Image processing device, information processing device, and program

Abstract

The objective is to terminate an ongoing job if a new job is received while an existing job is running, depending on the execution status of the currently running job. [Solution] If it is not determined in step S104 that the message is "sending or has been sent", the process proceeds to step S105. In step S105, the CPU displays a confirmation screen to the user. In step S106, the CPU determines whether to execute a new job based on the user's response. If the user selects "Yes" on the confirmation screen, the CPU decides to execute a new job. In this case, the CPU cancels the currently running job in step S107.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an information processing apparatus, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an image processing apparatus having a web browser and an image processing service unit that controls the execution of image processing. Patent Document 2 discloses a configuration in which HTML is extended to define an extended attribute, and the operation mode of an image reading unit is specified by this extended attribute.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] As processing when a new job is received during the execution of a job, for example, processing for canceling the previously executed job can be considered. By the way, if the canceling process is uniformly performed, information indicating that the processing of the previously executed job has not been executed to the end may be associated with this job, even though the processing of the previously executed job has been substantially completed. In this case, the content of the processing substantially performed on the job and the content of the information associated with the job become inconsistent. An object of the present invention is to cancel the job being executed according to the execution status of the job being executed when a new job is received during the execution of the job.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The invention described in claim 1 is an image processing apparatus comprising: an acquisition unit that performs image acquisition processing; a transmission unit that performs image transmission processing of images acquired by the acquisition unit; and a processor, wherein the processor, when a user operation occurs, which is a user operation performed when a new job different from the currently running job is executed in the image processing apparatus, cancels the currently running job according to the execution status of the said currently running job. The invention described in claim 2 is an image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein information regarding the execution results of a job is associated with the job being executed, and the processor determines the content of the information regarding the execution results associated with the job being executed based on the execution status of the job after the acquisition process performed in conjunction with the execution of the job has finished. The invention described in claim 3 is an image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the processor is configured such that, when the execution status is such that the transmission process has not been started, information indicating that the process was not completed is associated with the running job. The invention described in claim 4 is an image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the processor is configured such that, when the execution status is such that the transmission process is being performed or the transmission process has been completed, information indicating that the process has been completed is associated with the job in progress. The invention described in claim 5 is an image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the processor acquires the execution status of the execution job after a predetermined time has elapsed since the completion of the acquisition process for the execution job, as the execution status. The invention described in claim 6 is an image processing device capable of executing a job in at least two execution modes: a first execution mode in which the transmission process is started on the condition that an instruction from the user is given after the acquisition process, and a second execution mode in which the transmission process is started even without such instruction, wherein in the second execution mode, the transmission process is started after a predetermined specific time has elapsed after the acquisition process is completed, and the processor acquires the execution status of the running job after the specific time has elapsed after the acquisition process of the running job is completed as the execution status. The invention described in claim 7 is an image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the processor acquires the execution status of the running job when a user operation is performed when the new job is executed, and sets the state of the operated part that the user operates when the user performs the user operation to a state in which the user operation can be performed after the acquisition process of the running job performed by the image processing apparatus is completed. The invention described in claim 8 is an image processing device capable of executing a job in at least two execution modes: a first execution mode in which the transmission process is started on the condition that an instruction from the user is given after the acquisition process, and a second execution mode in which the transmission process is started even without such instruction, wherein in the second execution mode, the transmission process is started after a predetermined specific time has elapsed after the acquisition process is completed, and the processor is set to a state in which the user operation can be performed after the specific time has elapsed after the acquisition process of the job being executed by the image processing device is completed. The invention described in claim 9 is an image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein after the acquisition process of the job being executed by the image processing apparatus is completed, a reception display for accepting user operations is displayed on the operated unit, the processor displays a display that covers the reception display to prevent user operations from being performed until a specific time has elapsed after the acquisition process of the job being executed by the image processing apparatus is completed, and after the specific time has elapsed, the covering display is erased, and the system returns to a state where user operations can be performed. The invention described in claim 10 is an image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the processor acquires the execution status of the running job after the acquisition process of the new job has been completed as the execution status. The invention described in claim 11 is an image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, when a screen update process is performed on a screen displaying information about the running job while the user operation performed when the new job is executed has not yet been performed, the processor determines the content of the information associated with the running job based on the execution status of the running job after the acquisition process performed in conjunction with the execution of the running job has been completed. The invention described in claim 12 is an image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image processing apparatus is capable of executing a job in at least two execution modes: a first execution mode in which the transmission process is started on the condition that an instruction from the user is given after the acquisition process, and a second execution mode in which the transmission process is started even without such instruction. The invention described in claim 13 is an image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein information regarding the execution results of a job is associated with the job being executed, and the processor causes the information regarding the execution results associated with the job to be different depending on the execution status of the job after the acquisition process performed in conjunction with the execution of the job has finished. The invention described in claim 14 is an image processing apparatus comprising: an acquisition unit that performs image acquisition processing; a transmission unit that performs image transmission processing of images acquired by the acquisition unit; and a processor, wherein when a user operation occurs, which is a user operation performed when a new job different from the running job that is being executed in the image processing apparatus is executed, the processor determines the content of information about the execution result of the running job that is associated with the running job, based on the execution status of the running job, and sets the state of the operated unit that the user operates when the user performs the user operation to a state in which the user operation can be performed after the acquisition processing of the running job is completed. The invention described in claim 15 is an image processing device capable of executing a job in at least two execution modes: a first execution mode in which the transmission process is started on the condition that an instruction from the user is given after the acquisition process, and a second execution mode in which the transmission process is started even without such instruction, wherein in the second execution mode, the transmission process is started after a predetermined specific time has elapsed after the acquisition process is completed, and the processor is set to a state in which the user operation can be performed after the specific time has elapsed after the acquisition process of the job being executed by the image processing device is completed, as described in claim 14. The invention described in claim 16 is an information processing device comprising a processor, wherein when a user operation occurs, which is a user operation performed when a new job different from the currently running job is executed in a device capable of performing image acquisition processing and transmission processing of acquired images, the device cancels the currently running job according to the execution status of the said currently running job. The invention described in claim 17 is an information processing device comprising a processor, wherein when a user operation occurs, which is a user operation performed when a new job different from the currently running job is executed in a device capable of performing image acquisition processing and transmission processing of acquired images, the processor determines the content of information relating to the execution result of the currently running job, based on the execution status of the currently running job, and sets the state of the operated part that the user operates when the user performs the user operation to a state in which the user operation can be performed after the acquisition processing of the currently running job is completed. The invention described in claim 18 is a program for a computer that enables a function to terminate a running job in a device capable of performing image acquisition processing and transmission processing of acquired images, when a user operation occurs when a new job different from the currently running job is executed, depending on the execution status of the said running job. The invention described in claim 19 is a program for a computer to implement the following functions: when a user operation occurs when a new job different from the currently running job is executed in a device capable of performing image acquisition processing and image transmission processing, the program provides a function to determine the content of information relating to the execution result of the currently running job, based on the execution status of the currently running job; and a program provides a function to set the state of the operated part that the user operates when performing the user operation to a state where the user operation can be performed after the acquisition processing of the currently running job has finished. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the invention of claim 1, if a new job is received while a job is in the middle of execution, it becomes possible to cancel the currently running job depending on the execution status of the job that is currently running. According to the invention of claim 2, compared to the case where information indicating that processing was not completed is uniformly associated with a running job as information about the execution result of that job, it is possible to make it less likely that the content of the job execution and the content of the information associated with the job will become inconsistent. According to the invention of claim 3, it becomes possible to associate information indicating that a job was not completed with a job that was not completed to completion. According to the invention of claim 4, it becomes possible to associate information indicating that the processing has been completed with a job whose processing is executed to the end. According to the invention of claim 5, compared to the case where the execution status of a running job is obtained before the process of obtaining a running job is completed, it is possible to make it less likely that the content of the job execution and the content of the information associated with the job will become inconsistent. According to the invention of claim 6, compared to the case where the execution status of a running job is obtained before the process of obtaining a running job is completed, it is possible to make it less likely that the content of the job execution and the content of the information associated with the job will become inconsistent. According to the invention of claim 7, the accuracy of the information associated with a job can be improved compared to the case where the user can perform operations before the process of acquiring a job in progress, which is performed by the image processing device, is completed. According to the invention of claim 8, the accuracy of the information associated with a job can be improved compared to the case where the user can perform operations before the process of acquiring a job in progress, which is performed by the image processing device, is completed. According to the invention of claim 9, it is possible to prevent user operations from being performed before a specific time has elapsed. According to the invention of claim 10, the accuracy of the information associated with the job can be improved compared to obtaining the execution status of a running job before the process of acquiring a new job is completed. According to the invention of claim 11, when a screen update process is performed, it is possible to make it less likely that the content of the job execution and the content of the information associated with the job will become inconsistent, compared to the case where information indicating that the process was not completed to the end is uniformly associated with the running job as execution result information when the screen update process is performed. According to the invention of claim 12, in an image processing apparatus capable of executing jobs in at least two execution modes, a first execution mode in which the transmission process is started on the condition that an instruction from the user is received after the acquisition process, and a second execution mode in which the transmission process is started even without an instruction, it is possible to make it less likely for the content of the job execution and the content of the information associated with the job to become inconsistent, compared to the case where information indicating that the process was not completed is uniformly associated with the job executed. According to the invention of claim 13, compared to the case where information indicating that processing was not completed is uniformly associated with a running job as information about the execution result of that job, it is possible to make it less likely that the content of the job execution and the content of the information associated with the job will become inconsistent. According to the invention of claim 14, the accuracy of the information associated with a job can be improved compared to the case where user operations can be performed before the process of acquiring a job in progress, which is performed by the image processing device, is completed. According to the invention of claim 15, the accuracy of the information associated with a job can be improved compared to the case where the user can perform operations before the process of acquiring a job in progress, which is performed by the image processing device, is completed. According to the invention of claim 16, if a new job is received while a job is in the middle of execution, it becomes possible to cancel the currently running job depending on the execution status of the job that is currently running. According to the invention of claim 17, the accuracy of the information associated with a job can be improved compared to the case where user operations can be performed before the process of acquiring a job in progress, which is performed by the image processing device, is completed. According to the invention of claim 18, when a new job is received during the execution of a job, it becomes possible to cancel the job in execution according to the execution status of the job in execution. According to the invention of claim 19, the accuracy of the information associated with the job can be improved as compared with the case where the user can perform an operation before the acquisition process of the job in execution ends.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing a configuration example of an information processing system. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an image processing apparatus. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing a screen displayed on an operation unit of an image processing apparatus in which a job is executed in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing a screen displayed on an operation unit of an image processing apparatus in which a job is executed in the second embodiment. [Figure 5] (A) and (B) are diagrams for explaining the process in the case of performing covering display. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart showing an example of the process flow. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing a confirmation screen. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of other processes. [Figure 9] (A) and (B) are diagrams showing the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the information processing system 1 of the present embodiment. The information processing system 1 of this embodiment is provided with a plurality of image processing devices 100. The information processing system 1 is also provided with an external device 200 that is connected to the plurality of image processing devices 100 via a communication line. An example of the external device 200 is a server.

