Image processing device and job management program

Abstract

When modifying the configuration information of a previously executed job and then running that job again, the procedure for modifying the configuration information and then running the job is simplified. [Solution] The image processing device (10) displays a job execution history in which the setting information of multiple jobs is arranged in chronological order on a display unit (21). When the touch panel (23) receives a specification instruction to specify the setting information of a job in the job execution history, the device displays a pop-up window on the display unit (21) to instruct the user to change the setting information specified by the specification instruction. When the touch panel (23) receives a change instruction to change the specified setting information through the pop-up window, the device includes a control unit (29) that generates setting information for another job that reflects the content of the change instruction and displays the setting information for another job in the job execution history.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and a job management program, and particularly to a technique for simplifying operations when executing a job.

Background Art

[0002] For example, in an image processing apparatus, before executing a copy job or a print job, an operation for specifying job setting information such as color or monochrome and the number of printed copies is performed. However, with the increasing functionality of image processing apparatuses, the operation for specifying job setting information has become complicated, and it may take time for the operation. Therefore, for example, by leaving history information of job setting information, setting the job setting information based on the history information, and using the set job setting information, the operation is simplified.

[0003] Also, in the image processing apparatus described in Patent Document 1, a home screen for selecting one of a plurality of functions is displayed on a display unit, and an integrated history area in which a plurality of history buttons are arranged side by side is provided on the home screen. Each history button is generated and displayed in the integrated history area each time a job corresponding to the function selected on the home screen is executed. Each history button indicates each job and setting information. When any one of the history buttons in the integrated history area is operated, a setting screen for the function corresponding to the operated history button is displayed on the display unit, and the setting information of the history button is displayed on the setting screen for the function. When the start key is operated, a job is executed based on the setting information on the setting screen of the history button. The setting information includes a plurality of setting values. Each setting value includes a setting value that is used as it is and a setting value that is automatically changed and used.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0005] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that displays a setting screen for a function corresponding to a history button operated in the integrated history area on the display unit, displays the setting information of the operated history button on the function setting screen, and executes a job based on the setting information on the setting screen.

[0006] In the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, when a user wants to use the settings information of the history button and change the setting value of the settings information, they must operate the history button to display the settings screen for the function corresponding to the history button, and then change the setting value on that settings screen, which is a cumbersome operation.

[0007] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to simplify the operational procedures required to modify the configuration information of a previously executed job and then execute the job. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An image processing device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a display unit and an operation unit that receives instructions in response to user operations. The image processing device displays a job execution history in which multiple job information is arranged in chronological order and a screen that displays multiple function keys arranged in order on the display unit. The job execution history displays completed job information and uncompleted job information side by side. When the operation unit receives an instruction to select completed job information, it displays a setting screen based on the completed job information on the display unit. When a setting change is made on the setting screen, it makes it possible to execute a new job based on the content after the setting change, and highlights uncompleted job information in a different form from other job information. An image processing device according to another aspect of the present invention comprises a display unit and an operation unit that receives instructions in response to user operations. The display unit has a job execution area that displays multiple job information arranged in chronological order and a menu area that displays multiple function buttons arranged in order. The image processing device displays completed job information and uncompleted job information side by side in the job display area, and when the operation unit receives an instruction to select completed job information, it displays a settings screen based on the completed job information on the display unit, and when a setting change is made on the settings screen, it makes it possible to execute a new job based on the content after the setting change, and highlights the uncompleted job information in a different form from the other job information.

