Image processing device, method for controlling the image processing device, and program

Abstract

This invention provides an image processing device, a control method for the image processing device, and a program that improve usability when performing multiple scans in succession. [Solution] The printing device, which is an image processing device, includes an operation panel 318, which is a receiving means for receiving instructions to execute a job continuous execution function that executes multiple jobs in succession, and a panel control circuit 317, which is a display control means that controls whether or not to omit the display of a specific screen when executing a job included in the job continuous execution function, based on a first setting which is a setting for the number of documents to be scanned and a second setting which is a setting for whether or not the documents to be scanned are the same for all jobs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image processing apparatus, a control method for an image processing apparatus, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In an image processing apparatus, multiple scans may be executed continuously. For example, it is a case where multiple jobs are executed continuously for one operation. Also, for example, it is a case where a job involving multiple scans is executed for one operation.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, a technique is disclosed in which it is determined whether a document is placed on the document table by scanner detection, and the screen to be displayed is switched based on the determination result to guide the user to the next operation to be performed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When multiple scans are executed continuously, it is required to improve usability.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An image processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure is characterized by comprising: a receiving means for receiving instructions to execute a job continuous execution function for executing multiple jobs in succession; and, if the received job continuous execution function includes multiple jobs that involve scanning and that display a specific screen when executed, a display control means that controls whether or not to omit the display of the specific screen when executing a job included in the continuous job execution function, based on a first setting which is a setting for the number of documents to be scanned and a second setting which is a setting for whether or not the documents to be scanned are the same in all jobs. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, usability can be improved when performing multiple scans in succession. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the external appearance of a printing device. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the configuration of the paper transport section of a printing device. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system for a printing device. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing the home screen after the printer has been started up. [Figure 5] This is a diagram showing the registration list screen for the job sequential execution function. [Figure 6] This diagram shows the job registration screen for the job sequential execution function. [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing the scan settings screen for the continuous job execution function. [Figure 8] This is a table listing the setting values ​​for the number of pages of the document and the document settings for all jobs. [Figure 9] This diagram shows the screen transitions for registering the job sequential execution function. [Figure 10] This flowchart illustrates the process up to the completion of registration for the job execution sequence function. [Figure 11] This diagram shows the screen transitions during the execution of the continuous job execution function. [Figure 12] This flowchart illustrates the process from the completion of the continuous job execution function. [Figure 13] This flowchart illustrates an example of what happens when an unintended action is received during the execution of the job continuation function. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below. Note that the components described in these embodiments are illustrative examples of the disclosure and do not limit the scope of this disclosure to them alone. <Embodiment 1> Image processing equipment has a function that allows multiple jobs to be executed sequentially in a single operation. Hereinafter, this function will be referred to as the "sequential job execution function." With the sequential job execution function, users can combine multiple jobs that can be executed on the image processing equipment according to their needs, and freely set icons and titles for each. Furthermore, jobs executed using the sequential job execution function include jobs that involve scanning. Embodiment 1 describes a technique for improving the processing efficiency of jobs when the job execution function includes jobs involving multiple scans. Specifically, it involves controlling the display of certain guidance screens based on the settings during scanning for each job involving a scan, thereby preventing the user from performing unnecessary operations. This is expected to improve the usability of the job execution function. In this embodiment, a job refers to a single function that can be executed on a printing device, such as "scan," "copy," or "send email." It also includes jobs that combine scanning with other processes, such as "scan and send email" or "scan and save." Figure 1 shows the external appearance of a printing device 100, which is one of the image processing devices. In this embodiment, a Multi Function Printer (MFP) with a scanning function (scanner) is used as an example. In Figure 1, the document tray 101 is a transparent glass-like tray used when placing a document and scanning it. The document cover 102 is a cover that prevents scanning light from leaking to the outside when scanning. The paper feed unit 103 is an insertion slot for setting various sizes of paper. The paper set in the paper feed unit 103 is transported to the printing unit one sheet at a time, printed, and then discharged from the output tray 104. The memory card slot 110 is an insertion slot for a memory card and is used when reading image data from an inserted portable memory and executing printing. The operation unit 120 is for the user to input setting values ​​and execute processes, and is provided on the outer surface of the printing device 100.

