Image forming apparatus, information processing method, and program

Abstract

The present invention provides an image forming apparatus, an information processing method, and a program that allow for easy modification of arbitrary print settings corresponding to a print job when a previously executed print job is to be executed again, and that also allow for easy confirmation of whether or not necessary machine adjustments are required. [Solution] An image forming apparatus comprising: a print control unit that performs image forming based on a print job and stores the history of print jobs in a storage unit; a main unit control unit that performs mechanical adjustments to the image forming apparatus and stores the history of the mechanical adjustments in a storage unit; and a display control unit that displays a first screen showing the history of print jobs. The display control unit displays a second screen in which the print settings of a target print job can be arbitrarily changed after selecting a target print job to be executed again from the history of print jobs displayed on the first screen, and displays a third screen in which a list of mechanical adjustments related to the target print job can be shown and mechanical adjustments can be performed in response to an operation on the second screen.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Techniques for re-executing a printing job are known. As such a technique, there is disclosed a technique for facilitating the printing settings by saving the setting information for each user at the time of printing execution and selecting the saved setting information from the printing setting history screen when printing again (for example, Patent Document 1).

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] However, in the conventional technique, when it is desired to perform printing using past printing information, there is a problem that a plurality of setting values have to be applied as they are or all the setting values have to be reset. Further, when the user does not notice the presence or absence of mechanical adjustment required for printing, there is a problem that the user has to perform mechanical adjustment after looking at the output after printing is executed.

[0004] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide an image forming apparatus, an information processing method, and a program that can easily change any printing settings corresponding to a printed job that has been executed and can easily confirm the presence or absence of necessary mechanical adjustment when re-executing the executed printing job.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus comprising: a print control unit that performs image forming based on a print job and stores the history of the print job in a storage unit; a main unit control unit that performs mechanical adjustments to the image forming apparatus and stores the history of the mechanical adjustments in the storage unit; and a display control unit that displays a first screen showing the history of the print job, wherein the display control unit displays a second screen that allows the user to arbitrarily change the print settings of a target print job after selecting a target print job to be executed again from the history of the print job displayed on the first screen, and displays a third screen that shows a list of the mechanical adjustments related to the target print job and allows the user to perform the mechanical adjustments in response to an operation on the second screen. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, when a previously executed print job is to be executed again, any print settings corresponding to that print job can be easily changed, and it is also easy to check whether any necessary machine adjustments are required. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of the overall configuration of the image forming system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming measure according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a user PC according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the configuration of a functional block in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of a timeline screen displayed in the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of a print history details screen displayed in the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 7]Figure 7 shows an example of a print setting change screen displayed in the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of a machine adjustment candidate dialog box displayed in the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the job re-execution operation flow of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Embodiments of the image forming apparatus, information processing method, and program according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited by the following embodiments, and the components in the following embodiments include those that are easily conceivable by those skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that are equivalent. Moreover, various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations of components can be made without departing from the spirit of the following embodiments.

[0009] (Overall configuration of the image forming system) Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the image forming system according to this embodiment. The overall configuration of the image forming system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1.

[0010] As shown in Figure 1, the image forming system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 10 and a user PC (Personal Computer) 20.

[0011] The image forming apparatus 10 is a device that forms images on a printing medium according to a print job received from a user PC 20. In this embodiment, the configuration and operation of the image forming apparatus 10, which allows for easy modification of the print settings corresponding to a print job when a previously executed print job is to be executed again, will be described in detail later.

[0012] The user PC 20 is an information processing device that transmits print jobs for printing image data and other data to be printed to the image forming apparatus 10 via the network N.

[0013] (Hardware configuration of image forming apparatus) Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. The hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 2. Here, the image forming apparatus 10 is described as an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral), but it is not limited to being an MFP; for example, it may be a regular printer or a commercial printing press.

[0014] As shown in Figure 2, the image forming apparatus 10 is configured such that the controller 600, the operation display unit 610, the FCU (Facsimile Control Unit) 620, the plotter 631, and the scanner 632 are connected by a PCI (Peripheral Component Interface) bus.

[0015] The controller 600 is a device that controls the overall control, drawing, communication, and input from the operation display unit 610 of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0016] The operation display unit 610 is, for example, a touch panel, and is a device that accepts input to the controller 600 (input function) and displays the status of the image forming apparatus 10 (display function). The operation display unit 610 is directly connected to the ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 606, which will be described later.

