Image processing device, control method for image processing device, and program

Abstract

This improves processing efficiency when performing multiple scans consecutively. [Solution] The system is characterized by comprising: a receiving means for receiving instructions to execute a job execution function, which is a function for executing multiple jobs in succession; and an execution means that, if the received job execution function includes multiple jobs involving scanning and the original document used in the multiple jobs is the same, executes the second and subsequent jobs using the original document data obtained by scanning the original document in the first of the multiple 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] Patent Document 1 describes a technique for reusing scanned image data when the image to be scanned has already been scanned.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] There is a need for a technique to improve the efficiency of processing when multiple scans are executed continuously.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] This can improve processing efficiency when performing multiple scans consecutively. [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 displayed on the control panel. [Figure 5] This is an example of the screen transition positions when registering a job for continuous execution. [Figure 6] This is a diagram showing the list screen for the continuous job execution function. [Figure 7] This figure shows the execution confirmation screen for the job sequential execution function. [Figure 8] This diagram shows the screen for confirming identical scanned documents before executing the continuous job execution function. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart showing the overall execution process in the job sequential execution function. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart showing the execution of jobs in the continuous job execution function. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart showing the execution of jobs in the continuous job execution function. [Figure 12] This figure shows the low remaining capacity notification screen for the continuous job execution function. [Figure 13] This is a flowchart showing the execution of jobs in the continuous job execution 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.

[0010] <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 their icons and titles. Furthermore, jobs executed using the sequential job execution function include jobs that involve scanning. Embodiment 1 describes a technique for using document data saved during the first scan in subsequent jobs in a job execution function that includes multiple jobs involving scanning, where all jobs involve scanning the same document. This eliminates the need to perform a scan for each of the multiple jobs using the same document, thereby improving efficiency. In this embodiment, a job refers to a single function that can be executed on a printing device, such as "scan," "copy," or "send by email." It also includes jobs that combine scanning with other processes, such as "scan and send by email" or "scan and save."

[0011] (Block diagram) Figure 1 shows the external appearance of the printing device 100. In this embodiment, a Multi Function Printer (MFP) with a scanning function (scanner) is used as an example. The printing device 100 is also called an image processing device. 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the printing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. A CPU 301 in the form of a microprocessor operates according to the contents of a program memory 303 in the form of a ROM and a data memory 304 in the form of a RAM, which are connected via an internal bus 302. The data memory 304 is used for purposes such as a work memory 305 that the CPU 301 uses when executing a control program, and an image memory 306 that stores image data formed on a recording sheet. The data memory 304 is also called a storage unit. The CPU 301 controls an interface control circuit 307, and can receive print job data from a host computer 308 connected via an external interface, or notify the host computer 308 of the status of the recording apparatus. The CPU 301 can control various motors that drive the mechanism of the printing apparatus 100 via a motor control circuit 309. A conveyance motor 310 drives a paper feed roller, a conveyance roller, and a paper discharge roller, and conveys the recording sheet from the paper feed unit 103 to the paper discharge tray 104. A carriage motor 311 (described as a CR motor in this figure) reciprocally drives the carriage. A recovery motor 312 drives a head recovery mechanism, and executes a recovery operation to appropriately maintain the state of the print head 314 by controlling in synchronization with the drive of the carriage.

[0014] The CPU 301 can control the print head 314 via the head control circuit 313. By controlling the print head 314 in synchronization with the reciprocating motion of the carriage, an image is formed on the recording paper. The cassette sensor 316 for the paper feed unit consists of a photo interrupter and a mechanical switch. The CPU 301 can detect when the user sets or removes paper from the paper feed unit to the printing device 100, and acquire this detection via the sensor control circuit 315. The CPU 301 controls the display of the operation panel 318 located on the outside of the printing device 100 via the panel control circuit 317. It can display desired information on the display device 320 located on the operation panel 318, and monitor user operations on the hard key group 319 also located on the operation panel 318. The CPU 301 can control the scanner 325 (not shown in Figure 1) via the scanner control circuit 324, and can read (perform a scan of) the document image placed on the document glass of the scanner 325. The CPU 301 can read and write various files in the memory card 323, which is inserted into the memory card slot 110 located on the outside of the printing device 100, via the memory card control circuit 321. Images scanned by the scanner 325 are stored in the image memory 306 in the data memory 304, and can then be sent to the host computer 308 or saved as image files on the memory card 323. Furthermore, the images scanned by the scanner 325 can be directly used as a copy by controlling the printing mechanism to print them.

