that stores print paper, and a paper feed and transport mechanism that feeds and transports the stored print paper, and performs printing. The electrophotographic method is just an example, and printing may be performed using other methods.

[0018] The scanner unit 14S (scanner) of the image communication device 10 reads an image of a document and converts it into an image signal under the control of the job control unit 12J. That is, it reads the document and generates image data for a copy job, a fax job, and a scan job. It also receives print data from an external device via the communication circuit 15 and generates image data for printing. The engine unit 14E prints based on the image data on paper stored in the paper feed unit 14P and ejects the printed paper to the paper ejection unit 14X. The communication circuit 15 is a circuit for communicating with external devices via wired communication such as Ethernet or wireless communication such as wireless LAN or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0019] <<Prohibition settings by the settings management unit and destination settings using history>> (Embodiment 1) Next, an example of a prohibition setting accepted by the setting management unit 12C will be described. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen on which the setting management unit 12C of the image communication apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 2 accepts a job prohibition setting via the operation unit 11. The job restriction screen 31 shown in FIG. 3 is displayed by logging in with administrator privileges for the image communication apparatus 10. That is, this screen can only be set by the administrative user. As shown in FIG. 3, the administrative user can use the job restriction screen 31 to set permission or prohibition for all transmission jobs that the image communication apparatus 10 can execute. In the example shown in FIG. 3, permission or prohibition can be set for each of e-mail transmission jobs, FTP transmission jobs, desktop transmission jobs, shared folder jobs, external memory device storage jobs, remote PC scan jobs, and fax transmission jobs. In the example shown in FIG. 3, e-mail transmission jobs are set to be prohibited, while other jobs are set to be permitted. The job prohibition setting shown in FIG. 3 applies to all users of the image communication apparatus 10, so no user can execute e-mail transmission jobs using the image communication apparatus 10. However, if the history of the e-mail transmission job is stored in the history storage unit 13H, the history can be called up and applied as the settings for a new e-mail transmission job to be executed, and the e-mail transmission job can be executed.

[0020] Next, we will describe different examples of prohibition settings accepted by the setting management unit 12C. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen different from that shown in FIG. 3 on which the setting management unit 12C accepts job prohibition settings via the operation unit 11. The screen shown in FIG. 4 is an input method restriction screen 41 that restricts the input method for the destination (address). Like the job restriction screen 31 in FIG. 3, the input method restriction screen 41 is a screen that can be set only by the administrative user. The input method restriction screen 41 may be configured to allow individual settings for each authenticated user who has passed user authentication. In the example shown in FIG. 4, three input methods can be set as permitted or prohibited. The first input method is a method for inputting the destination (address) using the transmission history. The transmission history is different from the job history stored in the history storage unit 13H. The job history is primarily intended to record the history of executed jobs, and job settings and transmitted image data are stored as history. The function of applying that history to the settings of a new execution job to be executed can be considered a derivative function. In contrast, the transmission history is a function for storing transmission destinations and calling up the stored destinations for use in a new job to be executed. The input method restriction screen 41 includes a transmission history input prohibition setting 42 that prohibits an input method using the transmission history. As described above, the control unit 12, as the operation control unit 12U, displays the job restriction screen 31 and the input method restriction screen 41 on the operation unit 11 to accept the settings. In addition, the control unit 12 may display an operation screen similar to the job restriction screen 31 and the input method restriction screen 41 on a PC or the like connected via the communication circuit 15, and accept operations by a user who has logged in with administrator privileges.

[0021] The second input method is an input method in which a transmission destination (addressee) is selected from an address book. The address book is a database in which destinations related to transmission jobs are registered in advance. The input method restriction screen 41 includes an address book input prohibition setting 43 that prohibits selecting any destination registered in the address book and applying it to the destination of the transmission job. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the address book input prohibition setting 43 accepts a prohibition setting for each communication method of the transmission job. The third input method is an input method in which the destination (addressee) is directly input. In this method, the destination is directly input using a soft keyboard displayed on the operation unit 11, an external keyboard, a mobile terminal connected for communication, or the like. The input method restriction screen 41 includes a direct input prohibition setting 44 that prohibits the destination from being input by direct input. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the direct input prohibition setting 44 accepts a prohibition setting for each communication method of the transmission job.

[0022] As an example, the setting of a transmission job when a setting to prohibit e-mail transmission jobs is made as shown in FIG. 3 will be described. FIGS. 5A to 7 are explanatory diagrams showing examples of operation screens for accepting settings for a scan job as a transmission job. These are examples of operation screens displayed on the operation unit 11. FIG. 5A shows an example of an image transmission basic screen 51 for accepting settings for a scan job. The image transmission basic screen 51 displays multiple options for input methods for setting a destination. A "Transmission History" button 52 is located on the right side of the image transmission basic screen 51 for selecting and setting a destination from a list of transmission histories. When the "Transmission History" button 52 is touched, the control unit 12, functioning as the operation control unit 12U, causes the operation unit 11 to display a list screen (not shown) of destinations (transmission histories) used (set) in transmission jobs that have already been executed. When the user selects one of the listed destinations, the control unit 12 accepts the destination as a setting for the transmission job.

