Job processing apparatus, method for controlling job processing apparatus, and storage medium

Abstract

To provide a job processing device allowing a user to easily select a job in a job history list, a control method of the job processing device, and a program.SOLUTION: The MFP100 includes a CPU101 that displays a job history list in which job histories are arranged in order. The CPU101 displays a diagnostic button 403 for the user to select a job in the job history list for each job history.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a job processing apparatus, a control method for the job processing apparatus, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] When a user attempts to fax, print, or send an image on a multifunction peripheral (MFP), the operation may end with an error, or even if it ends normally, the output may not meet the user's expectations. When faced with these problems, the user typically checks the MFP's manual to try to resolve them, but if the problem persists, they may contact a call center or have a service technician dispatched. Therefore, in recent years, MFPs have been required to have functionality that allows users to resolve the problem themselves, in order to reduce the number of calls to the call center and the need for service technicians, as well as to reduce downtime while waiting for service.

[0003] One such MFP function is, for example, a function to diagnose a job in which a problem has occurred and display the diagnosis results. In this regard, in order for a user to easily diagnose a job at any time in an MFP, it is desirable to be able to easily select a job to be diagnosed by selecting a job history from a job history list. As a related technique, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for collectively searching and displaying transaction histories that match search conditions from a transaction history file. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-215910 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when the method disclosed in Patent Document 1 is applied to selecting a job in a job history list of an MFP, the user must take the trouble to set search conditions, which causes a problem of cumbersome user operations.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a job processing apparatus, a control method for the job processing apparatus, and a program that allow a user to easily select a job in a job history list. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the job processing device of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises a list display means for displaying a job history list in which job histories are arranged in order, and the list display means displays UI components for a user to select a job in the job history list for each job history. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, the user can easily select a job in the job history list. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the MFP. [Figure 2] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing job history data. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an end code table. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a job status / history display screen. [Figure 5A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a guidance display screen for a fax transmission error. [Figure 5B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a guidance display screen for a fax transmission error (the other party is busy). [Figure 5C] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a guidance display screen for a disconnected line cable. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a job diagnosis process. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a line insertion / removal diagnosis process. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a top menu screen. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a job history display screen when a job history list limited in advance to job histories of fax transmission errors is displayed. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing a display process for displaying a job history list limited to job histories with fax transmission errors. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a job history display screen when a job history list limited in advance to job histories of fax reception errors is displayed. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing a display process for displaying a job history list limited to job histories of fax reception errors. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a job history display screen when a job history list limited in advance to job histories related to print image misalignment is displayed. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing a display process for displaying a job history list limited to job histories related to print image misalignment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a job history display screen when a job history list that is limited in advance to job histories that cannot be printed out is displayed. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart showing a display process for limiting the job history list to job histories that cannot be printed out and displaying the list; [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a job history display screen when a job history list that is limited in advance to job histories for which SEND_Email is not possible is displayed. [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart showing a display process for displaying a job history list limited to job histories for which SEND_Email is not possible. [Figure 19]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a job history display screen when a job history list limited in advance to job histories of fax transmission / reception errors is displayed. [Figure 20] 10 is a flowchart showing a display process for displaying a job history list limited to job histories involving fax transmission / reception errors. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a job history display screen when a job history list limited in advance to the most recent N (N=5) fax transmission error job histories is displayed. [Figure 22] 10 is a flowchart showing a display process for limiting the job history list to the most recent N job histories involving fax transmission errors. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a job history display screen when a job history list limited in advance to job histories of fax transmission errors within the most recent M days (M=14) is displayed. [Figure 24] 10 is a flowchart showing a display process for limiting the job history list to job histories with fax transmission errors within the most recent M days. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples, and the scope of the present invention is not limited by the configurations described in the embodiments. For example, each part constituting the present invention can be replaced with any configuration that can exhibit the same function. Also, any component may be added. Further, any two or more configurations (features) in the present embodiment can be combined. In the present embodiment, as a job processing device of the present invention, an MFP having a print function (including a copy function), a scan function, a FAX function, a SEND function, etc. will be described as an example. However, the job processing device of the present invention is not limited to an MFP, and may be a device having one or more functions among a print function, a copy function, a scan function, a FAX function, a SEND function, etc. Note that the SEND function refers to a function of transmitting scan data acquired by a scanner to an external device using a predetermined protocol.

[0011] <Hardware Configuration of MFP> First, referring to FIG. 1, the hardware configuration of the MFP will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the MFP100. As shown in FIG. 1, the MFP100 has a CPU101, a ROM102, a RAM103, a network I / F104, an operation unit controller105, a disk controller106, a printer107, a scanner108, and a MODEM109. The MFP100 further has an operation panel110, a display111, an HDD112, an NCU113, and a system bus114. The CPU101 executes software stored in the ROM102 or the HDD112. Thereby, the CPU101 comprehensively controls each device connected to the system bus114. Note that the HDD112 may be used as a temporary storage location for images.

[0012] RAM 103 functions as the main memory, work area, etc. of CPU 101. Network I / F 104 exchanges data bidirectionally with other network devices or file servers, etc., via network 115. Operation unit controller 105 controls a touch panel made up of operation panel 110 and display 111, and controls buttons (not shown) of MFP 100. Disk controller 106 controls HDD 112. Printer 107 is a unit that prints on paper using an electrophotographic method. Note that the printing method of printer 107 does not have to be electrophotographic.

