Information processing device and setting control method therefor

Abstract

To improve operability in an information processing device having a plurality of operation modes like a compound machine.SOLUTION: According to the present invention, a compound machine (10) has a plurality of operation modes, such as a fax transmission mode, an e-mail transmission mode, and a shared folder transmission mode. In addition, the compound machine (10) has a job program function which can register setting content of an operation condition about an optional operation mode as a job program, call it when needed, and reproduce the same state as that of a registration time of the job program. In particular, according to the job program function, setting content about another operation mode having a function that does not exist in a currently set operation mode is called, and an operation condition following the called setting content and an operation mode corresponding to the operation condition can be set.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 18

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device and a setting control method in the information processing device, and more particularly to an information processing device having a plurality of operation modes and a setting control method in the information processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] An example of an information processing device having multiple operation modes is a multifunction peripheral (MFP). That is, a multifunction peripheral has multiple functions such as a copy function, a printer function, an image scanner function, and a facsimile function, and has multiple operation modes corresponding to these multiple functions. In such a multifunction peripheral, a configuration may be provided in which the contents (conditions) set in any operation mode can be registered and can be called up when necessary. As an example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which, in a copy mode of a multifunction peripheral, the contents set on a basic screen of the copy mode are registered, and when the registered setting contents are read out, a basic screen reflecting the setting contents is displayed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-37017 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As mentioned above, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for registering settings on a basic screen in a single operation mode, such as a copy mode of a multifunction machine, and displaying the basic screen reflecting the settings when the registered settings are read out. However, Patent Document 1 does not disclose anything about, for example, calling up settings set in a certain operation mode in another operation mode. How to deal with such a case is extremely important for an information processing device with multiple operation modes, such as a multifunction machine, particularly from the viewpoint of improving its operability.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENTS Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a novel technique that can improve the operability of an information processing device having a plurality of operation modes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve this object, the present invention includes a first invention relating to an information processing device, and a second invention relating to a setting control method in an information processing device.

[0007] Of these, a first invention relating to an information processing device is premised on the fact that the information processing device has a plurality of operation modes. Under this premise, the first invention comprises an operation acceptance means, a storage means, and a control means. The operation acceptance means accepts a user operation. The storage means stores the setting contents of any operation condition for any operation mode set in accordance with the user operation accepted by the operation acceptance means. The control means then: A first of a plurality of operating modes When the operation mode is set, A first of a plurality of operating modes Has features not present in the operating mode Second When a user operation for calling up the setting contents of the operation mode from the storage means is accepted by the operation acceptance means, the setting contents are called up from the storage means, and an operation condition according to the setting contents called up from the storage means and a corresponding operation condition are selected. Second The operation mode, i.e., the setting contents recalled from the storage means, is associated with the Second The operation mode is set.

[0008] The control means is No. 1 With the operation mode set to The first of the plurality of operating modes Has functions present in the operating mode Third Similarly, when a user operation for calling up the setting contents of the operation mode from the storage means is accepted by the operation acceptance means, the setting contents are called up from the storage means, and the operation conditions according to the setting contents called up from the storage means and the operation conditions corresponding to the setting contents are calculated. Third The operation mode, i.e., the setting contents recalled from the storage means, is associated with the Third The operation mode is set.

[0009] The multiple operation modes referred to here are a fax transmission mode for transmitting image data by fax, an e-mail transmission mode for transmitting image data by e-mail, and a shared folder transmission mode for transmitting image data to a pre-specified shared folder. And It may include.

[0010] In the first aspect of the present invention, a display means may be further provided. In this case, when retrieving the setting contents from the storage means, the control means may cause the display means to display a call screen for retrieving the setting contents from the storage means.

[0011] It is preferable that the call screen is a screen common to a plurality of operation modes.