[0009] Each of the image processing devices 100 has an image forming function that forms an image on a recording medium such as paper. Each of the image processing devices 100 can also be considered as an image forming device. Furthermore, each of the image processing devices 100 is equipped with an image acquisition function in addition to an image forming function. Furthermore, each of the image processing devices 100 is equipped with a transmission and reception function for sending and receiving various types of information, such as image files.

[0010] Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the image processing device 100. The image processing device 100 includes an information processing device 111 and an information storage device 112 for storing information. The image processing device 100 also includes a transceiver 113 for transmitting and receiving information. Furthermore, the image processing device 100 includes an image forming unit 114 that forms an image on a recording medium such as paper.

[0011] Furthermore, the image processing device 100 includes an image reading device 115 that reads an image from a document. The image reading device 115 is a so-called scanner. Furthermore, the image processing device 100 is equipped with an operable unit 116 that is operated by the user. When a user performs a user operation, which is an operation performed by the user, the user performs an operation on the operated part 116.

[0012] The operable unit 116 is, for example, comprised of a touch panel. Alternatively, the operable unit 116 may be comprised of a keyboard, mouse, or the like. The operated unit 116 in this embodiment also has an information display function. The operated unit 116 can also be considered as a display device that displays information. Alternatively, the user-operated unit 116 and the display device that displays information may be provided separately.

[0013] The information processing device 111 is composed of a computer. The information processing device 111 includes a CPU (=Central Processing Unit) 111A as an example of a processor that performs various processes described later. The information processing device 111 also includes a ROM (=Read Only Memory) 111B in which software is stored. Furthermore, the information processing device 111 includes a RAM (=Random Access Memory) 111C used as a work area. The information storage device 112 is implemented using existing information storage devices such as hard disk drives, semiconductor memory, and magnetic tape.

[0014] The program executed by the CPU 111A can be provided to the image processing device 100 while stored on a recording medium. This recording medium is a computer-readable recording medium. Examples of recording media include magnetic recording media such as magnetic tapes and magnetic disks, and optical recording media such as optical disks. Other examples of recording media include magneto-optical recording media and semiconductor memory. Furthermore, the program executed by the CPU 111A may be provided to the image processing device 100 using communication means. Examples of communication means include communication using an internet connection.

[0015] In this specification, "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense. One example of a processor is a general-purpose processor. An example of a general-purpose processor is a CPU (Central Processing Unit). In addition, other types of processors include dedicated processors. Examples of dedicated processors include GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), and FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) and programmable logic devices. The operation of a processor is not limited to that performed by a single processor. The operation of a processor may be performed by multiple processors located in physically separate locations working together. Furthermore, the order of each processor operation is not limited to the order described in this embodiment and may be changed.

[0016] The image forming unit 114 forms an image on a recording medium such as paper using methods such as electrophotography or inkjet. An example of an acquisition unit is the image reading device 115, which is a so-called scanner. The image reading device 115 performs image acquisition processing. The image reading device 115 reads the image on the set document and acquires the image.

[0017] As an example of a transmitting unit, the transceiver 113 transmits information to the external device 200 (see Figure 1). The transceiver 113 also receives information from the external device 200. In the process described below, the transmitting / receiving device 113 performs the transmission process of the image acquired by the image reading device 115. The transmitting / receiving device 113 transmits the image acquired by the image reading device 115 to the external device 200.

[0018] Furthermore, there are no particular restrictions on where the images can be sent. The external device 200 to which the image is sent is not limited to a server. Other possible destinations for image transmission include terminal devices owned by the user. Examples of terminal devices include PCs (Personal Computers). Other examples of terminal devices include tablet devices. And still more examples of terminal devices include smartphones.

[0019] [Processing in the image processing device 100] The image processing device 100 is capable of executing jobs that involve image acquisition and image transmission. When image acquisition processing is performed, first, an image reading device 115, which is an example of an acquisition unit, performs the image acquisition processing. Subsequently, a transceiver 113, which is an example of a transmission unit, performs the transmission processing of the image acquired by the image reading device 115.

[0020] The image processing device 100 is a device capable of executing jobs in at least two execution modes: a first execution mode and a second execution mode. The first execution mode is one in which the transmission process is initiated only if a user instruction has been received after the acquisition process. In this first execution mode, the transmission process is initiated only if a user instruction has been received.

[0021] Figure 3 shows the screen displayed on the operated unit 116 of the image processing device 100 when a job is executed in the first execution mode. When a job is executed in the first execution mode, a reference button 21 and a send button 22 are displayed on the operated unit 116. In the first execution mode, when the user selects the reference button 21, the image acquisition process by the image reading device 115 begins.

[0022] This generates an image file. At the same time, a filename to be associated with this image file is also generated. In the first execution mode, when the user presses the send button 22, the process of sending this image file begins. When an image file is generated, the generated file name will be displayed in the location indicated by symbol 3A.

[0023] The second execution mode is one in which the transmission process is initiated even without user instruction. In the second execution mode, once the user issues an instruction to start the acquisition process, the process is executed to completion. In the second execution mode, the transmission process is performed even without any additional instructions from the user.

[0024] Figure 4 shows the screen displayed on the operated unit 116 of the image processing device 100 when a job is executed in the second execution mode. When a job is executed in the second execution mode, a reference button 21 is displayed on the operated unit 116. In the second execution mode, when the user selects the reference button 21, the image acquisition process by the image reading device 115 begins. This generates an image file. Subsequently, the transmission process of this image file begins. In the second execution mode, the image file transmission process is performed without any additional instructions from the user.

[0025] In this embodiment, it is possible to make a new selection using the reference button 21 while a job that has been started is in the process of running. If a job started by selecting reference button 21 has not yet finished, a new selection can be made using reference button 21.

[0026] In this embodiment, after the job execution starts following the selection of the reference button 21, the reference button 21 is displayed again. In this embodiment, after the job execution starts, a "Data Acquisition in Progress" screen is first displayed to indicate that the data acquisition process is underway. The Data Acquisition in Progress screen is displayed on the operated unit 116. More specifically, this "Acquisition in Progress" screen will be displayed from the time the job execution starts until the acquisition process is completed. Once the acquisition process is complete, the reference button 21 will reappear on the operated unit 116. Specifically, once the acquisition process is complete, the screen shown in Figure 3 or Figure 4 will be displayed again.

