Information processing device, control method for information processing device, program, recording medium

The information processing apparatus allows users to perform a redo operation during ongoing cancellation processes by displaying information and enabling job retries, addressing the inconvenience of waiting in job cancellation.

JP2026057732AActive Publication Date: 2026-04-03CANON KK
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-09-24
Publication Date
2026-04-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Users of information processing devices with drive units are inconvenienced by the need to wait during job cancellation processes, which can be time-consuming.

Method used

An information processing apparatus with a display means that allows users to perform a redo operation during an ongoing cancellation process by displaying information on the display and enabling job retry instructions.

Benefits of technology

Enables users to perform a redo operation without waiting for the cancellation process to complete, improving usability.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

In information processing devices with drive units, a problem arose when reprocessing was required, as users were kept waiting during the cancellation process, leaving them with no choice but to wait, which was inconvenient. [Solution] Provide a means to instruct the user to restart the process, allowing the user to perform the restart action even while the cancellation process is in progress.
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Description

Technical Field

[0003]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus having a drive unit.

Background Art

[0002] An information processing apparatus includes a physical drive unit and realizes functions by controlling the drive unit. For example, an image forming apparatus includes drive units such as a scanner and a printer. The image forming apparatus realizes a copying function by reading a document with a scanner to generate image data and printing the image data on paper with a printer.

[0003] In an image forming apparatus, a user may cancel job execution for various reasons and re-execute the job. For example, in Patent Document 1, a technique that utilizes canceling job execution when a job setting is incorrect has been proposed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When a job setting is incorrect, the job setting is corrected and the job is executed again. On the other hand, even if the job setting is correct, there are cases where the job is canceled and re-executed. For example, when a document is forgotten to be placed or when the direction or side of the document is placed incorrectly

[0006] In such a case, after the user instructs the cancellation of the job, the user waits for the cancellation of the job to complete. After the cancellation of the job is completed and the new job becomes executable, the user corrects the document and then re-executes the job.

[0007] However, canceling a job in an image forming machine requires stopping the drive components such as the scanner and printer, and in some cases, this process can take time to complete.

[0008] In information processing devices with drive units, the process of re-processing presented a problem: users were kept waiting during the cancellation process, which was inconvenient as they had no choice but to wait.

[0009] Therefore, the present invention aims to improve usability by enabling the user to perform a redo operation even while a cancellation process is in progress in an information processing device having a drive unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus having a driving means and a display means, During the execution of a job using the drive means, based on an instruction to redo the job, the processing of the drive means by the job is canceled, and information regarding the redo is displayed on the display means. Based on the instruction to start the job retry, the job is retried. It is characterized by the following: [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The present invention improves usability in an information processing device with a drive unit, allowing the user to perform a redo operation without waiting for the cancellation process to complete. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Block diagram showing the hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 2] Block diagram showing the software configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] Flowchart showing the processing of the image forming apparatus in Example 1 [Figure 4]Example of the operation unit of the image forming apparatus in Embodiment 1 [Figure 5] Flowchart showing the processing of the image forming apparatus in Embodiment 2 [Figure 6] Example of the operation unit of the image forming apparatus in Embodiment 2 [Figure 7] Flowchart showing the processing of the image forming apparatus in Embodiment 3 [Figure 8] Example of the operation unit of the image forming apparatus in Embodiment 3

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be illustratively and specifically described with reference to the drawings. However, the components described in this embodiment are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention thereto.

[0014] (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.

[0015] The image forming apparatus 100 has a controller unit 101, and the controller unit 101 controls a scanner 111, a printer 112, an operation unit 107, and a communication unit 109. When a user uses the copying function, the controller unit 101 controls the scanner 111 to acquire image data of a document, and controls the printer 112 to print and output the image on a sheet of paper.

[0016] Also, when a user uses the scanning function, the controller unit 101 controls the scanner 111 to acquire image data of a document, converts it into code data, and transmits it to an external device (not shown) via the communication unit 109. An execution instruction for processing in each of these functions is called a job, and the image forming apparatus 100 executes predetermined processing according to jobs corresponding to each function.

[0017] The controller unit 101 is composed of a CPU 102, a RAM 103, a ROM 104, a HDD 105, an operation unit I / F 106, a network I / F 108, and a device I / F 110, and they are connected by a system bus 120.