[0010] Figure 2 is an enlarged front view of the operation unit 120 of the printing device 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the operation unit 120 consists of a display unit 201 on which a graphical user interface (hereinafter referred to as GUI) is displayed, a touch panel unit 202 for operating the GUI, and operation buttons. The display unit 201 displays the status of the printing device (ink information or information on the installed paper), print settings, or an image preview read from a memory card. The touch panel unit 202 allows operation of the information displayed on the display unit 201, and changes to print settings, etc. The operation buttons include a power button 210, a stop button 211, and a start button 212. When the power button 210 is pressed, the power to the printing device 100 is turned on or off. When the start button 212 is pressed, the operation of the printing device 100 (copying or printing) begins. When the stop button 211 is pressed, the operation of the printing device 100 stops. Furthermore, the start button 212 and stop button 211 may also be soft buttons displayed on the touch panel unit 202, and are not limited to hard buttons.

[0011] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the printing device 100 in this embodiment. The microprocessor-type CPU 301 operates according to the contents of the ROM-type program memory 303 and RAM-type data memory 304 connected via the internal bus 302. The data memory 304 is used for purposes such as a work memory 305 used by the CPU 301 when executing control programs, and an image memory 306 for storing image data formed on the recording paper. The work memory 305 is used to register jobs in the job continuous execution function. The CPU 301 controls the interface control circuit 307 and can receive job data to be printed from the host computer 308 connected via the external interface, and can also notify the host computer 308 of the status of the printing device. The CPU 301 can control various motors that drive the mechanisms of the printing device 100 via the motor control circuit 309. The transport motor 310 drives the paper feed roller, transport roller, and paper discharge roller, and transports the recording paper from the paper feed unit 103 to the paper discharge tray 104.

[0012] The carriage motor 311 (described as the CR motor in this figure) drives the carriage back and forth. The recovery motor 312 drives the head recovery mechanism and performs a recovery operation to appropriately maintain the state of the printing head 214 by controlling it in synchronization with the drive of the carriage. The CPU 301 can control the printing head 214 via the head control circuit 313. By controlling the printing head 214 in synchronization with the reciprocating motion of the carriage, image formation is performed on the recording paper. The cassette sensor 326 for the paper feeding unit is composed of a photointerrupter and a mechanical switch. When the user sets or removes paper from the paper feeding unit of the printing apparatus 100, the CPU 301 can acquire the detection via the sensor control circuit 314. The CPU 301 performs display control on the operation panel 318 provided on the outer surface of the printing apparatus 100 via the panel control circuit 317. It can display desired information on the display device 320 arranged on the operation panel 318 and also monitor operations from the user to the hard key group 319 on the operation panel 318. The CPU 301 can control a scanner 325 (not shown in FIG. 1) via the scanner control circuit 324 and can read (perform scanning) the document placed on the document table of the scanner 325. The scanner sensor 327 is a sensor that detects the opening and closing of the document cover 102. The CPU 301 can read and write various files in the memory card 323 mounted in the memory card slot 110 provided on the outer surface of the printing apparatus 100 via the memory card control circuit 321. The image read by the scanner 325 is stored in the image memory 306 in the data memory 304 and then can be transmitted to the host computer 308 or saved as an image file in the memory card 323. Also, it is possible to use it as a copy function by directly controlling the printing mechanism with the image read by the scanner 325 and printing it.

[0013] Figure 4 shows the home screen displayed on the display unit 201. This screen is displayed when the printer 100 is started by the user. Pressing the copy button 401 transitions to the copy menu, where the user can change settings related to the copy function or perform a copy. Pressing the fax button 402 transitions to the fax menu, where the user can change settings related to the fax function or perform a fax. Pressing the scan button 403 transitions to the scan menu, where the user can change settings related to the scan function or perform a scan. Pressing the continuous job execution function button 404 transitions to the continuous job execution function list screen shown in Figure 5, where the user can register / delete / edit the continuous job execution function and perform the continuous job execution function. The home screen also has a LAN button 405, a wireless connect button 406, a settings button 407, and a hint button 408. As described above, the continuous job execution function is a function that combines the aforementioned jobs and executes them in sequence, allowing multiple jobs to be executed with a single operation. For example, if a single job execution function includes jobs such as "scan," "save to cloud," and "scan and send by email," then the printer 100 will execute all three jobs in succession with a single execution operation.

