Image forming apparatus and control method for image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus, etc., that can reliably utilize the setting history information related to the job desired by the user, depending on the job execution method using the setting history information. [Solution] An image forming apparatus capable of executing jobs based on set values ​​and storing the history of said jobs as a job history comprises: a storage unit that stores the set values ​​of the executed jobs as setting history information; a display unit that displays a selection screen for selecting the setting history information stored in the storage unit; and a control unit that reads out the set values ​​included in the selected history information. The control unit determines whether or not to display the setting history information of a newly executed job based on the result of comparing the set values ​​related to the newly executed job with the set values ​​included in the setting history information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and the like.

Background Art

[0002] An image forming apparatus such as a multifunction printer executes jobs using functions such as a printing function, a fax function, or a scanning function. When executing a job, the image forming apparatus acquires input values by the user, initial setting values specific to the apparatus, etc. as setting values. By executing a job based on the acquired setting values, the user can obtain the execution result of a desired job.

[0003] Some image forming apparatuses generate history information associating information regarding executed jobs with setting values related to the jobs. The history information including setting values is called setting history information.

[0004] In recent years, attempts have been made to effectively utilize this setting history information. That is, by reusing the setting history information related to jobs already executed, it is intended to save the trouble of inputting and changing setting values, etc., and improve the convenience for the user.

[0005] However, the setting history information may be deleted from the storage device when the number of generations exceeds a certain number, or the number of displays may be limited due to the limitation of the displayable area of the display device.

[0006] In this case, when, due to the execution of a job, setting history information having the same or partially the same setting values is generated repeatedly, a user who wants to execute a job using setting history information having different setting values may have a problem that the setting history information related to the execution is unexpectedly deleted or not displayed on the display device, and the setting history information cannot be utilized when executing a desired job.

[0007] Regarding the handling of duplicately generated history information, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique that creates a record consisting of multiple items, including items related to multiple attributes of an application and an item related to the time when a job was executed, compares the attributes contained in the record created by the newly executed job with the records registered in the record list, and overwrites identical records that have no differences with the time contained in the record created by the newly executed job. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-123197 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] However, Patent Document 1 does not mention how to retain setting history information related to newly executed jobs, depending on the method of executing jobs using setting history information.

[0010] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention aims to provide an image forming apparatus, etc., that can reliably utilize setting history information related to a job desired by the user, depending on the job execution method using setting history information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus capable of executing jobs based on set values ​​and storing the history of said jobs as a job history, comprising: a storage unit that stores the set values ​​of the executed jobs as setting history information; a display unit that displays a selection screen for selecting the setting history information stored in the storage unit; and a control unit that reads out the set values ​​included in the selected setting history information, wherein the control unit determines whether or not to display the setting history information of a newly executed job based on the result of comparing the set values ​​related to the newly executed job with the set values ​​included in the setting history information.

[0012] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus disclosed herein is an image forming apparatus capable of executing jobs based on set values ​​and storing the history of said jobs as a job history, comprising: a storage unit that stores the set values ​​of the executed jobs as batch setting history information; a display unit that displays a selection screen for selecting the batch setting history information stored in the storage unit; and a control unit that reads out the set values ​​included in the selected batch setting history information, wherein the control unit determines whether or not to display the setting history information of a newly executed job based on the result of comparing the set values ​​related to the newly executed job with the set values ​​included in the batch setting history information.

[0013] Furthermore, the control method of the present disclosure is a control method for an image forming apparatus capable of executing a job based on a set value and storing the history of the job as a job history, comprising: a storage step of storing the set value of the executed job as setting history information; a display step of displaying a selection screen for selecting the setting history information stored in the storage step; and a control step of reading the set value included in the selected setting history information, wherein the control step includes a step of determining whether or not to display the setting history information of the newly executed job based on the result of comparing the set value related to the newly executed job with the set value included in the setting history information.

[0014] Furthermore, the control method of the present disclosure is a control method for an image forming apparatus capable of executing a job based on set values ​​and storing the history of the job as a job history, comprising: a storage step of storing the set values ​​of the executed job as batch setting history information; a display step of displaying a selection screen for selecting the batch setting history information stored in the storage step; and a control step of reading the set values ​​included in the selected batch setting history information, wherein the control step includes a step of determining whether or not to display the setting history information of the newly executed job based on the result of comparing the set values ​​related to the newly executed job with the set values ​​included in the batch setting history information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus, etc., that can reliably utilize setting history information related to a job desired by the user, depending on the method of executing the job using the setting history information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the external appearance of the multifunction printer in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a functional configuration diagram of the multifunction device in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the configuration of setting history information in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the configuration of job history information in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow of the multifunction printer in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow of the multifunction printer in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow of the multifunction printer in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure illustrates an example of the operation of a multifunction device in the first embodiment. [Figure 9]It is a diagram for explaining an operation example of a multifunction device in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a diagram for explaining an operation example of a multifunction device in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a diagram for explaining an operation example of a multifunction device in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a diagram for explaining an operation example of a multifunction device in the first embodiment. [Figure 13] It is a diagram for explaining an operation example of a multifunction device in the first embodiment. [Figure 14] It is a diagram for explaining an operation example of a multifunction device in the first embodiment. [Figure 15] It is a functional configuration diagram of a multifunction device in the second embodiment. [Figure 16] It is a flowchart for explaining the processing flow of a multifunction device in the second embodiment. [Figure 17] It is a flowchart for explaining the processing flow of a multifunction device in the second embodiment. [Figure 18] It is a diagram for explaining an operation example of a multifunction device in the second embodiment. [Figure 19] It is a diagram for explaining an operation example of a multifunction device in the second embodiment. [Figure 20] It is a diagram for explaining an operation example of a multifunction device in the second embodiment. [Figure 21] It is a diagram for explaining an operation example of a multifunction device in the second embodiment. [Figure 22] It is a diagram for explaining an operation example of a multifunction device in the second embodiment. [Figure 23] It is a diagram for explaining an operation example of a multifunction device in the second embodiment. [Figure 24] It is a functional configuration diagram of a multifunction device in the third embodiment. [Figure 25] It is a flowchart for explaining the processing flow of a multifunction device in the third embodiment. [Figure 26] It is a diagram for explaining an operation example of a multifunction device in the third embodiment. [Figure 27] It is a diagram for explaining an operation example of a multifunction device in the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the description of the embodiments, the image forming apparatus described will be a multifunction device having printing functions including copying, faxing functions, or scanning functions, and executing the processing associated with the execution of each function on a job basis or on a multi-job basis by combining multiple functions. Furthermore, the following embodiments are examples for illustrating this disclosure, and the technical scope of the description in the claims is not limited to the following description.

[0018] [1. First Embodiment] In the first embodiment, a multifunction device is described that has a setting history information selection screen that accepts the selection of setting history information related to already executed jobs (previously executed jobs) as a method for executing a new job.

[0019] [1.1 Functional Configuration] The functional configuration of the multifunction printer 10 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is an external perspective view illustrating the overall configuration of the multifunction printer 10. Figure 2 is a functional configuration diagram of the multifunction printer 10.

[0020] The multifunction printer 10 has a copy function that forms an image on paper, which is a recording medium, from image data generated by the scanning function, and a print function that forms an image on paper based on image data acquired from an external terminal device or portable storage medium (the copy function and the print function are collectively referred to as the print function). The multifunction printer 10 also has a fax function that sends and receives faxes via the public telephone network, and a temporary data storage function that temporarily stores received fax data.

[0021] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the multifunction printer 10 comprises a control unit 11, a display unit 13, an operation unit 15, a communication unit 17, an image forming unit 19, an image reading unit 21, a storage unit 23, a paper feeding unit 25, and a paper output unit 27.