[0015] (Control panel) FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a home screen displayed on the display unit 201. The copy button 401, fax button 402, scan button 403, and My operation button 404 are buttons corresponding to their respective menus, and pressing them by the user causes a transition to each menu. The My operation button 404 is a button for using the job continuous execution function. When the user presses it, the operation panel 318 displays the screen shown in FIG. 6. Also, a series of screen transitions related to registration are shown in FIG. 5. As described above, the job continuous execution function is a function of combining and continuously executing the aforementioned jobs, and is a function that can execute multiple jobs with one operation. For example, if one job continuous execution function includes jobs such as "scan", "cloud storage", and "scan and email transmission", the printing apparatus 100 continuously executes the above three jobs by performing one execution operation.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the screen transition of the registration of the job continuous execution function. FIG. 5 shows, as an example, the screen transition when the job continuous execution function is not registered. The home screen 501 is the same as the screen shown in FIG. 4, and pressing the "My operation" button on the home screen 501 by the user starts the screen transition in FIG. 5. When the "My operation" button is pressed by the user on the home screen 501, the display device 320 displays a list screen 502 of the job continuous execution function. The list screen 502 of the job continuous execution function, when the job continuous execution function is registered, displays a list of the registered job continuous execution functions, and displays a "registration" button for newly registering the job continuous execution function at the end of the list.

[0017] Figure 5 assumes that the continuous job execution function is not registered, so the list screen 502 for the continuous job execution function does not show any registered continuous job execution functions and only displays the "Register" button. When the user presses the "Register" button on the list screen 502 for the continuous job execution function, the display device 320 displays the continuous job execution function registration confirmation screen 503. The continuous job execution function registration confirmation screen 503 displays a brief explanation of the continuous job execution function registration. When the user presses the "Next" button on the continuous job execution function registration confirmation screen 503, the display device 320 displays the job addition screen 504. The job addition screen 504 is a screen where the user can set a combination of jobs according to their purpose or objective, and displays the "Add Job" button and the "Next" button. When the user presses the "Add Job" button on the job addition screen 504, the display device 320 displays the job list screen 505. The job list screen 505 displays a list of all jobs that can be set for the continuous job execution function. When a user selects a job they want to configure on the job list screen 505, the display device 320 displays the job addition screen 504. The job addition screen 504 displays the jobs selected by the user. The user repeats pressing the "Add Job" button on the job list screen 505 and selecting jobs on the job list screen 505 until they have finished selecting the jobs they want to configure. When the user presses the "Next" button on the job addition screen 504, the user's job configuration in the continuous job execution function is complete, and the display device 320 displays the icon change screen 506. The icon change screen 506 is a screen where, for example, the user can set an icon according to their purpose or use from the eight icons shown in the illustration.

[0018] When the user selects an icon they wish to set, the display device 320 focuses on that icon. When the user presses the "Next" button while the icon is focused, the user's icon setting for the continuous job execution function is completed, and the display device 320 displays the title change screen 507. The title change screen 507 is a screen where the user can set a title according to their purpose or use, and displays an input area and a "Register" button. When the user selects the input area, the display device 320 displays the keyboard screen 508. The keyboard screen 508 is a soft keyboard screen where alphabets, numbers, symbols, or katakana can be set. When the user presses the "OK" button after setting the title they wish to specify, the display device 320 displays the title change screen 507. When the user presses the "Register" button on the title change screen 507 after entering the title they wish to set, the registration of the continuous job execution function is completed, and the display device 320 displays the list screen 509 of registered continuous job execution functions. The list screen 509 for registered job sequential execution functions displays the icon set by the user on the icon change screen 506 and the title set by the user on the title change screen 507. By performing the above steps, a job sequential execution function can be registered. Figures 6 and onward show diagrams related to the execution of job sequential execution functions registered by the user.