[0013] The scanner 108 is an image reading unit for reading images printed on paper. The scanner 108 is optionally equipped with an ADF (automatic document feeder) (not shown), which allows it to automatically read multiple pages of original documents. The modem 109 demodulates modulated signals received from the telephone network 116, and conversely modulates signals from the device and sends them to the telephone network 116. The NCU 113 is an interface between the telephone network 116 and the fax machine, and performs line control such as detecting signals coming from the telephone network 116 and transmitting them to the modem 109, and switching the telephone network 116 to the fax machine or telephone 117. The NCU 113 is connected to the telephone network 116 via a line cable 118.

[0014] <Job history data> Next, job history data will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing job history data 201 for a certain job stored in job history DB 200. Job history data 201 for each of a plurality of jobs is stored in job history DB 200. Each job history data 201 is composed of a job ID 202, which is an identifier for the job, as well as a start time 203, a job type 204, a communication mode 205, a color mode 206, a result 207, and an end code 208. The job history DB 200 is stored in HDD 112.

[0015] <Exit code table> Next, the exit code table will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the exit code table. The exit code table in Fig. 3 is made up of an exit code and an error content. The exit code table in Fig. 3 is stored in ROM 102 or HDD 112.

[0016] <Display job history list> Next, the display of the job history list will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a job status / history display screen displayed on the display 111 by the CPU 101. The job status / history display screen in Fig. 4 is composed of a job display area 400, a send tab 401, a job type pull-down 402, a diagnosis button 403, and a job history display button 404. When the job history display button 404 is selected, the job history list is displayed in the job display area 400. At this time, the job history is displayed in the job history list in the job display area 400 in reverse chronological order of the time the job was started. Furthermore, a diagnosis button 403 (UI widget) is displayed only for each row of the job history for which the result is NG.

[0017] By pressing diagnosis button 403, the user can select a job in the job history of the row where the pressed diagnosis button 403 is displayed, and can then have MFP 100 diagnose the job selected in this manner. Note that the job status / history display screen in FIG. 4 is an example in which the send tab 401 and job history display button 404 are selected, and fax is further selected in job type pull-down 402, causing a job history list for fax transmission to be displayed in job display area 400. Also, diagnosis button 403 is a push button, but a radio button or the like may be used as a UI component for selecting a job. This also applies to diagnosis button 902, which will be described later.

[0018] <Display guidance> Next, the guidance display will be described with reference to Figs. 5A to 5C. Fig. 5A is a diagram showing a guidance display screen for a fax transmission error. Fig. 5B is a diagram showing a guidance display screen for a fax transmission error (the other party is busy). Fig. 5C is a diagram showing a guidance display screen for a disconnected line cable. The guidance display screens shown in Figs. 5A to 5C are displayed on the display 111 by the job diagnosis process shown in Fig. 6, which will be described later. The guidance display screens shown in Figs. 5A to 5C are made up of a guidance message display area 500, a back button 501 for returning to the previous screen, and the like. Note that a detailed description of the guidance display screens shown in Figs. 5A to 5C will be given together with the description of the job diagnosis process shown in Fig. 6, which will be described later.

[0019] <How to diagnose a job from the job history list> Next, a method for causing MFP 100 to diagnose a job from the display of the job history list will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 7. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing job diagnosis processing. Each step (control method of the job processing apparatus) shown in the flowchart of Figure 6 is realized by CPU 101 (computer) loading a program read from ROM 102 or HDD 112 into RAM 103 and executing it. This also applies to each flowchart described later.

[0020] 6 starts, in step S601, CPU 101 retrieves job history data 201 corresponding to a user's selection operation on the job status / history display screen of Fig. 4 by searching job history DB 200. The following describes a specific example in which the user selects send tab 401 and job history display button 404 on the job status / history display screen, and then selects fax from job type pull-down 402, as shown in Fig. 4. In this case, CPU 101 retrieves job history data 201 for which job type 204 is "FAX" and communication mode 205 is "G3 transmission" or "ECM transmission" by searching job history DB 200.

[0021] In step S602, CPU 101 creates a job history list in which job histories are arranged in reverse chronological order of job start time, based on job history data 201 acquired in step S601. At this time, CPU 101 arranges the job histories in reverse chronological order of job start time, based on start time 203 of job history data 201. Furthermore, CPU 101 (list display means) displays a job status / history display screen on display 111, in which the created job history list is set in job display area 400 (list display step). At this time, CPU 101 displays diagnosis button 403 only for each row of job history in the job history list that has a result of NG. As a result, for example, the job status / history display screen of FIG. 4 is displayed on display 111.

[0022] In step S603, CPU 101 receives a job diagnosis request by detecting the pressing of diagnosis button 403. Specifically, CPU 101 receives a diagnosis request for a fax transmission job (hereinafter abbreviated as "fax transmission job") by detecting the pressing of diagnosis button 403 on the job status / history display screen of Fig. 4. This allows the user to request diagnosis for a job selected by pressing diagnosis button 403 from among fax transmission jobs that have resulted in an NG, from the job history list display in job display area 400 of the job status / history display screen of Fig. 4.

[0023] In step S604, CPU 101 determines whether the error content associated with the job diagnosis request is an automatic call transmission error. Specifically, according to the exit code table in FIG. 3, the exit code when the error content is an automatic call transmission error is "018." Therefore, CPU 101 determines whether exit code 208 in job history data 201 of the fax transmission job selected by pressing diagnosis button 403 detected in step S603 is "018." If CPU 101 determines that the error content associated with the job diagnosis request is an automatic call transmission error, the process proceeds to step S606, which will be described later. On the other hand, if CPU 101 determines that the error content associated with the job diagnosis request is not an automatic call transmission error, the process proceeds to step S605.