[0018] The CPU 102 controls the entire system of the image forming apparatus 100. The RAM 103 is a system work memory for the operation of the CPU 102 and an image memory for temporarily storing image data. Also, programs and data such as an operating system, system software, and application software are arranged in the RAM 103.

[0019] Also, it stores the scanned image data read by the scanner 120 or stores the print data received from the data processing device 101 via the network 103. The ROM 104 stores the system boot program. The hard disk drive (HDD) 105 stores an operating system, system software, application software, print data, setting data, and the like.

[0020] The operation unit I / F 106 is an interface unit with the operation unit 107, and outputs information to be displayed on the operation unit 107 to the operation unit 107. Also, it receives information input by the user from the operation unit 107.

[0021] The network I / F 108 is connected to the communication unit 109 and performs various communication controls with external devices. The device I / F 110 connects the scanner 111 and the printer 112 that read and print image data to the controller unit 101 and performs input / output of image data.

[0022] The scanner 111 has a document table and reads a document placed on the document table to generate image data.

[0023] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the software configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. Each block in Figure 2 is software stored in the ROM 104 or HDD 105, which the CPU 102 reads into the RAM 103 and executes to realize the flowchart processing described later.

[0024] The screen control unit 211 controls the operation unit 107 through the operation unit I / F 106. The screen control unit 211 receives information entered by the user on the operation unit 107 and generates screens to be displayed on the operation unit 107.

[0025] The scanner control unit 212 controls the scanner 111 through the device I / F 110, reads the document placed on the document glass, and generates image data.

[0026] The printer control unit 213 controls the printer 112 through the device interface 110 and prints and outputs the image data onto paper.

[0027] Copy App 214 is an application that implements the copy function.

[0028] ID card copy application 215 is an application that implements an ID card copying function. The ID card copying function is a function that scans the front and back of an ID card and prints them on a single sheet of paper. In this embodiment, the ID card copying function is configured as a separate application, but this is just an example and not limited to this. The ID card copying function may also be provided as a function of the copy application.

[0029] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the copy function processing performed by the image forming apparatus 100 in this embodiment. The flowchart in Figure 3 is realized when the CPU 102 of the image forming apparatus reads the programs for implementing each software module stored in the ROM 104 or HDD 105 into the RAM 103 and executes them.

[0030] The flowchart in Figure 3 shows that the process begins when the screen control unit 211 detects that the user has instructed the user to call the copy application 214 on the menu screen (not shown) displayed on the operation unit 107 of the image forming apparatus 100, and then launches the copy application 214.

[0031] In S301, the copy application 214 displays the copy settings screen 410 shown in Figure 4(a) on the operation unit 107 via the screen control unit 211. The copy settings screen 410 has a message area 411, a number of copies setting 412, a paper size setting 413, a magnification setting 414, a duplex setting 415, a sort setting 416, and an execute button 417. The message area 411 is an area for displaying messages to help the user with operations.

[0032] The Quantity Setting 412 is a component for displaying and setting the number of copies to print. The user changes the number of copies using the "+" and "-" buttons. The Paper Size Setting 413 is a component for displaying and setting the paper size to print on.

[0033] The paper size setting 413 is a button that, when pressed, displays a screen (not shown) for selecting the print paper size. The magnification setting 414 is a component for displaying and setting the magnification. The magnification setting 414 is a button that, when pressed, displays a screen (not shown) for selecting the magnification setting value. The duplex setting 415 is a component for displaying and setting the duplex setting. The duplex setting 415 is a button that, when pressed, displays a screen (not shown) for selecting the duplex setting value.

[0034] Sort setting 416 is a component for displaying and configuring sort settings. Sort setting 416 is a button, and pressing it displays a screen (not shown) for selecting sort setting values.

[0035] Returning to the flowchart explanation, in S302, the copy application 214 waits for user input via the screen control unit 211. In S303, if the type of user input detected by the copy application 214 is "Settings", it proceeds to S304; if the type of user input is "Execute", it proceeds to S305.

[0036] The user operation type "setting" refers to operations that configure settings for the copy function, such as increasing or decreasing the number of copies using the copy setting 412, or selecting the paper size on the screen (not shown) after pressing the paper size setting 413. In S304, the copy application 214 reflects the settings configured by the user on the screen and returns to S302.

[0037] The user operation type "execute" refers to an operation equivalent to pressing the execute button 417. For example, in addition to pressing the execute button 417, it may also be the pressing of a physical execute button provided on the operation unit 421. In S305, the copy application 214 starts scanning with the scanner 111 via the scanner control unit 212. In S306, the copy application 214 displays the execution screen on the operation unit 107 via the screen control unit 211.