[0023] An "Address Book" button 53 for setting a destination using an address book is located in the upper left corner of the basic image transmission screen 51. If destination selection from the address book is prohibited for all communication methods on the input method restriction screen 41 shown in Fig. 4, the "Address Book" button 53 may be grayed out or hidden. To the right of the "Address Book" button 53 is a destination field 54 for directly inputting a destination using a soft keyboard (not shown in FIG. 5A) or the like. When the destination field 54 is touched, the control unit 12 (as the operation control unit 12U) accepts direct input of a destination using a soft keyboard, an external keyboard, a mobile terminal, or the like. If direct input of an e-mail sending job is prohibited on the input method restriction screen 41, the user may be notified that direct input is not accepted by displaying a message indicating that the user does not have permission to directly input a destination. If e-mail sending jobs are prohibited, the "Enter destination by touch" button in the destination field in FIG. 5A may not be displayed. Furthermore, as an alternative to FIG. 5A, if e-mail sending jobs are prohibited, a message 58 stating "You are not authorized to use this function. Please contact your administrator" may be displayed on the basic image sending screen 51, as shown in FIG. 5B. In FIG. 5B , message 58 is displayed at the top of image transmission basic screen 51, but the display position is not limited thereto and message 58 may be displayed overlapping image transmission basic screen 51. In FIG. 5B , when destination field 54 is touched, a beep indicating that the operation is invalid and / or a message indicating that the user does not have permission to directly input a destination may be emitted to notify the user that direct input is not accepted. Note that destination field 54 displays not only directly input destinations but also destinations set using transmission history, an address book, and a history, etc., as described below. In addition, when a destination list screen (not shown) is displayed by touching "transmission history" button 52 in FIG. 5B , it is preferable to hide message 58, but message 58 may also be displayed on the destination list screen.

[0024] Furthermore, a "Recent Jobs" button 55 is located on the right side of the basic image transmission screen 51 for selecting a job history and setting a destination included in that history. Note that only destination settings are accepted when using the "Send History" button 52, "Address Book" button 53, or direct input. On the other hand, when the "Recent Jobs" button 55 is touched and any history settings on the history display screen (see FIG. 8) described below are applied, the selected history settings are also applied to items other than the destination. After a transmission job destination has been set from the history, any input method may be accepted for the operation of setting an additional destination. Alternatively, the operation of setting an additional destination may also be accepted only from the history.

[0025] In addition, a job setting area 56 for accepting settings such as image quality for a scan job is located on the left side of the basic image transmission screen 51. A "START" button 57 for accepting an instruction to start a transmission job is located on the lower right side of the basic image transmission screen 51. The control unit 12 as the operation control unit 12U makes the "START" button 57 inoperable until a destination is set. To inform the user that the "START" button 57 is inoperable, the "START" button 57 may be displayed as grayed out until a destination is set. Furthermore, the "START" button 57 may be displayed as grayed out until a document is set in addition to the destination being set. Note that, if a message 58 is displayed on the destination list screen displayed by touching the "TRANSMISSION HISTORY" button 52 in FIG. 5B, the "START" button 57 may remain grayed out even after the destination is set.

[0026] For example, when a user touches the "Address Book" button 53 to set a destination, the control unit 12, functioning as the setting application unit 12S, displays a destination selection screen 61 shown in FIG. 6. The destination selection screen 61 displays an address book display area 62 superimposed on a portion of the basic image transmission screen 51 shown in FIG. 5A. The address book display area 62 displays multiple destinations registered in the address book. However, since e-mail transmission jobs are prohibited in this example, destinations related to e-mail transmission jobs, i.e., destinations with only e-mail addresses registered, are grayed out and cannot be selected. Different destination data corresponding to transmission jobs of different modes can be registered for a single destination in the address book. This is because destination data for different modes may be registered so that transmissions to the same destination can be performed in different modes. If the selected destination includes multiple destination data, the control unit 12, functioning as the setting application unit 12S, displays a transmission mode selection screen, as shown in FIG. 7, for selecting the mode of transmission job for which the destination data corresponds.