[0017] The FCU620 is a device that implements fax functionality and is connected to the ASIC606, for example, via a PCI bus.

[0018] The plotter 631 is a device that realizes a printing function. The plotter 631, for example, is connected to the ASIC 606 by a PCI bus.

[0019] The scanner 632 is a function that realizes a scanner function and is connected to the ASIC 606 by, for example, a PCI bus.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, the controller 600 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 601, a system memory (MEM-P) 602, a north bridge (NB) 603, a south bridge (SB) 604a, a network I / F 604b, a USB I / F 604c, a Centronics I / F 604d, a sensor I / F 604e, an ASIC 606, a local memory (MEM-C) 607, and an auxiliary storage device 608.

[0021] The CPU 601 is an arithmetic unit that performs overall control of the image forming apparatus 10. The CPU 601 is connected to a chipset including the system memory 602, the north bridge 603, and the south bridge 604a, and is connected to other devices via this chipset.

[0022] The system memory 602 is a memory used as a memory for storing programs and data, a memory for expanding programs and data, and a memory for printing of a printer, etc., and has a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). Among these, the ROM is a read-only memory used as a memory for storing programs and data, and the RAM is a writable and readable memory used as a memory for expanding programs and data, and a memory for printing of a printer, etc.

[0023] The Northbridge 603 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 601 with the system memory 602, the Southbridge 604a, and the AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 605. It includes a memory controller that controls reading and writing to the system memory 602, as well as a PCI master and an AGP target.

[0024] The Southbridge 604a is a bridge that connects the Northbridge 603 to PCI devices and peripheral devices. The Southbridge 604a is connected to the Northbridge 603 via the PCI bus, to which the Network I / F 604b, USB I / F 604c, Centronics I / F 604d, and Sensor I / F 604e are connected.

[0025] The AGP bus 605 is a bus interface for graphics accelerator cards proposed to accelerate graphics processing. The AGP bus 605 speeds up graphics accelerator cards by providing high-throughput direct access to system memory 502.

[0026] The ASIC606 is an integrated circuit (IC) for image processing applications that has hardware elements for image processing, and acts as a bridge connecting the AGP bus 605, PCI bus, auxiliary storage device 608, and local memory 607, respectively. The ASIC606 consists of a PCI target and an AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) which is the core of the ASIC606, a memory controller that controls the local memory 607, multiple DMACs (Direct Memory Access Controllers) that perform image data rotation etc. using hardware logic, and a PCI unit that performs data transfer via the PCI bus between the plotter 631 and scanner 632. For example, the FCU620, plotter 631, and scanner 632 are connected to the ASIC606 via the PCI bus.

[0027] Local memory 607 is memory used as a copy image buffer and a code buffer.

[0028] The auxiliary storage device 608 is a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), SD (Secure Digital) card, or flash memory, and is used for storing image data, programs, font data, and forms.

[0029] Note that the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 shown in Figure 2 is just one example, and it is not necessary to have all of the components, nor is it necessary to have other components. For example, the image forming apparatus 10 may be equipped with an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder), etc.

[0030] (User PC hardware configuration) Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a user PC according to this embodiment. The hardware configuration of the user PC 20 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 3.

[0031] As shown in Figure 3, the user PC 20 is equipped with a CPU 501, ROM (Read Only Memory) 502, RAM (Random Access Memory) 503, auxiliary storage device 505, media drive 507, display 508, network interface 509, keyboard 511, mouse 512, and DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) drive 514.

[0032] The CPU 501 is a processing unit that controls the overall operation of the user PC 20. The ROM 502 is a non-volatile memory device that stores programs such as the IPL (Initial Program Loader) that are initially executed by the CPU 501. The RAM 503 is a volatile memory device used as the work area for the CPU 501.

[0033] The auxiliary storage device 505 is a non-volatile storage device that stores various data such as programs. The auxiliary storage device 505 is, for example, an HDD or an SSD.

[0034] The media drive 507 is a device that controls the reading or writing of data to or from a recording medium 506, such as flash memory.

[0035] Display 508 is a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL (electro-luminescence) display, etc., that displays various information such as cursors, menus, windows, characters, or images.