[0012] A setting control method for an information processing device according to a second aspect of the present invention is based on the premise that the information processing device includes an operation receiving means for receiving a user operation, and a storage means, and has a plurality of operation modes. Under this premise, the second aspect of the present invention includes a storage step and a control step. In the storage step, the setting contents of any operation condition for any operation mode set in accordance with the user operation received by the operation receiving means are stored in the storage means. Then, in the control step, The first of several operating modes When the operation mode is set, A first of a plurality of operating modesHas features not present in the operating mode Second When a user operation for calling up the setting contents of the operation mode from the storage means is accepted by the operation acceptance means, the setting contents are called up from the storage means, and an operation condition according to the setting contents called up from the storage means and a corresponding operation condition are selected. Second The operation mode, i.e., the setting contents recalled from the storage means, is associated with the Second The operation mode is set. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the operability of an information processing device having a plurality of operation modes, such as a multifunction peripheral. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an initial state of an e-mail sending screen in one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an initial state of the fax transmission screen in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of another state of the e-mail sending screen. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a program registration screen in the email transmission mode. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a program name setting screen in the email transmission mode. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram conceptually showing the configuration of a job program table in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a program call screen in the fax transmission mode. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the initial state of the shared folder transmission screen in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the initial state of the resolution setting screen in the email transmission mode. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the initial state of the resolution setting screen in the shared folder transmission mode. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of another state of the resolution setting screen in the email transmission mode. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of another state of the e-mail sending screen. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of another state of the program registration screen in the email transmission mode. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of another state of the program name setting screen in the email transmission mode. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a program call screen in the shared folder transmission mode. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a memory map conceptually showing the internal configuration of the RAM of the main storage unit in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a flow diagram showing the flow of a setting call task executed by a CPU in one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to a multifunction peripheral 10 shown in FIG.

[0016] The multifunction device 10 according to this embodiment has multiple functions such as a copy function, a printer function, an image scanner function, a facsimile function, etc. To this end, the multifunction device 10 has an image reading unit 12, an image forming unit 14, a control unit 16, an auxiliary storage unit 18, a communication unit 20, a display unit 22, and an operation unit 24. These are connected to each other via a common bus 26.

[0017] The image reading unit 12 is an example of an image reading means. That is, the image reading unit 12 performs image reading processing by reading an image of an original (not shown) and outputting two-dimensional image data corresponding to the image of the original. Such an image reading unit 12 includes an original placement table (not shown) on which an original is placed. In addition, the image reading unit 12 includes an image reading unit including a light source, a plurality of mirrors, an imaging lens, a line sensor, and the like (not shown). Furthermore, the image reading unit 12 includes a drive mechanism (not shown) for moving the image reading unit. The image reading unit 12 may also include an automatic document feeder (ADF) (not shown). This image reading unit 12 is used to realize, among other things, a copy function, an image scanner function, and a facsimile function (fax transmission function).

[0018] The image forming unit 14 is an example of an image forming means. That is, the image forming unit 14 performs image forming processing to form an image on a sheet-like image recording medium such as paper (not shown) by a known electrophotographic method. Such an image forming unit 14 includes a photosensitive drum, a charging device, an exposure device, a developing device, a transfer device, a fixing device, and the like (not shown). The paper on which an image has been formed by the image forming processing by the image forming unit 14, that is, a printed matter, is discharged to a paper discharge tray (not shown). The image forming unit 14 may be capable of performing not only black and white image forming processing but also color image forming processing. The image forming unit 14 is not limited to the electrophotographic method, and may employ, for example, an inkjet method. The image forming unit 14 is used to realize, among other things, a copy function, a printer function, and a facsimile function (fax receiving function).

[0019] The control unit 16 is an example of a control means that controls the overall control of the multifunction device 10. For this purpose, the control unit 16 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 16a as a control execution means. In addition, the control unit 16 has a main memory unit 16b as a main memory means that the CPU 16a can directly access. The main memory unit 16b includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), not shown, and also includes a rewritable non-volatile memory such as a flash memory. The ROM stores a control program (firmware) for controlling the operation of the CPU 16a. The RAM constitutes a working area and a buffer area when the CPU 16a executes processing based on the control program. The rewritable non-volatile memory stores data that may be rewritten, such as a job program table 500 described later.

[0020] The auxiliary storage unit 18 is an example of an auxiliary storage means, and includes, for example, a hard disk (not shown). The auxiliary storage unit 18 may also include a rewritable non-volatile memory separate from that in the main storage unit 16b. Various types of data, such as image data output from the image reading unit 12 and data received via the communication unit 20 described next, are stored in the auxiliary storage unit 18 as necessary.