[0027] For example, when "User04_SMB" is selected as the destination in FIG. 6 and the "Filter All" button 63 is touched, a transmission mode selection screen 71 shown in FIG. 7 is displayed. The transmission mode selection screen 71 includes a mode (communication method) selection area 72. The mode selection area 72 shown in FIG. 7 shows an example in which four destination data corresponding to different modes are registered for the selected destination, and the user can select one of them. Four destination data are registered: destination data for a fax transmission job, destination data for an e-mail transmission job, destination data common to an FTP transmission job and a desktop transmission job, and destination data for a shared folder. However, because e-mail transmission jobs are prohibited, the destination data for e-mail transmission jobs is grayed out and cannot be selected. When any mode other than e-mail transmission jobs is selected, the destination data registered in the address book corresponding to that mode is applied as the destination. The destination is then displayed in the destination field 54 shown in FIG. 5A. When the "Start" button 57 is touched with a destination displayed in the destination field 54, the control unit 12, functioning as the job control unit 12J, applies the settings in the job setting area 56 and causes the image control unit 12P to read the document set in the scanner unit 14S, generate image data of the document, and transmit the image data to the applied destination.

[0028] On the other hand, when the user touches the “Recent Jobs” button 55 to set a destination, the setting application unit 12S displays the job history stored in the history storage unit 13H as an operation screen. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a history screen (history screen) displayed on the operation unit 11. As shown in FIG. 8, the history screen 81 includes a history display area 82 that displays the job history, a job type selection area 83, a selected history display area 84 that displays the selected history, and a “Call” button 85 that calls up the selected history and applies it to the destination. Note that, in FIG. 5B, when the “Recent Jobs” button 55 is touched to display the history screen 81, the message 58 is not displayed. The job type selection area 83 accepts the type of history to be displayed in the history display area. There are three selectable job types: “Copy,” “Send / Save,” and “All.” “Copy” displays the history of copy jobs, and “Send / Save” displays the history of transmission jobs and jobs that save image data to the memory 13. "All" displays both (all job histories), and the example in FIG. 8 shows an example in which "All" is selected. The history display area 82 displays histories in two columns, left and right. When one of the displayed histories is touched, the selection of that history is accepted, and the contents registered in the selected history are displayed in the selected history display area 84. In the example in FIG. 8, the history of an e-mail sending job is selected, and the selected history is displayed with a gray background. The selected history display area 84 displays one destination, "User01," registered in the selected history. Even though a setting to prohibit e-mail sending jobs is set, the history of the e-mail sending job can be selected. When the "Call" button 85 is touched, the settings of the destination, etc. of the selected history are applied to the destination, etc. of the sending job for which settings are being accepted in FIG. 5A. Note that the "Call" button 85 may be displayed, for example, grayed out, to prevent operation before a history is selected.

[0029] 9 shows an example of the image transmission basic screen in which the selected history has been called up and the registered destination has been applied. As shown in FIG. 9, the image transmission basic screen 91 displays "User01," the destination of the history selected in FIG. 8, in the destination field 92. In this way, the setting application unit 12S makes it possible to refer to the history related to the job even if the job is set to be prohibited, and applies the settings of the destination, etc. included in the selected history to the settings of the transmission job. However, it is preferable that the history storage processing unit 12H does not store the destination of the job as history in the history storage unit 13H even if the set transmission job is executed.

[0030] Note that, if a job prohibition setting is made, the user may be notified that the job is prohibited when settings such as destinations included in the history of the job for which the job prohibition setting is made are applied to the settings of the transmission job. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a message related to the job prohibition setting. The image transmission basic screen 101 shown in FIG. 10 is the same as the image transmission basic screen 91 of FIG. 9, on which a message 102 related to the job prohibition setting is displayed. The image transmission basic screen 101, which is displayed after a history related to a transmission job in a mode for which the job prohibition setting is made is selected and called up, displays the message 102. An example of the content of the message is that, as shown in FIG. 10, transmission jobs in this mode are restricted by the administrative user (destinations are not stored as history even when the job is executed), and therefore it will soon become impossible to call up destinations related to transmission jobs in that mode from the history. According to this aspect, when an operation to apply the history to a newly executed job is performed after the job prohibition setting has been made, the user who performed the operation is notified that the job prohibition setting has been made, so that it is possible to alleviate the restriction of the aspect in which, after the job prohibition setting has been made, the destination included in the history cannot be applied to the job settings without the user's knowledge, and it is possible to reduce confusion among users who are unaware that the job prohibition setting has been made.

[0031] (Embodiment 2) In the first embodiment, for a transmission job in a mode for which a job prohibition setting has been made, settings and job execution that apply destinations, etc. included in the history are possible only if a transmission job in the same mode is stored in the history. In this embodiment, settings and job execution that apply destinations, etc. included in the history are possible until a predetermined period (usable period) has passed since the job prohibition setting was made, but once the usable period has passed, transmission jobs that apply destinations, etc. included in the history to the settings cannot be executed. The usable period can be set by the administrative user when accepting the job prohibition setting.