[0036] Network I / F509 is an interface for data communication using network N. Network I / F509 is, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card) that enables communication using the TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) / IP (Internet Protocol) protocol. Network I / F509 may also be a communication interface with wireless communication capabilities based on standards such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0037] Keyboard 511 is an example of an input device equipped with multiple keys for inputting characters, numbers, various instructions, etc. Mouse 512 is a type of input device used for selecting and executing various instructions, selecting processing targets, moving the cursor, etc.

[0038] The DVD drive 514 is a device that controls the reading or writing of various types of data to a DVD 513, which is an example of a removable storage medium. The DVD 513 is, for example, a DVD-RW (Digital Versatile Disk Rewritable), a DVD-R (Digital Versatile Disk Recordable), a CD-RW (Compact Disc Rewritable), or a CD-R (Compact Disc Recordable).

[0039] The CPU 501, ROM 502, RAM 503, auxiliary storage device 505, media drive 507, display 508, network interface 509, keyboard 511, mouse 512, and DVD drive 514 are connected to each other via bus lines 510, such as an address bus and a data bus, enabling them to communicate with one another.

[0040] Note that the hardware configuration of user PC20 shown in Figure 3 is just an example, and it is not necessary to have all of the components, nor is it necessary to have other components.

[0041] (Configuration and operation of the functional blocks of the image forming apparatus) Figure 4 shows an example of the configuration of a functional block in an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. The configuration and operation of the functional block of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 4.

[0042] As shown in Figure 4, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a print control unit 101, a main unit control unit 102, a display / input control unit 103 (an example of a display control unit), and a storage unit 104.

[0043] The print control unit 101 is a functional unit that controls the printing operation of the plotter 631 based on the print job. The print control unit 101 causes the plotter 631 to perform a print operation in response to a print execution operation via the display / input control unit 103. The print control unit 101 stores the history of executed print jobs in the storage unit 104. Here, the history of the print job includes, for example, the date and time the print job was executed and the print setting values ​​at the time the print job was executed.

[0044] The main control unit 102 is a functional unit that controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 10. For example, the main control unit 102 controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 other than the image forming operation by the plotter 631. The main control unit 102 performs mechanical adjustments in response to mechanical adjustment execution operations via the display / input control unit 103. Here, mechanical adjustment refers to adjustment operations for each component within the image forming apparatus 10 in order to perform the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus 10 normally, and examples include calibration, image position adjustment, usability, and automatic image sub-magnification error correction. The main control unit 102 stores the history of executed mechanical adjustments in the storage unit 104. Here, the history of mechanical adjustments includes, for example, the date and time of execution of the mechanical adjustment and the adjustment value of the mechanical adjustment.

[0045] The display / input control unit 103 is a functional unit that controls the operation of the operation display unit 610. For example, the display / input control unit 103 receives operations for the operation display unit 610 and controls the display operation of the operation display unit 610.

[0046] The storage unit 104 is a functional unit that stores the history of print jobs executed by the print control unit 101, print settings, and the history of machine adjustments made by the main unit control unit 102. The storage unit 104 is implemented by the auxiliary storage device 608 shown in Figure 2.

[0047] The aforementioned print control unit 101, main unit control unit 102, and display / input control unit 103 are implemented, for example, by a program executed by the CPU 601 shown in Figure 2. The print control unit 101, main unit control unit 102, and display / input control unit 103 may also be implemented by hardware such as integrated circuits, or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0048] It should be noted that the functional units of the image forming apparatus 10 shown in Figure 4 are conceptual representations of their functions and are not limited to this configuration. For example, multiple functional units shown as independent functional units in the image forming apparatus 10 shown in Figure 4 may be configured as a single functional unit. Alternatively, the functions of a single functional unit in the image forming apparatus 10 shown in Figure 4 may be divided into multiple functions and configured as multiple functional units. Furthermore, each functional unit of the image forming apparatus 10 does not need to be configured as a clear software module as a block as shown in Figure 4; the functions of each functional unit may be realized as a whole when a program is executed in the image forming apparatus 10.