[0021] The communication unit 20 is an example of a communication means that handles two-way communication processing via a communication line such as a public telephone line or a network (not shown). The connection between the communication unit 20 and the communication line may be wired or wireless. The communication unit 20 is used to realize, among other things, a printer function, a facsimile function, and an image scanner function (such as an e-mail transmission function described later).

[0022] The display unit 22 has a display 22a as an example of a display means. The display 22a is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), but is not limited thereto and may be an organic electroluminescence (EL) display, etc. In addition to the display 22a, the display unit 22 has an appropriate light-emitting element such as a light-emitting diode (LED) (not shown).

[0023] The operation unit 24 is an example of an operation receiving means for receiving user operations, and in particular has a sheet-like touch panel 24a. The touch panel 24a is provided by overlapping the display surface of the display 22a. The touch panel 24a is, for example, of a capacitance type, but is not limited thereto and may be of other types such as an electromagnetic induction type, a resistive film type, or an infrared type. In addition to the touch panel 24a, the operation unit 24 has appropriate hardware switches such as push button switches (not shown).

[0024] Now, the multifunction machine 10 according to the present embodiment has a plurality of functions as described above, and has a plurality of operation modes corresponding to these functions. For example, an operation mode called a copy mode is provided corresponding to the copy function. Then, a printer mode is provided corresponding to the printer function. Furthermore, an image scanner mode is provided corresponding to the image scanner function. Note that, for example, an e-mail transmission function is an extended function of the image scanner function. This e-mail transmission function is a function of transmitting image data obtained by the image scanner function (image reading process by the image reading unit 12) by e-mail. An e-mail transmission mode is provided corresponding to this e-mail transmission function. In addition, for example, a shared folder transmission function is another extended function of the image scanner function. This shared folder transmission function is a function of transmitting (saving) image data obtained by the image scanner function to a previously designated shared folder. A shared folder transmission mode is provided corresponding to this shared folder transmission function. The facsimile function includes a fax transmission function and a fax reception function. Of these, a fax transmission mode is provided corresponding to the fax transmission function, and a fax reception mode is provided corresponding to the fax reception function.

[0025] In addition, the multifunction device 10 according to this embodiment has a job program function that allows the user to register the settings of the operating conditions for any operating mode and to call them up when necessary. With this job program function, the registered settings can be called up in the same operating mode as when they were registered, or in an operating mode different from when they were registered. In either case, the operating conditions according to the called settings and the operating mode corresponding to the operating conditions are set. Additionally, an operation screen according to the called settings is displayed on the display 22a. In other words, the state at the time of registration is reproduced.

[0026] As a specific example, a case will be described in which a certain setting content of the operating conditions for an e-mail transmission mode is registered, and this setting content is called up in a fax transmission mode different from the e-mail transmission mode.

[0027] First, in the email sending mode, an email sending screen 100 as shown in Fig. 2 is displayed on the display 22a as an operation screen. Note that the email sending screen 100 shown in Fig. 2 shows the initial state of the email sending screen 100.

[0028] This e-mail sending screen 100 includes a strip display area 110 and a main display area 120. Of these, strip display area 110 is a horizontally long strip area that occupies the upper part of e-mail sending screen 100. An appropriate mode mark 112 is arranged on the left edge of strip display area 110 as a title mark of e-mail sending screen 100. In addition, a job status check button 114 for checking the status of the current job is arranged on the right edge of strip display area 110.

[0029] Meanwhile, the main display area 120 is the area of ​​the e-mail sending screen 100 other than the strip display area 110, that is, a rectangular area occupying most of the e-mail sending screen 100. An address book button 122 for opening an address book is arranged in the upper left part of the main display area 120. Since address books are common, detailed explanations thereof will be omitted. Then, to the right of the address book button 122, a field 124 for inputting the destination (destination) of the e-mail is arranged. Furthermore, below the address book button 122 and the destination input field 124, a field 126 for inputting the subject of the e-mail and a field 128 for inputting the name (file name) of the file to be sent by the e-mail are arranged vertically.