[0022] The control unit 11 controls the entire multifunction device 10. The control unit 11 is composed of, for example, one or more arithmetic units (CPU (Central Processing Unit), etc.). The control unit 11 realizes its function by reading and executing the job execution program 231, setting history information processing program 233, setting value comparison determination program 235, etc., stored in the storage unit 23.

[0023] The display unit 13 displays various information to the user. The display unit 13 can be configured, for example, with an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an OLED (Electro-Luminescence) display.

[0024] The operation unit 15 accepts input from the user, such as setting values. The operation unit 15 can be configured with hard keys (e.g., a numeric keypad) or buttons. The operation unit 15 can also be configured as a touch panel that allows input via the display unit 13. In this case, the input detection method for the touch panel can be, for example, a resistive touch panel, an infrared touch panel, an electromagnetic induction touch panel, or a capacitive touch panel.

[0025] The communication unit 17 connects to other devices via a network (NW) such as a LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), the Internet, or a public telephone network, and transmits and receives various types of information such as image data and fax data. The communication unit 17 is configured, for example, as a communication-enabled interface, and the connection method can be either wired, wireless, or both.

[0026] The image forming unit 19 forms an image on the paper based on image data. The image forming unit 19 feeds paper from the paper feeding unit 25, forms an image on the paper based on image data, and then discharges the paper to the paper discharge unit 27. The image forming unit 19 can be configured using an electrophotographic laser printer or the like. The image forming unit 19 performs image formation using toner supplied from a toner cartridge corresponding to the toner color (for example, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), black (K)).

[0027] The image reading unit 21 generates image data by reading the image to be read. The image reading unit 21 can be configured as a scanner device that converts an image into an electrical signal using an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge coupled device) or CIS (Contact image sensor), and generates digital data by quantizing and encoding the electrical signal.

[0028] The paper feeding unit 25 has a box-shaped component (tray) for storing multiple sheets of paper stacked together. The tray can store paper of various sizes and thicknesses depending on the application. The paper feeding unit 25 can be composed of multiple trays, each individually storing paper of different sizes, such as A4, B5, and A3.

[0029] The memory unit 23 stores various programs and data necessary for the operation of the multifunction printer 10. The memory unit 23 can be composed of, for example, volatile memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), or non-volatile memory such as semiconductor memory such as SSD (Solid State Device), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or ROM (Read Only Memory).

[0030] In the first embodiment, the storage unit 23 stores a job execution program 231, a setting history information processing program 233, and a setting value comparison determination program 235, and reserves a setting value storage area 237, a setting history information storage area 239, and a job history information storage area 241.

[0031] The job execution program 231 is a program read by the control unit 11 in order to perform processing on a job-by-job basis, such as printing, faxing, or scanning. By reading the job execution program 231, the control unit 11 controls the various parts involved in the execution of that job.

[0032] The setting history information processing program 233 is a program that the control unit 11 reads when, for example, acquiring setting values ​​related to job execution, generating setting history information, processing the setting history information, issuing display instructions to the display unit 13 such as a setting history information selection screen, and generating job history information.

[0033] The setting value comparison determination program 235 is a program that the control unit 11 reads when performing a comparison determination process between setting values ​​obtained by executing a new job and setting values ​​related to previously executed jobs that are included in the setting history information.

[0034] The setting value storage area 237 is a storage area that stores various setting values ​​related to job execution. In the first embodiment, the setting values ​​include setting values ​​set by the user during the execution of each job, as well as device initial values ​​held by the device itself.

[0035] The setting value may be a value directly entered by the user via the touch panel or the like displayed on the operation unit 15 or display unit 13. Furthermore, if the multifunction printer 10 is connected to an external terminal device (not shown) via the communication unit 17, the control unit 11 can also acquire the setting value entered via a control program such as a printer driver installed on the external terminal device. The control unit 11 stores the acquired setting value in the setting value storage area 237.

[0036] The setting history information storage area 239 is a storage area that stores setting history information in a data table format. The setting history information according to the first embodiment is history information consisting of a combination of some or all of the setting values ​​stored in the setting value storage area 237 and history information related to the execution of a job, such as the job function, the name of the executing user, and the date and time of execution, to which an ID (job ID) is assigned to uniquely identify the information.

[0037] Here, each item of the setting history information according to the first embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 shows an example of a configuration when setting history information is stored in a data table format. Here, the Job ID is an ID that uniquely identifies the setting history information corresponding to a job. Function refers to a job function such as a print function, fax function, or scan function. User name is the name of the user executing the job. Document name is character information to identify a document arbitrarily set by the user, etc. Number of pages / number of sets is the number of pages or sets of documents used for the job. Start date / time / end date / time is the start date and end date and time of the job execution.

[0038] Priority display identifiers are identifiers (for example, a star (★) or text information such as "Save") that the user assigns to setting history information that they have paid attention to (for example, setting history information that they want to be displayed preferentially by marking it with a specific setting history).

[0039] The setting value is the setting value stored in the setting value storage area 237. Any setting value stored in the setting value storage area 237 can be selected as the setting value included in the setting history information. The setting values ​​shown in Figure 3 are examples of settings values ​​that are arbitrarily selected, including settings values ​​that are likely to be changed frequently by the user, and settings values ​​that are not changed very frequently, but for which the desired job execution result cannot be obtained unless the fact that they have been changed is known.

[0040] For example, in the setting history information for print job ID "#025", the left column of the setting values ​​shows setting items such as "Color Mode", "Paper Size", "Original Size", "Paper Type", "Number of Copies", "Zoom Function", "Zoom Magnification", "Copy Density", and "Paper Tray". These setting items are examples of settings that are likely to be changed frequently by the user.

[0041] On the other hand, the right column of the settings items displays settings such as "double-sided printing," "N-Up printing," "fit page," "finishing function," "data correction function," "color mode adjustment function," "text / image composition function," and "special printing function." These settings items are not changed very often, but they are examples of settings items that users would not be able to obtain the desired job execution results if they were not aware of the changes.

[0042] As mentioned above, any setting value stored in the setting value storage area 237 can be selected as the setting value to be included in the setting history information. However, in order to enable comparison and determination of setting values, the setting value for a new execution job and the setting value included in the setting history information for a previously executed job shall be the same setting value.

[0043] Returning to Figure 2, the job history information storage area 241 is a storage area that stores job history information in the data table format shown in Figure 4. The job history information according to the first embodiment is job execution record information including job ID, function, user name, document name, number of pages / sets, start date / time / end date / time, and status. The control unit 11 displays the items included in the generated job history information as job history on the display unit 13. Note that the job history information according to the first embodiment may be generated after job execution, or it may be generated after the generation of setting history information by extracting the items necessary for generating job history information from the items of said setting history information.

[0044] [1.2 Processing Flow] Next, the processing flow according to the first embodiment will be explained using Figures 5 to 7.

[0045] First, the basic flow of generating configuration history information associated with job execution will be explained using Figure 5. The control unit 11 executes this process by reading the job execution program 231 and the configuration history information processing program 233.

[0046] The process described in Figure 5 is an example of the process used when performing a print job, fax job, or scan job via a dedicated settings screen (not shown). The setting history information obtained in the process of Figure 5 is used to select setting history information via the setting history information selection screen described in Figure 8, and to compare and determine the settings for a newly executed job.

[0047] In the explanation of the process shown in Figure 5, the flow is described as the generation of job history information followed by the generation of configuration history information, but the order in which job history information and configuration history information are generated can be reversed.

[0048] When a user inputs or changes a setting value related to the execution of a job, such as a print job, fax job, or scan job, via a dedicated setting screen or the like, the control unit 11 acquires the setting value related to that job execution (step S10 → step S20). The control unit 11 stores the acquired setting value in the setting value storage area 237. If no setting value is input by the user, the control unit 11 may acquire a device-specific initial value as the setting value.