[0049] (Screen transitions in an image forming apparatus) Figure 5 shows an example of a timeline screen displayed in the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. Figure 6 shows an example of a print history details screen displayed in the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. Figure 7 shows an example of a print setting change screen displayed in the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. Figure 8 shows an example of a machine adjustment candidate dialog box displayed in the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. Referring to Figures 5 to 8, the configuration and transition operation of the screens displayed in the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0050] The display / input control unit 103 displays the timeline screen 1000 (first screen) shown in Figure 5 on the operation display unit 610 in response to user operations on the operation display unit 610. The timeline screen 1000 is a screen that displays the history of completed print jobs in chronological order. In the example shown in Figure 5(a), the timeline screen 1000 displays job history icons 1001a to 1001d that indicate the print jobs in chronological order so that the user can understand when the print jobs were executed. Furthermore, when the user moves the cursor C over a job history icon, the display / input control unit 103 displays a pop-up (an example of an object) indicating whether or not machine adjustments have been performed for the print job corresponding to that job history icon (whether or not any machine adjustments have been performed for that print job). For example, in the example shown in Figure 5(a), if there are machine adjustments that have been performed for the print job corresponding to job history icon 1001d, the display / input control unit 103 displays a pop-up PU indicating that machine adjustments have been performed, as shown in Figure 5(b). This allows users to easily check whether or not machine adjustments have been made for a given print job. Furthermore, machine adjustments related to a print job refer to adjustments made before the print job was executed, such as adjustments made during a predetermined period prior to the date the print job was executed, or adjustments made between the execution of the print job and the execution of another print job immediately preceding it. Note that machine adjustments related to a print job may also include adjustments necessary to execute the print job again.

[0051] While it is stated that a pop-up is displayed when cursor C is moused over the job history icon, this is not the only way to do so. If the operation display unit 610 is a touch panel, the pop-up may be displayed when, for example, the job history icon is tapped or flicked.

[0052] Next, when a user presses a desired job history icon from among the job history icons 1001a to 1001d, the display / input control unit 103 displays the print history details screen 1100 (fourth screen) on the operation display unit 610, which shows the details of the print job corresponding to that job history icon (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the target print job). As shown in Figure 6, the print history details screen 1100 is a screen that displays the details of the target print job, such as the start date and time of execution, the end date and time of execution, the number of copies, the job ID, and a list of print settings (e.g., job name, paper tray, paper size, paper type, single-sided printing / double-sided printing, etc.). In this case, the display / input control unit 103 refers to the storage unit 104, reads the print settings from the history of the target print job, and displays them on the print history details screen 1100. This allows the user to check the details of the target print job, especially the list of print setting values. As shown in Figure 6, the print history details screen 1100 includes a setting change button 1101, a machine adjustment button 1102, and a print execution button 1103.

[0053] The setting change button 1101 is a button for changing the print settings from the contents displayed on the print history details screen 1100. The machine adjustment button 1102 is a screen for displaying the screen for performing machine adjustments related to the target print job. The machine adjustment button 1102 is displayed by the display / input control unit 103 if machine adjustments are required for the target print job, and is not displayed by the display / input control unit 103 if no such machine adjustments are required. Therefore, the user can check whether necessary machine adjustments are required for the target print job by whether or not the machine adjustment button 1102 is displayed.

[0054] The print execution button 1103 is used to re-execute the target print job based on the print settings displayed on the print history details screen 1100. When the print execution button 1103 is pressed, the print control unit 101 re-executes the target print job based on the print settings displayed on the print history details screen 1100. This allows the user to check the print settings of a previously executed print job and re-execute it.

[0055] Next, when the setting change button 1101 is pressed, the display / input control unit 103 displays the print setting change screen 1200 (second screen) on the operation display unit 610 to change the print settings of the target print job. The print setting change screen 1200 is a screen for arbitrarily changing the print settings of the target print job. In this case, the display / input control unit 103 should refer to the storage unit 104 as the default value of the print settings to be displayed on the print setting change screen 1200, read the print settings from the history of the target print job, and display them on the print setting change screen 1200. As shown in Figure 7, the print setting change screen 1200 includes setting change areas 1211 to 1215, a machine adjustment button 1202, a print execution button 1203, and a cancel button 1204.

[0056] The setting change area 1211 is for changing the job name among the print settings of the target print job. The setting change area 1212 is for changing the paper tray among the print settings of the target print job. The setting change area 1213 is for changing the paper size among the print settings of the target print job. The setting change area 1214 is for changing the paper type among the print settings of the target print job. The setting change area 1215 is for changing single-sided printing / double-sided printing among the print settings of the target print job. Note that the print settings that can be changed in the print setting change screen 1200 shown in Figure 7 are examples, and other print settings besides those shown in Figure 7 may also be changeable.