[0024] In step S605, CPU 101 (job diagnosis means) displays a guidance message corresponding to the error content associated with the job diagnosis request on display 111. Specifically, if, for example, completion code 208 of job history data 201 of the fax transmission job selected by pressing diagnosis button 403 detected in step S603 is "033," CPU 101 displays the guidance display screen of Fig. 5A. Thereafter, the job diagnosis process of Fig. 6 ends.

[0025] In step S606, CPU 101 performs line insertion / removal diagnostic processing. The line insertion / removal diagnostic processing will be described below with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the line insertion / removal diagnostic processing in step S606. Normally, when line cable 118 is properly connected to MFP 100 and telephone network 116, the value of the voltage applied to NCU 113 is constant. Therefore, CPU 101 acquires the value of the voltage applied to NCU 113 via MODEM 109 (hereinafter referred to as the "line-side voltage value of NCU 113") and checks the acquired line-side voltage value of NCU 113.

[0026] However, when NCU 113 receives an incoming call signal from telephone network 116, a sine wave centered on the voltage applied during standby is sent to NCU 113. For this reason, if CPU 101 checks the line-side voltage value of NCU 113 only once at a certain moment, it may read it as 0V. Therefore, in the line insertion / removal diagnostic process of FIG. 7, CPU 101 checks the line-side voltage value of NCU 113 up to five times at 10 ms intervals, as described below. Note that the 10 ms period and five times are merely examples, and other predetermined periods and predetermined numbers may also be used.

[0027] When the line insertion / removal diagnostic process of FIG. 7 starts, in step S701, CPU 101 executes loop processing. Note that in this loop processing, each of the processes of steps S702 to S704 described below is repeated up to five times. In step S702, CPU 101 acquires the line-side voltage value of NCU 113 by transmitting an acquisition command to MODEM 109. In step S703, CPU 101 determines whether the line-side voltage value of NCU 113 acquired in step S702 is equal to or greater than a threshold value. Note that this threshold value is stored in ROM 102 or HDD 112 in advance. If CPU 101 determines that the line-side voltage value of NCU 113 acquired in step S702 is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the process ends the loop processing. Thereafter, CPU 101 returns OK. As a result, the process proceeds to step S607 of FIG. 6. On the other hand, if the CPU 101 determines that the line-side voltage value of the NCU 113 acquired in step S702 is not equal to or greater than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S704.

[0028] In step S704, CPU 101 waits for 10 ms. Then, the process returns to step S702. In this way, even if CPU 101 performs the determination in step S703 five times at 10 ms intervals, if the determination that the line side voltage value of NCU 113 is not equal to or greater than the threshold value is repeated, the process exits the loop process. Then, CPU 101 returns NG. As a result, the process proceeds to step S607 in FIG. 6. In this way, the line insertion / removal diagnosis process in step S606 is performed.

[0029] Returning to the description of FIG. 6, in step S607, CPU 101 determines whether or not a line has been disconnected. This determination is made based on the result of the line insertion / removal diagnosis processing in step S606. If CPU 101 determines that a line has been disconnected, that is, if the result of the line insertion / removal diagnosis processing in step S606 is NG, the processing proceeds to step S609, which will be described later. On the other hand, if CPU 101 determines that a line has not been disconnected, that is, if the result of the line insertion / removal diagnosis processing in step S606 is OK, the processing proceeds to step S608. In step S608, CPU 101 (job diagnosis means) displays a guidance message corresponding to the other party being busy on display 111. Specifically, CPU 101 displays the guidance display screen of FIG. 5B on display 111. Thereafter, the job diagnosis processing in FIG. 6 ends. In step S609, CPU 101 (job diagnosis means) displays a guidance message corresponding to a line has been disconnected on display 111. Specifically, CPU 101 displays the guidance display screen of FIG. 5C on display 111. After that, the job diagnosis process of FIG. 6 ends.

[0030] As described above, in MFP 100, a user can select a job in the job history row where the pressed diagnosis button 403 is displayed by pressing diagnosis button 403 in the job history list displayed in job display area 400 of the job status / history display screen of FIG. 4 . In this way, in MFP 100, the user can easily select a job in the job history list. Furthermore, in MFP 100, a diagnosis is performed on the job selected by the user pressing diagnosis button 403. In this regard, in the job history list, diagnosis button 403 is displayed only for each row of the job history where the result is NG. Therefore, by selecting a job in the job history list by pressing diagnosis button 403, the user can have MFP 100 diagnose any problems with the selected job. In this way, the user can directly request MFP 100 to diagnose a job from the job status / history display screen of FIG. 4 , that is, the screen on which the job completion result is confirmed.

[0031] Incidentally, when a problem occurs with a job, it is thought that a user will often check the job history by displaying the job history list in job display area 400 of the job status / history display screen in Fig. 4. Therefore, it is easy for the user to understand and convenient for the user to directly request diagnosis of a job from MFP 100 on the job status / history display screen in Fig. 4, that is, the screen for checking the job completion result, without having to return to the previous screen.

[0032] Furthermore, in the case of MFP 100, when a problem occurs with a job, it is considered that the job is often diagnosed relatively quickly. Also, in the job history list displayed in job display area 400 of the job status / history display screen of Fig. 4, job histories are displayed in order of the most recent job start time. As a result, when a problem occurs with a job in MFP 100, the user can easily select the job in question without performing a search operation, by relatively quickly displaying the job history list in job display area 400 of the job status / history display screen of Fig. 4.