[0030] In addition, below the file name input field 128 and to the left of the main display area 120, a number of setting buttons 130, 130, ... are arranged vertically. These setting buttons 130, 130, ... are controls for setting each parameter in the image scanner mode. As one of these setting buttons 130, 130, ..., a resolution setting button 130a is provided for setting the reading resolution of the document in the image scanner mode, or strictly speaking, for proceeding with the operation. In addition, a character string representing the current reading resolution, here "200 x 200 dpi", is attached to this resolution setting button 130a. And below the arrangement of the setting buttons 130, 130, ... and in the lower left part of the main display area 120, an other function display button 132 for displaying a list of setting buttons other than the setting buttons 130, 130, ... is arranged. Furthermore, below the center of the main display area 120, a display area 134 for displaying the document reading size (read size) in the image scanner mode and the like is disposed.

[0031] An action panel 136 is arranged in the upper right part of the main display area 120. In this action panel 136, a plurality of buttons 138, 138, ... are arranged vertically. These buttons 138, 138, ... are operators corresponding to detailed functions that can be used in the e-mail transmission mode. As one of these buttons 138, 138, ..., a program call button 138a for calling up registered setting contents, so to speak a job program, is provided. In addition, a destination link send button 138b corresponding to a function of sending a destination link is provided. The destination link send function is a function of saving image data obtained by the image scanner function in an appropriate destination such as the auxiliary storage unit 18 in the e-mail transmission mode, and sending information about the destination (not the image data itself) by e-mail. In addition, a destination link send button 138b is provided with a check box 138c. As described later, when the destination link send function is enabled, a check mark is entered in this check box 138c. In other words, whether or not a check mark is entered in check box 138c indicates whether or not the function for sending the link to the save destination is enabled. Also, a tab 140 for opening and closing the action panel 136 is provided in, for example, the upper left portion of the action panel 136.

[0032] Furthermore, a start button 142 is arranged in the lower right portion of the main display area 120. This start button 142 is an operator for starting the transmission of an e-mail in the e-mail transmission mode. That is, after the items necessary for sending an e-mail in the e-mail transmission mode have been set, the start button 142 is operated (pressed) to start the transmission of an e-mail in the e-mail transmission mode. Note that in addition to the above, various other elements such as buttons (operation keys) are arranged on the e-mail sending screen 100 including the main display area 120 and the aforementioned strip-shaped display area 110, but explanations of those elements not directly related to the gist of the present invention will be omitted.

[0033] On the other hand, in the fax transmission mode, a fax transmission screen 200 as shown in Fig. 3 is displayed on the display 22a as an operation screen. The fax transmission screen 200 shown in Fig. 3 shows the initial state of the fax transmission screen 200.

[0034] Like the aforementioned e-mail transmission screen 100, this fax transmission screen 200 also includes a strip display area 210 and a main display area 220. An appropriate mode mark 212 is arranged at the left end portion of the strip display area 210 as a title mark of the fax transmission screen 200. In addition, a job status check button 214 similar to that in (the strip display area 110 of) the e-mail transmission screen 100 is arranged at the right end portion of the strip display area 210.

[0035] Meanwhile, an address book button 222 is arranged in the upper left portion of the main display area 220, similar to that in (the main display area 120 of) the e-mail sending screen 100. A field 224 for inputting a fax destination is arranged to the right of the address book button 222. Furthermore, below the address book button 222 and the field 224 for inputting a destination, and toward the left of the main display area 220, a plurality of setting buttons 226, 226, ... are arranged vertically, similar to those in the e-mail sending screen 100. Also, below the arrangement of these setting buttons 226, 226, ..., and in the lower left portion of the main display area 220, another function display button 228, similar to that in the e-mail sending screen 100, is arranged.

[0036] In addition, a numeric keypad 230 is arranged in the center of main display area 120, that is, a plurality of buttons 232, 232, ... constituting numeric keypad 230 are arranged. This numeric keypad 230 is used to directly input a fax number of a fax destination into destination input field 224. And, below numeric keypad 230, a display area 234 similar to that in email transmission screen 100 is arranged.

[0037] Furthermore, an action panel 236 is arranged in the upper right portion of the main display area 220. In this action panel 236, a plurality of buttons 238, 238, ... are arranged vertically. These buttons 238, 238, ... are operators corresponding to detailed functions usable in the fax transmission mode. As one of these buttons 238, 238, ..., a program call button 238a similar to that in the email transmission screen 100 is provided. On the other hand, in the fax transmission mode, unlike the email transmission mode, there is no function of transmitting the link of the above-mentioned save destination, and therefore there is no save destination link transmission button corresponding to the function of transmitting the link of the save destination. In the upper left portion of the action panel 236, a tab 240 for opening and closing the action panel 236 is provided.