[0049] In step S30, the control unit 11 receives a press of a start button (not shown) on the operation unit 15 or the display unit 13, and accepts a job execution instruction input.

[0050] In step S40, the control unit 11 executes a print job, fax job, scan job, etc., based on the setting value acquired in step S20.

[0051] In step S50, the control unit 11 generates job history information (see Figure 4) related to the executed job. Next, in step S60, the control unit 11 stores the generated job history information in the job history information storage area 241. The job history information stored in the job history information storage area 241 can be used for displaying the job history, etc.

[0052] In step S70, the control unit 11 reads the setting values ​​related to the executed job from the setting value storage area 237. The control unit 11 generates setting history information by assigning an ID to the information consisting of the read setting values ​​and history information related to the job execution, such as the job function, execution user name, and execution date and time, in order to uniquely identify the information (see Figure 3). Next, in step S80, the control unit 11 stores the generated setting history information in the setting history information storage area 239. The setting history information stored in the setting history information storage area 239 can be used to select setting history information via the setting history information selection screen, which will be explained in the following figure.

[0053] Next, the post-execution processing of jobs based on the configuration history information received via the configuration history information selection screen will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 6. Note that the same step numbers will be used for processes identical to those shown in Figure 5.

[0054] The control unit 11 executes this process by reading the job execution program 231, the setting history information processing program 233, and the setting value comparison determination program 235.

[0055] In step S90, the control unit 11 reads the setting history information from the setting history information storage area 239 and displays it on the display unit 13. The setting history information read from the setting history information storage area 239 includes the setting history information stored in step S80 of Figure 5 and the setting history information previously generated in the process related to this figure.

[0056] There is no particular limit to the number of setting history entries that the control unit 11 reads from the setting history information storage area 239. The number of setting history entries displayed can be set and changed as appropriate according to the displayable area of ​​the display unit 13. In addition, the setting history information displayed on the screen can be displayed in chronological order, for example, from the newest to the oldest in the order of job execution, so that the user can also grasp the job execution history.

[0057] In step S100, the user selects the desired configuration history information as the configuration history information related to the previously executed job.

[0058] When the user selects a setting history information, the control unit 11 displays the setting values ​​included in that setting history information on the screen.

[0059] When a user inputs or changes a setting value related to the execution of a job, such as a print job, fax job, or scan job, the control unit 11 acquires the setting value related to that job execution (step S10 → step S20). The control unit 11 stores the acquired setting value in the setting value storage area 237.

[0060] In step S30, the control unit 11 receives a press of a start button (not shown) on the operation unit 15 or display unit 13, and accepts a job execution instruction input.

[0061] In step S40, the control unit 11 executes a new job, such as a print job, fax job, or scan job, based on the setting value acquired in step S20.

[0062] Next, in step S110, the control unit 11 performs a set value comparison determination process.

[0063] If, as a result of the setting value comparison determination process, the setting value for the newly executed job is the same as the setting value for the previously executed job's setting history information selected in step S100 (step S120; Yes), the control unit 11 determines whether the execution user for the newly executed job is the same as the execution user for the previously executed job's setting history information.

[0064] If the control unit 11 determines that the execution user for the newly executed job is the same as the execution user for the previously executed job (step S130; Yes), it performs display processing on the setting history information (step S140).

[0065] In this disclosure, "display processing, etc." means the act of generating and storing one of the setting history information for which the setting values ​​are duplicated, or doing nothing (not generating or storing setting history information), or not displaying anything, and also includes deletion from the setting history information storage area 239. For example, if the user involved in the job execution is the same user (if step S130 is Yes), the control unit 11 may choose not to generate setting history information for the newly executed job, nor to store it in the setting history information storage area 239. In addition, the control unit 11 may choose not to include the setting history information for the newly executed job in the screen display, and instead consolidate the setting history information by, for example, updating the execution date and time of the setting history information for previously executed jobs to the execution date and time of the newly executed job, storing and displaying it (hereinafter, this process may be referred to as the consolidation process).

[0066] By the way, if the settings for the newly executed job and the settings in the setting history information for the previously executed job are not the same (Step S120; No), that is, if the settings in the setting history information for the previously executed job have been changed, or if the settings for the newly executed job and the settings in the setting history information for the previously executed job are the same (Step S120; Yes), but the executing users are not the same (Step S130; No), the control unit 11 generates and stores the setting history information for the newly executed job (Step S70 → Step S80).

[0067] Then, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S90.

[0068] Next, the set value comparison judgment process related to step S110 in Figure 6 will be explained using Figure 7. Here, the judgment parameters used in the comparison judgment process will be explained.

[0069] [Regarding the judgment parameters in the comparison judgment process] In the first embodiment, we will describe a configuration in which the settings to be compared are broadly classified into two groups: first setting values ​​and second setting values, and comparison judgment processing is performed. Here, we will assume that the first setting values ​​are settings that are thought to be frequently changed by the user, and the second setting values ​​are settings that are not changed very frequently, but for which the desired job execution result cannot be obtained unless the fact that they have been changed is known.

[0070] Since the second setting value is assumed to be a setting value that users do not change very often, there is a high probability that the second setting value for a newly executed job and the second setting value in the setting history information for a previously executed job are the same. Therefore, if even one setting value included in the second setting value differs between the two settings, the control unit 11 determines that the setting value for a newly executed job and the setting value in the setting history information for a previously executed job are not the same.

[0071] On the other hand, unlike the second setting value, the first setting value is assumed to be frequently changed by the user, so there is a high probability that the first setting value for a newly executed job and the first setting value in the setting history information for a previously executed job are not identical. However, if the control unit 11 determines that the setting value for a newly executed job and the setting value in the setting history information for a previously executed job are not identical when even one setting value in the first setting value differs between the setting values, it may actually be less convenient. Therefore, in the first embodiment, if the first setting value is identical to a specified number or more of the setting values, the setting values ​​are determined to be identical. This specified number can be set arbitrarily via a predetermined setting screen.

[0072] Furthermore, by adding a comparison period to the comparison judgment between the settings for a newly executed job and the settings in the setting history information for a previously executed job, that is, a judgment period to determine whether the previously executed job being compared was executed within a predetermined period from the execution of the new job, it is possible to determine whether or not setting history information including the settings for the newly executed job existed in the past.

[0073] Using the above determination parameters, the control unit 11 performs a set value comparison determination process (see Figure 7).

[0074] When processing begins, the control unit 11 compares the settings for the newly executed job with the settings for the setting history information of previously executed jobs.

[0075] First, the control unit 11 compares the setting values ​​included in the second setting value. The second setting value is assumed to be a setting value that is not changed very often by the user. In the first embodiment, for example, setting values ​​such as "double-sided printing", "N-Up printing", "fit page", "finishing function", "data correction function", "color mode adjustment function", "text / image composition function", and "special printing function" fall under the second setting value.

[0076] If the second setting values ​​are the same (step S150; Yes), the control unit 11 compares the setting values ​​included in the first setting value. In the first embodiment, setting values ​​such as "color mode", "paper size", "document size", "number of copies", "zoom function", "paper tray", "output tray", and "paper feeding method" correspond to the first setting value. If the first setting values ​​are the same for a specified number or more of the setting values ​​(step S160; Yes), the control unit 11 determines whether the previously executed job to be compared was executed within a predetermined period from the execution of the new job.

[0077] If the previously executed job to be compared was executed within a predetermined period from the execution of the new job (step S170; Yes), the control unit 11 determines that the setting value related to the newly executed job and the setting value related to the setting history information of the previously executed job are the same (step S180).