[0038] The execution screen 420 in Figure 4(b) is an example of an execution screen and is displayed during scan execution. The execution screen 420 has a message area 421, a page display area 422, a progress bar 423, a cancel button 424, and a redo button 425. The message area 421 is an area that displays messages indicating the execution status. The page display area 422 is an area that displays the page number being read.

[0039] The progress bar 423 displays the progress of the job and is updated as the progress progresses. The cancel button 424 is used to cancel the job. The redo button 425 is used to redo the job. Here, redo means to run the job from the beginning with the same job settings.

[0040] Cases in which a user might request a redo include starting the job by pressing the execute button 417 without placing the document, or placing the document upside down. In such cases, the user can request a redo, canceling the current job, correctly placing the document, and then re-running the job.

[0041] Returning to the flowchart explanation, in S307, the copy application 214 updates the running screen 420 according to the scan progress. For example, it updates the page display area 422 to the page number being read, or updates the progress bar 423 to reflect the current progress.

[0042] In S308, the copy application 214 determines user operation via the screen control unit 211. If the cancel button 424 is pressed, the process proceeds to S340; if the redo button 425 is pressed, the process proceeds to S330; and if there is no operation, the process proceeds to S309.

[0043] In S309, the copy application 214 determines, via the scanner control unit 212, whether the scan started in S305 is complete. If the scan is complete, it proceeds to S310; otherwise, it returns to S307.

[0044] In S310, the copy application 214 generates print data from the scanned image data. In S311, the copy application 214 starts printing on the printer 112 via the printer control unit 213. In S312, the copy application 214 updates the execution screen according to the printing status.

[0045] The execution screen 430 in Figure 4(c) is an example of an execution screen displayed during printing. The execution screen 430 has a message area 431, a page display area 432, a progress bar 433, a cancel button 434, and a redo button 435. The message area 431 is an area that displays messages indicating the execution status. The page display area 432 is an area that displays the page number being printed.

[0046] The progress bar 433 is a bar that displays the progress of the job and is updated as the progress progresses. The cancel button 434 is a button used to cancel the job. The redo button 435 is a button used to redo the job.

[0047] In S313, the copy application 214 determines the user's operation via the screen control unit 211. If the cancel button 434 is pressed, the process proceeds to S360; if the redo button 435 is pressed, the process proceeds to S350; and if there is no operation, the process proceeds to S314.

[0048] In S350, the copy application 214 sends a print cancellation instruction to the printer 112 via the printer control unit 213 and proceeds to S331. The processing from S331 onwards will be described later.

[0049] In S360, the copy application 214 sends a print cancellation instruction to the printer 112 via the printer control unit 213 and proceeds to S341. The processing from S341 onwards will be described later.

[0050] In S314, the copy application 214 determines, via the printer control unit 213, whether the printing started in S311 has been completed. If printing is complete, the process proceeds to S315; otherwise, the process returns to S312.

[0051] At S315, the copy application 214 closes the running screen 430 and terminates the flowchart.

[0052] Meanwhile, in S330, the copy application 214 sends a scan cancellation command to the scanner 111 via the scanner control unit 212. The scanner 111 is hardware with a drive unit, and depending on the timing, it may not be able to immediately resume execution even after a cancellation command is sent.

[0053] For example, in the case of a pressure plate scanner, an image sensor that reads the image linearly is moved from one end to the other in order to read the document placed on the document glass. If a cancellation command is received in the middle of scanning, the scanner 111 must perform a cancellation process that safely stops the image sensor and returns it to its original position.

[0054] In S331, the copy application 214 displays the redo preparation screen 440 shown in Figure 4(d) on the operation unit 107 via the screen control unit 211. The redo preparation screen 440 has a message area 441 and a progress bar 442.

[0055] Message area 441 is an area for displaying a message indicating that a retry is being prepared and for the user to perform actions to prepare for the retry. By viewing the message in message area 441, the user can place or replace the document while the scanner 111 is performing the cancellation process.

[0056] In S332, the copy application 214 determines whether hardware such as the scanner 111 or printer 112 is in the process of canceling. If it is, it waits for the cancellation process to complete, and then proceeds to S332.