[0014] Figure 5 shows the list screen of continuous job execution functions displayed on the display unit 201. This screen is displayed when the continuous job execution function button 404 is pressed on the home screen shown in Figure 4. Icon 501 is the icon set by the user when registering the continuous job execution function. The continuous job execution function title 502 is the registered name of the continuous job execution function set by the user when registering the continuous job execution function. When the user presses the display unit 503 where icon 501 and the continuous job execution function title 502 are displayed, the user can execute the registered continuous job execution function. When the user presses the display unit 504 where "Register" is displayed, the user can register a new continuous job execution function. Details of the registration operation will be described later in the explanations of Figures 9 and 10.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a job registration screen. FIG. 6(a) is a diagram showing the job registration screen displayed on the display unit 201. It is a screen that is displayed when the display unit 503 is pressed on the job continuous execution function list screen shown in FIG. 5. When the display unit 601 on which "Add Job" is displayed is pressed, the process proceeds to the job list screen shown in FIG. 6(b). The user can select a job to be registered in the job continuous execution function from the job list 603. When a job is selected, the process returns to FIG. 6(a), and the job selected by the user is displayed. When the Next button 602 is pressed, the job registration is completed.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a scan setting screen for the job continuous execution function displayed on the display unit 201. It is a screen that is displayed when there are multiple jobs that execute scanning among the registered jobs at the time of registering the job continuous execution function. The original document page count setting 701 allows the user to preset the number of original document pages for the jobs that execute scanning registered in the job continuous execution function. The setting values that can be set by the user are shown in FIG. 8(a).

[0017] The original document page count setting shown in FIG. 8(a) is a screen that is displayed when the original document page count setting 701 is pressed on the scan setting screen for the job continuous execution function shown in FIG. 7. Further, FIG. 8(b) is a screen that is displayed when the original document setting for all jobs is pressed on the scan setting screen for the job continuous execution function shown in FIG. 7. The original document setting 702 for all jobs allows the user to preset whether the original documents of all the jobs that execute scanning among the jobs registered in the job continuous execution function are the same. The setting values that can be set by the user are shown in FIG. 8(b). The setting value display unit 703 displays the value set by the user in the original document page count setting 701. The setting value display unit 704 displays the value set by the user in the original document setting 702 for all jobs. When the Next button 705 is pressed, the settings of the original document page count setting 701 and the original document setting 702 for all jobs are completed, and the process proceeds to the next screen.

[0018] Figure 8 shows the settings screen for the number of documents and the document settings for all jobs. Figure 8(a) is the screen displayed when the number of documents setting 701 is pressed. The number of documents setting shown in Figure 8(a) is the screen displayed when the number of documents setting 701 is pressed on the scan settings screen of the continuous job execution function shown in Figure 7. The setting value "1 sheet" means that the number of documents is 1 for the job that performs scanning among the jobs registered in the continuous job execution function. The setting value "2 or more sheets" means that the number of documents is 2 or more for the job that performs scanning among the jobs registered in the continuous job execution function. The setting value "Undetermined" means that the number of documents is not determined for the job that performs scanning among the jobs registered in the continuous job execution function. Alternatively, this setting value is suitable if you want to change the number of documents depending on when the continuous job execution function is executed.

[0019] Figure 8(b) shows the screen displayed when you press Document Settings 702 for all jobs. The setting value "Same" means that all the jobs registered in the continuous job execution function that perform scanning use the same documents. The setting value "Different" means that all the jobs registered in the continuous job execution function that perform scanning use different documents. Alternatively, this setting is also suitable if you want to change the number of pages depending on when you run the continuous job execution function.

[0020] Figure 9 shows the screen transitions for registering the job continuous execution function in this embodiment. The home screen 901 is the home screen shown in Figure 4, and when the CPU 301 detects that the job continuous execution function button 404 has been pressed, it displays the job continuous execution function list screen 902. The job continuous execution function list screen 902 is the same screen as the job continuous execution function list screen shown in Figure 5, and when the CPU 301 detects that the display unit has been pressed, it displays instructions for registering the job continuous execution function on the job continuous execution function registration screen 903.