[0027] In this embodiment, the reference button 21 is displayed again when a started job has not yet been completed. Even if a started job has not been completed, the reference button 21 is displayed again once the acquisition process for this job is finished. Until the acquisition process is completed, the acquisition process screen is displayed as described above. Once the acquisition process is completed, the reference button 21 is displayed again. This allows the user to make a new selection using the reference button 21 even if the started job has not yet finished. In this case, the user can execute a new job even if the started job has not yet finished. Here, for example, a user might realize after starting a job that the wrong job should be executed. In this case, the user can execute a new job by making a new selection using the browse button 21.

[0028] In the image processing device 100, either the first program or the second program is executed. The first program is a program that enables the execution of the job in the first execution mode described above. The second program is a program that enables the execution of the job in the second execution mode described above. The image processing device 100 is an image processing device 100 that can execute jobs in two execution modes. In other words, the image processing device 100 is an image processing device 100 capable of executing either the first program or the second program.

[0029] The image processing device 100 of this embodiment utilizes a web application that runs on a web browser. In this embodiment, the image transmission process is performed using a web application that runs on a web browser. In other words, a web application running on a web browser is used to upload images to the external device 200. In this embodiment, the first and second programs described above can be executed as a web application program. Therefore, in this embodiment, processing can be performed in two ways.

[0030] The first method uses HTML. The first method defines a specification for uploading files using the form tag. A file is selected using the file selection tag within the HTML tags. Then, the file is uploaded using the execute tag. The file selection tag functions to display a file selection screen. The execute tag functions to send the selected file. In the first method, the screen shown in Figure 3 is displayed on the operated unit 116. When the user selects the reference button 21 displayed on this screen, the image acquisition process is performed. Then, if the send button 22 is selected, the upload will begin. In other words, the process of sending the acquired image will start.

[0031] The second method is a combination of HTML and JavaScript. In this second method, once the file is set, the JavaScript code sends the file. In the second method, the upload starts automatically when a file is selected. When using a combination of HTML and JavaScript, the upload starts automatically when the browse button 21 is selected and a file name is set in the file selection tag.

[0032] In the second method, the screen shown in Figure 4 is displayed on the operated unit 116. When the user selects the reference button 21 displayed on this screen, as shown in Figure 4, the image acquisition process is performed. Subsequently, the image obtained through this acquisition process is transmitted. In this second method, the image transmission process begins without any additional instructions from the user.

[0033] In this embodiment, it is not possible to directly determine which method a job executed by the image processing device 100 is being executed by. Depending on the software monitoring the browser, it may not be possible to determine which method a job is being executed by. Therefore, in this embodiment, as described below, the execution status of the running job is used to determine which of the two methods is being used. In other words, in this embodiment, the execution status of the running job is used to determine which execution mode the job is being executed in.

[0034] In this embodiment, a series of processes from image acquisition to transmission are managed as a single job. In this embodiment, the job status is changed according to the job's status. In other words, in this embodiment, the information associated with a job is changed according to the job's status. In this embodiment, the content of the information associated with this job is determined based on the job's execution status. This allows users to see the current execution status of each job, as well as the status of past processes.

[0035] This section explains the transitions in the job state. In this embodiment, the job state under normal conditions transitions in the following order: "Retrieval in progress", "Retrieval completed", "Sending", "Sent completed", "Completed" Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the series of processes is forcibly terminated before "completion," the job state is transitioned to the "forcibly terminated" state.

[0036] Here, we assume that a job is being executed on the image processing device 100. Hereinafter, in this specification, a job being executed in the image processing device 100 may be referred to as a "job in progress". Here, we assume that a job is already running on the image processing device 100. Furthermore, we consider the case where a new job, different from the one currently running, starts execution while the existing job is still running. As described above, a user may realize that the wrong job is being executed. In this case, a new job different from the currently running job will be initiated. In this case, the execution of this new job may begin while the currently running job is still in progress.

[0037] If a new user operation that involves job execution is performed while an ongoing job is running, the execution of the new job will begin. In this embodiment, "user operation" refers to the user selecting the reference button 21. In this embodiment, when a new job is executed, the above-mentioned reference button 21 is selected. A new selection of the reference button 21 may occur while an existing job is running.

[0038] When a new job is to be executed, either the reference button 21 in Figure 3 or the reference button 21 in Figure 4 is selected. If a new job is to be executed in the first execution mode on the image processing device 100, the reference button 21 in Figure 3 is selected. If a new job is to be executed in the second execution mode on the image processing device 100, the reference button 21 in Figure 4 is selected.

[0039] The following describes how to handle situations where a new user operation occurs before a currently running job has finished, in which case a new job will be executed. In other words, the following describes what happens when a new selection is made using the reference button 21 before the running job finishes.

[0040] When a new user operation occurs, CPU 111A obtains execution status information, which is information about the execution status of the running job. CPU 111A obtains execution status information after the acquisition process performed in conjunction with the execution of the running job has finished. Then, based on the acquired execution status information, CPU111A either cancels the running job or determines the content of the execution result information associated with the running job.

[0041] Preferably, the execution status of a running job is obtained after a predetermined time has elapsed since the process of acquiring the running job was completed. Based on this execution status, it is then possible to terminate the running job or determine the content of the information about the execution result associated with the running job. In other words, it is best to obtain the execution status of a running job after a specific time has elapsed since the process of acquiring the running job was completed. Then, based on this execution status, it is best to either terminate the running job or determine the content of the information about the execution result that will be associated with the running job.

[0042] As will be explained in more detail later, in the second execution mode, the transmission process begins after a predetermined time has elapsed since the acquisition process was completed. Therefore, it is advisable to obtain information about the execution status of running jobs after this specific time has elapsed, as execution status information. The advantages of obtaining information about the execution status after a specific period of time has elapsed will be discussed later.

[0043] As described above, CPU111A obtains information about the execution status of running jobs. In other words, CPU111A obtains information about the state of running jobs. The CPU 111A then determines whether the situation identified by this acquired execution status information is a specific situation. Specifically, CPU 111A determines whether the situation identified by the execution status information indicates that the transmission process has not started. Specifically, CPU 111A determines whether the identified situation is "transmission in progress or transmission completed".

[0044] If CPU111A determines that the job is not "transmitting or has completed," it will stop the execution of the running job. Furthermore, if CPU111A determines that the job is not "transmitting or has completed transmission," it transitions the status of the running job to "terminated." In other words, in this case, CPU111A sets the content of the information associated with the running job to "terminated," indicating that the process was not completed to the end. In this case, "termination" is associated with the running job as information about its execution result.

[0045] Consider the case where the user makes a new selection using the browse button 21. In this case, it is assumed that the user wants to discard the currently running job and start a new one. Therefore, in this embodiment, the information indicating the job status associated with a running job is set to "terminated". In this embodiment, a "forced termination" message, indicating that processing was not completed, is associated with the running job as information about its execution result. A user may later check the execution results of this running job. If "terminated" is associated with it, the user will perceive that the running job terminated prematurely.

[0046] Next, we will explain the case where the execution status identified by the execution status information is "transmitting or transmission completed". In this case, CPU111A does not set the job status information associated with the running job to "terminated". In this case, CPU111A ultimately sets the information indicating the job status associated with the running job to "Completed". CPU111A ultimately sets the information regarding the execution result associated with the running job to "Completed".

[0047] More specifically, if the execution status identified by the execution status information is "transmitting," CPU 111A, upon completion of the transmission process, changes the job status information associated with the running job to "transmission complete." Subsequently, CPU 111A changes the job status information associated with the running job to "completed." In this case, CPU111A transitions the status information of the job associated with the currently running job from "Sending" to "Sending Complete," and then from "Sending Complete" to "Completed." Furthermore, if the execution status identified by the execution status information is already "transmission complete," CPU111A changes the job status information associated with the running job from "transmission complete" to "completed."

[0048] If the execution status identified by the execution status information is "transmitting or completed," CPU111A ultimately associates the running job with "completed." CPU111A ultimately associates the running job with "Completed," which indicates that the process has been executed to the end, as information about the execution result of the running job. In other words, in this case, CPU111A ultimately sets the content of the information associated with the running job to "completed," which indicates that the process has been executed to completion.