[0078] On the other hand, if the second setting values ​​are not the same (Step S150; No), the control unit 11 determines that the setting values ​​for the newly executed job and the setting values ​​for the setting history information of the previously executed job are not the same. Also, if the second setting values ​​are the same (Step S150; Yes), but the first setting values ​​are not the same in a specified number of cases between the setting values ​​(Step S160; No), and if the previously executed job to be compared was not executed within a predetermined period from the execution of the new job (Step S170; No), the control unit 11 determines that the setting values ​​for the newly executed job and the setting values ​​for the setting history information of the previously executed job are not the same (Step S190).

[0079] In this way, by classifying the settings to be compared into multiple groups and performing a comparison judgment for each group, it becomes unnecessary to compare all settings. Of course, this disclosure does not negate the possibility of composing the settings to be compared into a single group. Depending on the job function, there may be a small number of settings to be compared. In this case, it is also possible to compose the settings to be compared into a single group.

[0080] [1.3 Example of Operation] Next, an example of the operation of the multifunction device 10 according to this embodiment will be explained using Figures 8 to 14. This operation corresponds to the processing from step S90 in Figure 6 to step S190 in Figure 7.

[0081] The display screen W10 shown in Figure 8 is an example of the configuration of the setting history information selection screen. The display screen W10 includes setting history information display areas R11 to R17, a job execution button B11, and a cancel button B13. The setting history information display areas R11 to R17 are configured to display setting history information in parallel, either in chronological order from the newest to the oldest in the order of job execution, or in the order of processing results by the control unit 11. The example shown in Figure 8 is an example of displaying four lines of setting history information in parallel. Note that the number of parallel setting history information lines is not limited to four, and can be set as appropriate according to the displayable area of ​​the display unit 13.

[0082] The information displayed in the setting history information display areas R11 to R17 is information read from the setting history information stored in the setting history information storage area 239 by the control unit 11. The configuration example shown in the setting history information display areas R11 to R17 includes the job ID, the job execution date and time, the execution user name, and the setting value.

[0083] The setting history information display area R11 will be used as an example for explanation. The Job ID is an identifier that corresponds to the executed job and uniquely identifies the setting history information. In this embodiment, the Job ID is assigned one of the alphabetical characters representing each job function (Print function: P, Fax function: F, Scan function: S) so that the user can easily identify the job function. For example, Job ID "#025_P" indicates that it is the 25th job executed and is a job related to the print function. The Job Execution Date and Time (2019 / 12 / 4 10:30:50) represents the date and time the job was executed. The Executing User Name (Uesr: TT) is the name of the user who executed the job.

[0084] The settings are at least a portion of the settings included in the settings history information. The settings displayed in the settings history information display area can be changed as appropriate depending on the user's attention level.

[0085] In the example display area R11 of the setting history information, the setting values ​​are shown as follows: setting value item: color mode setting value "full color", setting value item: paper size setting value "A4", and setting value item: paper type setting value "plain paper".

[0086] The job ID "#024_P" in the setting history information display area R13 indicates that it was the 24th job executed and is a print job related to the print function; the job ID "#023_P" in the setting history information display area R15 indicates that it was the 23rd job executed and is a print job related to the print function; and the job ID "#022_S" in the setting history information display area R17 indicates that it was the 22nd job executed and is a scan job related to the scan function.

[0087] The display screen W10 shown in Figure 8 is an example of displaying the setting history information for the 25th print job at 10:30:50 on December 4, 2019, the 24th print job at 10:15:30 on December 4, 2019, the 23rd print job at 9:30:00 on December 4, 2019, and the 22nd scan job at 7:30:50 on December 4, 2019, in chronological order.

[0088] The job execution button B11 is a button that accepts input from the user for the execution of a job related to the selected setting history information. The user executes the job related to the selected setting history information by, for example, checking the setting history information display area R11 and pressing the job execution button B11. Upon receiving the press of the job execution button B11, the control unit 11 executes the desired job by performing processes such as step S40 in Figure 6.

[0089] The cancel button B13 is a button that accepts user input cancellation.

[0090] Next, we will describe the settings screen W20 that the control unit 11 displays when the job execution button B11 is pressed. The settings screen W20 is an example of a settings screen configuration that displays the setting values ​​included in the setting history information to the user and accepts input or changes to the setting values.

[0091] The settings screen W20 includes job function tabs T11 to T15, a setting value input / modification area R19, a setting history information display area R21, a comparison setting value setting button B15, an OK button B17, and a cancel button B19.

[0092] The job function tabs T11 to T15 are tabs that allow switching between setting screens provided for each job function. The setting screen W20 has a print tab T11, a scan tab T13, and a fax tab T15. In the configuration example shown in Figure 9, the print tab T11 is selected.

[0093] The setting value input / modification area R19 is an area that accepts input and modification of setting values ​​related to job execution. When the user selects desired setting history information via the display screen W10 in Figure 8 and presses the job execution button B11, the control unit 11 reflects and displays the content of the setting value related to the selected setting history information in the setting value input / modification area R19.

[0094] Users can understand the settings related to job execution by checking the settings in the setting history information displayed in the setting value input / modification area R19. For example, Figure 9 shows the setting history information related to job ID "#025_P" being selected and the settings of that setting history information being displayed. Specifically, the setting items displayed are: setting value: color mode setting value "full color", setting value: number of copies setting value "100 copies", setting value: paper (original) size setting value "A4 (automatic)", setting value: paper type setting value "plain paper (automatic, A4)", setting value: copy density setting value "automatic", and setting value: zoom magnification setting value "100%".

[0095] Other settings (for example, double-sided printing, N-Up printing, fit-page, finishing functions, etc.) can be displayed by pressing the "Special Functions" button in the setting input / modification area R19.

[0096] The setting history information display area R21 is an area that displays the setting history information reflected on the display screen W10 in Figure 8. Here, the area is dimmed so that it can be easily understood that the setting history information related to job ID "#025_P" has been selected by the user.

[0097] The comparison setting value setting button B15 accepts input for confirmation or modification of the setting value related to the setting value comparison judgment. Upon receiving a press of the comparison setting value setting button B15, the control unit 11 displays the comparison setting value setting screen W30 as illustrated in Figure 10.

[0098] The OK button B17 accepts user input confirmation. The Cancel button B19 accepts user input cancellation.

[0099] Next, the comparison setting value setting screen W30, which is displayed by the control unit 11 in response to the pressing of the comparison setting value setting button B15, will be explained using Figure 10.

[0100] The comparison setting value setting screen W30 according to the first embodiment is a screen that accepts the selection and confirmation of setting values ​​to be used for comparing the setting values ​​related to a newly executed job with the setting values ​​related to the setting history information of previously executed jobs.

[0101] The comparison setting screen W30 includes the first setting value input tab T17, the second setting value input tab T19, the display setting tab T21, the display area R23 for the number of default setting values, etc., the OK button B21, and the Cancel button B23.

[0102] Figure 10(a) shows an example configuration of the first setting value input tab T17. The first setting value input tab T17 contains setting values ​​that are likely to be changed frequently by the user. Therefore, it is preferable to configure the first setting value input tab T17 with user selection as its basic operation, for example, by not selecting setting values ​​that the user deems unnecessary to know. In addition, in order to encourage user selection, it is preferable to configure the first setting value input tab T17 as the first display screen that the user sees first when the display command for the comparison setting value setting screen W30 is entered.

[0103] Figure 10(b) shows an example configuration of the second setting value input tab T19. The second setting value input tab T19 contains settings that are not changed very frequently, but which users will not be able to obtain the desired job execution results unless they are aware of the changes. Due to the low frequency of user changes, the second setting value input tab T19 can be displayed with all settings pre-selected (initial settings), as exemplified in Figure 10(b). In this case, users can deselect settings that they deem unnecessary to be aware of by unchecking the boxes. For these reasons, it is preferable to configure the second setting value input tab T19 as a second display screen with a lower display priority than the first setting value input tab T17.