[0021] Next, when the "Next" button is pressed on the Job Continuous Execution Function Registration screen 903, the Job Add screen 904 is displayed. The Job Add screen 904 is the job registration screen shown in Figure 6(a). When the CPU 301 detects a press on the display unit 601, it displays the Job List screen 905 (the screen shown in Figure 6(b)). The user can select the job they want to register to the Job Continuous Execution Function from the Job List 603. When the CPU 301 detects a job selection on the Job List screen 905, it returns to the Job Add screen 904 and displays the job selected by the user. Next, when the Next button 602 is pressed on the Job Add screen 904, the Scan Settings screen 906 or the Icon Change screen 909 is displayed. Whether the Scan Settings screen 906 or the Icon Change screen 909 is displayed depends on the number of jobs to be scanned. The detailed determination process will be described later using Figure 10.

[0022] The scan settings screen 906 is the scan settings screen for the continuous job execution function shown in Figure 7. When the CPU 301 detects that the document count setting 701 has been pressed, it displays the setting value selection screen 907. On the setting value selection screen 907, the user can set the number of documents to be used in the scan execution job registered for the continuous job execution function. The purpose of displaying the scan settings screen is to determine the number of documents to be scanned and whether all jobs involve the same document before the job is executed. By knowing this information before the job is executed, it becomes possible to control the system so that unnecessary screens are not displayed to the user during the job execution. The options for setting values ​​are as shown in Figure 8(a). When a setting value is pressed, the system returns to the scan settings screen 906 and displays the pressed setting value in the setting value display unit 703. Also, when the system detects that the document setting 702 for all jobs is pressed on the scan settings screen, it displays the setting value selection screen 908. On the setting value selection screen 908, the user can set whether the documents used are the same for all scan execution jobs registered in the job continuous execution function. The options for setting values ​​are as shown in Figure 8(b). When the CPU 301 detects that a setting value is pressed, it returns to the scan settings screen 906 and displays the pressed setting value in the setting value display unit 704. When the CPU 301 detects that the Next button 705 is pressed on the scan settings screen 906, it displays the icon change screen 909. On the icon change screen 909, the user can set the icon for the job continuous execution function they wish to register. When the CPU 301 detects that "Next" is pressed on the icon change screen 909, it displays the title change screen 910. The title change screen 910 allows the user to register a title for the job execution function they wish to register. When the text box on the title change screen 910 is clicked, the title input screen 911 is displayed. The user can enter the job execution function title on the title input screen 911. When "OK" is clicked, the screen returns to the title change screen 910, and the job execution function title entered by the user on the title input screen 911 is displayed in the text box on the title change screen 910. When the CPU 301 detects that "Register" is clicked, it returns to the job execution function list screen 902. At this point, the registered job execution function can be seen on the job execution function list screen 902.

[0023] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating the process up to the completion of job continuous execution function registration in this embodiment. The processing in this flowchart is executed based on the pressing of the Next button 602 on screen 904 as described in Figure 9. That is, the screen transition shown in Figure 9 is executed by executing the process shown in the flowchart in Figure 10. The series of processes shown in this flowchart are performed by the CPU 301 of the printing device 100, which loads the program code stored in the program memory 303 into the data memory 304 and executes it. In the following descriptions of each process, "S" means a step in the flowchart, and the same applies to subsequent embodiments.

[0024] In S1001, CPU301 stores the jobs added on screen 904 in work memory 305. In S1002, CPU301 defines a variable Num with an initial value of 0 to count how many of the jobs stored in S1001 are scan execution jobs. The following S1003 to S1005 is a loop process that counts how many jobs execute scans. In S1003, CPU301 loops as many times as there are jobs stored in S1001. Within the loop, it checks each stored job to see if there are any jobs that execute scans. In S1004, CPU301 determines whether the stored job is a scan execution job. If it is determined to be a scan execution job, CPU301 proceeds to S1005 and increments the variable Num defined in S1002. If it is determined not to be a scan execution job, it returns to S1003 and checks the next job in S1004. After all jobs have been checked, it exits the loop.

[0025] In S1006, CPU301 determines whether the variable Num is greater than 1. If it determines that the variable Num is greater than 1, CPU301 proceeds to S1007. If it determines that Num is less than or equal to 1 (1 or 0), it proceeds to S1008. As mentioned earlier, the scan settings screen 906 is a screen used to know the scan settings in advance in order to avoid unnecessary displays in the job execution function where there are multiple jobs that involve scanning. Therefore, if there is 1 or 0 jobs that involve scanning, there is no need to display the scan settings screen 906, and the program can proceed to S1008 without going through S1007.