[0038] A start button 242 is disposed in the lower right portion of the main display area 220. This start button 242 is an operator for starting fax transmission in the fax transmission mode. That is, after the items required for fax transmission in the fax transmission mode have been set, the start button 242 is operated to start fax transmission in the fax transmission mode. Note that various other elements such as buttons are disposed on the fax transmission screen 200 including the main display area 220 and the aforementioned strip display area 210, but explanations of elements not directly related to the gist of the present invention will be omitted.

[0039] For example, in the email transmission screen 100 shown in FIG. 2, it is assumed that the function of transmitting the link of the destination is enabled by operating the destination link transmission button 138b in the action panel 136. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, a check mark is entered in the check box 138c attached to the destination link transmission button 138b, thereby expressing that the function of transmitting the link of the destination is enabled. In addition, instead of the program call button 138a described above in the action panel 136, a program registration button 138d is arranged. This program registration button 138d is an operator for registering the setting contents of the operating conditions of the email transmission mode by the email transmission screen 100, strictly speaking, for proceeding with the operation. Note that, in the case where the operating conditions of the email transmission mode are changed by an operation other than the destination link transmission button 138b, the program registration button 138d is similarly arranged instead of the program call button 138a in the action panel 136.

[0040] 4, it is assumed that program registration button 138d in action panel 136 is operated to register the settings of email sending screen 100. Then, as shown in FIG 5, program registration screen 300 is displayed as a small screen smaller than email sending screen 100 so as to cover a part of email sending screen 100.

[0041] This program registration screen 300 is a screen common to all operation modes including the email transmission mode. A plurality of program registration buttons 302, 302, ... are arranged on this program registration screen 300. Each program registration button 302 is an operator for registering the setting contents of the operation conditions of an arbitrary operation mode, strictly speaking, for further proceeding with the operation. In addition, although ten program registration buttons 302, 302, ... are arranged on the program registration screen 300 shown in FIG. 5, for example, a total of 48 program registration buttons 302 are prepared. That is, in the multifunction device 10 according to this embodiment, a maximum of 48 job programs (setting contents) can be registered. Each job program is assigned an individual program number from "1" to "48". In addition, each program registration button 302 is assigned a character string representing an arbitrary program name, and in the initial state before the job program is registered, a character string representing the corresponding program number is assigned as the program name.

[0042] The program registration buttons 302, 302, ... are arranged vertically in two horizontal rows, for example. A scroll bar 304 is arranged on the right side of the arrangement of the program registration buttons 302, 302, .... By operating this scroll bar 304 (the knob or arrow), the arrangement of the program registration buttons 302, 302, ... can be scrolled, that is, all the program registration buttons 302, 302, ... can be displayed. In addition, an OK button 306 is arranged in the upper right part of the program registration screen 300. When this OK button 306 is operated, the display of the program registration screen 300 disappears, and the display state of the display 22a returns to the state shown in FIG. 4. Note that, when the program registration screen 300 is displayed, the buttons 138, 138, ... in the action panel 136 do not correspond to any detailed functions, and for example, no character strings are attached to them.

[0043] On this program registration screen 300, assume that an arbitrary program registration button 302, for example, program registration button 302a corresponding to program number "1" is operated. Then, in place of the program registration screen 300, a program name setting screen 400 as shown in Fig. 6 is displayed. On the other hand, when the OK button 306 is operated, the display of the program registration screen 300 disappears as described above, and the display state of the display 22a returns to the state shown in Fig. 4.

[0044] 6, like program registration screen 300, program name setting screen 400 is a small screen smaller than e-mail sending screen 100, and is displayed so as to cover a part of e-mail sending screen 100. For example, in the upper right part of program name setting screen 400, a cancel button 402 and an OK button 404 are arranged side by side. And below cancel button 402 and OK button 404, a field 406 for inputting an arbitrary program name is arranged. Note that in FIG. 6, the character string "Send link of save destination" is entered in field 406 for inputting the program name, but in the initial state, a character string representing the corresponding program number (here, the character string "01") is entered.