[0049] Let's consider a scenario where the execution status is "Sending" or "Sending Complete," and a "Forced Termination" command is associated with the running job. In this case, the actual processing result and the information associated with the running job will not match. If "Forced Termination" is associated with the status "Sending or Sending Complete," then even though the sending process is actually performed and the process is effectively completed, the "Forced Termination" status, which indicates that the process is not complete, will be associated with it. Therefore, in this embodiment, if the execution status is "transmitting or completed," the execution status is ultimately associated with "completed."

[0050] In this embodiment, if the identified execution status is "transmitting or transmission completed," the running job is not canceled. Therefore, if the identified execution status is "sending or sending completed," the information associated with the running job will not be set to "terminated." If the identified execution status is "Sending or Sending Completed," then, as described above, the running job will ultimately be associated with "Completed."

[0051] In this embodiment, even if a new selection is made using the reference button 21, running jobs are not uniformly treated as being forcibly terminated. Even if the execution of a new job is started, running jobs are not uniformly treated as being forcibly terminated. In this embodiment, information about the status of a running job after the acquisition process is performed is obtained as execution status information for the running job. This makes it possible to identify whether the running job was executed in the first execution mode or the second execution mode.

[0052] In this embodiment, when a running job is executed in the first execution mode, if a new selection is made using the reference button 21, the information indicating the job status is associated with this running job as "forced termination". In other words, in this case, "termination" is associated with the running job as information about the execution result of the running job. On the other hand, if a running job is executed in the second execution mode, and a new selection is made using the reference button 21, then "Completed" will ultimately be associated with this running job. In other words, in this case, the status "Completed" is associated with a running job as information about the execution result of that job.

[0053] In this embodiment, the content of the information about the execution result of a running job is determined based on the execution status information of the running job. In this embodiment, the content of the execution result information associated with the running job will differ depending on whether the running job was executed in the first execution mode or the second execution mode. In this embodiment, the CPU 111A ensures that the information about the execution result associated with the running job differs depending on the execution status of the running job after the acquisition process performed in conjunction with the execution of the running job has finished.

[0054] [Timing for obtaining execution status information of running jobs] Hereafter, in this specification, the timing at which execution status information of a running job is acquired will be referred to as the "acquisition timing." One possible timing for this acquisition is when a new user action occurs, as described above. More specifically, it could be when the reference button 21 is newly selected. CPU111A acquires information about the execution status of jobs running at the time of acquisition as execution status information.

[0055] If the acquisition timing is set to coincide with user interaction, then, as described above, the reference button 21 should be displayed again after the acquisition process screen has finished displaying. In other words, the reference button 21 will reappear after the process of retrieving running jobs has finished. In other words, after the process of retrieving running jobs is complete, a screen will be displayed to allow user input.

[0056] Specifically, the screen shown in Figure 3 will be redisplayed after the process of acquiring running jobs is completed. Alternatively, the screen shown in Figure 4 will be redisplayed after the process of acquiring running jobs is completed. In the image processing device 100 where the job is executed in the first execution mode, the screen shown in Figure 3 is redisplayed. In the image processing device 100 where the job is executed in the second execution mode, the screen shown in Figure 4 is redisplayed.

[0057] In this embodiment, the first acquisition process begins when the reference button 21 is selected for the first time. This starts the execution of the job currently running as described above. Also, when the reference button 21 is selected for the first time, the screen switches. This displays the acquisition process screen. In this embodiment, once the process of acquiring the running jobs is completed, the screen switches again. This will cause the screens shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 to be displayed again. Once the process of retrieving running jobs is complete, the screen switches from the "Retrieval in Progress" screen to the screen shown in Figure 3 or Figure 4. After the process of retrieving running jobs is complete, the screen switches to a screen that accepts new user input.

[0058] In this embodiment, under this display configuration, the execution status of running jobs is obtained when a new user operation occurs. In this case, it is possible to identify which execution mode the running job was executed in. Now, let's consider the case where the reference button 21 is displayed at the same time as the data acquisition process screen is shown. Furthermore, let's consider the case where the reference button 21 is selected at this time. Finally, let's consider the case where the execution status information of the running job is acquired when the reference button 21 is selected.

[0059] In this case, it becomes difficult to determine which execution mode a running job was executed under. In this case, the reference button 21 is selected during the acquisition process. When the reference button 21 is selected during the acquisition process, the execution status information of the running job becomes "Acquisition in progress". In other words, the status of the running job becomes "Acquisition in progress". In this case, it is not possible to determine which execution mode was used. In contrast, if the screen displaying the reference button 21 is shown again after the data retrieval process, this bug is less likely to occur. In other words, if the user is able to interact with the data after the data retrieval process, this bug is less likely to occur.

[0060] In this embodiment, the state of the operated unit 116 is set to a state where user operation is possible after the process of acquiring the currently running job has finished. In this case, at the time of user interaction, the process of retrieving running jobs has finished. Therefore, at the time of retrieving execution status information, the process of retrieving running jobs will have finished.

[0061] In this case, when it is time to retrieve the execution status information, the status will be something other than "Retrieval in progress". Specifically, in this case, the status of the running job will be either "Acquisition Complete" or "Sending or Sending Complete." In this case, based on this situation, it is possible to determine whether the running job was executed in the first or second execution mode.

[0062] If the status is "Sending or Sending Complete," the running job will have been executed in the second execution mode. If the status is "Retrieval Complete," the running job will have been executed in the first execution mode. Note that even if a running job is executed in the second execution mode, it may still show as "Acquisition Complete." Therefore, it is preferable to enable user operation only after a specific time has elapsed since the acquisition process was completed. In other words, it is preferable to acquire information about the execution status after a specific time has elapsed since the acquisition process was completed as execution status information.

[0063] As described above, a more preferable configuration is to enable user operation after a specific period of time has elapsed. Ideally, user operation should be enabled after a specific period of time has elapsed since the completion of the data acquisition process. When this process is performed, CPU 111A will enable user operation after a specific time has elapsed since the acquisition process was completed. In other words, CPU 111A is configured to redisplay the screen shown in Figure 3 after a specific time has elapsed. Alternatively, CPU 111A is configured to redisplay the screen shown in Figure 4 after a specific time has elapsed.

[0064] In the second execution mode, the transmission process begins after a predetermined time has elapsed since the acquisition process was completed. Allowing user interaction after this time has elapsed further improves the accuracy of determining which execution mode is in operation. By allowing user interaction only after a specific period of time has elapsed, the system will no longer acquire "acquisition complete" status information, even though it is in the second execution mode. In this case, a running job will not be mistakenly identified as having been executed in the first execution mode, even though it was actually executed in the second execution mode.

[0065] "A state in which user operation is possible" can also be described as a state in which a display for accepting user operation is shown. More specifically, it can also be described as a state in which a display for accepting user operation is shown on the operated unit 116. "A state in which user operation is possible" can also be described as a state in which either of the screens shown in Figures 3 and 4 is displayed on the operated unit 116.

[0066] In this embodiment, as described above, the acceptance indicator is displayed again after the process of acquiring the running job is completed. Alternatively, the acceptance indicator is displayed again after the specified time has elapsed since the process of acquiring the running job was completed. This prevents user actions from being performed before the data acquisition process is complete, or before the specified time period described above has elapsed. In other words, user operations are suppressed while the system is in the "acquisition in progress" state. This suppresses the acquisition of execution status information about running jobs while the system is in the "acquisition in progress" state.

[0067] In addition, CPU111A may display a message that covers the reception display until the specified time has elapsed. In this case as well, user operation will be disabled until the specified time has elapsed. In this case, after the specified time has elapsed, the CPU 111A will erase the covering display and enable user operation.

[0068] Figures 5(A) and 5(B) illustrate the process when covering the display. Figure 5(A) is a diagram illustrating the basic process. In this embodiment, as described above, when the process of acquiring jobs that are currently running is being performed, the acquisition process screen is displayed as indicated by reference numeral 5A in Figure 5(A). When the process of acquiring jobs that are currently running is completed, the acceptance display is displayed again as indicated by reference numeral 5B. Figure 5 illustrates the case where the reception display shown in Figure 3 is displayed as the reception display. If the execution mode is the second execution mode, the reception display shown in Figure 4 will be displayed.

[0069] Figure 5(B) is a diagram illustrating the process when covering the display 24. Even when performing the cover display 24, first, the acquisition process screen is displayed as shown by the symbol 5C in Figure 5(B). Then, after the process of acquiring the jobs currently running is completed, a reception indicator is displayed as shown by symbol 5D. Furthermore, in this example, after the process of acquiring the jobs currently running is completed, a display 24 is shown that covers this reception indicator. After the specified time has elapsed, the covering mark 24 is erased as indicated by symbol 5E. As a result, in this case as well, the user will be unable to perform any operations until a certain amount of time has elapsed. After that time has passed, the user will be able to perform any operations again.