[0009] A job management program according to another aspect of the present invention involves a computer comprising a display unit and an operation unit that receives instructions in response to user operations, which performs the following steps: causing the display unit to display a job display area that arranges and displays multiple job information in chronological order, and a menu area that arranges and displays multiple function buttons; causing the job display area to display completed job information and uncompleted job information side by side; when the operation unit receives an instruction to select completed job information, causing the display unit to display a setting screen based on the completed job information; when a setting change is made on the setting screen, enabling the execution of a new job based on the content after the setting change; and highlighting uncompleted job information in a different form from other job information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, when modifying the configuration information of a previously executed job and then executing the job, the procedure from modifying the configuration information to executing the job can be simplified. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view showing an image processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]This is a block diagram of an image processing device. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of a home screen. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the function settings screen for copy jobs. [Figure 5] This is a diagram that conceptually illustrates job history information. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows the control procedure for the job configuration process. [Figure 7A] This figure shows an example of a pop-up window before changing the settings. [Figure 7B] This figure shows an example of a pop-up window after changing a setting item. [Figure 8] This diagram shows the job keys listed and highlighted. [Figure 9] This is a diagram showing a variation of a pop-up window. [Figure 10] This diagram shows the job keys displayed sequentially on top of each other. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Hereinafter, an image processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an image processing device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the image processing device 10 is an MFP (multifunction printer) that combines multiple functions, such as a copy function, a printer function, and a facsimile function. The image processing device 10 comprises an image reading unit 11 and an image forming unit 12.

[0014] The image reading unit 11 has an image sensor (CCD sensor) that optically reads the image of the document. The image reading unit 11 converts the analog output of the image sensor into a digital signal to generate image data representing the image of the document.

[0015] The image forming unit 12 forms the image indicated by the image data on the recording paper. The image forming unit 12 includes an image forming unit 3M for magenta, an image forming unit 3C for cyan, an image forming unit 3Y for yellow, and an image forming unit 3Bk for black. In any of the image forming units 3M, 3C, 3Y, and 3Bk, the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 is uniformly charged, the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 is exposed to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4, the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 is developed into a toner image, and the toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 is primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 5. As a result, a color toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 5. The color toner image is secondarily transferred to the recording paper P conveyed through the conveyance path 8 from the paper feeding unit 14 in the nip region N between the intermediate transfer belt 5 and the secondary transfer roller 6.

[0016] The fixing device 15 heats and presses the recording paper P to fix the toner image on the recording paper P by thermocompression bonding. The recording paper P is discharged to the discharge tray 17 through the discharge roller 16.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main internal configuration of the image processing apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the image processing apparatus 10 includes an image reading unit 11, an image forming unit 12, a display unit 21, an operation unit 22, a touch panel 23, a facsimile communication unit 24, a storage unit 26, and a control unit 28. These components can transmit and receive data or signals to and from each other through a bus.

[0018] The display unit 21 is composed of a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL (OLED) display or the like.

[0019] The operation unit 22 includes physical keys such as numeric keys, enter keys, or start keys. The operation unit 22 receives instructions according to the user's operations on each key.

[0020] A touch panel 23 is positioned on the screen of the display unit 21. The touch panel 23 is a resistive or capacitive touch panel. The touch panel 23 detects contact (touch) by the user's finger or the like, along with the contact position, and outputs a detection signal indicating the coordinates of the contact position to the control unit 29, which will be described later, of the control unit 28. The touch panel 23 and the operation unit 22 are examples of the operation unit as described in the claims.

[0021] The storage unit 26 is a high-capacity storage device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) or HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The storage unit 26 stores various application programs or various types of data.

[0022] The control unit 28 consists of a processor, RAM (Random Access Memory), and ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The control unit 28 functions as a control unit 29 by executing a job management program stored in the ROM or storage unit 26 using the processor. The processor is an example of a computer as described in the claims.

[0023] The control unit 29 comprehensively controls the image processing device 10. The control unit 28 is connected to the image reading unit 11, image forming unit 12, display unit 21, operation unit 22, touch panel 23, facsimile communication unit 24, and storage unit 26, etc. The control unit 29 controls the operation of these components and transmits and receives signals or data between each component.

[0024] The control unit 29 acts as a processing unit that performs various processes necessary for image formation by the image processing device 10. The control unit 29 controls the communication operation of the facsimile communication unit 24. The control unit 29 controls the display operation of the display unit 21.