[0104] Figure 10(c) shows an example configuration of the display settings tab T21. The display settings tab T21 accepts the display format of the setting history information after the display processing by the control unit 11 (see step S140 in Figure 6). The display settings tab T21 according to the first embodiment includes a checkbox R25a for hiding identical setting history information (same user), a checkbox R25b for displaying identical setting history information (including non-identical users), and a checkbox R25c for displaying differential setting history information.

[0105] The "Hide Identical Setting History Information (Same User)" checkbox R25a accepts the display format of the setting history information processed by the control unit 11 when the setting values ​​received via the first setting value input tab T17 and the second setting value input tab T19 are the same across the setting history information, and the user related to the execution job is the same as the user related to the previously executed job. The "Display Example 1" checkbox, "Display Example 2" checkbox, and "Display Example 3" checkbox accept the specification of specific display examples for the setting history information.

[0106] The "Display identical setting history information (including non-identical users)" checkbox R25b is a checkbox that accepts the display format of the setting history information to be displayed by the control unit 11 when the setting values ​​received via the first setting value input tab T17 and the second setting value input tab T19 are identical among the setting history information, and the user related to the execution job is different from the user related to the previously executed job.

[0107] The R25c checkbox for displaying differential setting history information accepts the display format of the setting history information to be displayed by the control unit 11 when the setting values ​​received via the first setting value input tab T17 and the second setting value input tab T19 differ from those in the setting history information. The Display Example 1 checkbox, Display Example 2 checkbox, and Display Example 3 checkbox accept the specification of specific display examples for the differential setting history information.

[0108] The default setting value count display area R23 includes a default setting value count specification area and a comparison period specification area. The default setting value count specification area is an area that accepts input for the allowable number of setting values ​​that will be considered the same even if the first setting value differs between the setting value for a newly executed job and the setting value in the setting history information for a previously executed job during the setting value comparison judgment process. In the example in Figure 10(a), if five or more of the nine first setting values ​​are the same, the first setting values ​​are considered the same.

[0109] The comparison period specification area is an area that accepts input for a determination period to determine whether the previously executed job to be compared was executed within a predetermined period from the execution of the new job.

[0110] The OK button B21 accepts user input confirmation. The Cancel button B23 accepts user input cancellation.

[0111] Figure 11 shows one example of the display result when the "Hide identical setting history information (same user)" checkbox R25a and the associated "Display Example 1" checkbox in Figure 10 are checked. This operation is an example of the processing related to steps S120 to S140 in Figure 6.

[0112] Here, the display screen W40 shown in the left figure (a) of Figure 11 is the same as the display screen W10 exemplified in Figure 8, and is an example of the display when no processing is performed by the control unit 11. The display screen W50 shown in the right figure (b) is an example of the display of setting history information after the control unit 11 has processed and consolidated the same setting history information.

[0113] If the comparison determination process according to the first embodiment is not executed, the setting history information related to job execution will generate setting history information for job ID "#025_P" as shown in the left figure (a). Then, the setting history information, with the setting history information for job ID "#025_P" as the latest setting history information, will be arranged in chronological order (setting history information display area R27~R33).

[0114] In response to this, when the comparison determination process according to this embodiment is executed, the control unit 11 performs a comparison determination between the setting value of job ID "#025_P" as a newly executed job and the setting value included in the setting history information of job ID "#024_P" as a previously executed job.

[0115] The settings for job ID "#025_P" and the settings for job ID "#024_P" are substantially the same. Furthermore, the execution user is also the same, username: TT. Therefore, the control unit 11 determines that the settings for job ID "#025_P" and the settings included in the setting history information for job ID "#024_P" are identical. In this case, the control unit 11 does not generate setting history information for job ID "#025_P".

[0116] Then, the control unit 11 performs a summary process to update the execution date and time of job ID "#024_P" to the execution date and time related to job ID "#025_P" and store it (setting history information display area R35).

[0117] On the other hand, the setting history information related to job ID "#023_P" displayed in setting history information display area R31 and the setting history information related to job ID "#022_S" displayed in setting history information display area R33 will be displayed as is in setting history information display area R37 and setting history information display area R39, as shown in Figure (b) on the right.

[0118] In addition to the example in Figure 11, the summary processing can also be displayed as an example, such as the one shown in Figure 12.

[0119] Figure 12(a) shows one example configuration of the display screen W60 when the "Hide identical setting history information (same user)" checkbox R25a and the associated "Display Example 2" checkbox in Figure 10(c) are checked.

[0120] Figure 12(a) shows an example where a hexagonal mark is placed in the setting history information display area R41 for job ID "#024_P" as setting history information that has undergone consolidation processing.

[0121] Figure 12(b) shows an example configuration of the display screen W70 when the "Hide identical setting history information (same user)" checkbox R25a and the associated "Display Example 3" checkbox in Figure 10(c) are checked.

[0122] Figure 12(b) shows an example where a graphic resembling a display area suggesting the existence of other setting history information is attached to the setting history information display area R43 related to job ID "#024_P", indicating that the setting history information has undergone a consolidation process. As shown in Figure 12, by designing the display configuration so that the fact that the setting history information has been consolidated can be grasped at a glance, the user can easily understand this fact.

[0123] On the other hand, Figure 13(b) shows an example of the display screen W90 when the "Display identical setting history information (including non-identical users)" checkbox R25b in Figure 10(c) is checked.

[0124] Here, the example of display screen W80 shown in the left figure (a) of Figure 13 differs in part from the example illustrated in display screen W10 of Figure 7. The previously executed job (job ID "#024_P") was executed by the execution user with initials JK, while the newly executed job (job ID "#025_P") was executed by the execution user with initials TT.

[0125] If the checkbox R25b for displaying identical setting history information (including non-identical users) in Figure 10(c) is checked, the control unit 11 will not perform the setting history information aggregation process if the execution users do not match, even if the setting values ​​for a newly executed job and the setting values ​​for a previously executed job are identical.

[0126] The control unit 11 displays the same setting history information as the setting history information display area R45~R51 shown on the display screen W80 in Figure 13(a) (without changing any processing) as the display screen W90 shown in Figure 13(b), in chronological order of job execution, starting with the most recent.

[0127] Next, the display screen W100 in Figure 14(a) is an example of the configuration of the differential display result of the setting history information displayed by the control unit 11 when the display checkbox R25c and the associated display example 1 checkbox in Figure 10(c) are checked. The display screen W110 in Figure 14(b) is an example when the display example 2 checkbox is checked, and the display screen W120 in Figure 14(c) is an example when the display example 3 checkbox is checked.

[0128] Figure 14 illustrates an example where the job with job ID "#028_P" is executed first by the initial TT execution user, followed by the execution of job ID "#029_P" by the same initial TT execution user, and finally, the execution of job ID "#030_P" by the same initial TT execution user.

[0129] In addition, the user executing the initial TT will be described as having modified some of the configuration history information related to job ID "#028_P" to execute job ID "#029_P", and then modified some of the configuration history information related to job ID "#029_P" to execute the job related to job ID "#030_P".

[0130] First, the initial TT execution user executes the print job related to job ID "#028_P" with the following settings, based on the setting history information displayed in the setting history information display area R57: setting value item: color mode to "full color", setting value item: paper size to "A4", and setting value item: paper type to "plain paper".

[0131] Next, the user executing the initial TT refers to the setting history information displayed in the setting history information display area R57, changes the setting value of the setting value item: Color Mode to "Black and White", and executes the print job related to job ID "#029_P" with the setting values ​​of the setting value item: Paper Size to "A4" and the setting value item: Paper Type to "Plain Paper".