[0057] The machine adjustment button 1202 is a screen that displays a screen for performing machine adjustments related to the target print job. The machine adjustment button 1202 is displayed by the display / input control unit 103 when machine adjustments are required for the target print job, and not displayed by the display / input control unit 103 when no such adjustments are required. Therefore, the user can confirm whether necessary machine adjustments are required for the target print job based on the display status of the machine adjustment button 1202.

[0058] The Cancel button 1204 cancels the changes to the print settings of the target print job and returns to the print history details screen 1100.

[0059] The print execution button 1203 is used to re-execute the target print job using the print settings changed on the print settings change screen 1200. When the print execution button 1203 is pressed, the print control unit 101 re-executes the target print job using the print settings changed on the print settings change screen 1200. This allows you to change any print settings corresponding to a previously executed target print job and then execute it again.

[0060] Next, when the machine adjustment button 1102 or machine adjustment button 1202 is pressed, the display / input control unit 103 displays the machine adjustment candidate dialog box 1300 (third screen) on the operation display unit 610 for performing machine adjustments related to the target print job. The machine adjustment candidate dialog box 1300 is a screen for performing machine adjustments related to the target print job. In this case, the display / input control unit 103 refers to the storage unit 104, reads the machine adjustment related to the target print job from the machine adjustment history stored in the storage unit 104, and displays it on the machine adjustment candidate dialog box 1300 (machine adjustment candidate display area 1311, described later). As shown in Figure 8, the machine adjustment candidate dialog box 1300 has a machine adjustment candidate display area 1311, machine adjustment execution buttons 1321 to 1324, a print execution button 1303, and a cancel button 1304.

[0061] The machine adjustment candidate display area 1311 is an area that displays a list of machine adjustments related to the target print job. In the example of the machine adjustment candidate dialog box 1300 shown in Figure 8, the machine adjustment candidate display area 1311 displays calibration, image position adjustment, uniformity, and automatic image sub-magnification error correction as machine adjustments related to the target print job.

[0062] The machine adjustment execution button 1321 is for performing calibration, one of the machine adjustments related to the target print job. The machine adjustment execution button 1322 is for performing image position adjustment, one of the machine adjustments related to the target print job. The machine adjustment execution button 1323 is for performing uniformity, one of the machine adjustments related to the target print job. The machine adjustment execution button 1324 is for performing automatic image sub-magnification error correction, one of the machine adjustments related to the target print job. When any of the machine adjustment execution buttons 1321 to 1324 are pressed, the main unit control 102 executes the machine adjustment corresponding to the pressed machine adjustment execution button. This allows the user to easily check whether any machine adjustments are necessary and to re-execute any necessary machine adjustments before re-executing the target print job. Note that the example of the machine adjustment candidate dialog box 1300 shown in Figure 8 displays buttons for performing the above-mentioned machine adjustments, but this is just one example of machine adjustments related to the target print job.

[0063] The print execution button 1303 is used to re-execute the target print job using the print settings displayed on the print history details screen 1100 or the print settings changed on the print settings change screen 1200. When the print execution button 1303 is pressed, the print control unit 101 re-executes the target print job using the print settings displayed on the print history details screen 1100 or the print settings changed on the print settings change screen 1200.

[0064] The Cancel button 1304 is used to return to the print history details screen 1100 or the print settings change screen 1200.

[0065] In the above description, the transition is assumed to go from the timeline screen 1000 to the print settings change screen 1200 via the print history details screen 1100, but this is not the only way. For example, the print settings change screen 1200 could also be positioned as a screen for checking the details of the target print job, and the print settings change screen 1200 could be displayed when the desired job history icon on the timeline screen 1000 is pressed. In other words, whether the transition is from the timeline screen 1000 to the print settings change screen 1200, or from the timeline screen 1000 to the print settings change screen 1200 via the print history details screen 1100, the print settings change screen 1200 will be displayed after selecting the desired job history icon on the timeline screen 1000.

[0066] Furthermore, although the above-described timeline screen 1000, print history details screen 1100, print settings change screen 1200, and machine adjustment candidate dialog box 1300 were described as being displayed on the operation display unit 610 of the image forming apparatus 10, the system is not limited to this. For example, these screens may be displayed on the display 508 of the user PC 20, and the functions of the above-described display / input control unit 103 may be implemented on the user PC 20.