[0032] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen for setting an available period in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, when a prohibition setting is made for a transmission job of any mode on the job restriction screen 111, a period setting screen 112 is displayed superimposed on the job restriction screen 111 where the prohibition setting was made. The period setting screen 112 includes a check box 113 for enabling / disabling the available period and a period selection menu 114 for selecting the available period. The period selection menu 114 shown in FIG. 11 is a drop-down menu for selecting one of multiple pre-prepared periods, but is not limited to this and may allow any value to be entered. Each time the check box 113 is touched, the check mark is turned on / off. When the “OK” button 115 is touched with the check mark in the check box 113, the setting management unit 12C enables the available period selected in the period selection menu 114. In the example of FIG. 11, the available period for the e-mail transmission job for which the job prohibition setting is made is set to one day. Therefore, up until the day after the job prohibition setting is made, it is possible to set up an e-mail sending job that applies the destination included in the history and to execute that job, but after the next day, it is prohibited to set destinations, etc. by selecting and calling up the history, and it becomes impossible to execute an e-mail sending job at all.

[0033] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a message displayed on the image transmission basic screen until the expiration of the available period when a valid period is set for job settings and job execution that apply settings such as destinations included in the history. The message 122 shown in FIG. 12 is displayed superimposed on the image transmission basic screen 121 after a history related to a transmission job in a mode for which job prohibition has been set is selected and called up. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the message indicates that transmission jobs in this mode are restricted by an administrative user, and that destinations will no longer be able to be set from the history after the available period has expired. The available period set on the screen in FIG. 11 is also displayed. According to this embodiment, if a specific user, such as an administrative user of the device, has set a job prohibition setting that prohibits job execution using a certain communication method, it is possible to execute jobs using the communication method for which the job prohibition setting has been set by applying the history for a predetermined period after the job prohibition setting has been set. This alleviates the restriction that settings such as destinations included in the history cannot be immediately applied to job settings after the job prohibition setting has been set, thereby reducing confusion among users who are unaware that the job prohibition setting has been set.

[0034] (Embodiment 3) In the second embodiment, a mode was described in which it is possible to set and execute a job using the settings of destinations, etc. included in the history until a predetermined period (usable period) has elapsed since the job prohibition setting was made. In this embodiment, instead of the usable period of the second embodiment, a mode is described in which a deadline is set for setting and executing a job using the settings of destinations, etc. included in the history. According to this embodiment, it is possible to set and execute a job using the settings of destinations, etc. included in the history until the set deadline arrives since the job prohibition setting was made, but once the deadline has passed, it is not possible to execute a transmission job using the settings of destinations, etc. included in the history as job settings. The deadline can be set by the administrative user when accepting the job prohibition setting.

[0035] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen for setting the aforementioned deadline in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, when a prohibition setting is made for a transmission job of any mode on the job restriction screen 131, the deadline setting screen 132 is displayed superimposed on the job restriction screen 131 on which the prohibition setting was made. The deadline setting screen 132 includes a check box 133 for enabling / disabling the expiration date of the use period and a deadline setting area 134 for setting the deadline. The setting management unit 12C turns the check mark on / off each time the check box 133 is touched. When the "OK" button 135 is touched with a check mark in the check box 133, the deadline set in the deadline setting area 134 becomes valid. In the example of FIG. 13, the deadline for the e-mail transmission job for which the job prohibition setting is made is set to March 31st. Therefore, from the time the job prohibition setting is made until March 31st, it is possible to set and execute an e-mail transmission job that applies the settings such as destinations included in the history. However, after March 31st, it will be prohibited to set destinations, etc. by selecting and calling up history, and it will no longer be possible to execute email sending jobs that set destinations, etc. from history.

[0036] FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a message displayed on the basic image transmission screen until a deadline is set for job settings and job execution using settings such as destinations included in the history. The message 142 shown in FIG. 14 is displayed superimposed on the basic image transmission screen 141 after a history related to a transmission job in a mode for which job prohibition has been set is selected and called up. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the message indicates that transmission jobs in this mode are restricted by an administrative user, and that destinations will no longer be able to be set from the history after the expiration date. The expiration date set on the screen in FIG. 13 is also displayed. According to this embodiment, if a specific user, such as an administrative user of the device, has set a job prohibition setting to prohibit job execution using a certain communication method, the history can be applied to execute jobs using the communication method for which the job prohibition setting has been set until the set deadline. This alleviates the restriction that settings such as destinations included in the history cannot be immediately applied to job settings after the prohibition setting has been set, thereby reducing confusion among users who are unaware that the job prohibition setting has been set.