[0019] Figure 6 shows the list screen of job execution functions displayed on the display device 320. This is the same screen as the list screen 509 of registered job execution functions in Figure 5. The registration button 604 is for registering a new job execution function and is not involved in the execution of the job execution function.

[0020] Icon 601 is an icon set by the user on the icon change screen 506 in the figure, and title 602 is a title set by the user on the title change screen 507. The job continuous execution function execution button 603 is a button for executing the job continuous execution function consisting of icon 601 and title 602, and when pressed by the user, the display device 320 displays the screen shown in Figure 7.

[0021] Figure 7 shows the execution confirmation screen for the continuous job execution function displayed on the display device 320. The continuous job execution function title 701 is a title consisting of icon 601 and title 602, indicating the continuous job execution function to be executed. The job combination 702 is a combination of jobs set by the user on the job addition screen 504. By displaying the job combination 702 on the display device 320, the user can visually recognize the combination of jobs to be executed. When the start button 212 is pressed by the user as indicated in the continuous job execution function execution confirmation message 703, the screen transition differs depending on the number of jobs involving scanning (scan jobs) included in the continuous job execution function. If there are two or more jobs involving scanning, the display device 320 displays the screen shown in Figure 8. If there is one or fewer jobs involving scanning, the execution of the continuous job execution function begins.

[0022] Figure 8 shows the same-scan document confirmation screen displayed on the display device 320 before the execution of the continuous job execution function. As mentioned above, the screen shown in Figure 8 is displayed on the display device 320 only when the continuous job execution function, which includes jobs involving two or more scans, is being executed. The same-scan document confirmation message 801 is a message that asks the user whether all the documents in the scan jobs included in the continuous job execution function are the same. If all the documents in the scan jobs included in the continuous job execution function are the same, the user presses the "Yes" button 802. When the user presses the "Yes" button 802, the continuous job execution function is executed in an execution pattern that omits the second and subsequent scans. If all the documents in the scan jobs included in the continuous job execution function are not the same, the user presses the "No" button 803. When the user presses the "No" button 803, the continuous job execution function is executed in an execution pattern that performs a scan each time.

[0023] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the overall execution process in the job continuous execution function. The series of processes shown in this flowchart are performed by the CPU 301 of the printing device 100 expanding and executing the program code stored in the program memory 303. In the following descriptions of each process, "S" indicates a step in the flowchart, and the same applies to subsequent embodiments. The processes in this flowchart begin based on the fact that the printing device 100 has started up and the home screen 400 has been displayed.

[0024] In S901, the CPU 301 determines whether it has detected a press of the My Operation button 404. If it has detected a press, the CPU 301 proceeds to S902. If it has not detected a press, it waits on the home screen. In S902, the CPU 301 displays the screen shown in Figure 6. In S903, the CPU 301 determines whether it has detected a press of the Job Continuous Execution Function Execution Button 603. If it has detected a press, the CPU 301 proceeds to S904. If it has not detected a press of the Job Continuous Execution Function Execution Button 603 for a predetermined time, it terminates the process of this flowchart. In S904, the CPU 301 displays the screen shown in Figure 7. In S905, the CPU 301 determines whether it has detected a press of the Start button 212. If it has detected a press, the CPU 301 proceeds to S906. If it has not detected a press of the Start button 212 for a predetermined time, it terminates the process of this flowchart. In S906, the CPU 301 executes the Job Continuous Execution Function. After that, CPU301 terminates the processing of this flowchart. The detailed processing of S906 is shown in Figure 10.

[0025] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the execution of a job in the continuous job execution function. The process in this flowchart starts when the printer 100 detects that it has received an execution instruction for My operation. That is, the process in this flowchart starts based on the detection of the press of the start button 212 in S905 of Figure 9, which indicates that an execution instruction for the continuous job execution function has been detected. This flowchart is a detailed explanation of the process in S906 of Figure 9.