[0026] In S1007, the CPU 301 displays the scan settings screen 906 shown in Figure 9. Once the scan settings are complete, in S1008, the CPU 301 displays the icon change screen 909 shown in Figure 9. In S1009, the CPU 301 displays the title change screen 910. Once the title change is complete, in S1010, the CPU 301 registers the job continuous execution function in the work memory 305 and terminates the processing of this flowchart.

[0027] Figure 11 shows an example of screen transitions from the start to the end of execution of a job continuous execution function in this embodiment, where the job continuous execution function includes multiple jobs that perform scans. The home screen 1101 is the same home screen as the home screen 901. When the CPU 301 detects that the job continuous execution function button has been pressed, it displays the job continuous execution function list screen 1102. The job continuous execution function list screen 1102 is the same screen as the job continuous execution function list screen 902. When the CPU 301 detects that the display unit showing "Homework Exit" has been pressed, it displays the jobs registered in the job continuous execution function "Homework Exit" on screen 1103. The user can check the jobs registered in the job continuous execution function on screen 1103 and start the execution of the job continuous execution function by pressing the start button 212.

[0028] The first job registered in the continuous job execution function "Homework Execution" is a scan job called "Save document to PC," so first, the document placement guidance screen 1104 is displayed. The document placement guidance screen 1104 displays instructions for placing the document. The document placement guidance screen 1104 prompts the user to place the document on the document glass. When the CPU 301 detects that the user has placed the document on the document glass, it displays the scanning screen 1105 and starts scanning the document. Once the document scanning is complete, screen 1106 displays instructions for placing the next document to be scanned on the document glass. However, if the document glass on which the document is placed is a flatbed and there is only one document, there is no need to display screen 1106, so screen 1106 is not displayed and the processing screen 1107 is displayed, and the scanned document data is sent to the pre-configured destination PC.

[0029] On screen 1106, if the CPU 301 detects that a document has been placed on the document glass again, it starts scanning the document and displays the scanning screen 1105. Once scanning is complete, the CPU 301 displays screen 1106 again. If there are documents to continue scanning, this screen transition is repeated. Also, if the CPU 301 detects that the scan completion button has been pressed on screen 1106, it displays the processing screen 1107 and sends the scanned document data up to that point to the destination PC. Once the transmission of the scanned document data is complete, the first job, "Save document to PC," ends, and the second job, "Send document to email," begins. Since "Send document to email" is also a job that performs scanning, it displays document placement instructions on the document placement screen 1108, similar to the document placement instructions screen 1104. However, if the document on the document tray is a flatbed, there is only one document, and all scan jobs registered in the continuous job execution function use the same document, the document setting guidance screen 1108 is not displayed, and the scanning screen 1109 is displayed instead. This is because the document set during the execution of the first job remains on the document tray, and scanning that document is included in the content of the second job, so there is no need to display the document setting guidance screen 1108. After the scanning of the document placed on the document tray during the execution of the first job is completed, the transition from screen 1110 to screen 1111 is the same as the transition from screen 1106 to the processing screen 1107. Once all jobs registered in the continuous job execution function have finished executing, the display transitions to the continuous job execution function list screen 1102.

[0030] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating the execution of the job continuous execution function in this embodiment. The processing in this flowchart is executed based on the detection of the press of the start button 212 on screen 1103, as described in Figure 11. That is, the screen transition shown in Figure 11 is realized by executing the processing in the flowchart shown in Figure 12. The series of processes shown in this flowchart are performed by the CPU 301 of the printing device 100, which expands the program code stored in the program memory 303 into the data memory 304 and executes it.

[0031] In S1201, CPU301 performs a loop process for each job of the continuous job execution function that the user has instructed to execute. In S1202, CPU301 determines whether the jobs of the continuous job execution function are jobs that perform scans. If it is determined that the jobs perform scans, CPU301 proceeds to 1203; if it is determined that the jobs do not perform scans, it proceeds to S1210.