[0037] (Embodiment 4) In the second embodiment, a mode was described in which it is possible to set and execute a job using the settings of destinations, etc. included in the history until a predetermined period (usable period) has elapsed since the job prohibition setting was made. In this embodiment, instead of the usable period of the second embodiment, a mode is described in which the number of times that it is possible to set and execute a job using the settings of destinations, etc. included in the history is set is set. In this embodiment, it is possible to set and execute a job using the settings of destinations, etc. included in the history until a predetermined number of times (usable number of times) is reached since the job prohibition setting was made, but once the usable number of times is exceeded, it is not possible to execute a transmission job using the settings of destinations, etc. included in the history as job settings. The usable number of times can be set by the administrative user when accepting the job prohibition setting.

[0038] FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen for setting the number of times the job can be used in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15, when a prohibition setting is made for a transmission job of any mode on the job restriction screen 151, the number setting screen 152 is displayed superimposed on the job restriction screen 151 where the prohibition setting was made. The number setting screen 152 includes a check box 153 for enabling / disabling the number of times the job can be used and a number selection menu 154 for selecting the number of times the job can be used. The number selection menu 154 shown in FIG. 15 is a drop-down menu for selecting one of multiple options prepared in advance, but is not limited to this and may allow any value to be entered. The setting management unit 12C turns the check mark on / off each time the check box 153 is touched. When the “OK” button 155 is touched with a check mark in the check box 153, the number of times the job can be used selected in the number selection menu 154 is enabled. In the example of FIG. 15, the number of times the job can be used for the e-mail transmission job for which the job prohibition setting is made is set to one. Therefore, after the job prohibition setting is made, it is possible to set up an e-mail sending job using the settings such as destinations contained in the history and to execute that job once, but from the second time onwards, it will be prohibited to set up destinations etc. by selecting and calling up the history, and it will be impossible to execute an e-mail sending job at all.

[0039] FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a message displayed on the image transmission basic screen until the available number of times has elapsed, when a history record containing settings such as destinations can be applied to the job settings and execution of the job is set. The message 162 shown in FIG. 16 is displayed superimposed on the image transmission basic screen 161 after a history record related to a transmission job in a mode for which job prohibition has been set is selected and called up. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the message indicates that transmission jobs in this mode are restricted by the administrative user, and that once the available number of times has elapsed, destinations will no longer be able to be set from the history record. The available number of times set on the screen in FIG. 15 is also displayed. At this time, the remaining available number of times may also be displayed. According to this embodiment, if a specific user, such as an administrative user of the device, has set a job prohibition setting to prohibit execution of jobs using a certain communication method, applying the history record allows execution of jobs using the communication method for which the job prohibition setting has been set until the available number of times has elapsed. This alleviates the restriction that settings such as destinations included in the job history cannot be immediately applied to job settings after the job prohibition setting has been set, thereby reducing confusion among users who are unaware that the job prohibition setting has been set. For example, this aspect may be combined with an aspect in which the setting of the available period or deadline is accepted. For example, after the job prohibition setting, the history may be applicable to a new job of the communication method for which the prohibition setting is set until the available period or the set deadline (available deadline) is reached, or until the number of times that the job can be used is reached.

[0040] (Embodiment 5) In this embodiment, for transmission jobs in a mode for which job prohibition is set, permission is requested from the administrative user each time and permission is obtained, allowing the job to be set and executed with the settings such as destination included in the history applied. The job control unit 12J places a transmission job for which permission is being requested in a queue for job execution until permission is obtained, allowing other jobs to be executed during that time. The destination for which permission is requested (for example, the administrative user's email address or other destination) can be set by the administrative user when accepting the job prohibition setting.

[0041] FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen for setting a permission request to an administrative user in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 17 , when a prohibition setting is made for a transmission job of any mode on the job restriction screen 171, the request setting screen 172 is displayed superimposed on the job restriction screen 171 where the prohibition setting was made. The request setting screen 172 includes a check box 173 for setting whether or not to make a permission request to the administrative user and an application destination setting field 174 for setting the destination of the permission request to the administrative user. The application destination setting field 174 shown in FIG. 17 is intended for direct input of the destination using a soft keyboard (not shown) or the like, but is not limited thereto. For example, a destination received from an external device such as a mobile terminal may be set. The setting management unit 12C turns the check mark on / off each time the check box 173 is touched.

[0042] When the "OK" button 175 is touched with a check mark in the checkbox 173, the setting to send a permission request to the administrative user is confirmed. After the setting is made, if the user attempts to set a transmission job for which a job prohibition setting has been made by applying the settings such as the destination included in the history, the job control unit 12J places the transmission job in a queue waiting for job execution until permission is obtained, and sends a permission request to the transmission destination set in the application destination setting field 174. The transmission destination is, for example, the destination of an e-mail sent to the administrative user. When the administrative user replies to the permission request e-mail with permission, the job control unit 12J responds by applying the settings such as the destination included in the history to the settings such as the destination of the transmission job in the queue.