[0057] In S333, the copy application 214 displays the redo start screen 450 shown in Figure 4(e) on the operation unit 107 via the screen control unit 211. The redo start screen 450 has a message area 451, a cancel button 452, and a redo start button 453. The message area 451 is an area for displaying that a redo can be started and the actions the user can take to perform the redo.

[0058] The Cancel button 452 is used to cancel the redo and signal the termination of the job. The Start Redo button 453 is used to signal the start of the job redo.

[0059] In S334, the copy application 214 determines the user's operation via the screen control unit 211. If the cancel button 452 is pressed, the process proceeds to S335; if the redo start button 453 is pressed, the process proceeds to S305 and the scan begins.

[0060] In S335, the copy application 214 closes the redo start screen 450 and exits the flowchart.

[0061] Meanwhile, in S340, the copy application 214 issues a scan cancellation instruction to the scanner 111 via the scanner control unit 212. In S341, the copy application 214 displays the cancellation processing screen 460 shown in Figure 4(f) on the operation unit 107 via the screen control unit 211. The cancellation processing screen 460 has a message area 461 and a progress bar 462. The message area 460 is an area for displaying that the cancellation process is in progress. The progress bar 462 is a bar that shows the progress of the cancellation process.

[0062] In S342, the copy application 214 determines whether hardware such as the scanner 111 or printer 112 is in the process of canceling. If it is, it waits for the cancellation process to complete, and once it is complete, it proceeds to S343.

[0063] In S343, the copy application 214 closes the cancellation processing screen 460 and exits the flowchart.

[0064] In this embodiment, the execution screens 420 and 430 are provided with separate cancel and redo buttons, but only one button may be provided. Figure 4(g) shows an example of a screen where only one button is provided on the execution screen 470. The execution screen 470 has a cancel / redo button 471. When the cancel / redo button 471 is pressed, the same process as when the redo button is pressed in this embodiment is performed.

[0065] On the redo start screen 450, the user can perform the desired action by selecting either cancel or redo. Reducing the number of buttons on the execution screen can reduce user errors. Note that the caption for the cancel / redo button 471 is written as "Cancel / Redo" for clarity, but it is not limited to this. It could simply display "Cancel" or nothing else.

[0066] As described above, according to this embodiment, by displaying a message to the user for redo during the cancellation process, as shown in S331 to S333 in Figure 3, the user can perform the redo task even during the cancellation process, thereby improving usability.

[0067] (Example 2) In Example 1, the system was configured to display a "Preparing for Redo" screen 440 while a redo command was received and the scan or print cancellation process was underway, and then display a "Start Redo" screen 450 once the cancellation process was complete. Therefore, although the user could perform tasks for redoing (e.g., setting the original document) during the cancellation process, if the cancellation process was still ongoing after those tasks were completed, the user had to wait for the cancellation process to complete before giving the command to start the redo.

[0068] Therefore, in Example 2, we will describe an embodiment configured to allow the start of a retry without waiting for the cancellation process to complete.

[0069] Since Example 2 is a modified version of Example 1, only the differences will be explained.

[0070] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the copy function process performed by the image forming apparatus 100 in this embodiment. Since Figure 5 is a modified flowchart of Figure 3, only the differences from Figure 3 will be explained. The flowchart in Figure 5 is realized when the CPU 102 of the image forming apparatus reads the programs for implementing each software module stored in the ROM 104 or HDD 105 into the RAM 103 and executes them.

[0071] The copy application 214 proceeds to S333 after processing S330 and S350. In the flowchart in Figure 3, the application waited for the hardware cancellation process to complete in S331-S332, but in the flowchart of this embodiment, the redo start screen 450 is displayed in S333 without waiting for the hardware cancellation process to complete.

[0072] In S501, the copy application 214 determines the user's operation via the screen control unit 211. If the cancel button 452 is pressed, the process proceeds to S341; if the redo start button 453 is pressed, the process proceeds to S511.

[0073] In S511, the copy application 214 determines, via the scanner control unit 212, whether the scanner 111 is ready to start scanning. Being ready to start scanning means that the scanner 111 is not processing anything and can start scanning immediately. For example, if the scanner 111 is in the process of canceling, it is determined that the scanner is not ready to start scanning. If the scanner is ready to start scanning, the copy application 214 proceeds to S305; otherwise, it proceeds to S512.