[0032] In S1203, CPU301 determines whether the currently running job is the first job to perform a scan. If it determines that it is the first job to perform a scan, CPU301 proceeds to S1204; otherwise, it proceeds to S1211.

[0033] In S1204, the CPU 301 displays the document placement guidance screen 1104. In S1205, the CPU 301 scans the placed document. This process corresponds to the scanning screen 1105 in Figure 11. In S1206, the CPU 301 determines whether the document tray on which the document is placed is a flatbed scanner. If the CPU 301 determines that the document tray is a flatbed scanner, it proceeds to S1207; if it determines that the document tray is not a flatbed scanner, it proceeds to S1208.

[0034] In S1207, the CPU 301 determines whether the number of documents in the currently running continuous job execution function is one. This process is performed based on the value set by the user in the scan settings screen shown in Figure 9. If the CPU 301 determines that the number of documents in the currently running continuous job execution function is one, it proceeds to S1210. If the CPU 301 determines that the number of documents in the currently running continuous job execution function is not one, it proceeds to S1208.

[0035] In S1208, CPU 301 displays a message prompting the user to set the next document. This corresponds to screen 1106 in Figure 11. In S1209, CPU 301 determines whether the next document has been set. If it determines that the next document has been set, CPU 301 proceeds to S1205; otherwise, it proceeds to S1210. S1205 to S1209 correspond to screens 1104 to 1106 in Figure 11. Specifically, it determines whether to skip the display on screen 1106 by determining whether the document feeder is a flatbed and whether there is one document. More specifically, the determination in S1209 that the document has been set and the process proceeds to S1205 corresponds to the transition to the scanning screen 1105 in Figure 11 when the next document is set on screen 1106. In S1210, CPU 301 executes the job. This corresponds to the processing screen 1107 in Figure 11.

[0036] In S1211, which is the next step if it is determined in S1203 that this is not the first scan job (it is the second or subsequent scan job), the CPU 301 determines whether the document tray is a flatbed. If it is determined to be a flatbed, the CPU 301 proceeds to S1212; otherwise, it proceeds to S1214.

[0037] In S1212, the CPU 301 determines whether there is one document to be scanned. If it determines that there is one document, the CPU 301 proceeds to S1213; otherwise, it proceeds to S1214. In S1213, the CPU 301 determines whether the same document will be used for all scans in the job. This process is performed based on the value set by the user in the scan settings screen shown in Figure 9. If it determines that the documents are the same, the CPU 301 proceeds to S1205; otherwise, it proceeds to S1214. In S1214, the CPU 301 displays the document setting guidance screen 1108 as shown in Figure 11.

[0038] The series of processes from S1211 to S1213 will be explained in detail. As mentioned above, the series of processes from S1211 to S1213 is part of the process involving scanning from the second time onward. This corresponds to screens 1108 to 1110 in Figure 11. If all judgments in the judgment processes from S1211 to S1213 are YES, it means that the document feeder is a flatbed, there is one document, and the same document is used for all jobs. In such a case, there is no need to display the document setting guidance screen 1108 in Figure 11. This is because the document that was already set on the document feeder in the first job involving scanning remains set on the document feeder, and the scanning for the second and subsequent jobs can start as is. However, if there are multiple documents, the document that was first set on the document feeder in the first job must be set in the second and subsequent jobs, so the document setting guidance screen 1108 needs to be displayed. Also, if YES is determined in S1213, the process proceeds to S1205 without going through the process of displaying the document setting guidance. This corresponds to displaying the scanning screen 1109 without displaying the document setup guidance screen 1108 in Figure 11. Also, if any of the processes in S1211 to S1213 are judged as NO, the process proceeds to S1214 and the document setup guidance screen (document setup guidance screen 1108) is displayed.

[0039] The above is a flowchart for controlling the omission of display screens under specific conditions in the continuous job execution function.

[0040] As described above, this embodiment improves usability in the job execution function. Specifically, the scan settings screen 906 is displayed when setting up the job execution function. This allows users to configure scan settings, and based on the configured values, it is possible to provide a suitable flow by omitting transitions to specific screens. Furthermore, by not displaying specific guidance screens, it is possible to reduce the likelihood of users performing unnecessary operations. <Embodiment 2> In Embodiment 1, it is possible to omit the flow (display screen) based on the settings set when registering the job continuous execution function. However, if a state is detected in which the document on the document glass may have been replaced, whether intentionally or not, it is not always appropriate to proceed with the operation assuming it is the same document. Therefore, in this embodiment, the processing when there is a possibility that the document on the document glass may have been replaced is described.