[0043] FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a message displayed on the basic image transmission screen when an attempt is made to set a transmission job for which job prohibition has been set by applying settings such as destinations included in the history in this embodiment. The message 182 shown in FIG. 18 is superimposed on the basic image transmission screen 181 after a history related to a transmission job in a mode for which job prohibition has been set is selected and the settings such as destinations included in the history are recalled. As shown in FIG. 18, an example of the message content is that, since the transmission job in this mode is set to be executed with permission from the administrative user, the job should be placed in a job execution queue and await permission from the administrative user. Furthermore, once permission from the administrative user is obtained, the transmission job in the execution queue should be selected and executed. If permission is received from the administrative user within a predetermined period, the job control unit 12J displays a message to that effect on the operation screen (not shown). The transmission job in the execution queue can be selected and executed. On the other hand, if a response from the administrative user denies permission, the job control unit 12J displays a message to that effect (not shown) and deletes the transmission job from the job execution queue. If no reply is received from the administrator within a predetermined period, a message to that effect is displayed (not shown), and the transmission job is deleted from the queue of jobs waiting to be executed.

[0044] According to this embodiment, the user is notified that permission from the administrative user is required, and if permission from the administrative user is obtained, the job can be executed using the communication method for which the job prohibition setting has been made by applying the settings such as destinations included in the job history. This alleviates the restriction that, after the job prohibition setting has been made, the settings such as destinations included in the job history cannot be uniformly applied to the job settings, thereby reducing confusion among users who are unaware that the job prohibition setting has been made. The conditions for sending a permission request to the administrative user may be limited to, for example, the usable period after the job prohibition setting has been made, the usable period is within the usable period limit, or the usable number of times. Alternatively, after the usable period, usable period, or usable number of times condition has been met, this condition may be applied and a notification for obtaining permission may be sent.

[0045] <Flowchart> The flow of processing executed by the control unit 12 in embodiments 1 to 5 will be described below using flowcharts. Fig. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the control unit 12 as the setting application unit 12S in embodiment 1. Fig. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the control unit 12 as the history storage processing unit 12H in embodiment 1. Fig. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the control unit 12 in embodiment 2 that is different from that shown in Fig. 19.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 19, when the control unit 12 as the setting application unit 12S receives an operation to set a transmission job, it determines whether the setting relates to a transmission job in a mode for which a job prohibition setting has been made (step S11). This job prohibition setting is made on the job restriction screen 31 shown in FIG. 3. If the mode is not a mode for which a job prohibition setting has been made (No in step S11), the control unit 12 then determines whether any input method has been prohibited for the transmission job for which the setting is being accepted (step S13). This prohibition setting is made on the input method restriction screen 41 shown in FIG. 4. As already mentioned, there is no setting that prohibits an input method that applies to a destination included in a history other than the transmission history. If no input method is prohibited (No in step S13), the setting of the transmission job is accepted without any restrictions. Furthermore, an instruction to start execution of the set transmission job is accepted (step S14). Then, the process ends.

[0047] If any input method is prohibited in the determination of step S13 (Yes in step S13), the control unit 12 then displays a message on the operation screen indicating that the prohibited input method is not available for input, and accepts settings using input methods that are not prohibited. For example, if input using an address book is prohibited, the "Address Book" button 53 on the basic image transmission screen 51 shown in FIG. 5A is grayed out to indicate that it is disabled, and operations are not accepted. Also, if input using the transmission history is prohibited, the "Transmission History" button 52 on the basic image transmission screen 51 is not displayed, preventing operation of the "Transmission History" button 52. Then, settings using input methods that are not prohibited are accepted. Input methods that are not prohibited include those that apply settings such as destinations included in the history to settings. The control unit 12 determines whether an operation to apply settings such as destinations included in the history to job settings has been performed (step S17). If the setting operation does not apply settings such as destinations included in the history (No in step S17), the setting of the transmission job is accepted, and an instruction to start execution of the set transmission job is accepted (step S18). Then, the process ends. If it is determined in the above-mentioned step S17 that the setting operation applies settings such as destinations included in the history (Yes in step S17), the process proceeds to step S23 described below and waits for the history to be selected and the call operation to be performed.

[0048] If the control unit 12 determines in step S11 that the received operation is related to a transmission job in a mode for which job prohibition is enabled (Yes in step S11), the control unit 12 determines whether an operation to apply settings such as destinations included in the history to the job settings has been performed (step S19). If the operation related to the job settings is not related to applying settings such as destinations included in the history (No in step S19), a message indicating that setting a destination for the transmission job is prohibited is displayed on the operation screen, and the setting is not accepted (step S20). Then, the process ends. On the other hand, if the operation related to the job settings is related to applying settings such as destinations included in the history (Yes in step S19), the control unit 12 waits for the history to be selected and an operation to call the history (step S23). If the operation to select and call the history is accepted (Yes in step S23), the control unit 12 applies settings such as destinations included in the called history to the settings such as destinations for the transmission job being set (step S25), and the process ends. This concludes the processing flow of the setting application unit 12S.