[0132] Finally, the user executing the initial TT refers to the setting history information displayed in the setting history information display area R55, changes the setting value item: Color Mode to "Black and White", the setting value item: Paper Size to "B4", the setting value item: Paper Type to "Plain Paper", and the setting value item: Number of Copies to 100 and executes a print job (setting history information display area R53).

[0133] If such a job execution history exists, the control unit 11 displays the differences in the setting history information so that the differences (changes) in the setting values ​​at each job execution stage are clearly indicated.

[0134] In this case, for example, to make it easier to understand the differences in the setting history information, the setting history information display area R59, which displays the setting history information up to just before the difference occurred (job ID "#027_S"), and the setting history information display area R57, which displays the setting history information where the difference occurred (job ID "#028_P"), can be separated by a solid or dotted line (Figure 14(a)), or the display color of the setting history information display area R61, which displays the setting history information just before the difference occurred (job ID "#027_S"), can be set to a different color scheme from the others (Figure 14(b)).

[0135] Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 14(c), in order to facilitate understanding the change history of setting history information, the setting history information related to the changes (setting history information display areas R63 to R67) may be arranged in a hierarchical manner, for example, to suggest that the updates (changes) to the setting history were carried out in chronological order.

[0136] As described above, according to the first embodiment, when a new job is executed based on the setting history information of a previously executed job selected via the setting history information selection screen, the display format of the setting history information for the new job is determined by the result of determining whether or not the setting values ​​for the execution of the new job are the same as the setting values ​​for the setting history information of the previously executed job. Therefore, the user can reliably use the setting history information for the desired job.

[0137] [2. Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. Unlike the first embodiment, the second embodiment is an embodiment in which a job is executed using a registered job program, rather than selecting setting history information via a setting history information selection screen. In the description of the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the same functional parts and processes as in the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0138] [2.1 Functional Configuration] Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the multifunction printer 30 according to the second embodiment. The multifunction printer 30 according to the second embodiment is equipped with a storage unit 33 in place of the storage unit 23 of the multifunction printer 10.

[0139] In the second embodiment, the storage unit 33 stores the job execution program 231, the setting history information processing program 233, the setting value comparison determination program 235, and the job registration program 331, and reserves a setting value storage area 237, a setting history information storage area 239, and a job history information storage area 241.

[0140] The job registration program 331 is a program that registers a series of processes related to a job as a job program, or that the control unit 11 reads when calling or deleting a registered job program. In this disclosure, a series of processes related to a job that has been registered as a program is referred to as a job program.

[0141] [2.2 Processing Flow] Next, the processing flow according to the second embodiment will be explained using Figures 16 and 17.

[0142] The control unit 11 executes this process by reading the job execution program 231, the setting history information processing program 233, the setting value comparison determination program 235, and the job registration program 331. In this process, the same step numbers are assigned to processes that are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

[0143] First, in step S200, the control unit 11 receives an input for starting the job registration program 331 via the display unit 13 or the operation unit 15.

[0144] Next, in step S210, the control unit 11 reads the job registration program 331 and displays the job program call screen on the display unit 13.

[0145] In step S220, the control unit 11 accepts the user's selection of a job program. The control unit 11 then displays a settings screen to show the user the setting values ​​related to the setting history information held by the selected job program.

[0146] When a user inputs or changes a setting value related to the execution of a job, such as a print job, fax job, or scan job, via the settings screen, the control unit 11 acquires the setting value related to that job execution (step S10 → step S20). The control unit 11 stores the acquired setting value in the setting value storage area 237.

[0147] In step S30, the control unit 11 receives a press of a start button (not shown) on the operation unit 15 or the display unit 13, and accepts a job execution instruction input.

[0148] In step S40, the control unit 11 executes a print job, fax job, scan job, etc., based on the setting value acquired in step S20.

[0149] Next, in step S110, the control unit 11 performs a set value comparison determination process. In this step, the same user determination process described in step S130 of Figure 6 may be added.

[0150] If the setting value comparison determination process determines that the setting value related to job execution has been changed (step S230; Yes), the control unit 11 generates job history information for the newly executed job (step S50) and stores it in the job history information storage area 241 (step S60).

[0151] Next, the control unit 11 generates a job history based on the job history information stored in the job history information storage area 241. The control unit 11 displays the generated job history on the display unit 13 (step S240). In this case, the control unit 11 displays the difference in setting values ​​(changed setting values) as an item to display in the job history. For example, if only the number of copies to print is changed in a job program related to a print job, the control unit 11 displays the job program name and the number of copies to print. By displaying the job program name and the difference in setting values ​​as the job history, the user can easily understand the executed job program and the changed setting values.

[0152] Next, in step S70, the control unit 11 reads the setting values ​​related to the executed job from the setting value storage area 237. The control unit 11 generates setting history information by assigning an ID to the information consisting of the read setting values ​​and the history information related to the execution of the job, such as the job function, the name of the executing user, and the execution date and time, in order to uniquely identify the information. Then, in step S80, the control unit 11 stores the generated setting history information in the setting history information storage area 239.

[0153] On the other hand, if the setting value comparison determination process does not result in any change to the setting value related to job execution (step S230; No), the control unit 11 generates job history information related to the executed job (step S50). Next, in step S60, the control unit 11 stores the generated job history information in the job history information storage area 241.

[0154] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not to display the job history on the display unit 13 (step S250). The control unit 11 determines whether or not to display the job history based on settings that have been set in advance by the user.

[0155] If it is determined to display the job history (step S250; Yes), the control unit 11 generates a job history based on the job history information stored in the job history information storage area 241. The control unit 11 displays the generated job history on the display unit 13 (step S240). In this case, the control unit 11 displays the job program name and the execution user name as items to be displayed in the job history. By displaying the job program name and the execution user name as the job history, users who view the job history can easily understand the executed job program and the execution user who executed that job program.

[0156] On the other hand, if it is determined that the job history should not be displayed (step S250; No), the control unit 11 determines whether or not to generate setting history information (step S260). The control unit 11 determines whether or not to generate setting history information based on the settings previously set by the user.

[0157] If it is determined that setting history information should be generated (step S260; Yes), the control unit 11 generates the setting history information in step S70. Then, the control unit 11 stores the generated setting history information in the setting history information storage area 239 (step S80) and terminates the process (step S80).

[0158] Even if it is initially determined that the job history should not be displayed (step S250; No), if it is determined that setting history information should be generated (step S260; Yes), the control unit 11 can display the job history in response to a request from the user.

[0159] On the other hand, if it is determined that no setting history information should be generated (step S260; No), the control unit 11 terminates the process.

[0160] [2.3 Example of Operation] Next, an example of operation according to the second embodiment will be described. Figure 18(a) shows an example configuration of the job program call screen W130 displayed when the control unit 11 reads the job registration program 331.

[0161] The job program call screen W130 has a job program call tab T23. The job program call tab T23 includes a job program selection area R71, a call button B25, a register / delete button B27, and an exit button B29.

[0162] The job program selection area R71 accepts, for example, the registration and deletion of created job programs, and the selection of job programs that the user wants to execute, by pressing the display buttons assigned to each job program number (JP_No.1~12).

[0163] The call button B25 is a button that accepts input from the user instructing them to call a job program. Upon receiving a press from the user, the control unit 11 calls the job program corresponding to the job program number received via the job program selection area R71.

[0164] As illustrated in Figure 18(b), the user selects the job program number corresponding to the job program to be called (in this figure, job program number 2 (JP_No.2) is shown to be selected). Then, the user can call the desired job program by pressing the call button B25.