[0026] In S1001, CPU301 sets a flag to "0" that determines whether all documents in jobs involving scanning are the same among the combination of jobs in the job continuous execution function. If the flag for determining whether all documents in jobs involving scanning are the same is set to 0, it is determined that the documents are not the same, and if it is set to 1, it is determined that the documents are the same.

[0027] In S1002, the CPU 301 determines whether the job execution function received in S1001 includes two or more jobs that involve scanning. If it determines that the job execution function received includes two or more jobs that involve scanning, the CPU 301 proceeds to S1004; otherwise, it proceeds to S1006.

[0028] In S1003, the CPU 301 displays the screen shown in Figure 8. In S1004, the CPU 301 determines whether it has detected the pressing of the "Yes" button 802. If it determines that it has detected the pressing, the CPU 301 proceeds to S1005. If it does not detect the pressing of the "Yes" button 802 for a predetermined time, it proceeds to S1006. In S1005, the CPU 301 sets a flag to "1" that determines whether all the documents for the scan job are the same. In S1006, the CPU 301 executes the jobs using the continuous job execution function. After that, the CPU 301 terminates the processing of this flowchart. A detailed flowchart of S1006 is shown in Figure 11.

[0029] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the execution of the job continuation function, including the omission of scanning. This process is initiated when the start button 212 is pressed on the screen shown in Figure 7, in the job continuation function which includes one or fewer scan jobs. Alternatively, it is initiated when the "Yes" button 802 or "No" button 803 is pressed on the screen shown in Figure 8, in the job continuation function which includes two or more scan jobs.

[0030] First, the processes in S1101 to S1108 are executed for one of the jobs included in the job sequential execution function. In S1109, it is determined whether all jobs have been completed, and the flowchart loops the processes in S1101 to S1108 for the number of jobs.

[0031] In S1101, CPU301 determines whether the current job involves scanning. If it determines that the job involves scanning, CPU301 proceeds to S1102; otherwise, it proceeds to S1108.

[0032] In S1102, CPU301 determines whether the flag indicating whether all documents in a scan job are the same is set to "1". The result of this determination changes based on the process shown in Figure 10. If the flag is determined to be "1", CPU301 proceeds to S1103; if the flag is determined to be "0", it proceeds to S1108. In S1103, CPU301 determines whether the job to be executed is the first job to perform a scan. If it is determined to be the first job, CPU301 proceeds to S1104; if it is determined not to be the first job, it proceeds to S1107.

[0033] In S1104, the CPU 301 performs a scan. In S1105, the original document data (scanned data) is saved to the data memory 304. In S1106, the CPU 301 performs processing other than scanning. Processing other than scanning includes processing that uses the original document data obtained by scanning, or processing that does not use the original document data. In S1107, the CPU 301 retrieves the original document data stored in the data memory 304. Also, in S1106, the CPU 301 performs processing other than scanning using the retrieved original document data. In S1108, CPU301 performs a scan. In S1106, CPU301 uses the results of the scan performed in S1108 to perform processing other than scanning.

[0034] Here, S1106 performs different processing depending on whether it proceeded via S1101, S1105, S1107, or S1108. If it proceeded from S1101 to S1106, it will perform processing other than scanning without using the results of the scan job. If it proceeded from S1105 to S1106, it will perform processing other than scanning using the results of the scan job performed in S1104. If it proceeded from S1107 to S1106, it will perform processing other than scanning using the document data retrieved in S1107. If it proceeded from S1108 to S1106, it will perform processing other than scanning using the results of the scan job performed in S1108.

[0035] In S1109, CPU301 determines whether all jobs set in the job execution sequence function have been completed. If it determines that all jobs have been completed, CPU301 terminates the processing of this flowchart. If it determines that not all jobs have been completed, CPU301 returns to S1101 and executes the flowchart processing for the next job. This flowchart makes it possible to omit scanning when the job execution sequence function includes two or more jobs that involve scanning.