[0070] [Other processing examples] In addition, CPU111A may acquire information on the execution status of running jobs at other times. For example, CPU 111A may obtain information about the execution status of currently running jobs after the process of acquiring new jobs has finished. In this case, CPU 111A obtains information about the execution status of currently running jobs after the process of acquiring new jobs has finished. More specifically, CPU111A, for example, obtains information about the execution status of currently running jobs when generating filenames upon completion of the process of acquiring new jobs.

[0071] When the process of acquiring a new job has finished, a significant amount of time has elapsed since the start of execution of the currently running job. In this case, the passage of the specified time period mentioned above becomes more certain. In this case, if the status of the running job is "Acquisition Complete," it becomes more certain that the execution mode of the running job is the first execution mode.

[0072] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the process flow described above. In this process, first, the CPU 111A determines whether or not there has been a user operation (step S101). Specifically, the CPU 111A determines whether or not the reference button 21 displayed on the operated unit 116 has been selected.

[0073] If it is determined that user action has occurred in step S101, the process proceeds to step S102. In other words, if it is determined that user action has occurred in step S101 and an instruction to start the execution of a new job has been given, the process proceeds to step S102. In step S102, CPU 111A determines whether there are any jobs currently running. Then, if CPU 111A determines that there is a job running, it obtains information about the status of this running job (step S103). In other words, CPU 111A obtains execution status information about the running job.

[0074] Next, CPU111A determines whether the state identified by the acquired state information is in a specific situation. Specifically, the CPU 111A determines whether the status identified by the status information is "transmitting or transmission completed" (step S104). If CPU111A determines that transmission is in progress or has been completed, it proceeds to step S109.

[0075] In step S109, CPU 111A starts executing a new job. This initiates the acquisition process, followed by the transmission process. In this case, if a new job is to be executed in the first execution mode, the sending process is performed on the condition that the send button 22 has been selected. Furthermore, if a new job is executed in the second execution mode, the transmission process will proceed as is. Then, when CPU 111A detects that the status of the new job is "transmission complete" (step S110), it sets the status of this new job to "completed" (step S111).

[0076] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S104 that the job is "transmitting or has completed sending", the running job will be executed under the second execution mode. In this case, the information regarding the status of the running job will ultimately be "Completed".

[0077] On the other hand, if it is not determined in step S104 that the message is "transmitting or has been sent," the process proceeds to step S105. In step S105, CPU111A displays a confirmation screen to the user. If the running job is not determined to be "sending or sent," the execution mode of the running job is the first execution mode. In this case, a confirmation screen is displayed. This confirmation screen is displayed on the operated unit 116.

[0078] Figure 7 shows the confirmation screen 91. In step S105, this confirmation screen 91 is displayed. This confirmation screen 91 displays information indicating that the image file already exists. Furthermore, this confirmation screen 91 displays a confirmation message asking whether to delete the already obtained image file and perform a new acquisition process. In other words, it displays a confirmation message asking whether to execute a new job. In this embodiment, this confirmation screen 91 prompts the user to confirm whether the operation was performed incorrectly. Subsequently, in this embodiment, a response from the user is obtained.

[0079] In step S106 shown in Figure 6, the CPU 111A decides whether to execute a new job based on the user's response. CPU111A will execute a new job if the user selects "Yes" as shown in Figure 7. Conversely, CPU111A will not execute a new job if the user selects "No" as shown in Figure 7.

[0080] If CPU 111A determines in step S106 to execute a new job, it terminates the currently running job (step S107). In this case, CPU111A changes the status of the running job to "terminated" (step S108). In other words, in this case, CPU111A changes the information associated with the running job from "acquisition complete" to "terminated." In other words, in this case, CPU111A ensures that information indicating that the process was not completed is associated with the running job.

[0081] On the other hand, if CPU 111A does not decide to execute a new job in step S106, it repeats the processing from step S101 onwards. If the process from step S101 onwards is to be repeated, the screen shown in Figure 3 or Figure 4 will be displayed again. The user will perform the operations on the screen shown in Figure 3 or Figure 4 again to restart the job that was running.

[0082] After the processing in step S108, in this embodiment, the processing in steps S109 to S111 is performed. The processing in steps S109 to S111 is the same as described above. In step S109, a new job is executed. The new job that starts execution in step S109 is executed in either the first execution mode or the second execution mode. Then, when it is detected that this new job has been "sent" (step S110), the status of the new job changes to "completed" (step S111).

[0083] In this example shown in Figure 6, regardless of the execution mode used to start the job, new user operations are prevented until a specific time has elapsed. Specifically, in this example, new user operations are prevented until the specified time has elapsed from the end of the acquisition process. More specifically, in this example process shown in Figure 6, after it is determined that a user operation has occurred in step S101, new user operations are prevented until a specific timing is reached. Specifically, new user operations are prevented until the job acquisition process initiated in response to the user operation detected in step S101 has finished and the specified time period described above has elapsed. This prevents user actions for new jobs from being performed until this specific time has elapsed.

[0084] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of another processing flow. This section describes an example of how to retrieve execution status information when the process of acquiring a new job is complete. In this process, the CPU 111A first determines whether or not there has been user operation (step S201). If it is determined in step S201 that there has been user operation, the process proceeds to step S202. Here again, if it is determined in step S201 that there has been user operation and an instruction to start the execution of a new job has been given, the process proceeds to step S202. In step S202, CPU111A determines whether there are any jobs currently running.

[0085] Then, if it is determined in step S202 that there is a job currently running, the process proceeds to step S203. In step S203, the CPU 111A determines whether the acquisition process for a new job initiated by user operation has finished. In other words, in step S203, the CPU 111A determines whether the status of the new job is "acquisition complete".

[0086] Then, if CPU111A determines that "acquisition complete," it obtains information about the status of the running job (step S204). In other words, CPU111A obtains execution status information about the running job. After that, the process proceeds to step S205. Additionally, information about the status of running jobs can be obtained at the time a new job file name is generated. In this embodiment, after the process of acquiring a new job is completed, a file name is generated. Information about the status of the currently running job may be obtained only after the file name has been generated.

[0087] In step S205, CPU111A determines whether the message is "transmitting" or "transmitting is complete". As described above, CPU111A obtains information about the status of the running job in step S204. In step S205, it is determined whether the status identified by the information about this status is "transmitting or transmission completed".

[0088] If it is determined in step S205 that transmission is in progress or has been completed, the process proceeds to steps S208-S210. This executes the processing for the new job. The processing in steps S208 to S210 is the same as the processing in steps S109 to S111 described above. Therefore, the explanation of the processing in steps S208 to S210 is omitted here. If it is determined in step S205 that the transmission is in progress or has been completed, then, as described above, the status information for the running job will ultimately be associated with "Completed".

[0089] If it is not determined in step S205 that the message is "transmitting or has been sent," the process proceeds to step S206. In step S206, CPU111A aborts the running job. In this case, CPU111A changes the status of the running job to "terminated" (step S207). In other words, in this case, CPU111A changes the information associated with the running job from "acquisition complete" to "forced termination". In other words, in this case, CPU111A ensures that information indicating that the processing was not completed is associated with the running job.

[0090] After the processing in step S207, in this embodiment, the processing in steps S208 to S210 is performed. This executes the processing for the new job. The processing in steps S208 to S210 is the same as the processing in steps S109 to S111 described above. The explanation of the processing in steps S208 to S210 is omitted here.

[0091] Furthermore, in this example, even if it is not determined in step S202 that there are any jobs currently running, the processes in steps S208 to S210 will still be executed. As a result, in this case as well, processing for a new job will be executed.

[0092] In the example shown in Figure 6, as described above, user operations are disabled until a specific time has elapsed. In contrast, in the process shown in Figure 8, this process of disabling user operations is not performed. In the example shown in Figure 8, the execution status information is obtained at a later time than when a user action is performed.

[0093] In this case, it becomes less likely that the job will be executed in a second execution mode, yet the execution status information will still indicate "acquisition complete." In this case, it is possible to determine which execution mode the job was executed in, without having to implement a process that prevents user operation until a specific amount of time has elapsed. Note that this does not eliminate the possibility of processes that prevent user interaction. Even in the example process shown in Figure 8, processes that prevent user interaction may be implemented.