[0049] Next, the flow of processing by the control unit 12 as the history storage processing unit 12H will be described. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the control unit 12 as the history storage processing unit 12H. As shown in FIG. 20, the control unit 12 as the history storage processing unit 12H waits for the transmission job that has started to be executed to be completed (step S31). When the execution of the transmission job is completed (Yes in step S31), the control unit 12 determines whether the completed transmission job is a transmission job in a mode for which job prohibition is set (step S33). If the transmission job is a transmission job in a mode for which job prohibition is not set (No in step S33), the control unit 12 stores the history of the transmission job that has been completed in the history storage unit 13H (step S35). Then, the process ends. On the other hand, if the transmission job is a transmission job in a mode for which job prohibition is set (Yes in step S33), the control unit 12 does not store the history of the transmission job that has been completed in the history storage unit 13H and ends the process. In this way, the control unit 12 stores the history only for transmission jobs in modes for which job prohibition is not set, and does not store the history for transmission jobs in modes for which job prohibition is set. The above is the flow of processing by the history storage processing unit 12H.

[0050] The processing flow for the first embodiment has been described above. Next, the processing flow for the second embodiment will be described, focusing mainly on the portions that differ from the processing of the first embodiment. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the portions of the processing executed by the control unit 12 in the second embodiment that differ from the processing of FIG. 19 according to the first embodiment. The flowchart in FIG. 21 corresponds to FIG. 19, and similar processing is assigned the same reference numerals (step numbers). Furthermore, some of the processing that is the same as that in FIG. 19 has been omitted and is indicated by dashed lines. The processing of step S21 and step S27 in the flowchart in FIG. 21 differs from that in FIG. 19. The processing flow in these portions will be described below.

[0051] 19, if it is determined in step S11 that the received operation is a setting related to a transmission job in a mode for which job prohibition is set (Yes in step S11), the control unit 12 determines whether an operation has been performed to apply settings such as a destination included in the history to the job settings (step S19). If the operation related to the job settings is not to apply settings such as a destination included in the history (No in step S19), a message that setting a destination for the transmission job is prohibited is displayed on the operation screen, and the setting is not accepted (step S20). Then, the process ends.

[0052] On the other hand, if the operation related to the job setting applies the settings such as destinations included in the history (Yes in step S19), the control unit 12 then determines whether the set usage period has not yet expired (step S21). If the usage period has expired (No in step S21), a message indicating that the usage period has expired and setting of a destination for a transmission job is prohibited is displayed on the operation screen, and the setting is not accepted (step S20). Then, the processing ends. On the other hand, if the usage period has not yet expired (Yes in step S21), the control unit 12 waits for the history to be selected and an operation to call the history is performed (step S23). If an operation to select and call the history is accepted (Yes in step S23), the control unit 12 applies the settings such as destinations included in the called history to the settings such as destinations for the transmission job being set (step S25). Furthermore, a message indicating that the usage period has been set and that job setting and execution using the settings such as destinations included in the history are possible until the usage period has expired (step S27) is displayed on the operation screen. This is the message 122 illustrated in FIG. 12. The process then ends. The above is the flow of the process performed by the control unit 12 as the setting application unit 12S in the second embodiment.

[0053] In the second embodiment, the flow of processing by the history storage processing unit 12H is the same as in the first embodiment, and therefore a flowchart is omitted. In addition, the flow of processing in the third to fifth embodiments will be understandable to those skilled in the art from the flow of processing in the second embodiment.