[0036] As described above, this embodiment improves the efficiency of a job execution function that includes jobs involving multiple scans. Specifically, when the job execution function is running, a specific screen is displayed to the user to confirm whether to scan the same document in all jobs involving scans. If the user selects to scan the same document, the scan data from the first scan is used in subsequent jobs involving scans. This makes it possible to omit the execution of scans in subsequent jobs involving scans. This is more effective the more jobs involving scans are included in the job execution function, and is expected to improve usability.

[0037] <Embodiment 2> In Embodiment 1, the explanation was based on the premise that the remaining capacity of the data memory 304 is greater than the size of the original data (scanned data), and therefore the original data can be saved in the data memory 304. However, if the size of the original data is larger than the remaining capacity of the data memory 304, it may not be possible to save the original data in the data memory 304. Therefore, in this embodiment, we will describe a control that displays a screen to the user to check the remaining capacity of the data memory 304 when the size of the original data is larger than the remaining capacity of the data memory 304.

[0038] Figure 12 shows the low remaining capacity notification screen displayed on the display device 320 for the job continuous execution function. The low remaining capacity notification screen is a guidance screen prompting the user to delete past data, and the message 1201 indicating insufficient remaining capacity in the data memory 304 is a message that informs the user that the data memory 304 has insufficient remaining capacity. When the user presses the "Delete" button 1202, the CPU 301 deletes past document data stored in the data memory 304. The reason why past document data is stored in the data memory 304 is that the printer 100 has a function that uses document data scanned in past jobs when executing a job that involves scanning. The user can select a job history and retrieve the document data corresponding to the selected job history from the data memory 304. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the capacity of the data memory 304 will become insufficient due to the accumulation of document data corresponding to this job history. When the "Delete" button 1202 is pressed, the process to delete the past document data as described above is performed. As a result, the remaining capacity of the data memory 304 becomes free, making it possible to save the document data scanned this time. Therefore, since the saved document data can be retrieved, jobs using the same document for the second time or later can be executed without performing a new scan. When the user presses the "Do not delete" button 1203, a scan will be performed each time for jobs that involve scanning and are set to the continuous job execution function. In other words, since the document data scanned the first time is not saved in the data memory 304, the document data will not be retrieved from the data memory 304 for the second time or later jobs, and a scan will be performed each time. A flowchart of this embodiment is shown in Figure 13.

[0039] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the execution of the job continuous execution function, including the omission of scanning considering the remaining capacity. The processing in this flowchart begins when the start button 212 is detected to be pressed in S905, and the execution process of the job continuous execution function is accepted. Note that the processing in S1301 to S1304 is the same as the processing in S1101 to S1104 in Figure 10, so the explanation is omitted.

[0040] In S1305, the CPU 301 determines whether the size of the original data (scanned data) is greater than the remaining capacity of the data memory 304. If the CPU 301 determines that the size of the original data is greater than the remaining capacity of the data memory 304, it proceeds to S1307. If it determines that the size is less than or equal to the remaining capacity of the data memory 304, it proceeds to S1306.

[0041] In S1307, the CPU 301 displays the screen shown in Figure 12. In S1308, the CPU 301 determines whether it has detected the "Delete" button 1203 being pressed. If it determines that the "Delete" button 1203 has been pressed, the CPU 301 proceeds to S1309. If it determines that it has not detected the "Delete" button 1203 being pressed, it proceeds to S1313.

[0042] In S1310, CPU 301 determines whether there is saved document data from the initial scan job. If it determines that there is saved document data from the initial scan job, CPU 301 proceeds to S1311; if it determines that there is no saved document data, it proceeds to S1312. In this process, the case in which saved document data exists is when the scanned document data was saved in S1306. Therefore, if the initial scan job does not go through S1306, subsequent scan jobs will each perform a scan and use the obtained document data to execute each job.

[0043] In S1311, CPU301 retrieves the original document data saved in the initial skinned job. In S1312, CPU301 performs the scan. The processes in S1313 and S1314 are the same as those in S1106 and S1109 in Figure 11, so their explanation is omitted. After that, CPU301 terminates the process in this flowchart.