[0094] Figures 9(A) and 9(B) show the first and second execution modes. Figure 9(A) shows the first execution mode. Figure 9(B) shows the second execution mode. Note that Figure 9(A) shows an example of processing when the confirmation screen 91 (see Figure 7) is not displayed. Displaying the confirmation screen 91 is not mandatory. Figure 9(A) shows an example of processing when this confirmation screen 91 is not displayed. Furthermore, Figures 9(A) and (B) illustrate an example of the process when the reference button 21 is displayed after a specific amount of time has elapsed since the acquisition process was completed, similar to the above.

[0095] The first execution mode shown in Figure 9(A) is, as described above, an execution mode in which the transmission process is initiated upon receiving additional instructions from the user. The first execution mode is an execution mode in which the transmission process is initiated upon receiving these additional instructions after the acquisition process. If processing is initiated under the first execution mode, the display indicated by reference numeral 8A is first shown, as shown in Figure 9(A). Then, when the reference button 21 is selected, the acquisition process starts, as indicated by symbol 8B. In other words, the acquisition process starts when a user operation is performed. Furthermore, when the reference button 21 is selected, an indication that the acquisition process is being performed is displayed on the operated unit 116, as shown by reference numeral 8C. In other words, the acquisition process in progress screen is displayed on the operated unit 116.

[0096] Then, when the acquisition process is complete, the display indicated by symbol 8D is shown. More specifically, in this example, when the above-mentioned specific time has elapsed since the completion of the acquisition process, the display indicated by symbol 8D is shown. In this display, indicated by symbol 8D, the reference button 21 and the send button 22 are displayed again. Furthermore, in this display, indicated by symbol 8D, the generated file name is displayed, as indicated by symbol 8E.

[0097] In this example, as indicated by the symbol 8D, the transmit button 22 is not selected, and the reference button 21 is pressed. In this case, as indicated by symbol 8F, the execution of a new job is started. Accordingly, the acquisition process begins. Furthermore, in this case, as indicated by the symbol 8G, the operated unit 116 displays an indication that the acquisition process is underway. In other words, a screen indicating that the acquisition process is in progress is displayed.

[0098] Subsequently, a file name is generated, and this new file name is displayed on the operated unit 116, as indicated by the symbol 8H. In this case as well, the display indicated by code 8J will be shown after the specified time has elapsed since the completion of the new job acquisition process. When the transmit button 22 included in the display indicated by code 8J is pressed, the transmission process will begin.

[0099] In the example shown in Figure 9(A), the first job, which is an example of a running job, will not be completed. In this case, the execution of this first job will be aborted. Furthermore, the information indicating the execution result will be associated with this first job as "forced termination". In this example, for instance, at the timing indicated by code 8K, the execution status information of the first job is acquired. In this case, the execution status of the first job becomes "Acquisition Complete". In this case, the execution of the first job is canceled. Also, in this case, "Forced Termination" is associated with the first job. In this case, the content of the process matches the content of the associated information.

[0100] Next, we will explain the second implementation form shown in Figure 9(B). The second execution mode, as described above, is one in which the transmission process is initiated even without instructions from the user. When a job is executed in the second execution mode, the display indicated by the symbol 8L is first shown, as shown in Figure 9(B). Then, when the reference button 21, indicated by reference numeral 8M, is pressed, the acquisition process for the first job is started, as indicated by reference numeral 8N. Also, as indicated by reference numeral 8P, an indication is displayed on the operated unit 116 that the acquisition process is underway. That is, the acquisition process screen is displayed.

[0101] Then, when the acquisition process is complete, the display indicated by code 8Q is shown. In this case as well, the display indicated by symbol 8Q will be shown after the specified time has elapsed since the completion of the acquisition process. In this display, indicated by code 8Q, the reference button 21 is displayed again, and the system becomes ready to perform a new acquisition process. In other words, it becomes ready to execute a new job.

[0102] In the second execution mode, even after the indication shown by code 8Q is displayed, the processing of the job that has already started continues. As a result, in this process, the transmission process is performed as indicated by code 8R. In the second execution mode, unlike the first execution mode, the transmission process is performed regardless of whether or not there are instructions from the user.

[0103] In the second execution mode, the jobs mentioned above will be executed to completion without being aborted. In this case, if we were to associate "force termination" with this job, the content of the process and the content of the associated information would become inconsistent. Therefore, in this embodiment, as described above, for jobs executed in the second execution mode, after the job submission process is completed, the information "Completed" is associated with the job as information indicating the execution result.

[0104] If the redisplayed reference button 21 is selected, it is possible to associate it with "Force Termination," similar to the first execution mode described above. Specifically, it is conceivable that the "Force Terminate" function be associated with the selection of the reference button 21, which is displayed as indicated by the symbol 8Q. By the way, in this case, the content of the processing and the content of the information being associated with it will no longer be consistent. Therefore, in the second execution mode, as described above, the information "completed" is associated with the executed job.

[0105] In the first execution mode, we assume that the reference button 21, indicated by symbol 8T, is selected and a new job is started. In this case, the first job that was executed earlier will be aborted and terminated prematurely. In this situation, associating "force termination" with this first job will not result in any inconsistencies. In contrast, in the second execution mode, the process is executed to completion regardless of the user's intentions. In this case, if we associate "force termination" with the first job that was executed earlier, an inconsistency will occur. Therefore, the first job executed under the second execution mode is associated with the information "completed".

[0106] In this embodiment, execution status information, which is information about the execution status of a running job, is acquired. More specifically, execution status information, which is information about the execution status after the acquisition process has finished, is acquired. In other words, in this embodiment, information about the job status after the acquisition process has finished is acquired. In this embodiment, by obtaining this execution status information, it is possible to identify which execution mode the job was executed in.

[0107] Specifically, in this embodiment, for example, execution status information is acquired at the timing indicated by reference numeral 8K. In this case, for the first execution mode, the status identified by the execution status information will be "Acquisition complete." For the second execution mode, the status identified by the execution status information will be "Transmission in progress." In this case, the execution status information can be used to determine which execution mode the job was run in.

[0108] A new selection by the user using the reference button 21 occurs, for example, at the timing indicated by code 8K. At this timing, the status of the running job is something other than "Acquisition in progress". Specifically, the status of a running job is either "Acquisition Complete" or "Sending or Sending Complete." In other words, the status of the first job is either "Acquisition complete" or "Sending or Sending complete". In this case, it is possible to identify which execution mode a running job was executed in.

[0109] In addition, in this embodiment, as described above, execution status information is acquired when the process of acquiring a new job is completed. In this case, the execution status information is acquired at the timing indicated by reference numeral 8W in Figure 9. In this case as well, it is possible to determine which execution method the job was executed in. Furthermore, even after the process of acquiring a new job has finished, the execution status of the first job may still be "sending". It is possible that the image files obtained through the acquisition process may be large in size. In this case, the status may still be "transmitting" even after the acquisition process for a new job has finished.

[0110] [Explanation of update process] In addition, this embodiment allows for updating the screen displayed on the operated unit 116. In this embodiment, the user can perform an operation on the controllable unit 116 to update the screen. In this embodiment, after the process of acquiring jobs that are currently running is completed, when the update process is performed, the file name displayed on the operated unit 116 is deleted. More specifically, if the update process is performed after the acquisition process of the first job described above has finished, the file name will be deleted. Furthermore, in this embodiment, if an update process is performed after the acquisition process of the first job described above has finished, the execution of the first job will be canceled.

[0111] Here, we consider a scenario where, for example, the update process is performed after the process of acquiring running jobs has finished. Specifically, we consider a scenario where the update process is performed at the timing indicated by the symbol 8K in Figure 9. Here, we assume that the update process is performed before any new jobs have been executed. In other words, we assume that the update process is performed before any new selections have been made using the reference buttons 21, indicated by symbols 8T and 8X.

[0112] In other words, this assumes a scenario where the screen displaying information about currently running jobs is updated before the user actions described above, which are performed when a new job is executed, have been completed. More specifically, we consider the case where the update button (not shown) displayed on the operable unit 116 is selected while no new selection has yet been made using the reference button 21.

[0113] If the update button is selected, the previously displayed file name will be erased in the updated operated unit 116. Also, if the update button is selected, the execution of any running jobs will be canceled. In this embodiment, the CPU 111A acquires execution status information after the process of acquiring jobs that are currently running, as described above. Here, we will explain how to obtain execution status information after the specified time period has elapsed, similar to the above.

[0114] CPU111A also obtains execution status information for running jobs when the update button is selected. In this case as well, CPU111A obtains execution status information, which is information about the execution status after the process of obtaining the running jobs has finished. More specifically, here, CPU111A obtains execution status information, which is information about the execution status after the above-mentioned specific time has elapsed. Then, based on the acquired execution status information, CPU111A determines the content of the information about the execution results of the running job that will be associated with the running job. CPU111A retrieves the execution status of a running job after the acquisition process performed in conjunction with the job's execution has finished. Then, CPU111A ensures that the information about the execution results associated with the running job differs depending on the retrieved execution status.