[0067] (Flowchart of job re-execution operation in an image forming apparatus) Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the job re-execution operation flow of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0068] <Step S11> The display / input control unit 103 displays the timeline screen 1000 on the operation display unit 610 in response to user operations on the operation display unit 610. Then, the process proceeds to step S12.

[0069] <Step S12> The user selects the job to reprint. Specifically, the user clicks the job history icon for the print job to be reprinted (the target print job) from the job history icons displayed on the timeline screen 1000. Then, the process proceeds to step S13.

[0070] <Step S13> When the job history icon for the target print job is pressed, the display / input control unit 103 displays a print history details screen 1100 on the operation display unit 610, which shows in detail the print settings values ​​for the print job corresponding to the job history icon (the target print job). In this case, the user can check whether any necessary machine adjustments are needed for the target print job by checking whether the machine adjustment button 1102 is displayed or not. Then, the process proceeds to step S14.

[0071] <Step S14> The user decides whether to run the target print job again without changing the print settings or performing any machine adjustments. If the user decides to run the target print job again without changing the print settings or performing any machine adjustments (Step S14: Yes), the process proceeds to Step S21. If the user decides to change the print settings of the target print job or perform any machine adjustments (Step S14: No), the process proceeds to Step S15.

[0072] <Step S15> The user determines whether or not the print settings of the target print job need to be changed. If the print settings need to be changed (step S15: Yes), proceed to step S16; otherwise, proceed to step S18.

[0073] <Step S16> When the setting change button 1101 on the print history details screen 1100 is pressed, the display / input control unit 103 displays the print setting change screen 1200 on the operation display unit 610 to change the print settings of the target print job. In this case, the user can check whether any necessary machine adjustments are needed for the target print job by checking whether the machine adjustment button 1202 is displayed or not. Then, the process proceeds to step S17.

[0074] <Step S17> The user changes only the necessary print settings for the target print job on the print settings change screen 1200. Then, the process proceeds to step S18.

[0075] <Step S18> The user determines whether machine adjustments are required for the target print job. If machine adjustments are required (step S18: Yes), proceed to step S19; otherwise, proceed to step S21.

[0076] <Step S19> The user presses the machine adjustment button 1102 on the print history details screen 1100, or the machine adjustment button 1202 on the print settings change screen 1200. The display / input control unit 103 then displays the machine adjustment candidate dialog box 1300 on the operation display unit 610 for performing machine adjustments related to the target print job. Then, the process proceeds to step S20.

[0077] <Step S20> The user presses the "Execute Machine Adjustment" button corresponding to the necessary machine adjustment for the target print job in the machine adjustment candidate dialog box 1300. The main unit control unit 102 then executes the machine adjustment corresponding to the pressed machine adjustment execution button. The process then proceeds to step S21.

[0078] <Step S21> The user presses the print execution button 1103 on the print history details screen 1100, the print execution button 1203 on the print settings change screen 1200, and the print execution button 1303 on the machine adjustment candidate dialog box 1300. Then, if the print settings displayed on the print history details screen 1100 or the print settings have been changed on the print settings change screen 1200, the print control unit 101 will re-execute the target print job with the changed print settings.

[0079] As described above, in the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment, the print control unit 101 executes image forming based on the print job and stores the history of the print job in the storage unit 104, the main unit control unit 102 performs mechanical adjustments to the image forming apparatus 10 and stores the history of said mechanical adjustments in the storage unit 104, the display / input control unit 103 displays a timeline screen 1000 showing the history of the print job, displays a print setting change screen 1200 that allows the user to arbitrarily change the print settings of a target print job after selecting the target print job to be executed again from the history of the print job displayed on the timeline screen 1000, and displays a list of mechanical adjustments related to the target print job and displays a mechanical adjustment candidate dialog box 1300 that allows the user to execute said mechanical adjustments in response to the operation on the print setting change screen 1200. In contrast, the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment does not require the values ​​of the print settings to be reused from the print history settings to be reset, and it is possible to know whether or not machine adjustments have been made for the previous print job before printing, thereby reducing the need for rework, such as performing machine adjustments and further printing after a reprint. In other words, when re-executing a print job that has already been performed, it is possible to easily change any print settings corresponding to that print job and easily confirm whether or not necessary machine adjustments have been made.