[0165] The Register / Delete button B27 is a button that accepts the registration or deletion of a job program called by the control unit 11.

[0166] The exit button B29 is a button that accepts user input when closing the job program call screen W130. When the exit button B29 is pressed, the control unit 11 terminates processing by the job registration program 331.

[0167] Figure 19 shows an example configuration of the setting screen W140 that the control unit 11 displays when the call button B25 on the job program call screen W130 is pressed. Components identical to those in the setting screen W20 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and explanations of unnecessary parts are omitted.

[0168] The settings screen W140 includes job function tabs T11 to T15, a setting value input / modification area R19, a job program display area R73, a comparison setting value setting button B15, an OK button B17, and a cancel button B19.

[0169] The setting value input / modification area R19 is an area that accepts input and modification of setting values ​​related to job execution. When a desired job program is selected via the job program call screen W130 in Figure 18 and the call button B25 is pressed, the control unit 11 reflects and displays the contents of the setting values ​​related to the setting history information of the selected job program in the setting value input / modification area R19.

[0170] Users can understand the settings related to job execution by checking the settings in the setting history information displayed in the setting value input / modification area R19. For example, Figure 19 shows the settings for job program No. 2 "JP No. 2" being selected and the settings in the setting history information displayed. Specifically, the settings displayed are: setting value: color mode "full color", setting value: number of copies "100 copies", setting value: paper (original) size "A4 (automatic)", setting value: paper type "plain paper (automatic, A4)", setting value: copy density "automatic", and setting value: zoom magnification "100%".

[0171] Other settings (for example, double-sided printing, N-Up printing, fit-page, finishing functions, etc.) can be displayed by pressing the "Special Functions" button in the setting input / modification area R19.

[0172] The job program display area R73 is a display area that displays the job program number corresponding to the job program called by the user via the job program call screen W130. Here, the area is dimmed to make it easy to understand that the job program related to job program No. 2 "JP No. 2" has been selected by the user.

[0173] Next, the comparison setting value setting screen W150, which the control unit 11 displays on the screen in response to the pressing of the comparison setting value setting button B15, will be explained using Figure 20.

[0174] The comparison setting value setting screen W150 according to the second embodiment accepts the selection and confirmation of setting values ​​to be used for comparing the setting values ​​related to a newly executed job with the setting values ​​related to the setting history information of the selected job program.

[0175] The comparison setting screen W150 includes the first setting value input tab T17, the second setting value input tab T19, the display setting tab T25, the setting history tab T27, the display area R23 for the number of default setting values, etc., the OK button B21, and the Cancel button B23.

[0176] The comparison setting value setting screen W150 can have substantially the same configuration as the comparison setting value setting screen W30 according to the first embodiment. For example, Figure 20(a) is a diagram illustrating one example configuration of the first setting value input tab T17 in the comparison setting value setting screen W150, and corresponds to one example configuration of the first setting value input tab T17 according to the first embodiment in Figure 10(a). Also, Figure 20(b) is a diagram illustrating one example configuration of the second setting value input tab T19, and corresponds to one example configuration of the second setting value input tab T19 according to the first embodiment in Figure 10(b).

[0177] The display settings tab T25 accepts settings related to the display of job history, as explained in Figures 16 and 17. Figure 20(c) shows an example configuration of the job history display settings. In step S240 of Figure 16, if the user wants to display the job history including the difference in the settings related to job execution (changed settings), the user checks "Display difference job history". If the settings related to job execution are not changed and the job history is not to be displayed (step S250 in Figure 17; No), the user checks "Hide identical job history".

[0178] If the settings related to job execution have not been changed, but the user wants to display the job history (step S250 in Figure 17; Yes), or if the settings related to job execution have not been changed and the initial setting was to not display the job history, but the user later wants to change the setting to display the job history, the user should check "Display same job history".

[0179] The settings history tab T27 accepts input for whether or not to generate and store settings history information for new jobs when the settings related to job execution have not been changed. If the user wants to generate and store settings history information for jobs executed with the same settings as the settings history information for the job program, the user should check "Generate and store settings history information".

[0180] Figure 21 shows an example configuration of the job history display screen. The job history screen W160 includes a print tab T29, a scan tab T31, and a fax tab T33, as well as a job history display area R75, a status display area R77, a display button 31, and a cancel / delete button B33.

[0181] The Print tab T29, Scan tab T31, and Fax tab T33 are tabs that allow switching the display of job history for each job function: print, scan, and fax. By selecting any of the Print tab T29, Scan tab T31, or Fax tab T33, the user can view the job history of jobs executed based on each job function. Figure 21 shows an example configuration displaying the job history related to print jobs.

[0182] The job history display area R75 displays the job history of jobs executed by the job program in the order they were executed. The job history display area R75 is an example of the display when "Display differential job history" is checked in the display settings tab T25 of the comparison setting value setting screen W150 in Figure 20. In this case, job No. 3 represents a new job execution based on the job program (JP_No.2) of job No. 2. In this case, the control unit 11 displays the job program name (JP_No.2) and the number of copies to print (set / finished copies) as the difference (changed setting value) of the setting value, which is an item to be displayed in the job history (within the dotted line frame in the figure).

[0183] Status display area R77 is an example of a display area configuration that shows the execution status of a job related to a job program. The job execution status is represented in three stages: spool, reserved / running, and completed, and the actual job execution status can be represented by arrows. The example in Figure 21 shows that the job has finished as the job execution status.

[0184] The display button B31 accepts input for displaying job program setting history information. For example, when the user presses the display button B31, the control unit 11 displays the setting screen W140 as exemplified in Figure 19.

[0185] The Cancel / Delete button B33 accepts input for canceling the execution of a job related to a job program or deleting it from the job history.

[0186] Figure 22 shows another example of the job history display screen configuration. The job history screen W170 includes a job history display area R79 that displays the job history in a different format than the job history display area R75 of the job history screen W160 illustrated in Figure 21.

[0187] The job history display area R79 displays the job history of jobs executed by the job program in the order of execution. The job history display area R79 is an example of the display when "Hide identical job history" is checked in the display settings tab T25 of the comparison setting value setting screen W150 in Figure 20. In this case, the job No. 3 enclosed in the dotted line frame in the figure represents a new job to be executed based on the job program (JP_No.2) of job No. 2. In this case, the control unit 11 does not display the job history even if it is a job that has actually been executed. Note that the job history related to the execution of identical jobs enclosed in the dotted line frame in the figure is not actually displayed, but is visualized for ease of understanding.

[0188] Figure 23 shows another example of the job history display screen configuration. The job history screen W180 includes a job history display area R81 that displays the job history in a different format than the job history display area R75 of the job history screen W160 illustrated in Figure 21.

[0189] The job history display area R81 shows the job history of jobs executed by the job program in the order they were executed. The job history display area R81 is an example of the display when "Display same job history" is checked in the display settings tab T25 of the comparison setting value setting screen W150 in Figure 20. In this case, the job No. 3 enclosed in the dotted line frame in the figure represents a new job execution based on the job program (JP_No.2) of job No. 2. In this case, the control unit 11 displays the job program name (JP_No.2) and the execution user name as items to be displayed in the job history (within the dotted line frame in the figure).

[0190] As described above, according to the second embodiment, when a new job is executed based on the setting history information of a previously executed job selected via the job program, the display format of the job history for the new job is determined by the result of determining whether or not the setting values ​​for the execution of the new job are the same as the setting values ​​for the setting history information of the previously executed job. Therefore, the user can reliably use the job history for the desired job.