[0074] In S512, the copy application 214 displays the scanner preparation screen 610 shown in Figure 6(a) on the operation unit 107 via the screen control unit 211. The scanner preparation screen 610 has a message area 611 and a progress bar 612. The message area 611 is an area for displaying that the scanner is being prepared. The progress bar 612 is a bar that shows the progress until the scanner 111 is ready.

[0075] Meanwhile, in S521, the next step after S310, the copy application 214 determines via the printer control unit 213 whether the printer 112 is ready to start printing. Being ready to start printing means that the printer 112 is not processing anything and can start printing immediately. For example, if the printer 112 is in the process of canceling, it is determined that the printer is not ready to start printing. If the printer is ready to start printing, the copy application 214 proceeds to S311; otherwise, it proceeds to S522.

[0076] In S522, the copy application 214 displays the printer preparation screen 620 shown in Figure 6(b) on the operation unit 107 via the screen control unit 211. The printer preparation screen 620 has a message area 621 and a progress bar 622. The message area 621 is an area for displaying that the printer is being prepared. The progress bar 622 is a bar that shows the progress until the printer 112 is ready.

[0077] As described above, this embodiment allows for instructing the user to start a retry without waiting for the cancellation process to complete, thereby improving usability.

[0078] (Example 3) Examples 1 and 2 described the processing of the copy application 214 as an example of a redo process. The copy function is a simple function of scanning and printing a document, and it was obvious that if a redo was needed, the process would be restarted from the scanning stage. On the other hand, there are functions where it is not obvious where to start the redo when a redo is needed.

[0079] For example, there's the ID card copying function. The ID card copying function scans the front of the ID card, then flips the card over, scans the back, and prints it. If the image of the back of the card is not needed, it may print after the front scan is complete without scanning the back. If you need to redo something, there are several options, such as restarting from the front scan, restarting from the back scan, or restarting from the printout.

[0080] In this embodiment, when there are multiple options for redoing a task, an example is provided in which the user is allowed to choose where to start the redo, using the processing of the ID card copy application 215 as an example.

[0081] In other words, it will redo any jobs performed after the selected job. For example, when scanning both sides of an ID card, if you choose to cancel the job that scanned the first side (the result of the selection), the job will redo the scan of the first side and the other side. Also, if you choose to cancel the scan of the other side, which is a subsequent step after the first side (the result of the selection), only the scan of the other side will be performed (the result of the selection). In addition, a message will be displayed prompting you to redo any jobs performed after the selected job.

[0082] The block diagrams showing the hardware configuration in Figure 1 and the software configuration in Figure 2 are the same as in Example 1, so their explanation is omitted.

[0083] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the ID card copying function performed by the image forming apparatus 100 in this embodiment. The flowchart in Figure 7 is realized when the CPU 102 of the image forming apparatus reads the programs for implementing each software module stored in the ROM 104 or HDD 105 into the RAM 103 and executes them.

[0084] The flowchart in Figure 7 is initiated when the screen control unit 211 detects that the user has instructed the user to call the ID card copy application 215 on the menu screen (not shown) displayed on the operation unit 107, and then launches the ID card copy application 215.

[0085] In S701, the ID card copy application 215 displays the ID card copy settings screen 810 shown in Figure 8(a) on the operation unit 107 via the screen control unit 211. The ID card copy settings screen 810 has a message area 811, a number of copies setting 812, a paper size setting 813, a layout setting 814, a guide display 815, and an execute button 816.

[0086] The message area 811 is an area for displaying messages to help the user with operations. The number of copies setting 812 is a component for displaying and setting the number of copies to print. The user changes the number of copies using the "+" and "-" buttons. The paper size setting 813 is a component for displaying and setting the paper size to print on.

[0087] The paper size setting 813 is a button that, when pressed, displays a screen (not shown) for selecting the print paper size. The layout setting 814 is a component that displays and sets how the front and back of the ID card are arranged on the print paper.

[0088] The assignment setting 814 is a button that, when pressed, displays a screen (not shown) for selecting the assignment setting. The guide display 815 is a display that explains where to place the ID card on the document glass. The guide display 815 updates the position of the ID card to the appropriate position according to each setting.

[0089] Returning to the flowchart explanation, at S702, the ID card copy application 215 waits for user input via the screen control unit 211. At S703, if the detected user input type is "Setting", the ID card copy application 215 proceeds to S704, and if the user input type is "Execute", it proceeds to S705.