[0025] The control unit 29 receives operation instructions input by the user based on detection signals output from the touch panel 23 based on instructions received by the touch panel 23, or based on user operations on the physical keys of the operation unit 22. For example, the control unit 29 receives touch operations on the GUI (Graphical User Interface) displayed on the screen of the display unit 21 via the touch panel 23.

[0026] When the control unit 29 is waiting for user input on the operation unit 22 or touch panel 23, etc., it displays the home screen HG shown in Figure 3 on the display unit 21. The control unit 29 displays the function keys 31, 32, 33, etc., for selecting one of the following: copy job, facsimile job, scan job, etc., and the job execution history 36 on the home screen HG on the display unit 21. The control unit 29 displays the job keys 41, 42, 43, etc., which indicate the setting information of each job that has already been executed, in chronological order on the job execution history 36 on the display unit 21.

[0027] The control unit 29 displays a scroll bar 46 on the side of the job execution history 36 on the display unit 21. When the user performs a slide operation on the scroll bar 46, the control unit 29 detects the slide instruction on the scroll bar 46 via the touch panel 23 and scrolls through the job keys in the job execution history 36 according to the slide instruction.

[0028] For example, when a user touches the function key 31 for selecting a copy job on the home screen HG, the control unit 29 receives the instruction associated with the function key 31 via the touch panel 23 and displays the copy job function setting screen KG shown in Figure 4 on the display unit 21 instead of the home screen HG. The control unit 29 displays on the display unit 21 a plurality of buttons B and a plurality of boxes T for setting the copy job setting information SJ, as well as the job execution history 36, etc.

[0029] The user inputs instructions such as the size of the recording paper, color or monochrome, and the number of copies to be printed by touching button B or box T, etc., via the touch panel 23. The user also places the original document in the image reading unit 11 and inputs an instruction to execute a copy job by operating the start key on the operation unit 22. The control unit 29 receives each instruction corresponding to button B or box T, etc., via the touch panel 23 and generates copy job setting information SJ that includes information such as the size of the recording paper, color or monochrome, and the number of copies to be printed, as indicated by each instruction received. In accordance with the copy job execution instruction, the control unit 29 causes the image reading unit 11 to read the image of the original document based on the settings in the copy job setting information SJ, and causes the image forming unit 12 to form the image of the original document on the recording paper.

[0030] At this time, the control unit 29 creates a new job key that indicates the setting information SJ of the generated copy job, assigns an identifier ID to the new job key, and stores it in a storage area consisting of non-volatile memory built into the control unit 28, for example. The control unit 29 also displays the new job key at the top of the job execution history 36 on the home screen HG on the display unit 21, and displays the previously displayed job keys side by side below the new job key.

[0031] On the other hand, when a user touches the function key 32 for selecting a facsimile job on the home screen HG, the control unit 29 receives the instruction associated with the function key 32 via the touch panel 23 and displays the facsimile job function setting screen on the display unit 21 instead of the home screen HG. The user touches buttons or boxes on the facsimile job function setting screen to input instructions via the touch panel 23, indicating the resolution and the telephone number of the receiving facsimile device. The user also places the document in the image reading unit 11 and operates the start key on the operation unit 22 to input the instruction to execute the facsimile job.

[0032] At this time, the control unit 29 receives each instruction corresponding to the buttons or boxes, etc., through the touch panel 23, and generates facsimile job setting information SJ that indicates the resolution indicated by each instruction, the telephone number of the destination facsimile device, etc. In accordance with the instruction to execute the facsimile job, the control unit 29 causes the image reading unit 11 to read the image of the document with the settings indicated by the facsimile job setting information SJ, and transmits the image of the document to the destination via the facsimile communication unit 24.

[0033] The control unit 29 creates a new job key that indicates the setting information SJ of the generated facsimile job, assigns an identifier ID to the new job key, and stores it in the storage area. The control unit 29 also displays the new job key at the top of the job execution history 36 on the home screen HG on the display unit 21, and displays the previously displayed job keys side by side below the new job key.