[0080] Furthermore, the program executed by the image forming apparatus 10 and user PC 20 in the above-described embodiment may be provided pre-installed in ROM or the like. Alternatively, the program executed by the image forming apparatus 10 and user PC 20 in the above-described embodiment may be provided as a computer program product by recording it in an installable or executable file format on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), flexible disk (FD), CD-R (Compact Disk-Recordable), or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). Alternatively, the program executed by the image forming apparatus 10 and user PC 20 in the above-described embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading it via the network. Finally, the program executed by the image forming apparatus 10 and user PC 20 in the above-described embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0081] Furthermore, the program executed by the image forming apparatus 10 and user PC 20 in the above-described embodiment has a modular configuration that includes each of the functional units described above. In actual hardware, the CPU (processor) reads the program from ROM and executes it, thereby loading each of the functional units onto the main memory, and creating each functional unit on the main memory.

[0082] The embodiments of the present invention are as follows. <1> An image forming apparatus, A print control unit that performs image formation based on a print job and stores the history of the print job in a storage unit, A main unit control unit that performs mechanical adjustments on the image forming apparatus and stores the history of the mechanical adjustments in the storage unit, A display control unit that displays a first screen showing the history of the print job, Equipped with, The display control unit, From the print job history displayed on the first screen, a second screen is displayed that allows the user to select a target print job to be executed again and to arbitrarily change the print settings of the target print job. This image forming apparatus displays a third screen that, in response to an operation on the second screen, shows a list of the machine adjustments related to the target print job and allows the machine adjustments to be performed. <2> The print control unit, in response to the operation on the second screen, will execute the target print job again based on the print settings of the target print job displayed on the second screen. <1> This is the image forming apparatus described in [reference]. <3> The main unit control unit executes the machine adjustments related to the target print job displayed on the third screen in response to the operation on the third screen. <1> or <2> This is the image forming apparatus described in [reference]. <4> The display control unit, when the mouse hovers over an icon representing a specific print job in the print job history displayed on the first screen, displays an object indicating whether or not machine adjustments have been performed for that specific print job. <1> ~ <3> The image forming apparatus is one of the items described in any one of the above. <5> The display control unit displays a button on the second screen to execute the machine adjustment if there is a machine adjustment for the target print job, and does not display the button if there is no machine adjustment. <1> ~ <4> The image forming apparatus is one of the items described in any one of the above. <6> The print job history includes the date and time the print job was executed, and the print settings used when the print job was executed. The machine adjustment history includes the date and time the machine adjustment was performed, and the adjustment value of the machine adjustment. <1> ~ <5> The image forming apparatus is one of the items described in any one of the above. <7> The display control unit, In response to the selection operation of the target print job on the first screen, a fourth screen is displayed that shows a list of print setting values ​​for the target print job. The second screen is displayed in response to an operation on the fourth screen. <1> ~ <6> The image forming apparatus is one of the items described in any one of the above. <8> The machine adjustments relating to the print job include the machine adjustments made between the execution of the print job and the execution of other print jobs executed immediately before it, and the machine adjustments necessary to execute the print job again. <1> ~ <7> The image forming apparatus is one of the items described in any one of the above. <9> An information processing method in an image forming apparatus, A print control step that performs image formation based on a print job and stores the history of the print job in a storage unit, A main unit control step which involves performing mechanical adjustments on the image forming apparatus and storing the history of the mechanical adjustments in the storage unit, A display control step that displays a first screen showing the history of the print job, The first step involves displaying a second screen that allows the user to arbitrarily change the print settings of a target print job by selecting the target print job to be executed again from the print job history displayed on the first screen, and then performing the selection operation. The steps include: displaying a third screen in response to an operation on the second screen, which shows a list of machine adjustments for the target print job and allows the machine adjustments to be performed; This is an information processing method that possesses the following properties. <10> On the computer, A print control step that performs image formation based on a print job and stores the history of the print job in a storage unit, A main unit control step that performs mechanical adjustments to the image forming apparatus and stores the history of said mechanical adjustments in the storage unit, A display control step that displays a first screen showing the history of the print job, The first step involves displaying a second screen that allows the user to arbitrarily change the print settings of a target print job by selecting the target print job to be executed again from the print job history displayed on the first screen, and then performing the selection operation. The steps include: displaying a third screen in response to an operation on the second screen, which shows a list of machine adjustments for the target print job and allows the machine adjustments to be performed; This is a program to execute [the command / action]. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1. Image forming system 10 Image forming apparatus 20 User PCs 101 Printing Control Unit 102 Main Unit Control 103 Display / Input Control Unit 104 Storage section 501 CPU 502 ROM 503 RAM 505 Auxiliary storage 506 Recording media 507 Media Drive 508 displays 509 Network Interface 510 Bus Line 511 keyboard 512 mice 513 DVD 514 DVD drive 600 Controllers 601 CPU 602 System Memory (MEM-P) 603 Northbridge (NB) 604a Southbridge (SB) 604b Network Interface 604c USB I / F 604d Centronics I / F 604e Sensor I / F 605 AGP 606 ASIC 607 Local Memory (MEM-C) 608 Auxiliary storage 610 Operation display section 620 FCU 631 Plotter 632 Scanners 1000 Timeline Screen 1001a~1001d Job history icons 1100 Print History Details Screen 1101 Settings Change Button 1102 Mechanical adjustment button 1103 Print button 1200 Print settings change screen 1202 Mechanical adjustment button 1203 Print button 1204 Cancel button 1211~1215 Settings change area 1300 Machine Adjustment Candidate Dialog Box 1303 Print button 1304 Cancel button 1311 Machine adjustment candidate display area 1321~1324 Machine adjustment execution button C cursor N Network PU Pop-up [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0084] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-062871