[0090] The user operation type "settings" refers to operations that configure settings for the ID card copy function, such as increasing or decreasing the number of copies using the copy setting 812, or selecting the paper size on the screen (not shown) after pressing the paper size setting 813. In S704, the ID card copy application 215 reflects the settings configured by the user on the screen and returns to S702.

[0091] The user operation type "execute" refers to an operation equivalent to pressing the execute button 816. For example, in addition to pressing the execute button 816, it may also be the pressing of a physical execute button provided on the operation unit 421.

[0092] In S705, the ID card copy application 215 determines, via the scanner control unit 212, whether the scanner 111 is ready to start scanning. If the ID card copy application 215 is ready to start scanning, it proceeds to S707; otherwise, it proceeds to S706.

[0093] In S706, the ID card copy application 215 displays the scanner preparation screen 610 shown in Figure 6(a) on the operation unit 107 via the screen control unit 211. In this embodiment, the same screen is displayed during scanner preparation for both the copy function and the ID card copy function, but each may have its own unique scanner preparation screen.

[0094] In S707, the ID card copy application 215 initiates the first scan (scanning the surface) on the scanner 111 via the scanner control unit 212. In S708, the ID card copy application 215 displays the execution screen 820 shown in Figure 8(b) on the operation unit 107 via the screen control unit 211. The execution screen 820 is an example of an execution screen displayed during the first scan.

[0095] The execution screen 820 has a message area 821, a progress bar 822, a cancel button 823, and a redo button 824. The message area 821 is an area that displays messages indicating the execution status. The progress bar 822 is a bar that displays the progress of the job and is updated as progress is made. The cancel button 823 is a button for instructing the cancellation of the job. The redo button 824 is a button for instructing the redo of the job.

[0096] Returning to the flowchart explanation, at S709, the ID card copy application 215 updates the execution screen 820 according to the scan progress. At S710, the ID card copy application 215 determines user operation via the screen control unit 211. If the cancel button 823 is pressed, the process proceeds to S770; if the redo button 824 is pressed, the process proceeds to S740; and if there is no operation, the process proceeds to S711.

[0097] In S711, the ID card copy application 215 determines, via the scanner control unit 212, whether the scan started in S707 is complete. If the scan is complete, it proceeds to S712; otherwise, it returns to S709.

[0098] In step S712, the ID card copy application 215 displays the execution selection screen 830 shown in Figure 8(c) on the operation unit 107 via the screen control unit 211. The execution selection screen 830 is a screen that allows the user to select what to do as the next step after the first scan is completed. The execution selection screen 830 has a message area 831, a back scan button 832, a print button 833, a front scan redo button 834, and a cancel button 835. The message area 831 is an area for displaying a description of the screen.

[0099] The reverse scan button 832 is used to initiate the second scan. The print button 833 is used to initiate printing. If the print button 833 is selected, the second scan will not be performed, and printing will be done using only the image data obtained from the first scan. The front scan redo button 834 is used to initiate the first scan redo. The cancel button 835 is used to initiate the cancellation of the job.

[0100] In S713, the ID card copy application 215 determines the user's operation via the screen control unit 211. If the back scan button 832 is pressed, the process proceeds to S714; if the print button 833 is pressed, the process proceeds to S721; if the front scan redo button 834 is pressed, the process proceeds to S707; and if the cancel button 835 is pressed, the process proceeds to S750. In S750, the ID card copy application 215 closes the execution selection screen 830 via the screen control unit 211 and terminates the flowchart.

[0101] In S714, the ID card copy application 215 determines, via the scanner control unit 212, whether the scanner 111 is ready to start scanning. If the ID card copy application 215 is ready to start scanning, it proceeds to S716; otherwise, it proceeds to S715.

[0102] In step S715, the ID card copy application 215 displays the scanner preparation screen 610 shown in Figure 6(a) on the operation unit 107 via the screen control unit 211.

[0103] In S716, the ID card copy application 215 initiates a second scan (scanning the back side) with the scanner 111 via the scanner control unit 212. In S717, the ID card copy application 215 displays the execution screen 840 shown in Figure 8(d) on the operation unit 107 via the screen control unit 211. The execution screen 840 is an example of an execution screen displayed during the execution of the second scan.

[0104] The execution screen 840 has a message area 841, a progress bar 842, a cancel button 843, and a redo button 844. The message area 841 is an area that displays messages indicating the execution status. The progress bar 842 is a bar that displays the progress of the job and is updated as progress is made. The cancel button 843 is a button for instructing the cancellation of the job. The redo button 844 is a button for instructing the redo of the job.