[0045] Further, below the field 406 for inputting a program name, a software keyboard 408 is arranged, that is, a plurality of buttons 410, 410, ... constituting the software keyboard 408 are arranged. By operating the software keyboard 408, an arbitrary program name is input into the field 406 for inputting a program name described above. When the program name setting screen 400 is displayed, similarly to when the program registration screen 300 described above is displayed, each of the buttons 138, 138, ... in the action panel 136 is in a state in which it does not correspond to any detailed function, and for example, no character string is attached to each of the buttons. In addition, although it is not clear from FIG. 6, when the program name setting screen 400 is displayed, the main display area 120 including the action panel 136 is displayed darker than the program name setting screen 400.

[0046] In this program name setting screen 400, it is assumed that the character string "Send link of save destination" is input in the field 406 for inputting the program name as described above, and then, for example, the OK button 404 is operated. Then, the setting contents shown in FIG. 4 are registered as a job program with the program number "01" in a state associated with the corresponding operation mode (email transmission mode). Specifically, the program number, program name, operation mode, and setting contents are recorded in a state associated with each other in a job program table 500 as shown in FIG. 7. This job program table 500 is stored in the above-mentioned rewritable non-volatile memory of the main storage unit 16b, for example. Then, instead of the program name setting screen 400, a small screen called a message screen (not shown) indicating that the job program has been registered is displayed for a certain period (for example, several seconds), and then the display state of the display 22a returns to the state shown in FIG. 4. At this time, the registered job program may be configured to be set as a shortcut in a favorites folder (not shown) or a home screen. On the other hand, when the cancel button 402 is operated, the program name setting screen 400 disappears without registering the job program, and the display state of the display 22a returns to the state shown in FIG.

[0047] In this way, a job program with the program name "Send link of destination" for the email transmission mode is registered, and then the program call button 238a in the action panel 236 is operated on the fax transmission screen 200 shown in Fig. 3. Then, as shown in Fig. 8, a program call screen 600 is displayed as a small screen smaller than the fax transmission screen 200 so as to cover a part of the fax transmission screen 200.

[0048] This program call screen 600 is a common screen for all operation modes including the fax transmission mode, similar to the program registration screen 300 described above (FIG. 5). This program call screen 600 has one preset program call button 602 and multiple program call buttons 604, 604, .... Each program call button 604, 604, ... is an operator for calling a registered job program, and corresponds to each program registration button 302, 302, ... in the program registration screen 300, including the respective arrangement. That is, a total of 48 program call buttons 604 are prepared. The arrangement of each program call button 604, 604, ... can be scrolled by operating a scroll bar 606 arranged on the right side of the arrangement of each program call button 604, 604, .... In addition, the program call button 604a corresponding to the job program with the program number "1" is provided with the above-mentioned character string "Send link of save destination" set as the program name of the job program.

[0049] The preset program call button 602 is disposed above the row of program call buttons 604, 604, ..., more specifically, above the program call button 604a corresponding to the job program having the program number "1." This preset program call button 602 is an operator for calling up the initial values ​​(default values) of the operating conditions for each operating mode.

[0050] Furthermore, an OK button 608 is provided in the upper right portion of the program call screen 600. When this OK button 608 is operated, the display of the program call screen 600 disappears, and the display state of the display 22a returns to the state shown in Fig. 3. When the program call screen 600 is displayed, each of the buttons 238, 238, ... in the action panel 236 serves as an operator for editing a registered job program, or strictly speaking, for proceeding with the operation.

[0051] On this program call screen 600, it is assumed that the program call button 604 corresponding to a registered job program, for example, the program call button 604a corresponding to the job program with the program name "Send link to save destination" described above, is operated. Then, in place of the fax transmission screen 200 including this program call screen 600, the e-mail transmission screen 100 shown in Fig. 4 is displayed on the display 22a. At the same time, an operation mode according to the e-mail transmission screen 100 shown in Fig. 4, that is, an e-mail transmission mode, is set, and operation conditions according to the e-mail transmission screen 100 are set. That is, the same state as when the job program with the program name "Send link to save destination" was registered is reproduced.

[0052] This allows the user to intuitively check the contents of the job program with the program name "Send link to save destination." In addition, the user can immediately use (process) the multifunction device 10 in the operating mode and operating conditions corresponding to the job program with the program name "Send link to save destination."