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus, A print control unit that performs image formation based on a print job and stores the history of the print job in a storage unit, A main unit control unit that performs mechanical adjustments on the image forming apparatus and stores the history of the mechanical adjustments in the storage unit, A display control unit that displays a first screen showing the history of the print job, Equipped with, The display control unit, From the print job history displayed on the first screen, a second screen is displayed that allows the user to select a target print job to be executed again and to arbitrarily change the print settings of the target print job. An image forming apparatus that displays a third screen in response to an operation on the second screen, showing a list of machine adjustments related to the target print job and enabling the execution of said machine adjustments.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print control unit, in response to an operation on the second screen, executes the target print job again based on the print settings of the target print job displayed on the second screen.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the main unit control unit performs the machine adjustments related to the target print job displayed on the third screen in response to the operation on the third screen.

4. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the mouse hovers over an icon indicating a specific print job among the print job history displayed on the first screen, the display control unit displays an object indicating whether or not a machine adjustment has been performed for that specific print job.

5. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the display control unit displays a button on the second screen for executing a machine adjustment if such adjustment exists for the target print job, and does not display the button if such adjustment does not exist.

6. The print job history includes the date and time the print job was executed, and the print settings used when the print job was executed. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the history of the machine adjustment includes the date and time the machine adjustment was performed and the adjustment value of the machine adjustment.

7. The display control unit, In response to the selection operation of the target print job on the first screen, a fourth screen is displayed that shows a list of print setting values ​​for the target print job. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second screen is displayed in response to an operation on the fourth screen.

8. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the mechanical adjustments relating to the print job include mechanical adjustments made between the execution of the print job and the execution of other print jobs executed immediately before the print job, and mechanical adjustments necessary to execute the print job again.

9. An information processing method in an image forming apparatus, A print control step that performs image formation based on a print job and stores the history of the print job in a storage unit, A main unit control step which involves performing mechanical adjustments on the image forming apparatus and storing the history of the mechanical adjustments in the storage unit, A display control step that displays a first screen showing the history of the print job, The first step involves displaying a second screen in which the print settings of a target print job can be arbitrarily changed, after selecting the target print job to be executed again from the print job history displayed on the first screen. The steps include: displaying a third screen in response to an operation on the second screen, which shows a list of machine adjustments related to the target print job and allows the machine adjustments to be performed; An information processing method having

10. On the computer, A print control step that performs image formation based on a print job and stores the history of the print job in a storage unit, A main unit control step that performs mechanical adjustments to the image forming apparatus and stores the history of said mechanical adjustments in the storage unit, A display control step that displays a first screen showing the history of the print job, The first step involves displaying a second screen in which the print settings of a target print job can be arbitrarily changed, after selecting the target print job to be executed again from the print job history displayed on the first screen. The steps include: displaying a third screen in response to an operation on the second screen, which shows a list of machine adjustments related to the target print job and allows the machine adjustments to be performed; A program to execute.

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