[0191] [3. Third Embodiment] The third embodiment describes a multifunction device equipped with a configuration for automatically acquiring setting values ​​related to setting history information. In the third embodiment, the APS (Automatic paper selection) function (automatic paper selection function) is described as an example of a configuration for automatically acquiring setting values. In the description of the third embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the same functional parts and processes as in the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0192] [3.1 Functional Configuration] Figure 24 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the multifunction printer 50 according to the third embodiment. The multifunction printer 50 according to the third embodiment is equipped with a storage unit 53 in place of the storage unit 23 of the multifunction printer 10.

[0193] In the third embodiment, the storage unit 53 stores the job execution program 231, the setting history information processing program 233, the setting value comparison determination program 235, and the APS control program 531, and reserves a setting value storage area 237, a setting history information storage area 239, and a job history information storage area 241.

[0194] The APS control program 531 is a program read by the control unit 11 when multiple trays, each containing paper of different sizes such as A4, B5, and A3, are installed as the paper feed unit 25 of the multifunction printer 10. The program automatically identifies the tray containing paper suitable for the given document size based on set values ​​such as the document size and feeds the paper from it. By reading the APS control program 531, the control unit 11 controls various sensors for determining the document size (not shown) and other parts such as the automatic paper feeding mechanism.

[0195] [3.2 Processing Flow] Next, the processing flow according to the third embodiment will be explained using Figure 25.

[0196] In the process described in Figure 25, the process from step S300 onwards corresponds to the process related to job execution using the configuration history information. The processes related to steps S270 and S280 may be job execution processes that do not use the configuration history information, or they may be job execution processes that do use the configuration history information.

[0197] In step S270, when the tray is automatically selected based on the document size by the APS function (step S270), the control unit 11 determines whether the user has selected to store only the APS setting values. Here, storing only the APS setting values ​​means that basic setting values ​​related to the APS setting, such as whether the APS setting is enabled or disabled, are stored, but setting values ​​related to the tray number, paper size, etc., are not stored. The selection of whether or not to store only the APS setting values ​​can be made, for example, via the comparison setting value setting screen described in the next drawing.

[0198] If the user selects to store only the APS setting value (step S280; Yes), the control unit 11 stores the APS setting value (step S290) and terminates the process.

[0199] On the other hand, if the user has not selected to store only the APS setting value (step S280; No), the control unit 11 checks whether to store both the tray number and the paper size as setting history information (step S300). If both the tray number and the paper size are to be stored (step S300; Yes), the control unit 11 checks whether the paper size set in the stored tray number matches the stored paper size (step S310).

[0200] If the paper size set in the stored tray number does not match the stored paper size, that is, if paper of a different size is set in the tray corresponding to the stored tray number (step S310; No), and a job execution instruction is entered (step S320), the control unit 11 displays a message to the user prompting them to select a tray (step S330).

[0201] Once the user selects the desired tray and paper is fed, the control unit 11 executes the job (step S340) and terminates the process.

[0202] If the paper size set in the stored tray number matches the stored paper size (step S310; Yes), the control unit 11 executes the job and terminates the process.

[0203] On the other hand, if neither the tray number nor the paper size is stored (step S300; No), the control unit 11 stores only the paper size (step S350).

[0204] Then, when a job execution instruction is entered (step S360), the control unit 11 selects the tray containing the optimal paper size based on the stored paper size and automatically feeds the paper from that tray (step S370). Once the paper is fed by automatic feeding, the control unit 11 executes the job (step S340) and terminates the process.

[0205] [3.3 Example of Operation] Next, an example of operation according to the third embodiment will be described. Figure 26(a) shows an example configuration of the comparison setting value setting screen W190 that accepts the user's selection of APS settings. The comparison setting value setting screen W190 can have the same configuration as the comparison setting value setting screen W30 according to the first embodiment. In the comparison setting value setting screen W190 according to the third embodiment, the first setting value input tab T17 includes an APS setting checkbox area R83 below the paper feeding method that accepts the selection of APS settings.

[0206] Figure 26(b) shows an example of a confirmation screen displayed by the control unit 11 when the user checks the checkbox in the APS setting checkbox area R83 in Figure 26(a). This example operation corresponds to the process in step S290 of Figure 25. The user can choose to store only the APS settings by selecting "Yes" in response to the confirmation item "Do you want to store only the APS settings?" on the confirmation screen.

[0207] Figure 27 shows an example configuration of a tray selection screen displayed to the user when the control unit 11 stores only the paper size and executes a job based on the setting history information. This example operation corresponds to the process in step S350 of Figure 25. The user can execute a job with the optimal paper size by selecting or entering the desired tray number via the tray selection screen.

[0208] As described above, according to the third embodiment, in a multifunction printer configured to automatically acquire setting values, the user can obtain the desired job execution result by appropriately selecting processing according to the storage status of the acquired setting values ​​in the setting history information.

[0209] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible. That is, embodiments obtained by combining technical means that are appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0210] Furthermore, although the embodiments described above are explained separately for the sake of explanation, it goes without saying that they may be combined and implemented to the extent that is technically possible.

[0211] Furthermore, in the embodiments, the programs that run in each device are programs that control the CPU and the like (programs that make the computer function) in order to realize the functions of the embodiments described above. The information handled by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (for example, RAM) during processing, and then stored in storage devices such as various ROMs (Read Only Memory) and HDDs, and read, modified, and written by the CPU as needed.

[0212] Here, the recording medium for storing the program may be any of the following: semiconductor media (e.g., ROM or non-volatile memory card), optical recording medium / magneto-optical recording medium (e.g., DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), MO (Magneto Optical Disc), MD (Mini Disc), CD (Compact Disc), BD (Blu-ray® Disc), etc.), magnetic recording medium (e.g., magnetic tape, flexible disk, etc.). Furthermore, in addition to realizing the functions of the above-described embodiment by executing the loaded program, the functions of the present invention may also be realized by processing in cooperation with the operating system or other application programs based on the instructions of the program.

[0213] Furthermore, when distributing the program to the market, it can be stored on a portable recording medium and distributed, or transferred to a server computer connected via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the storage device of the server computer is, of course, also included in the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0214] 10, 30, 50 multifunction devices 11 Control Unit 13 Display section 15 Control section 17 Communications Department 19 Image forming unit 21 Image reading unit 23, 33, 53 storage section 231 Job execution program 233 Setting History Information Processing Program 235 Program for determining comparison with set values 237 Setting value storage area 239 Setting history information storage area 241 Job history information storage area 331 Job Registration Program 531 APS control program

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus that executes jobs based on set values, A storage unit that stores setting history information including setting values ​​related to the execution of the job, and a job program that registers the processing related to the execution of the job as a program, A display unit that displays a call screen for calling the job program stored in the storage unit, It includes a control unit, The control unit, An image forming apparatus characterized in that, when setting values ​​related to the execution of a job are set based on the job program called via the aforementioned call screen, the setting values ​​related to the execution of the job are stored in the storage unit as setting history information.

2. The control unit, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that if the setting value related to the execution of the job is not changed from the setting value related to the called job program, the setting value related to the execution of the job is stored in the storage unit as setting history information.

3. The control unit, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, if the setting is configured to store the setting history information relating to the execution of the job with the same setting value as the setting value relating to the called job program, the setting value relating to the execution of the job is stored in the storage unit as the setting history information.

4. The control unit, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that a settings screen reflecting the settings related to the called job program is displayed on the display unit.

5. The control unit, The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that it displays information relating to the called job program on the settings screen.

6. A control method for an image forming apparatus that executes a job based on set values, The storage unit stores setting history information including setting values ​​related to the execution of the job, and a job program in which the processing related to the execution of the job is registered as a program. A call screen for calling the job program stored in the memory unit is displayed on the display unit. A control method for an image forming apparatus, characterized in that, when setting values ​​related to the execution of a job are set based on the job program called via the call screen, the setting values ​​related to the execution of the job are stored in the storage unit as setting history information.

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