[0033] 4, the user selected fax in job type pull-down menu 402, but even if a job type other than fax is selected, it is possible to have MFP 100 diagnose the job from the displayed job history list in the same manner. Also, in the job history list displayed in job display area 400 of the job status / history display screen in FIG. 4, diagnosis button 403 is displayed on each line of a job history whose result is NG, but it may also be displayed on each line of a job history whose result is OK. Also, in the job history list displayed in job display area 400 of the job status / history display screen in FIG. 4, the job histories are sorted in order of the most recent job start time, but the user can easily select a job by pressing diagnosis button 403 even if the job is sorted in a different order.

[0034] <How to diagnose a job from a job history list with pre-defined job histories> When a large number of jobs are submitted to the MFP 100, many of the job histories will overflow the job display area 400 on the job status / history display screen in FIG. 4. This situation often occurs in an environment where multiple people frequently submit jobs to the MFP 100. In such a case, the user must continually scroll back through the display range of the job display area 400 to view the job history of the job they want to diagnose, making it difficult to find the job history of the job they want to diagnose. Therefore, the following describes a method for displaying a job history list in which job histories are limited in advance based on the symptoms of a malfunction in each function of the MFP 100, and allowing the user to select the job to be diagnosed from the displayed job history list.

[0035] <Top menu screen display> First, the display of the top menu screen will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a top menu screen (UI screen) displayed on display 111 by CPU 101 (UI screen display means). The top menu screen of Fig. 8 is made up of a menu display area 800 and the like. Menu buttons 801 to 806 are displayed in menu display area 800. Menu buttons 801 to 806 are pressed by the user when causing MFP 100 to diagnose a job in which a problem has occurred. Furthermore, menu buttons 801 to 806 are provided for each symptom of a problem in each function of MFP 100.

[0036] When the user presses any one of menu buttons 801 to 806 in MFP 100, a job history list is displayed that is narrowed down to job histories for the function and malfunction symptom of MFP 100 that corresponds to the pressed button, as will be described later. This allows the user to easily transition MFP 100 from the display state of the top menu screen in Fig. 8 to a state where it is easy to find the job to be diagnosed, even if the user temporarily leaves MFP 100.

[0037] <Displaying a job history list limited to job histories with fax transmission errors> Next, with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, a description will be given of the display of a job history list that is pre-limited to job histories with fax transmission errors. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a job history display screen when a job history list that is pre-limited to job histories with fax transmission errors is displayed. The job history display screen in FIG. 9 is composed of a job history display area 901 and a diagnosis button 902. The job history display area 901 displays the job history list. In the job history list, job histories with fax transmission errors are displayed in reverse chronological order of the time the job was started. In the job history list, a diagnosis button 902 is further displayed for each row of job histories with fax transmission errors. Note that, on the job history display screen in FIG. 9, if there are seven or more job histories with fax transmission errors, that is, if one or more job histories extend beyond the job history display area 901, a vertical scroll bar is displayed in the job history display area 901.

[0038] 10 is a flowchart showing a display process for displaying only job history lists containing fax transmission errors. When CPU 101 detects that menu button 801 for "Fax transmission terminated with error" is pressed, it starts the display process shown in FIG. 10. In this specification, "_" indicates a space. When the display process shown in FIG. 10 starts, in step S1001, CPU 101 searches job history DB 200 to obtain job history data 201 containing fax transmission errors. At this time, CPU 101 obtains from job history DB 200 job history data 201 in which job type 204 is "FAX," communication mode 205 is "G3 transmission" or "ECM transmission," and result 207 is "NG."

[0039] In step S1002, CPU 101 creates a job history list in which job histories with fax transmission errors are arranged in reverse chronological order of the time the job was started, based on job history data 201 of fax transmission errors acquired in step S1001. At this time, CPU 101 arranges the job histories with fax transmission errors in reverse chronological order of the time the job was started, based on start time 203 of job history data 201 of fax transmission errors. Furthermore, CPU 101 (list display means) displays a job history display screen on display 111, in which the created job history list is set in job history display area 901. At this time, CPU 101 displays a diagnosis button 902 (UI widget) on each row of the job history in the job history list. As a result, for example, the job history display screen of FIG. 9 is displayed on display 111. Thereafter, the display processing of FIG. 10 ends.

[0040] 10 ends, when CPU 101 detects pressing of diagnosis button 902 in job history display area 901, it executes each process from step S603 onwards of the job diagnosis process in Fig. 6. As a result, MFP 100 diagnoses the job selected by the user pressing diagnosis button 902. This also applies after the end of each display process in Fig. 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24 described below.

[0041] 9, job histories in which fax transmissions ended normally are excluded, and only job histories in which fax transmissions ended in errors are displayed. This makes it easier for the user to find a job with a fax transmission error that they want MFP 100 to diagnose from the displayed job history list.

[0042] <Displaying a job history list limited to fax reception error job histories> Next, the display of a job history list that is pre-limited to job histories with fax reception errors will be described with reference to Figs. 11 and 12. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a job history display screen when a job history list that is pre-limited to job histories with fax reception errors is displayed. The job history display screen in Fig. 11 is the same as the job history display screen in Fig. 9, except that job histories with fax reception errors are displayed alongside each other in the job history list. Therefore, a detailed description of the job history display screen in Fig. 11 will be omitted.