[0034] On the other hand, when the user touches the function key 33 for selecting a scan job on the home screen HG, the control unit 29 receives the instruction corresponding to the function key 33 via the touch panel 23 and displays the scan job function setting screen on the display unit 21 instead of the home screen HG. The user touches buttons or boxes on the scan job function setting screen to input instructions indicating the resolution and output destination (USB memory or internal memory) via the touch panel 23. The user also places the document in the image reading unit 11 and inputs the instruction to execute the scan job by operating the start key on the operation unit 22.

[0035] The control unit 29 receives instructions corresponding to the buttons or boxes, etc., through the touch panel 23 and generates scan job setting information SJ indicating the resolution and output destination indicated by the instructions. In accordance with the scan job execution instructions, the control unit 29 causes the image reading unit 11 to read the image of the document according to the contents indicated by the scan job setting information SJ, and stores the image of the document in the USB memory or main unit memory connected to the image processing device 10.

[0036] The control unit 29 creates a new job key that indicates the configuration information SJ of the generated scan job, assigns an identifier ID to the job key, and stores it in the storage area. The control unit 29 also displays the new job key at the top of the job execution history 36 on the home screen HG on the display unit 21, and displays the previously displayed job keys side by side below the new job key.

[0037] In this way, the image processing device 10 executes copy jobs, facsimile jobs, scan jobs, etc., and each time it executes one of these jobs, it creates a new job key that indicates the job's configuration information SJ, and displays the new job key at the top of the job execution history 36 on the home screen HG. As a result, the job execution history 36 displays multiple job keys, each indicating the configuration information SJ of multiple jobs, in the order in which each job was executed, i.e., in chronological order.

[0038] Furthermore, when the control unit 29 executes a job, it stores the configuration information SJ, including the type of job executed, as job history information RD in the storage unit 26. The storage unit 26 stores, as job history information RD, combinations of configuration information SJ, the job execution date and time, and the job key identifier ID sequentially for each job in chronological order, for example, as shown in Figure 5. The contents of each of the above combinations stored for each job are shown for each job key in the job execution history 36 on the home screen HG.

[0039] The control unit 29 displays the home key HK (shown in Figure 4) on the display unit 21 on the function setting screen for copy jobs, facsimile jobs, or scan jobs. When the user touches the home key, the control unit 29 receives a screen switching instruction via the touch panel 23. In accordance with the screen switching instruction, the control unit 29 displays the home screen HG on the display unit 21 instead of the job function setting screen.

[0040] In this embodiment, the control unit 29 displays multiple setting items constituting the setting information SJ on the display unit 21 for the job key in the job execution history 36. When a user touches the display portion of the setting item of the setting information SJ displayed on the job key, the control unit 29 receives a display instruction via the touch panel 23 for a pop-up window to change the setting item associated with the setting item of the setting information SJ of the job key. In accordance with this display instruction, the control unit 29 displays the pop-up window on the display unit 21. Note that the pop-up window is an example of a setting change window in the claims.

[0041] When a user touches the pop-up window and enters a change instruction to modify the contents of a setting item, the control unit 29 receives the change instruction through the touch panel 23, modifies the setting information SJ (content before modification) of the touched job based on the contents of the setting item indicated by the change instruction (content after modification), and generates setting information SJ for another job. The control unit 29 adds the generated setting information SJ for another job to the job history information RD and stores it in the storage unit 26. Furthermore, the control unit 29 creates a new job key that indicates the setting information SJ for another job and displays the new job key at the top of the job execution history 36 on the display unit 21.

[0042] This makes it possible to change the value of the job setting item indicated by the job key simply by touching the job key in the job execution history 36, without having to touch the job function setting screen, and generate setting information SJ for another job and its job key that includes the changed content.