[0044] By implementing the above, if the job execution function includes two or more jobs involving scanning, and the documents to be scanned are the same, scanning can be omitted. Furthermore, if the document data is larger than the remaining capacity of the data memory 304, the CPU 301 displays a guidance screen allowing the user to choose whether or not to delete the data stored in the data memory 304, thereby enabling the job execution function to run. Specifically, if the user deletes the data stored in the data memory 304 after the guidance screen is displayed, and frees up capacity, the same processing as in Embodiment 1 can be performed. If the user does not delete the data stored in the data memory 304 after the guidance screen is displayed, the data will not be retrieved from the data memory 304 in subsequent jobs involving scanning. In this case, scanning is performed each time, and the obtained document data is used to execute jobs involving scanning.

[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 the job sequential execution function, which is a function that executes multiple jobs in succession, If the received job execution function includes multiple jobs involving scanning, and the original document used in the multiple jobs is the same, the execution means executes the second and subsequent jobs using the original document data obtained by scanning the original document in the first of the multiple jobs. An image processing apparatus characterized by comprising: (Configuration 2) The image processing apparatus according to configuration 1, characterized in that the receiving means further comprises a display control means that displays a screen for receiving the instruction. (Composition 3) The image processing apparatus according to configuration 2, characterized in that the display control means displays a specific screen when the execution means performs a job involving the first scan, and does not display the specific screen for jobs involving the second scan or later. (Composition 4) The image processing apparatus according to configuration 2 or 3, characterized in that the screen for receiving the aforementioned instructions includes a confirmation screen for receiving a selection of whether the original documents used for the multiple jobs are the same. (Composition 5) If the confirmation screen detects that the documents used for the multiple jobs are not the same, The image processing apparatus according to configuration 4, characterized in that, in jobs involving a second or subsequent scan, the execution means executes the job using the document data scanned in each job, without using the document data scanned in the first job. (Composition 6) The image processing apparatus according to configuration 2, characterized in that the execution means stores the original document data from the first scan job in the storage unit, and uses the original document data from the first scan job in subsequent scan jobs. (Composition 7) When the execution means performs a job involving the initial scan, if the document data exceeds the capacity that can be stored in the storage unit of the image processing device, The image processing apparatus according to configuration 6, wherein the display control means further displays a guidance screen prompting the deletion of data in the storage unit. (Composition 8) The image processing apparatus according to configuration 7, characterized in that, after the display control means displays the guidance screen, if the data in the storage unit is deleted by the user's instruction, the execution means saves the initial document data to the storage unit. (Composition 9) The image processing apparatus according to configuration 7, characterized in that, when the display control means detects on the guidance screen that the document data in the storage unit should not be deleted, the execution means executes jobs involving a second or subsequent scan using the document data obtained in each job, without using the document data obtained in the first job. (Composition 10) The image processing apparatus according to configuration 3, characterized in that the aforementioned specific screen is a display prompting the user to place a document on the document glass provided by the image processing apparatus. (Composition 11) The image processing apparatus according to configuration 10, characterized in that the display control means displays the specific screen on the display unit provided by the image processing apparatus. (Composition 12) The image processing apparatus according to configuration 1, characterized in that the continuous job execution function includes jobs that involve scanning or jobs that do not involve scanning. (Composition 13) A receiving step that receives instructions to execute the job sequential execution function, which is a function that executes multiple jobs in succession, If the received job execution function includes multiple jobs involving scanning, and the original document used in the multiple jobs is the same, the execution step includes executing the second and subsequent jobs using the original document data obtained by scanning the original document in the first of the multiple jobs, A control method for an image processing apparatus, characterized by comprising: (Composition 14) A program that operates in an image processing device, wherein the image processing device A receiving means for receiving instructions to execute the job sequential execution function, which is a function that executes multiple jobs in succession, If the received job execution function includes multiple jobs involving scanning, and the original document used in the multiple jobs is the same, the execution means executes the second and subsequent jobs using the original document data obtained by scanning the original document in the first of the multiple jobs. An image processing apparatus characterized by functioning as such. (Composition 15) A first display control means that displays a first screen that accepts the selection of a process to execute multiple jobs involving scanning in succession, An image processing apparatus characterized by comprising a second display control means that, after accepting the selection of the processing on the first screen, displays a second screen that accepts the selection of whether the documents to be scanned in the multiple jobs are the same. (Composition 16) The system further includes a third display control means that, after accepting the selection of the process on the first screen but before the second screen is displayed, displays a third screen that notifies the contents of the multiple jobs, The image processing apparatus according to configuration 15, characterized in that the second display control means displays the second screen after receiving a predetermined operation while the third screen is displayed. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0047] 100 Printing device 301 CPU 120 Operation section