[0054] It should be understood that the disclosure also includes any combination of the above-described aspects. In addition to the above-described embodiments, various modifications of this disclosure are possible. These modifications should not be interpreted as not belonging to the scope of this disclosure. This disclosure should include all modifications that have the meaning equivalent to the scope of the claims and that belong to the scope of this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 10: Image communication device, 11: Operation unit, 12: Control unit, 12C: Setting management unit, 12H: History storage processing unit, 12J: Job control unit, 12P: Image control unit, 12R: Input reception unit, 12S: Setting application unit, 12U: Operation control unit, 13: Memory, 13H: History storage unit, 14: Image processing unit, 14E: Engine unit, 14F: Document feeder, 14P: Paper feed unit, 14S: Scanner unit, 14X: Paper discharge unit, 15: Communication circuit, 31, 111, 131, 151, 171: Job restriction screen, 41: Input method restriction screen, 42: Transmission history input prohibition setting, 43: Address book input prohibition setting, 44: Direct input prohibition setting, 51, 91, 101, 121, 141, 161, 181: Image sending basic screen, 52: "Send history" button, 53: "Address book" button, 54, 92: Destination field, 55: "Recent jobs" button, 56: Job setting area, 57: "Start" button, 58: Message, 61: Destination selection screen, 62: Address book display area, 63: "Filter_All" button, 71: Sending mode selection screen, 72: Mode selection area, 81: History screen, 82: History display area, 83: Job type selection section, 84: Selection history display area, 85: "Call" button, 102, 122, 142, 162, 182: Message, 112: Period setting screen, 113, 133, 153, 173: Check boxes, 114: Period selection menu, 115, 135, 155, 175: "OK" button, 132: Deadline setting screen, 134: Deadline setting area, 152: Number of times setting screen, 154: Number of times selection menu, 172: Application setting screen, 174: Application destination setting field

Claims

1. a job control unit that controls execution of a job for transmitting image data based on settings made by a user using a communication method selected by the user from a plurality of communication methods; a history storage processing unit that stores the history of executed jobs in a memory; a setting application unit that accepts the selection of one of the histories and applies the settings included in the selected history to a new execution job, thereby enabling the job to be executed; a setting management unit that receives, from a specific user, a job prohibition setting that prohibits execution of the job by any one of the communication methods; The setting application unit applies the settings included in any history when the history is selected, even if the job prohibition setting is made, and enables the new execution job to be executed.

2. an input receiving unit that receives destination settings for the new execution job from a plurality of input methods; the input receiving unit receives application of the history by the setting application unit as one of input methods for receiving destination settings related to the new execution job; The image communication device according to claim 1, wherein when the setting management unit receives a prohibition setting from the specific user that prohibits the destination setting using any input method, the setting management unit is capable of receiving a setting that does not prohibit destination settings to which the history is applied by the setting application unit as an input method.

3. The settings included in the history include a destination of the transmission, 2. The image communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the memory stores the history on a first-in, first-out basis.

4. the setting management unit accepts a setting of an available period indicating a predetermined period for applying the settings included in the history to the new execution job; The image communication device of claim 1, wherein the setting application unit allows the settings included in the history to be applied to the newly executed job from the time the job prohibition setting is made until the usable period has elapsed, but makes it impossible to apply the settings included in the history to the newly executed job after the usable period has elapsed.

5. the setting management unit accepts a deadline for applying the settings included in the history to the new execution job; The image communication device of claim 1, wherein the setting application unit allows the settings included in the history to be applied to the newly executed job from the time the job prohibition setting is made until the deadline arrives, but prevents the settings included in the history from being applied to the newly executed job after the deadline arrives.

6. the setting management unit accepts a setting of a number of times that the setting included in the history can be used for the new execution job, the setting setting indicating a predetermined number of times that the setting included in the history can be used for the new execution job; The image communication device of claim 1, wherein the setting application unit allows the settings included in the history to be applied to the newly executed job from the time the job prohibition setting is made until the number of times that the job can be used is reached, but prevents the settings included in the history from being applied to the newly executed job after the number of times that the job can be used is reached.

7. the setting management unit receives a notification destination setting for obtaining permission from a predetermined administrator to apply the setting included in the history to the new execution job; The image communication device of claim 1, wherein the setting application unit sends a notification to the notification destination to obtain the permission, and if permission is obtained in response to the notification, makes it possible to apply the settings included in the history to the newly executed job, but if permission is not obtained, makes it impossible to apply the settings included in the history to the newly executed job.

8. 2. The image communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the history storage processing unit does not store, in the memory, the history of jobs related to the communication method for which the job prohibition setting is made when the new execution job is executed.

9. the history storage processing unit stores a history of jobs related to a communication method for which the job prohibition setting is not set when the new execution job is executed; The image communication apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the setting application unit applies the setting included in the history to the newly executed job regardless of whether the job prohibition setting is made or not.

10. An image communication device described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the setting application unit notifies the user that the job prohibition setting has been made when the job prohibition setting has been made for a job related to any communication method.

11. A control unit that controls the image communication device a step of controlling execution of a job for transmitting image data based on a setting made by a user using a communication method selected by the user from a plurality of communication methods; a history storage step of storing a history of executed jobs in a memory; a setting application step of accepting a selection of one of the histories and applying the settings included in the selected history to a new execution job to enable the job to be executed; receiving, from a specific user, a job prohibition setting that prohibits execution of the job via any one of the communication methods; The setting application step is a job setting method in which, even if the job prohibition setting is made, if any history is selected, the setting included in that history is applied to enable the newly executed job to be executed.

Images