[0043] Next, the control procedure for the job setting process to execute a job based on the changed setting information SJ of another job, after modifying the setting information SJ displayed in the job key in the job execution history 36 as described above, will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 6.

[0044] First, the control unit 29 displays the home screen HG shown in Figure 3 on the display unit 21 and waits for a user to touch the home screen HG (step S101). For example, when the user touches any function key on the home screen HG, the control unit 29 receives an instruction corresponding to the touched function key through the touch panel 23 (referred to as "function key" in step S101).

[0045] The control unit 29, instead of the home screen HG, displays a job function setting screen on the display unit 21 for inputting values ​​for each setting item for the function corresponding to the touched function key, in accordance with the instruction (step S102). When the control unit 29 transitions the screen displayed on the display unit 21, it erases the job key of the unexecuted job in the job execution history 36 (step S103). That is, the control unit 29 hides the job key and deletes the setting information SJ for the unexecuted job from the job history information RD. The job key of an unexecuted job will be described in detail later.

[0046] When the control unit 29 detects a touch operation on a button or box on the job function setting screen via the touch panel 23, it receives an instruction corresponding to the touched button or box on the function setting screen, sets the value of the setting item based on the content indicated by each instruction, and generates job setting information SJ (step S104). The control unit 29 executes the job according to the content indicated by the setting information SJ, in accordance with the execution instruction entered into the operation unit 22 by the user's operation on the start key (step S105). The control unit 29 stores the job setting information SJ, the job execution date and time, and the job key identifier ID in the job history information RD in the storage unit 26 (step S106). The control unit 29 creates a new job key that indicates the setting information SJ and displays the new job key at the top of the job execution history 36 on the home screen HG (step S107).

[0047] On the other hand, when a user touches any of the job keys in the job execution history 36 on the home screen HG, the control unit 29 detects the touch operation on the job key via the touch panel 23 (referred to as "job key" in step S101) and determines which part of the job key's display area the touch operation was performed on (step S108). The part of the job key that is the target of the touch operation is either an image indicating the type of job (hereinafter referred to as "job type") 52, or an image indicating each setting item that constitutes the job setting information SJ (hereinafter referred to as "setting item") 51, as shown in Figure 3.

[0048] For example, when a user touches the job type 52 in the job key, and the control unit 29 receives a specification instruction via the touch panel 23 to specify the setting information for the job indicated by that job key (in step S108, "type"), the control unit 29 displays the function setting screen for the job indicated by that job key on the display unit 21 (step S109). When the control unit 29 transitions the screen displayed on the display unit 21 in this way, it erases the job key of the unexecuted job in the job execution history 36 (step S110). That is, the control unit 29 hides the job key and deletes the setting information SJ and job type for the unexecuted job from the job history information RD.

[0049] When the user operates the start key, the control unit 29 receives a job execution instruction corresponding to the operation of the start key and executes the job according to the settings information SJ of the touched job key (step S111). The control unit 29 displays the touched job key at the top of the job execution history 36 on the home screen HG (step S112). After the processing in step S112, the control unit 29 returns to the processing in step S101.

[0050] If the control unit 29 receives a job execution instruction without having operated the function settings screen and without receiving a change instruction to modify the settings of the job, it executes the job using the settings information SJ of the touched job key. If the control unit 29 receives a job execution instruction after having operated the function settings screen and receiving a change instruction to modify the settings of the job, it executes the job using the settings information SJ that consists of the modified settings indicated by the change instruction.

[0051] Furthermore, if the control unit 29 changes the setting information SJ, it stores the changed job's setting information SJ, the job's execution date and time, and the job key identifier ID in the job history information RD in the storage unit 26. The control unit 29 then creates a new job key that represents the setting information SJ and displays the new job key at the top of the job execution history 36 on the home screen HG.

[0052] On the other hand, when a user touches a setting item 51 on a job key, and the control unit 29 receives a specification instruction via the touch panel 23 to specify the setting information for the job indicated by the job key (referred to as "setting item" in step S108), the control unit 29 displays a pop-up window PW on the display unit 21 to instruct the user to change the content of the touched setting item and execute the job, as shown in Figure 7A (step S113).