[0105] Returning to the flowchart explanation, at S718, the ID card copy application 215 updates the execution screen 820 according to the scan progress. At S719, the ID card copy application 215 determines user operation via the screen control unit 211. If the cancel button 843 is pressed, the process proceeds to S770; if the redo button 844 is pressed, the process proceeds to S760; and if there is no operation, the process proceeds to S720.

[0106] In S720, the ID card copy application 215 determines, via the scanner control unit 212, whether the scan started in S716 is complete. If the scan is complete, it proceeds to S721; otherwise, it returns to S718.

[0107] In step S721, the ID card copy application 215 displays the print data preparation screen 850 shown in Figure 8(e) on the operation unit 107 via the screen control unit 211. The print data preparation screen 850 has a message area 851 and a progress bar 852. The message area 851 is an area that displays a message indicating that print data is being prepared. The progress bar 852 is a bar that displays the progress of print data preparation and is updated as needed according to the progress.

[0108] In step S722, the ID card copy application 215 generates print data by adding the image data obtained from the first scan (S707~S711) and, if a second scan (S716~S720) was performed, the image data from that scan as well.

[0109] In S723, the ID card copy application 215 determines, via the printer control unit 213, whether the printer 112 is ready to start printing. If the printer is ready to start printing, the ID card copy application 215 proceeds to S725; otherwise, it proceeds to S724.

[0110] In S724, the ID card copy application 215 displays the printer preparation screen 620 shown in Figure 6(b) on the operation unit 107 via the screen control unit 211. In this embodiment, the same screen is displayed during print preparation for both the copy function and the ID card copy function, but each may have its own separate print preparation screen.

[0111] At S725, the ID card copy application 215 starts printing on the printer 112 via the printer control unit 213. At S726, the ID card copy application 215 displays the execution screen 860 shown in Figure 8(f) on the operation unit 107 via the screen control unit 211. The execution screen 860 is an example of an execution screen displayed during printing.

[0112] The execution screen 860 has a message area 861, a progress bar 862, a cancel button 863, and a redo button 864. The message area 861 is an area that displays messages indicating the execution status. The progress bar 862 is a bar that displays the progress of the job and is updated as the progress progresses. The cancel button 863 is a button for instructing the user to cancel the job.

[0113] The redo button 864 is used to instruct the job to be redone. In S727, the ID card copy application 215 updates the execution screen according to the printing status.

[0114] In S728, the ID card copy application 215 determines the user's operation via the screen control unit 211. If the cancel button 863 is pressed, the process proceeds to S780; if the redo button 864 is pressed, the process proceeds to S790; and if there is no operation, the process proceeds to S729.

[0115] In S780, the ID card copy application 215 sends a print cancellation instruction to the printer 112 via the printer control unit 213 and proceeds to S771. The processing from S771 onwards will be described later.

[0116] At S790, the ID card copy application 215 sends a print cancellation instruction to the printer 112 via the printer control unit 213 and proceeds to S761. The processing from S761 onwards will be described later.

[0117] In S729, the ID card copy application 215 determines, via the printer control unit 213, whether the printing started in S725 is complete. If printing is complete, the process proceeds to S730; otherwise, the process returns to S727.

[0118] On the S730, the ID card copy application 215 closes the execution screen 860 and exits the flowchart.

[0119] Meanwhile, at S740, the ID card copy application 215 issues a scan cancellation instruction to the scanner 111 via the scanner control unit 212. At S741, the ID card copy application 215 displays the redo start screen 870 shown in Figure 8(g) on ​​the operation unit 107 via the screen control unit 211. The redo start screen 870 has a message area 871, a cancel button 872, and a redo start button 873.

[0120] Message area 871 is an area for displaying that a redo can be started from the surface scan (first scan) and for showing the actions the user can take to initiate the redo. The cancel button 872 is a button for canceling the redo and ending the job. The redo start button 873 is a button for starting the job redo.

[0121] In S742, the ID card copy application 215 determines the user's operation via the screen control unit 211. If the cancel button 872 is pressed, the process proceeds to S771; if the restart button 873 is pressed, the process proceeds to S705 and waits for the scanner 111 to be ready.