Claims

1. A receiving means for receiving instructions to execute the job sequential execution function, which is a function that executes multiple jobs in succession, If the received job execution function includes multiple jobs involving scanning, and the original document used in the multiple jobs is the same, the execution means executes the second and subsequent jobs using the original document data obtained by scanning the original document in the first of the multiple jobs. An image processing apparatus characterized by comprising:

2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display control means for displaying a screen for receiving the instruction.

3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the display control means displays a specific screen when the execution means performs a job involving the first scan, and does not display the specific screen for jobs involving the second scan or later.

4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the screen for receiving the aforementioned instructions includes a confirmation screen for receiving a selection of whether the original documents used for the multiple jobs are the same.

5. If the confirmation screen detects that the documents used for the multiple jobs are not the same, The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, in jobs involving a second or subsequent scan, the execution means executes the job using the document data scanned in each job, without using the document data scanned in the first job.

6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the execution means stores the original document data from the first scan job in the storage unit, and uses the original document data from the first scan job in subsequent scan jobs.

7. When the execution means performs a job involving the initial scan, if the document data exceeds the capacity that can be stored in the storage unit of the image processing device, The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the display control means further displays a guidance screen prompting the deletion of data in the storage unit.

8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that if the data in the storage unit is deleted by user instruction after the display control means has displayed the guidance screen, the execution means saves the initial document data to the storage unit.

9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, when the display control means detects on the guidance screen that the document data in the storage unit should not be deleted, the execution means executes jobs involving a second or subsequent scan using the document data obtained in each job, without using the document data obtained in the first job.

10. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the specific screen is a display prompting the user to place a document on the document glass provided by the image processing apparatus.

11. The image processing apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the display control means displays the specific screen on the display unit provided by the image processing apparatus.

12. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the continuous job execution function includes jobs that involve scanning or jobs that do not involve scanning.

13. A receiving step that receives instructions to execute the job sequential execution function, which is a function that executes multiple jobs in succession, If the received job sequential execution function includes multiple jobs involving scanning, and the original document used in the multiple jobs is the same, the execution step includes executing the second and subsequent jobs using the original document data obtained by scanning the original document in the first of the multiple jobs, A control method for an image processing apparatus, characterized by comprising:

14. A program that operates in an image processing device, wherein the image processing device A receiving means for receiving instructions to execute the job sequential execution function, which is a function that executes multiple jobs in succession, If the received job execution function includes multiple jobs involving scanning, and the original document used in the multiple jobs is the same, the execution means executes the second and subsequent jobs using the original document data obtained by scanning the original document in the first of the multiple jobs. An image processing apparatus characterized by functioning as such.

15. A first display control means that displays a first screen that accepts the selection of a process to execute multiple jobs involving scanning in succession, An image processing apparatus characterized by comprising a second display control means that, after accepting the selection of the processing on the first screen, displays a second screen that accepts the selection of whether the documents to be scanned in the multiple jobs are the same.

16. The system further includes a third display control means that, after accepting the selection of the process on the first screen but before the second screen is displayed, displays a third screen that notifies the contents of the multiple jobs, The image processing apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the second display control means displays the second screen after receiving a predetermined operation while the third screen is displayed.

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