[0053] The control unit 29 displays, for example, a box 54 for indicating the size of the recording paper as a setting item 51, a confirmation key 55, and an execution key 56 on the display unit 21 in a pop-up window PW.

[0054] When a user touches box 54, the control unit 29 receives an instruction via the touch panel 23 to display, for example, multiple types of recording paper sizes in a pull-down menu. When the user touches one of the display areas of the multiple types of recording paper sizes displayed in the pull-down menu, the control unit 29 receives a size display instruction via the touch panel 23 and displays the recording paper size indicated by the display instruction in box 54, as shown in Figure 7B (step S114). The control unit 29 waits for a touch operation on the OK key 55 or the Execute key 56 (step S115).

[0055] When the user touches the confirmation key 55 (in step S115, "Confirmation Key"), the control unit 29 receives a change instruction via the touch panel 23 to change a setting item in the setting information SJ, such as the recording paper size, to the recording paper size displayed in the box 54, and changes the recording paper size to the displayed recording paper size. That is, the control unit 29 generates setting information SJ for another job that includes a setting item indicating the changed recording paper size, and stores the setting information SJ for another job in the job history information RD in the storage unit 26 (step S116).

[0056] Furthermore, the control unit 29 creates a new job key indicating the setting information SJ for another job, and instructs the display unit 21 to highlight the new job key at the top of the job execution history 36 (step S117). The control unit 29 instructs the display unit 21 to highlight the job key by displaying it in a way that differs from other job keys, such as surrounding it with a thick line, increasing its brightness, or changing its color. After processing in step S117, the control unit 29 returns to processing in step S113. In this case, in step S113, the control unit 29 instructs the display unit 21 to display the changed recording paper size in the box 54 that shows the setting items in the pop-up window PW.

[0057] In this case, the control unit 29 maintains the home screen HG displayed on the display unit 21 and does not change the screen displayed on the display unit 21. In this case, the control unit 29 does not delete the job keys of unexecuted jobs in the job execution history 36.

[0058] In this way, when a user touches any job key in the job execution history 36, a pop-up window PW is displayed on the display unit 21, and the contents of the setting item 51 are changed through the pop-up window PW. When the user touches the confirmation key 55, each time, the job key indicating the setting information SJ of the job to which the changed setting item 51 is reflected is displayed at the very top of the job execution history 36 in an highlighted state.

[0059] As a result, as shown in Figure 8, for example, when job keys 41B, 41A, and 41, each representing different configuration information SJ for a copy job, are sequentially created based on the operation of the decision key 55, the job execution history 36 displays the job keys 41B, 41A, and 41 in order from the most recent to the most prominent, with the newest being prioritized. The control unit 29 highlights the job keys for which the job has not yet been executed.

[0060] Meanwhile, the control unit 29 displays the paper size indicated by the display instruction in the box 54 of the pop-up window PW on the display unit 21 (step S114), and while waiting for a touch operation for the OK key 55 or the Execute key 56 (step S115), when the user touches the Execute key 56 (referred to as "Execute key" in step S115), the control unit 29 receives a job execution instruction corresponding to the Execute key 56 through the touch panel 23 and executes the job according to the contents indicated by the job setting information SJ, which includes a setting item indicating the paper size displayed in the box 54 (step S120).

[0061] In other words, if the job configuration information specified in step S108 has not been changed, the control unit 29 executes the job according to the contents indicated by the specified job configuration information. If the job configuration information specified in step S108 has been changed in step S116, the control unit 29 executes the job according to the contents indicated by the changed job configuration information. The control unit 29 displays the job key indicating the executed job at the top of the job execution history 36 (step S121). After processing in step S121, the control unit 29 returns to processing in step S101.