[0041] Specifically, even if the scan settings screen 906 is set to "Number of documents: 1" and "Documents for all jobs: Same," there may be cases where, while the continuous job execution function is running, the user places a document on the document glass after it has been determined that certain guidance displays should be omitted. When such a specific operation is detected, the guidance screen that was supposed to be omitted is displayed. The details of the above will be explained below using Figure 13, which is a flowchart of this embodiment.

[0042] Figure 13 is a flowchart of the process when a specific operation is detected during the execution of the job continuous execution function based on this embodiment. That is, the flowchart in Figure 13 is the flowchart for executing the job continuous execution function shown in Figure 12, with the processing for when a specific operation is detected during the execution of the job continuous execution function added. Steps S1301 to S1314 in Figure 13 are the same processes as S1201 to S1214 in Figure 12, so their explanation is omitted.

[0043] In S1315, the CPU 301 determines whether it has detected a specific operation by the user. A specific operation could be, for example, the scanner sensor 327 detecting the opening or closing of the document cover 102. In the case of a printer equipped with an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder), placing a document in the ADF can also be considered a specific operation. These detections of document feeder operations are limited to those occurring between the time of the previous job execution in S1310 and the determination in S1313. If the CPU 301 determines in S1315 that a document feeder operation has been detected, it proceeds to S1414; otherwise, it proceeds to S1305.

[0044] By implementing the above, it is possible to display a document placement guidance screen when the system detects user operation of the document tray while executing the shortest workflow based on the scan settings configured during job continuous execution function registration. This provides users who have operated the document tray with an opportunity to check the tray, which is expected to prevent scanning errors.

[0045] <Other Embodiments> This disclosure can also be implemented by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be implemented by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0046] Furthermore, this disclosure includes the following components. (Composition 1) A receiving means for receiving instructions to execute a job sequential execution function that runs multiple jobs in succession, If the received job execution function includes multiple jobs that involve scanning and display a specific screen during execution, a display control means controls whether or not to omit the display of the specific screen when executing the jobs included in the job execution function, based on a first setting which is the number of documents to be scanned and a second setting which is whether or not the documents scanned are the same for all jobs. An image processing apparatus characterized by comprising: (Configuration 2) If the first setting is one page and the second setting is the setting to use the same original document, The image processing apparatus according to configuration 1, characterized in that the display control means omits the display of the specific screen. (Composition 3) The image processing apparatus according to Configuration 1, wherein the aforementioned specific screen is a guidance screen prompting the user to place a document on the flatbed document tray, and the display control means omits the display of the aforementioned specific screen for jobs involving the second and subsequent scans among the multiple jobs included in the continuous job execution function. (Composition 4) If a specific user operation is detected in a job that involves a second or subsequent scan among the multiple jobs included in the aforementioned job sequential execution function, The image processing apparatus according to configuration 3, characterized in that the display control means displays the guidance screen regardless of the first setting and the second setting. (Composition 5) The image processing apparatus according to configuration 4, characterized in that the aforementioned specific operation includes opening and closing the document cover on the document glass or setting a document in the ADF (Automatic Document Feeder). (Composition 6) The display control means displays a setting screen for setting jobs for the continuous job execution function, If there are multiple jobs with configured scans on the settings screen, the screens for performing the first and second settings are displayed. The image processing apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that, in the setting screen, if the number of jobs involving the set scan is 1 or less, the screen for performing the first setting and the second setting is not displayed. (Composition 7) If the first setting is one sheet, The image processing apparatus according to configuration 1, characterized in that the display control means omits the display of the specific screen. (Composition 8) The image processing apparatus according to configuration 7, characterized in that the aforementioned specific screen is a guidance screen that prompts the user to place the next document on the document glass in a job involving scanning. (Composition 9) The image processing apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, characterized in that the job involving scanning is a job performed using document data obtained by reading a document placed on a document glass. (Composition 10) A reception step that receives instructions to execute a job sequential execution function that runs multiple jobs in succession, If the received job execution function includes multiple jobs that involve scanning and display a specific screen during execution, a display control step controls whether or not to omit the display of the specific screen when executing the jobs included in the job execution function, based on a first setting which is the number of documents to be scanned and a second setting which is whether or not the documents scanned are the same for all jobs. A control method for an image processing apparatus, characterized by comprising: (Composition 11) A program that operates in an image processing device, wherein the image processing device A receiving means for receiving instructions to execute a job sequential execution function that runs multiple jobs in succession, If the received job execution function includes multiple jobs that involve scanning and display a specific screen during execution, a display control means controls whether or not to omit the display of the specific screen when executing the jobs included in the job execution function, based on a first setting which is the number of documents to be scanned and a second setting which is whether or not the documents scanned are the same for all jobs. A program characterized by being designed to function as such. (Composition 12) In a job involving scanning, a setting means for setting the number of pages to be scanned, An execution means for executing the job based on the above settings, If the number of pages to be read is not one, during the execution of the job by the execution means, when the scanning of the document placed on the document glass is completed, a guidance screen will be displayed indicating that the next document should be placed on the document glass. If the set number of pages to be read is 1, a display control means controls the display so that the guidance screen is not shown. An image processing device equipped with the following features. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 100 Printing equipment 301 CPU 120 Operation section