[0115] If the status identified by the acquired execution status information is "acquisition complete," CPU111A changes the status information from "acquisition complete" to "forced termination." Then, CPU111A associates this "forced termination" status with the running job. In other words, in this case, CPU111A associates information indicating that the process was not completed with the running job as information about the execution result of the running job.

[0116] On the other hand, if the status identified by this execution status information is "transmitting or transmission completed," CPU111A associates "completed" with the running job. In detail, CPU111A associates the running job with "Completed" after the transmission process for the running job is finished. In other words, in this case, CPU111A associates information indicating that the processing was completed with the running job as information about the execution result of the running job.

[0117] Even if an update process is performed and the file name is deleted, the process may still be executed to completion. Specifically, if the job is running under the second execution mode, the process will be executed to completion. Therefore, as described above, if the identified status is "sending or sending completed," the running job will ultimately be associated with "completed." In other words, if a job is running under the second execution mode, the running job will be associated with "completed." On the other hand, if an update process is performed while a job is running under the first execution mode, a "forced termination" action is associated with the running job as described above. In this case, the execution of the running job is also stopped.

[0118] 〔others〕 In the above, as an example of an acquisition process, we explained the process of acquiring images by scanning. Other acquisition processes include reading images from the information storage device 112. The acquisition process is not limited to processes that involve reading images. The acquisition process also includes processes that read images from the information storage device 112 to acquire images. The acquisition process includes processes that do not involve image reading.

[0119] (Note) (((1))) The image acquisition unit performs image acquisition processing, The acquisition unit performs transmission processing on the image acquired by the acquisition unit, Processor and An image processing apparatus comprising, The aforementioned processor, When a user operation occurs in the image processing device that initiates a new job different from the currently running job, the running job is terminated according to the execution status of the current job. Image processing device. (((2))) For the aforementioned running job, information regarding the execution results of the running job is associated with it. The aforementioned processor, Based on the execution status of the running job after the acquisition process performed in conjunction with the execution of the running job has finished, the content of the information regarding the execution result associated with the running job is determined. The image processing device described in (((1))). (((3))) The aforementioned processor, If the execution status indicates that the transmission process has not started, information indicating that the process was not completed will be associated with the running job. The image processing device described in (((2))). (((4))) The aforementioned processor, If the execution status is that the transmission process is being performed or has finished, information indicating that the process has been completed will be associated with the running job. The image processing apparatus described in (((2))) or (((3))). (((5))) The aforementioned processor, The execution status of the running job after a predetermined time has elapsed since the completion of the acquisition process for the running job is acquired as the execution status. An image processing device as described in any of (((2))) to (((4))). (((6))) The image processing device is an image processing device capable of executing jobs in at least two execution modes: a first execution mode in which the transmission process is started on the condition that an instruction from the user is given after the acquisition process, and a second execution mode in which the transmission process is started even without such instruction. In the second execution mode, the transmission process is started after a predetermined specific time has elapsed since the completion of the acquisition process. The aforementioned processor, The execution status of the running job after the completion of the acquisition process for the running job and after the specified time has elapsed is acquired as the execution status. The image processing apparatus described in (((5))). (((7))) The aforementioned processor, When the aforementioned new job is executed, the execution status of the running job at the time of the aforementioned user operation is obtained as the execution status. The state of the operated part that the user operates when performing the user operation is set to a state where the user operation can be performed after the acquisition process of the job being executed by the image processing device is completed. The image processing device described in (((2))). (((8))) The image processing device is an image processing device capable of executing jobs in at least two execution modes: a first execution mode in which the transmission process is started on the condition that an instruction from the user is given after the acquisition process, and a second execution mode in which the transmission process is started even without such instruction. In the second execution mode, the transmission process is started after a predetermined specific time has elapsed since the completion of the acquisition process. The aforementioned processor, After the acquisition process of the job being executed by the image processing device is completed and the specified time has elapsed, the system is set to a state where user operations can be performed. The image processing apparatus described in (((7))). (((9))) After the acquisition process of the job being executed by the image processing device is completed, the operator unit is shown a reception display to accept user operations. The aforementioned processor, From the time after the acquisition process of the job being executed by the image processing device is completed until the specified time has elapsed, a display is made to cover the reception display to prevent user operation. After the specified time has elapsed, the covering display is erased, and the system is returned to the state in which user operations can be performed. The image processing apparatus described in (((8))). (((10))) The aforementioned processor, The execution status of the running job after the acquisition process for the new job has been completed is acquired as the execution status. The image processing device described in (((2))). (((11))) The aforementioned processor, If the user operation that would normally be performed when the new job is executed has not yet been performed, and the screen displaying information about the currently running job is updated, the content of the information associated with the currently running job is determined based on the execution status of the currently running job after the acquisition process performed in conjunction with the execution of the said job has finished. The image processing device described in (((2))). (((12))) The image processing device is an image processing device capable of executing jobs in at least two execution modes: a first execution mode in which the transmission process is started on the condition that an instruction from the user is given after the acquisition process, and a second execution mode in which the transmission process is started even without such instruction. The image processing device described in (((2))). (((13))) For the aforementioned running job, information regarding the execution results of the running job is associated with it. The aforementioned processor, Depending on the execution status of the running job after the acquisition process performed in conjunction with the execution of the running job has finished, the information regarding the execution result associated with the running job will be different. The image processing device described in (((1))). (((14))) The image acquisition unit performs image acquisition processing, The acquisition unit performs transmission processing on the image acquired by the acquisition unit, Processor and An image processing apparatus comprising, The aforementioned processor, When a user operation occurs that is performed when a new job different from the currently running job is executed in the image processing device, the content of the information relating to the execution result of the said running job, which is associated with the said running job, is determined based on the execution status of the said running job. The state of the operated part that the user operates when performing the user operation is set to a state where the user operation can be performed after the acquisition process of the currently running job is completed. Image processing device. (((15))) The image processing device is an image processing device capable of executing jobs in at least two execution modes: a first execution mode in which the transmission process is started on the condition that an instruction from the user is given after the acquisition process, and a second execution mode in which the transmission process is started even without such instruction. In the second execution mode, the transmission process is started after a predetermined specific time has elapsed since the completion of the acquisition process. The aforementioned processor, After the acquisition process of the job being executed by the image processing device is completed and the specified time has elapsed, the system is set to a state where user operations can be performed. The image processing device described in (((14))). (((16))) Equipped with a processor, The aforementioned processor, When a user operation occurs that is performed when a new job different from the currently running job is executed on a device capable of performing image acquisition and transmission of acquired images, the currently running job will be terminated depending on the execution status of that job. Information processing device. (((17))) Equipped with a processor, The aforementioned processor, When a user operation occurs that is performed when a new job different from the currently running job is executed on a device capable of performing image acquisition and transmission of acquired images, the content of the information relating to the execution result of the said running job, which is associated with the said running job, is determined based on the execution status of the said running job. The state of the operated part that the user operates when performing the user operation is set to a state where the user operation can be performed after the acquisition process of the currently running job is completed. Information processing device. (((18))) In a device capable of performing image acquisition and image transmission, if a user operation occurs when a new job different from the currently running job is executed, the function will be activated to cancel the running job according to the execution status of the current running job. A program to make a computer realize this. (((19))) When a user operation occurs when a new job different from the currently running job is executed on a device capable of performing image acquisition and image transmission, the system has a function to determine the content of information about the execution results of the currently running job, which is associated with that job, based on the execution status of the currently running job. A function that sets the state of the operated part that the user operates on when the user performs the aforementioned user operation to a state in which the user operation can be performed after the acquisition process of the currently running job is completed, A program to make a computer realize this.