[0062] In this way, when a user touches any job key in the job execution history 36, a pop-up window PW is displayed on the display unit 21, and the contents of setting item 51 are changed through the pop-up window PW. If the user then touches the execution key 56, the other job is immediately executed based on the setting information SJ of another job that reflects the contents of the changed setting item 51, without the function setting screen being displayed, and the job key indicating the setting information SJ of the other job is displayed at the top of the job execution history 36.

[0063] Furthermore, the control unit 29 erases each unexecuted job key that is highlighted in the job execution history 36 when the home screen HG is switched to the job function setting screen in steps S103 and S110 as described above. In addition, the control unit 29 also erases each unexecuted job key that is highlighted when the display screen of the display unit 21 is switched to a screen of another level. When the display screen is switched to the function setting screen, etc., a job with new settings is executed by operating the function setting screen, and a new job history is added. For this reason, the control unit 29 deletes the setting information SJ of jobs that remain unexecuted and are unlikely to be used in the future from the job history information RD in the storage unit 26, hides the job key that indicates the setting information SJ of the job to be deleted, and displays the job key that indicates the setting information SJ of other jobs that are relatively likely to be used in the future in the job execution history 36 for the user to see. This prevents an increase in the number of unexecuted job keys displayed in the job execution history 36, and the user can see only useful job keys.

[0064] As described above, in this embodiment, when a touch operation is performed on a setting item 51 of the setting information SJ for any job key in the job execution history 36, a pop-up window PW, which serves as a setting change window, is displayed on the display unit 21. When the content of the setting item 51 of the setting information SJ is changed through the pop-up window PW, another job's setting information SJ is generated that reflects the changed content of the setting item 51, and a job key indicating the setting information SJ for the other job containing the changed content is displayed at the top of the job execution history 36.

[0065] As a result, without touching the job function settings screen, it is possible to create a new job key that indicates the settings information SJ of another job whose settings have been changed, and the settings information SJ of another job, with relatively few touch operations on the job key in the job execution history 36.

[0066] Furthermore, if the content of setting item 51 of the configuration information SJ is changed via the popup window PW, and the execution key 56 of the popup window PW is touched, a new job configuration information SJ is generated that reflects the changed content of setting item 51. In addition, another job is executed based on the configuration information SJ of the other job, a new job key indicating the configuration information SJ of the other job is created, and the new job key is displayed at the top of the job execution history 36.

[0067] As a result, jobs with modified configuration information SJ can be executed with relatively few touch operations on the job key in the job execution history 36, without requiring any touch operations on the job function settings screen.

[0068] In the above embodiment, the control unit 29 displays a box 54 showing the contents of the setting item 51, a confirmation key 55, and an execution key 56 in a pop-up window PW on the display unit 21. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the control unit 29 may omit the display of the execution key 56 and display only the box 54 and the confirmation key 55 in the pop-up window PW, as shown in Figure 9. In this case, when the user changes the contents of the setting item 51 in the box 54 and presses the confirmation key 55, the control unit 29 generates setting information SJ for another job that reflects the changed contents of the setting item 51, and stores the setting information SJ for another job in the storage unit 26. The control unit 29 also creates a new job key that indicates the setting information SJ for another job, and displays the new job key at the top of the job execution history 36 on the display unit 21. When a user touches a new job key type 52, the control unit 29 receives a job execution instruction corresponding to the job key type 52 via the touch panel 23 and executes the job according to the job execution instruction, with the contents indicated by the configuration information SJ of another job.

[0069] In the above embodiment, whenever the content of setting item 51 is changed in the box 54 displayed in the pop-up window PW, the control unit 29 generates setting information SJ for another job that reflects the changed content of setting item 51, and displays a new job key indicating the setting information SJ for another job at the top of the job execution history 36 on the display unit 21. At that time, the control unit 29 displays the job keys 41B, 41A, and 41, each representing a different setting information SJ for a copy job, on the display unit 21, for example as shown in Figure 8, in order with the newest one on top, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, whenever the content of setting item 51 is changed in the box 54 displayed in the pop-up window PW, the control unit 29 may display an image on the display unit 21 showing a new job key indicating the setting information SJ for another job that reflects the changed content of setting item 51, superimposed on the original job key before the setting item was changed.