[0043] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a display process for displaying only job history records with fax reception errors in the job history list. When CPU 101 detects that menu button 802 for "Fax reception terminated with error" is pressed, it starts the display process shown in FIG. 12. When the display process shown in FIG. 12 starts, in step S1201, CPU 101 searches job history DB 200 to acquire job history data 201 with fax reception errors. At this time, CPU 101 acquires job history data 201 from job history DB 200 in which job type 204 is "FAX," communication mode 205 is "G3 reception" or "ECM reception," and result 207 is "NG." Step S1202 is similar to step S1002, except that the job history data 201 with fax reception errors acquired in step S1201 is used as the basis. Therefore, a detailed description of step S1202 will be omitted. In step S1202, for example, the job history display screen of Fig. 11 is displayed on the display 111. Thereafter, the display processing of Fig. 12 ends.

[0044] As described above, in the job history list displayed in the job history display area 901 of the job history display screen in Fig. 11, job histories in which fax reception ended normally are excluded, and only job histories in which fax reception ended in an error are displayed. This makes it easier for the user to find the job with the fax reception error that they want MFP 100 to diagnose from the displayed job history list.

[0045] <Displaying a job history list limited to job histories related to print image misalignment> Next, the display of a job history list that is pre-limited to job histories of print image misalignment will be described with reference to Figs. 13 and 14. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a job history display screen when a job history list that is pre-limited to job histories of print image misalignment is displayed. The job history display screen in Fig. 13 is the same as the job history display screen in Fig. 9, except that job histories of print image misalignment are displayed side by side in the job history list. Therefore, a detailed description of the job history display screen in Fig. 13 will be omitted.

[0046] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a display process for displaying only job histories related to print image misalignment in the job history list. When CPU 101 detects that menu button 803 for "Print_Image Misalignment" is pressed, it starts the display process of FIG. 14. When the display process of FIG. 14 starts, in step S1401, CPU 101 searches job history DB 200 to acquire job history data 201 related to print image misalignment. In this regard, there may be jobs for which job history data 201 with result 207 set to "OK" is accumulated in job history DB 200, even though a problem with print image misalignment as a symptom occurred. Therefore, CPU 101 acquires job history data 201 with job type 204 set to "Print" from job history DB 200 as job history data 201 related to print image misalignment, regardless of result 207.

[0047] Step S1402 is the same as step S1002, except that it is based on the job history data 201 of the print image misalignment acquired in step S1401. Therefore, a detailed description of step S1402 will be omitted. In step S1402, for example, the job history display screen of Fig. 13 is displayed on the display 111. Thereafter, the display processing of Fig. 14 ends.

[0048] As described above, in the job history list displayed in job history display area 901 of the job history display screen in Fig. 13, even a print job history represented by job history data 201 with result 207 of "OK" is displayed as a job history of print image misalignment. In other words, even if a problem with print image misalignment has occurred, a job for which job history data 201 with result 207 of "OK" is stored in job history DB 200, that job history is displayed in the job history list. This allows the user to thoroughly search the displayed job history list for jobs with print image misalignment that the user wants MFP 100 to diagnose.

[0049] <Displaying a job history list limited to job histories with print color abnormalities> Although not shown, MFP 100 may display a job history list that is limited in advance to job histories of abnormal print colors. In this case, for example, a menu button labeled "Print_Color is Abnormal" is displayed in menu display area 800 of the top menu screen in Fig. 8. Then, when CPU 101 detects that this menu button labeled "Print_Color is Abnormal" has been pressed, it starts the display processing of Fig. 14 described above.

[0050] As in the case of print image misalignment described above, there are also jobs for which job history data 201 with result 207 set to "OK" is accumulated in job history DB 200, even though a defect manifesting as a print color abnormality occurred. However, when MFP 100 displays a job history list limited in advance to job histories with print color abnormalities, it is desirable to display a job history list limited to color print job histories. Therefore, in step S1401, CPU 101 obtains job history data 201 from job history DB 200 for which job type 204 is "print" and color mode 206 is "color." Note that the rest is the same as in the case of print image misalignment described above, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0051] <Displaying a job history list limited to job histories that cannot be printed> Next, the display of a job history list that is pre-limited to job histories that cannot be printed out will be described with reference to Figs. 15 and 16. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a job history display screen when a job history list that is pre-limited to job histories that cannot be printed out is displayed. The job history display screen in Fig. 15 is the same as the job history display screen in Fig. 9, except that job histories that cannot be printed out are displayed side by side in the job history list. Therefore, a detailed description of the job history display screen in Fig. 15 will be omitted.

[0052] 16 is a flowchart showing a display process for limiting the job history list to job histories for which print output is not possible. When CPU 101 detects that menu button 804 for "Print_Cannot Print" is pressed, it starts the display process of FIG. 16. When the display process of FIG. 16 starts, in step S1601, CPU 101 searches job history DB 200 to acquire job history data 201 for which print output is not possible. Note that if the symptom of the malfunction is that print output is not possible, job history data 201 for which result 207 is "NG" is accumulated in job history DB 200 for all jobs for which print output is not possible.

[0053] Therefore, CPU 101 obtains job history data 201 in which job type 204 is "print" and result 207 is "NG" from job history DB 200. Step S1602 is the same as step S1002 except that it is based on the job history data 201 in which print output is not possible obtained in step S1601. Therefore, a detailed description of step S1602 will be omitted. In step S1602, for example, the job history display screen of FIG. 15 is displayed on display 111. Thereafter, the display processing of FIG. 16 ends.

[0054] In the job history list displayed in the job history display area 901 of the job history display screen in FIG. 15 above, the job history of the print job that has completed normally is excluded, and the display is limited to the job history of the print job that has ended with output failure. This makes it easier for the user to find the print job with output failure that the user wants to diagnose with the MFP 100 from the display of the job history list.