[0120] According to the image processing device described in (((1))), if a new job is received while a job is in the middle of execution, it becomes possible to cancel the job that is currently running, depending on the execution status of the job that is currently running. According to the image processing device described in (((2))), compared to the case where information indicating that processing was not completed is uniformly associated with the running job as information of the execution result for the running job, it is possible to make it less likely that the content of the job execution and the content of the information associated with the job will become inconsistent. According to the image processing device described in (((3))), it becomes possible to associate information indicating that the processing was not completed with jobs that were not completed to completion. According to the image processing device described in (((4))), it is possible to associate information indicating that the processing has been completed with jobs that have been executed to completion. According to the image processing device described in (((5))), compared to the case where the execution status of a running job is acquired before the process of acquiring a running job is completed, it is possible to make it less likely that the content of the job execution and the content of the information associated with the job will become inconsistent. According to the image processing device described in (((6))), compared to the case where the execution status of a running job is acquired before the process of acquiring a running job is completed, it is possible to make it less likely that the content of the job execution and the content of the information associated with the job will become inconsistent. The image processing device described in (((7))) can improve the accuracy of the information associated with the job compared to the case where the user can perform operations before the process of acquiring the job being executed by the image processing device is completed. The image processing device described in (((8))) can improve the accuracy of the information associated with the job compared to the case where the user can perform operations before the process of acquiring the job being executed by the image processing device is completed. According to the image processing device described in (((9))), it is possible to prevent user operations from being performed before a specific time has elapsed. The image processing device relating to (((10))) can improve the accuracy of the information associated with the job compared to acquiring the execution status of an ongoing job before the process of acquiring a new job is completed. According to the image processing device described in (((11))), when a screen update process is performed, it is possible to make it less likely that the content of the job execution and the content of the information associated with the job will become inconsistent, compared to the case where information indicating that the process was not completed to the end is uniformly associated with the running job as execution result information when the screen update process is performed. According to the image processing apparatus described in (((12))), in an image processing apparatus capable of executing jobs in at least two execution modes, a first execution mode in which the transmission process is started on the condition that an instruction from the user is given after the acquisition process, and a second execution mode in which the transmission process is started even without an instruction, it is possible to make it less likely that the content of the job execution and the content of the information associated with the job will become inconsistent, compared to the case in which information indicating that the process was not completed is uniformly associated with the job executed. According to the image processing device described in (((13))), compared to the case where information indicating that processing was not completed is uniformly associated with the running job as information of the execution result for the running job, it is possible to make it less likely that the content of the job execution and the content of the information associated with the job will become inconsistent. The image processing device described in (((14))) can improve the accuracy of the information associated with the job compared to the case where the user can perform operations before the process of acquiring the job being executed by the image processing device is completed. The image processing device described in (((15))) can improve the accuracy of the information associated with the job compared to the case where the user can perform operations before the process of acquiring the job being executed by the image processing device is completed. According to the information processing device related to (((16))), if a new job is received while a job is in the middle of execution, it becomes possible to cancel the job that is currently running, depending on the execution status of the job that is currently running. According to the information processing device described in (((17))), the accuracy of the information associated with the job can be improved compared to the case where the user can perform operations before the process of acquiring the job being executed by the image processing device is completed. According to the program related to (((18))), if a new job is received while a job is in the middle of execution, it becomes possible to cancel the currently running job depending on the execution status of the running job. According to the program described in (((19))), the accuracy of the information associated with the jobs can be improved compared to the case where user operations can be performed before the process of acquiring jobs that are currently running is completed. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0121] 21...Reference button, 22...Send button, 24...Cover display, 100...Image processing device, 111A...CPU, 113...Transmit / receive device, 115...Image reading device, 116...Operated unit

Claims

1. The image acquisition unit performs image acquisition processing, The acquisition unit performs transmission processing on the image acquired by the acquisition unit, Processor and An image processing apparatus comprising, The aforementioned processor, When a user operation occurs in the image processing device that initiates a new job different from the currently running job, the running job is terminated according to the execution status of the current job. Image processing device.

2. For the aforementioned running job, information regarding the execution results of the running job is associated with it. The aforementioned processor, Based on the execution status of the running job after the acquisition process performed in conjunction with the execution of the running job has finished, the content of the information regarding the execution result associated with the running job is determined. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned processor, If the execution status indicates that the transmission process has not started, information indicating that the process was not completed will be associated with the running job. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned processor, If the execution status is that the transmission process is being performed or has finished, information indicating that the process has been completed will be associated with the running job. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2.

5. The aforementioned processor, The execution status of the running job after a predetermined time has elapsed since the completion of the acquisition process for the running job is acquired as the execution status. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2.

6. The image processing device is an image processing device capable of executing jobs in at least two execution modes: a first execution mode in which the transmission process is started on the condition that an instruction from the user is given after the acquisition process, and a second execution mode in which the transmission process is started even without such instruction. In the second execution mode described above, the transmission process is started after a predetermined specific time has elapsed since the completion of the acquisition process. The aforementioned processor, The execution status of the running job after the completion of the acquisition process for the running job and after the specified time has elapsed is acquired as the execution status. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5.

7. The aforementioned processor, When the aforementioned new job is executed, the execution status of the running job at the time of the aforementioned user operation is obtained as the execution status. The state of the operated part that the user operates when performing the user operation is set to a state where the user operation can be performed after the acquisition process of the job being executed by the image processing device is completed. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2.

8. The image processing device is an image processing device capable of executing jobs in at least two execution modes: a first execution mode in which the transmission process is started on the condition that an instruction from the user is given after the acquisition process, and a second execution mode in which the transmission process is started even without such instruction. In the second execution mode described above, the transmission process is started after a predetermined specific time has elapsed since the completion of the acquisition process. The aforementioned processor, After the acquisition process of the job being executed by the image processing device is completed and the specified time has elapsed, the system is set to a state where user operations can be performed. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7.

9. After the acquisition process of the job being executed by the image processing device is completed, the operator unit is shown a reception display to accept user operations. The aforementioned processor, From the time after the acquisition process of the job being executed by the image processing device is completed until the specified time has elapsed, a display is made to cover the reception display to prevent user operation. After the specified time has elapsed, the covering display is erased, and the system is returned to the state in which user operations can be performed. The image processing apparatus according to claim 8.

10. The aforementioned processor, The execution status of the running job after the acquisition process for the new job has been completed is acquired as the execution status. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2.

11. The aforementioned processor, If the user operation that would normally be performed when the new job is executed has not yet been performed, and the screen displaying information about the currently running job is updated, the content of the information associated with the currently running job is determined based on the execution status of the currently running job after the acquisition process performed in conjunction with the execution of the said job has finished. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2.

12. The image processing device is an image processing device capable of executing jobs in at least two execution modes: a first execution mode in which the transmission process is started on the condition that an instruction from the user is given after the acquisition process, and a second execution mode in which the transmission process is started even without such instruction. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2.

13. For the aforementioned running job, information regarding the execution results of the running job is associated with it. The aforementioned processor, Depending on the execution status of the running job after the acquisition process performed in conjunction with the execution of the running job has finished, the information regarding the execution result associated with the running job will be different. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1.

14. The image acquisition unit performs image acquisition processing, The acquisition unit performs transmission processing on the image acquired by the acquisition unit, Processor and An image processing apparatus comprising, The aforementioned processor, When a user operation occurs that is performed when a new job different from the currently running job is executed in the image processing device, the content of the information relating to the execution result of the said running job, which is associated with the said running job, is determined based on the execution status of the said running job. The state of the operated part that the user operates when performing the user operation is set to a state where the user operation can be performed after the acquisition process of the currently running job is completed. Image processing device.

15. The image processing device is an image processing device capable of executing jobs in at least two execution modes: a first execution mode in which the transmission process is started on the condition that an instruction from the user is given after the acquisition process, and a second execution mode in which the transmission process is started even without such instruction. In the second execution mode described above, the transmission process is started after a predetermined specific time has elapsed since the completion of the acquisition process. The aforementioned processor, After the acquisition process of the job being executed by the image processing device is completed and the specified time has elapsed, the system is set to a state where user operations can be performed. The image processing apparatus according to claim 14.

16. Equipped with a processor, The aforementioned processor, When a user operation occurs that is performed when a new job different from the currently running job is executed on a device capable of performing image acquisition and transmission of acquired images, the currently running job will be terminated depending on the execution status of that job. Information processing device.

17. Equipped with a processor, The aforementioned processor, When a user operation occurs that is performed when a new job different from the currently running job is executed on a device capable of performing image acquisition and transmission of acquired images, the content of the information relating to the execution result of the said running job, which is associated with the said running job, is determined based on the execution status of the said running job. The state of the operated part that the user operates when performing the user operation is set to a state where the user operation can be performed after the acquisition process of the currently running job is completed. Information processing device.

18. In a device capable of performing image acquisition and image transmission, if a user operation occurs when a new job different from the currently running job is executed, the function will be activated to cancel the running job according to the execution status of the current running job. A program to make a computer realize this.

19. When a user operation occurs when a new job different from the currently running job is executed on a device capable of performing image acquisition and image transmission, the system has a function to determine the content of information about the execution results of the currently running job, which is associated with that job, based on the execution status of the currently running job. A function that sets the state of the operated part that the user operates on when the user performs the aforementioned user operation to a state in which the user operation can be performed after the acquisition process of the currently running job is completed, A program to make a computer realize this.

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