[0070] For example, as shown in Figure 10, the control unit 29 sequentially displays job keys 41B, 41A, 41, etc., which represent different setting information SJ for each copy job, on the display unit 21. In this case, when the user touches the uppermost job key in the overlap, the control unit 29 performs the processing from step S108 onwards, as shown in Figure 6, for the job indicated by the touched job key.

[0071] On the other hand, when the user flicks the uppermost job key in the overlap, the control unit 29 receives an image change instruction corresponding to the flick operation via the touch panel 23, and in accordance with the image change instruction, displays the flicked job key as the lowest in the overlap on the display unit 21, and displays the job key that was displayed overlapping the flicked job key as the uppermost.

[0072] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the control unit 29 erases each unexecuted job key that is highlighted in the job execution history 36 when the display unit 21 transitions to another screen, etc., but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the control unit 29 may erase a job key when the display time of the job key reaches a predetermined time (for example, 24 hours). In this case, the control unit 29 measures the display time from the time the job key was displayed for each unexecuted job key that is highlighted in the job execution history 36, and erases the job key when the display time reaches a predetermined time.

[0073] Furthermore, although a multifunction device is used as the image processing device according to the present invention in the above embodiment, this is merely one example, and other image processing devices such as photocopiers may also be used.

[0074] The configurations and processes of the embodiments described above with reference to Figures 1 to 10 are merely examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not intended to be limited to these configurations and processes.

Claims

1. Display unit and An image processing apparatus comprising an operating unit that receives instructions in response to user operations, The display unit displays a job execution history, which arranges multiple job information chronologically, and a screen that displays multiple function keys arranged in a sequence. The job execution history displays the information of completed jobs and the information of uncompleted jobs side by side. When the operation unit receives a command to select the completed job information, it will display a settings screen based on the completed job information on the display unit. When a setting change is made on the aforementioned settings screen, a new job can be executed based on the changed settings. An image processing device that highlights the aforementioned unexecuted job information in a different format from other job information.

2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the highlighting is performed by displaying the unexecuted job information in a different color from other job information.

3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the highlighting is performed by displaying the unexecuted job information by changing at least one of the border, brightness, or color.

4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein if the aforementioned screen is switched, the unexecuted job information is deleted from the job execution history.

5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the unexecuted job information was displayed in the job display area, the unexecuted job information is deleted from the job execution history.

6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when a setting change is made on the setting screen, new job information corresponding to the content after the setting change is displayed in the job display area as a separate job from the completed job information.

7. An image processing apparatus comprising a display unit and an operation unit that receives instructions in response to user operations, The display unit has a job display area that displays multiple job information arranged in chronological order, and a menu area that displays multiple function buttons arranged in a sequence. In the aforementioned job display area, information on completed jobs and information on uncompleted jobs are displayed side by side. When the operation unit receives a command to select the completed job information, it will display a settings screen based on the completed job information on the display unit. When a setting change is made on the aforementioned settings screen, a new job can be executed based on the changed settings. An image processing device that highlights the aforementioned unexecuted job information in a different format from other job information.

8. A computer comprising a display unit and an operation unit that receives instructions in response to user operations, The steps include displaying a job display area on the display unit, which displays multiple job information arranged in chronological order, and a menu area, which displays multiple function buttons arranged in a sequence. The steps include displaying completed job information and uncompleted job information side by side in the job display area, When the operation unit receives a command to select the completed job information, the operation unit displays a settings screen based on the completed job information on the display unit. When a setting change is made on the aforementioned settings screen, the step of enabling the execution of a new job based on the changed settings is as follows: A job management program that performs the steps of highlighting the aforementioned unexecuted job information in a different format from other job information.

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