[0122] Meanwhile, in S760, the ID card copy application 215 issues a scan cancellation instruction to the scanner 111 via the scanner control unit 212. In S761, the ID card copy application 215 displays the redo selection screen 880 shown in Figure 8(h) on the operation unit 107 via the screen control unit 211. The redo selection screen 880 includes a message area 881, a front scan button 882, a back scan button 883, a print button 884, and a cancel button 885.

[0123] Message area 881 is an area that displays a message indicating that a redo can be started and the actions the user can take to initiate the redo. Front scan 882 is a button that instructs the user to redo the front scan (first scan). Back scan button 883 is a button that instructs the user to redo the back scan (second scan). Print button 884 is a button that instructs the user to redo the print job. Cancel button 885 is a button that instructs the user to cancel the redo and end the job.

[0124] In S762, the ID card copy application 215 determines the user's operation via the screen control unit 211. If the cancel button 885 is pressed, the process proceeds to S771; if the front scan button 873 is pressed, the process proceeds to S705; if the back scan button 883 is pressed, the process proceeds to S714; and if the print button 885 is pressed, the process proceeds to S723.

[0125] Meanwhile, in S770, the ID card copy application 215 issues a scan cancellation instruction to the scanner 111 via the scanner control unit 212. In S771, the ID card copy application 215 displays the cancellation processing screen 890 shown in Figure 8(i) on the operation unit 107 via the screen control unit 211. The cancellation processing screen 890 has a message area 891 and a progress bar 892. The message area 891 is an area for displaying that the cancellation process is in progress. The progress bar 892 is a bar that shows the progress of the cancellation process.

[0126] In step S772, the ID card copy application 215 determines whether hardware such as the scanner 111 and printer 112 are in the process of canceling. If they are in the process of canceling, it waits for the cancellation process to complete, and then proceeds to step S773.

[0127] In S773, the ID card copy application 215 closes the cancellation processing screen 890 and exits the flowchart.

[0128] As described above, according to this embodiment, when there are multiple options for redoing a task, the user can choose where to start from, thereby improving usability.

[0129] (Other examples) The present invention may be a control program to be executed by a computer that realizes one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments, or it may be a recording medium that stores this control program.

[0130] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications (including organic combinations of each embodiment) are possible based on the spirit of the invention, and these are not excluded from the scope of the invention. That is, all configurations that combine the above-described embodiments and their modified forms are included in the present invention.

Claims

1. In an information processing apparatus having a driving means and a display means, During the execution of a job using the drive means, based on an instruction to redo the job, the processing of the drive means by the job is canceled, and information regarding the redo is displayed on the display means. Based on the instruction to start the job retry, the job is retried. An information processing device characterized by the following:

2. In the information processing apparatus according to claim 1, The display means displays a cancel button for canceling the job and a redo button for redoing the job while the job is running. An information processing device characterized by the following:

3. In the information processing apparatus according to claim 2, The display means displays the cancel button and the redo button as a single button. An information processing device characterized by the following:

4. In the information processing apparatus according to claim 1, The display means provides a display that allows the user to select a job to redo from a list of multiple redo job options. An information processing device characterized by the following:

5. In the information processing apparatus according to claim 4, Based on the result of selecting the job to be redone, the display means displays information about jobs to be performed after the selected job. Based on the instruction to start the rework of the aforementioned job, the jobs to be performed after the selected job will be reworked. An information processing device characterized by the following:

6. In the information processing apparatus according to claim 1, The information processing device further includes a scanner or printer, and the job is a job that uses the scanner or printer. An information processing device characterized by the following:

7. In the information processing apparatus according to claim 5, The aforementioned job is an ID card copying job. An information processing device characterized by the following:

8. In the information processing apparatus according to claim 7, The aforementioned job is a job to scan or copy the front and back sides of an ID card, and the plurality of the aforementioned options are jobs to scan or copy one side of the front and back sides of an ID card. An information processing device characterized by the following:

9. In a control method for an information processing device, The process includes canceling the processing of the drive means by the job based on an instruction to redo the job while the job is being executed using the drive means, and displaying information regarding the redo on the display means, The process includes a step of performing a job rework based on an instruction to start the job rework. A control method for an information processing device characterized by the following features.

10. In the control program for the information processing device, The steps include: canceling the processing of the drive means by the job based on an instruction to redo the job while the job is being executed using the drive means, and displaying information about the redo on the display means; The process includes a step of performing a job rework based on an instruction to start the job rework. A control program for an information processing device characterized by the following features.

11. A recording medium for storing the program described in claim 10.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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