[0055] <Display of job history list limited in advance to job history of jobs that cannot send emails> Next, referring to FIGS. 17 to 18, the display of the job history list limited in advance to the job history of jobs that cannot send SEND (image transmission)_emails will be described. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the job history display screen when the job history list limited in advance to the job history of jobs that cannot send SEND_emails is displayed. The job history display screen in FIG. 17 is the same as the job history display screen in FIG. 9, except that the job history of jobs that cannot send SEND_emails is arranged and displayed in the job history list. Therefore, a detailed description of the job history display screen in FIG. 17 is omitted.

[0056] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the display process of limiting the display of the job history list to the job history of jobs that cannot send SEND_emails. When the CPU 101 detects the pressing of the menu button 805 of "Cannot send SEND_email", the display process in FIG. 18 is started. When the display process in FIG. 18 is started, in step S1801, the CPU 101 searches the job history DB 200 to obtain the job history data 201 of jobs that cannot send SEND_emails. At this time, the CPU 101 obtains the job history data 201 in which the job type 204 is "Email" and the result 207 is "NG" from the job history DB 200. Step S1802 is the same as step S1002, except that it is based on the job history data 201 of jobs that cannot send SEND_emails obtained in step S1801. Therefore, a detailed description of step S1802 is omitted. By step S1802, for example, the job history display screen in FIG. 17 is displayed on the display 111. Then, the display process in FIG. 18 ends.

[0057] In the job history list displayed in the job history display area 901 of the job history display screen in FIG. 17 above, job histories with normal completion of Email transmission by the SEND function are excluded, and the display is limited to job histories with abnormal completion of Email transmission by the SEND function. As a result, it becomes easier for the user to find jobs with SEND_Email failure that the user wants to diagnose on the MFP100 from the display of the job history list.

[0058] <Display of a job history list preliminarily limited to job histories of SEND_SMB failures> In addition, on the MFP100, a display of a job history list preliminarily limited to job histories of SEND (image transmission)_SMB failures may be performed. In this case, when the CPU 101 detects pressing of the menu button 806 of "Cannot perform SEND_SMB transmission", the CPU 101 starts the display process of FIG. 18 described above. Thereafter, in step S1801, the CPU 101 acquires job history data 201 in which the job type 204 is "SMB" and the result 207 is "NG" from the job history DB 200. Since the rest is the same as in the case of SEND_Email failure described above, detailed description is omitted. Note that the above points are the same for other protocols (for example, FTP, I-FAX, etc.) of the SEND function.

[0059] <Display of a job history list preliminarily limited to job histories of fax transmission / reception errors> 9 and 10, a job history list preliminarily limited to job histories with fax transmission errors is displayed, while FIGS. 11 and 12 display a job history list preliminarily limited to job histories with fax reception errors. Here, with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20, a job history list display preliminarily limited to job histories with fax transmission / reception errors will be described as a different type of job history list display. In this case, a menu button labeled "Fax transmission / reception terminated due to error" is displayed in the menu display area 800 of the top menu screen in FIG. 8. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a job history display screen when a job history list preliminarily limited to job histories with fax transmission / reception errors is displayed. The job history display screen in FIG. 19 is the same as the job history display screen in FIG. 9, except that job histories with fax transmission / reception errors are displayed side by side in the job history list. Therefore, a detailed description of the job history display screen in FIG. 19 will be omitted.

[0060] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a display process for displaying only job history records with fax transmission / reception errors in the job history list. When CPU 101 detects the pressing of the menu button labeled "Fax_Transmission / Reception Ended with Error," as described above, it starts the display process of FIG. 20. When the display process of FIG. 20 starts, in step S2001, CPU 101 searches job history DB 200 to acquire job history data 201 with fax transmission / reception errors. At this time, CPU 101 acquires job history data 201 with a job type 204 of "FAX" and a result 207 of "NG" from job history DB 200. Step S2002 is the same as step S1002 except that the job history data 201 with fax transmission / reception errors acquired in step S2001 is used as the basis. Therefore, a detailed description of step S2002 will be omitted. In step S2002, for example, the job history display screen of FIG. 19 is displayed on display 111. The display process of FIG. 20 then ends.

[0061] As described above, in the job history list displayed in the job history display area 901 on the job history display screen in Fig. 19, job histories in which fax transmission or fax reception ended normally are excluded, and the display is narrowed down to job histories in which fax transmission or fax reception ended with an error. This makes it easier for the user to find, from the displayed job history list, a job with a fax transmission error or fax reception error that the user wants MFP 100 to diagnose.

[0062] <Displaying a job history list limited to the most recent N fax transmission error job histories> As described above, it is believed that diagnosis of a job in which a problem has occurred is often carried out relatively soon after the user notices the problem with the job. Therefore, next, we will explain displaying a job history list that is pre-limited to the job history of the job in which a problem has occurred most recently. Below, we will explain displaying a job history list that is pre-limited to the job history of the most recent N fax transmission errors with reference to Figures 21 and 22.

[0063] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a job history display screen when a job history list limited in advance to the most recent N (N=5) fax transmission error job histories is displayed. Note that the value of N is not limited to 5, and may be any value from 1 to 4, or 6 or greater. The job history display screen of FIG. 21 is the same as the job history display screen of FIG. 9, except that the most recent N (N=5) fax transmission error job histories are displayed side by side in the job history list. Therefore, a detailed description of the job history display screen of FIG. 21 will be omitted.

[0064] Fig. 22 is a flowchart showing a display process for limiting the job history list to the job histories of the most recent N fax transmission errors. When CPU 101 detects that menu button 801 for "Fax transmission terminated due to error" is pressed, it starts the display process of Fig. 22. When the display process of Fig. 22 starts, in step S2201, CPU 101 searches job history DB 200 to obtain job history data 201 of the most recent N fax transmission errors.