Claims

1. A receiving means for receiving instructions to execute a job sequential execution function that runs multiple jobs in succession, If the received job execution function includes multiple jobs that involve scanning and display a specific screen during execution, a display control means controls whether or not to omit the display of the specific screen when executing the jobs included in the job execution function, based on a first setting which is the number of documents to be scanned and a second setting which is whether or not the documents scanned are the same for all jobs. An image processing apparatus characterized by comprising:

2. If the first setting is one page and the second setting is the setting to use the same original document, The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the display control means omits the display of the specific screen.

3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the aforementioned specific screen is a guidance screen prompting the user to place a document on the flatbed document tray, and the display control means omits the display of the aforementioned specific screen for jobs involving the second and subsequent scans among the multiple jobs included in the continuous job execution function.

4. If a specific operation by the user is detected in a job that involves a second or subsequent scan among the multiple jobs included in the aforementioned job sequential execution function, The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the display control means displays the guidance screen regardless of the first setting and the second setting.

5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the aforementioned specific operation includes opening and closing the document cover on the document glass or setting a document in the ADF (Automatic Document Feeder).

6. The display control means displays a setting screen for setting jobs for the continuous job execution function, If there are multiple jobs with configured scans on the settings screen, the screens for performing the first and second settings are displayed. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the setting screen, if the number of jobs involving the set scan is one or less, the screen for performing the first setting and the second setting is not displayed.

7. If the first setting is one sheet, The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the display control means omits the display of the specific screen.

8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the aforementioned specific screen is a guidance screen that prompts the user to place the next document on the document glass in a job involving scanning.

9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the aforementioned scanning job is a job performed using document data obtained by reading a document placed on a document glass.

10. A reception step that receives instructions to execute a job sequential execution function that runs multiple jobs in succession, If the received job execution function includes multiple jobs that involve scanning and display a specific screen during execution, a display control step controls whether or not to omit the display of the specific screen when executing the jobs included in the job execution function, based on a first setting which is the number of documents to be scanned and a second setting which is whether or not the documents scanned are the same for all jobs. A control method for an image processing apparatus, characterized by comprising:

11. A program that operates in an image processing device, wherein the image processing device A receiving means for receiving instructions to execute a job sequential execution function that runs multiple jobs in succession, If the received job execution function includes multiple jobs that involve scanning and display a specific screen during execution, a display control means controls whether or not to omit the display of the specific screen when executing the jobs included in the job execution function, based on a first setting which is the number of documents to be scanned and a second setting which is whether or not the documents scanned are the same for all jobs. A program characterized by being designed to function as such.

12. In a job involving scanning, a setting means for setting the number of pages to be scanned, An execution means for executing the job based on the above settings, If the number of pages to be read is not one, during the execution of the job by the execution means, when the scanning of the document placed on the document glass is completed, a guidance screen will be displayed indicating that the next document should be placed on the document glass. If the set number of pages to be read is one, a display control means controls the display so that the guidance screen is not shown. An image processing device equipped with the following features.

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