[0065] At this time, CPU 101 acquires from job history DB 200 job history data 201 in which job type 204 is "FAX", communication mode 205 is "G3 transmission" or "ECM transmission", and result 207 is "NG". Furthermore, CPU 101 acquires, from the acquired job history data 201, job history data 201 in which start time 203 is "the time between the current time and the start time of the most recent N-th job (predetermined number of jobs)". In other words, CPU 101 acquires job history data 201 of the most recent N fax transmission errors by acquiring N pieces of job history data 201 in order of start time 203 closest to the current time.

[0066] Step S2202 is the same as step S1002, except that it is based on the job history data 201 of the most recent N fax transmission errors acquired in step S2201. Therefore, a detailed description of step S2202 will be omitted. In step S2202, for example, the job history display screen of FIG. 21 is displayed on the display 111. As a result, five job histories are displayed in the job history display area 901 of the job history display screen of FIG. 21. Thereafter, the display processing of FIG. 22 ends.

[0067] As described above, the job history list displayed in job history display area 901 of the job history display screen in Fig. 21 displays only the most recent N job histories among the job histories in which fax transmission ended in an error. This makes it easier for the user to search the displayed job history list for a job with a fax transmission error that the user wants MFP 100 to diagnose. The above also applies when a job history list is displayed that is limited in advance to the most recent N job histories with fax reception errors. Similarly, for print jobs and image transmission jobs such as email, a job history list may be displayed that is limited in advance to the most recent N job histories.

[0068] <Displaying a job history list limited to job histories with fax transmission errors within the last M days> Next, with reference to FIGS. 23 and 24, a description will be given of the display of job histories that are pre-limited to job histories that have caused fax transmission errors within the last M days. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a job history display screen when a job history list that is pre-limited to job histories that have caused fax transmission errors within the last M days (M=14) is displayed. Note that the value of M is not limited to 14, and may be any value from 1 to 13, or 15 or greater. The job history display screen in FIG. 23 is the same as the job history display screen in FIG. 9, except that job histories that have caused fax transmission errors within the last M days (M=14) are displayed side by side in the job history list. Therefore, a detailed description of the job history display screen in FIG. 23 will be omitted.

[0069] FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a display process for displaying a job history list limited to job histories with fax transmission errors within the last M days. When CPU 101 detects that menu button 801 for "Fax_Transmission Terminated with Error" is pressed, it starts the display process of FIG. 24. When the display process of FIG. 24 starts, in step S2401, CPU 101 searches job history DB 200 to acquire job history data 201 with fax transmission errors within the last M days. At this time, CPU 101 acquires from job history DB 200 job history data 201 for which job type 204 is "FAX," communication mode 205 is "G3 Transmission" or "ECM Transmission," and result 207 is "NG." Furthermore, CPU 101 acquires, from the acquired job history data 201, job history data 201 for which start time 203 is "a time between the current time and the last M days (a predetermined number of days)." As a result, the CPU 101 acquires the job history data 201 of fax transmission errors within the most recent M days.

[0070] Step S2402 is the same as step S1002, except that it is based on the job history data 201 of fax transmission errors within the most recent M days acquired in step S2401. Therefore, a detailed description of step S2402 will be omitted. In step S2402, for example, the job history display screen of FIG. 23 is displayed on the display 111. As a result, three job histories are displayed in the job history display area 901 of the job history display screen of FIG. 23. Thereafter, the display processing of FIG. 24 ends.

[0071] As described above, the job history list displayed in job history display area 901 of the job history display screen in FIG. 23 displays only job histories from within the most recent M days among job histories in which fax transmission ended in an error. This makes it easier for the user to search the displayed job history list for a job with a fax transmission error that the user wants MFP 100 to diagnose. The above also applies when a job history list is displayed that is limited in advance to job histories from within the most recent M days in which fax reception errors occurred. Similarly, for print jobs and image transmission jobs such as email, a job history list may be displayed that is limited in advance to job histories from within the most recent M days.

[0072] Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the present embodiment to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0073] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration, method, and program. (Configuration 1) A list display means is provided for displaying a job history list in which job histories are arranged in order, The job processing apparatus is characterized in that the list display means displays UI components for a user to select a job in the job history list for each job history. (Configuration 2) The job processing apparatus according to configuration 1, wherein the list display means displays the job history list in order of most recent job histories. (Configuration 3) The job processing apparatus according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the list display means displays the UI widget only for job histories represented by job history data with a result of NG. (Configuration 4) A UI screen display means is provided for displaying a UI screen for a user to select a function and a symptom of a malfunction of the job processing device, The job processing device according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the list display means displays the job history list by arranging only job histories that satisfy conditions associated with the functions and symptoms of the malfunction of the job processing device selected by the user on the UI screen. (Configuration 5) The job processing device according to configuration 4, wherein the list display means sets the condition that when the function and malfunction symptom of the job processing device selected by the user on the UI screen are fax and transmission errors, the job type, communication mode, and result of the job history data representing the job history are fax, transmission, and NG. (Configuration 6) The job processing device according to configuration 4 or 5, characterized in that the list display means sets the condition that when the function and malfunction symptom of the job processing device selected by the user on the UI screen are fax and reception errors, the job type, communication mode, and result of the job history data representing the job history are fax, reception, and NG. (Configuration 7) A job processing device described in any one of configurations 4 to 6, characterized in that the list display means sets the condition that when the function and malfunction symptom of the job processing device selected by the user on the UI screen are print and image misalignment, the job type of the job history data representing the job history is print. (Configuration 8) A job processing device described in any one of configurations 4 to 7, characterized in that the list display means sets the condition that when the function and malfunction symptom of the job processing device selected by the user on the UI screen are print and color abnormality, the job type and color mode of the job history data representing the job history are print and color. (Configuration 9) A job processing device described in any one of configurations 4 to 8, characterized in that the list display means sets the condition that, when the function and malfunction symptom of the job processing device selected by the user on the UI screen are incapable of printing and output, the job type and result of the job history data representing the job history are print and NG. (Configuration 10) A job processing device described in any one of configurations 4 to 9, characterized in that the list display means sets the condition that when the function and malfunction symptom of the job processing device selected by the user on the UI screen are inability to send images and email, the job type and result of the job history data representing the job history are email and NG. (Configuration 11) A job processing device described in any one of configurations 4 to 10, characterized in that the list display means sets the condition that when the function and malfunction symptom of the job processing device selected by the user on the UI screen are image transmission and SMB inability, the job type and result of the job history data representing the job history are SMB and NG. (Configuration 12) A job processing device described in any one of configurations 4 to 11, characterized in that the list display means sets the condition that when the function and malfunction symptom of the job processing device selected by the user on the UI screen are fax and transmission / reception error, the job type and result of the job history data representing the job history are fax and NG. (Configuration 13) A job processing device according to any one of configurations 5 to 12, characterized in that the list display means adds to the condition that the start time of the job history data representing the job history is a time between the current time and the start time of the job that occurred most recently (a predetermined number of times). (Configuration 14) A job processing device according to any one of configurations 5 to 12, characterized in that the list display means adds to the condition that the start time of the job history data representing the job history is a time between the current time and the most recent predetermined number of days. (Configuration 15) The job processing apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 14, further comprising a job diagnosis unit that diagnoses a job selected by a user with the UI widget in the job history list. (Method 1) A list display step is provided for displaying a job history list in which job histories are arranged in order, The method for controlling a job processing apparatus, wherein the list display step displays a UI component for a user to select a job in the job history list for each job history. (Program 1) A program for causing a computer to execute each means of the job processing apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 15. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 100 MFP (job processing device) 101 CPU (list display means) 403, 902 Diagnostic button (UI component)

Claims

1. a list display means for displaying a job history list in which job histories are arranged in order; The job processing apparatus is characterized in that the list display means displays, for each job history, a UI component for a user to select a job in the job history list.

2. 2. The job processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said list display means displays said job history list in order of most recent job histories.

3. 3. The job processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the list display unit displays the UI components only for job histories represented by job history data with a result of NG.

4. a UI screen display means for displaying a UI screen for a user to select a function of the job processing apparatus and a symptom of a malfunction; The job processing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the list display means displays the job history list by arranging only job histories that satisfy conditions linked to the functions and symptoms of the malfunction of the job processing device selected by the user on the UI screen.

5. 5. The job processing device according to claim 4, wherein the list display means sets the condition that, when the function and malfunction symptom of the job processing device selected by the user on the UI screen are a fax and a transmission error, the job type, communication mode, and result of the job history data representing the job history are fax, transmission, and NG.

6. 5. The job processing device according to claim 4, wherein the list display means sets the condition that, when the function and malfunction symptom of the job processing device selected by the user on the UI screen are fax and reception errors, the job type, communication mode, and result of the job history data representing the job history are fax, reception, and NG.

7. The job processing device according to claim 4, wherein the list display means sets a condition that the job type of job history data representing the job history is print when the function and malfunction symptom of the job processing device selected by the user on the UI screen are print and image misalignment.

8. The job processing device according to claim 4, wherein the list display means sets the condition that, when the function and symptom of the malfunction of the job processing device selected by the user on the UI screen are print and color abnormalities, the job type and color mode of the job history data representing the job history are print and color.

9. The job processing device according to claim 4, characterized in that the list display means sets the condition that, when the function and symptom of the malfunction of the job processing device selected by the user on the UI screen are printing and output inability, the job type and result of the job history data representing the job history are printing and NG.

10. The job processing device according to claim 4, characterized in that the list display means sets as a condition that, when the function and symptom of the malfunction of the job processing device selected by the user on the UI screen are incapable of image transmission and email, the job type and result of the job history data representing the job history are email and NG.

11. The job processing device according to claim 4, characterized in that the list display means sets the condition that when the function and symptom of the malfunction of the job processing device selected by the user on the UI screen are image transmission and SMB inability, the job type and result of job history data representing the job history are SMB and NG.

12. 5. The job processing device according to claim 4, wherein the list display means sets the condition that, when the function and symptom of the malfunction of the job processing device selected by the user on the UI screen are fax and a transmission / reception error, the job type and result of job history data representing the job history are fax and NG.

13. 6. The job processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the list display means adds to the condition that the start time of the job history data representing the job history is a time between the current time and the start time of the job that occurred most recently (a predetermined number of times).

14. 6. The job processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said list display means adds to said condition that the start time of the job history data representing the job history is a time within a predetermined number of days from the current time.

15. 2. The job processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a job diagnosis unit for diagnosing a job selected by a user through the UI component in the job history list.

16. a list display step for displaying a job history list in which job histories are arranged in order; The method for controlling a job processing apparatus, wherein the list display step displays a UI component for a user to select a job in the job history list for each job history.

17. 2. A program for causing a computer to execute the means of the job processing apparatus according to claim 1.

Images