[0053] When the preset program call button 602 is operated on the program call screen 600 shown in Fig. 8, the default value of the operating condition for the fax transmission mode corresponding to the preset program call button 602 is called. Then, the default value is set and the fax transmission screen 200 with the setting contents according to the default value is displayed, for example, the fax transmission screen 200 in the initial state shown in Fig. 3 is displayed. The default value of the operating condition for each operating mode corresponding to the preset program call button 602 is recorded, for example, in a preset table (not shown) separate from the job program table 500 described above (Fig. 7). This preset table is also stored in the above-mentioned rewritable non-volatile memory constituting the main storage unit 16b, like the job program table 500. The default value recorded in this preset table may be configured to be arbitrarily changed.

[0054] In this specific example, the case has been described where the setting contents of the operating conditions for the email transmission mode in which the detailed function of sending a link to the save destination is enabled are called up on the fax transmission screen 200, which is the operation screen for the fax transmission mode in which the detailed function is not present, but the same applies to other cases. That is, regardless of whether a certain detailed function is present or not, and regardless of whether the operating mode is the same as when the job program is registered and when it is called up as described above, when the program call button 604 corresponding to a registered job program is operated, the same state as when the job program was registered is reproduced.

[0055] Next, as another specific example, a case will be described in which a certain setting content of the operating conditions for an email transmission mode is registered, and this setting content is called up in a shared folder transmission mode which is further different from the email transmission mode and the aforementioned fax transmission mode.

[0056] The e-mail sending screen 100 as the operation screen in the e-mail sending mode is as described above, but in the shared folder sending mode, the shared folder sending screen 700 as shown in Fig. 9 is displayed on the display 22a as the operation screen. The shared folder sending screen 700 shown in Fig. 9 shows the initial state of the shared folder sending screen 700.

[0057] Like the e-mail sending screen 100, this shared folder sending screen 700 also includes a strip display area 710 and a main display area 720. An appropriate mode mark 712 is arranged at the left end portion of the strip display area 710 as a title mark of the shared folder sending screen 700. In addition, a job status check button 714 similar to that in (the strip display area 110 of) the e-mail sending screen 100 is arranged at the right end portion of the strip display area 710.

[0058] Meanwhile, an address book button 722 similar to that in (main display area 120 of) email sending screen 100 is arranged in the upper left portion of main display area 720. Then, a field 724 for specifying a shared folder to be the destination (destination) is arranged to the right of address book button 722. Furthermore, below address book button 722 and destination input field 724, a file name input field 726 similar to that in email sending screen 100 is arranged.

[0059] In addition, below the field 726 for inputting a file name, in the left part of the main display area 720, a plurality of setting buttons 728, 728, ... similar to those in the e-mail sending screen 100 are arranged vertically. As one of these setting buttons 728, 728, ..., a resolution setting button 728a similar to that in the e-mail sending screen 100 is provided. As in the e-mail sending screen 100, a character string indicating the current reading resolution, here the character string "200 x 200 dpi", is added to this resolution setting button 728a. And below the arrangement of the setting buttons 728, 728, ..., in the lower left part of the main display area 720, another function display button 730 similar to that in the e-mail sending screen 100 is arranged. Also, in the lower center part of the main display area 720, a display area 732 similar to that in the e-mail sending screen 100 is arranged.

[0060] Furthermore, an action panel 734 is disposed in the upper right portion of main display area 720. A plurality of buttons 736, 736, ... are disposed vertically within this action panel 734. These buttons 736, 736, ... are operators corresponding to detailed functions usable in the shared folder transmission mode. As one of these buttons 736, 736, ..., a program call button 736a similar to that in email transmission screen 100 is provided. Furthermore, a tab 738 for opening and closing the action panel 734 is provided in the upper left portion of the action panel 734.

[0061] A start button 740 is disposed in the lower right portion of the main display area 720. This start button 740 is an operator for starting the transmission of a file (image data) in the shared folder transmission mode. That is, after the items required for the transmission of a file in the shared folder transmission mode have been set, the transmission of the file in the shared folder transmission mode is started by operating this start button 740. Note that in addition to the above, various other elements such as buttons are disposed on the shared folder transmission screen 700 including the main display area 720 and the aforementioned strip-shaped display area 710, but explanations of those elements not directly related to the gist of the present invention will be omitted.

[0062] For example, suppose that resolution setting button 130a is operated on email sending screen 100 shown in Fig. 2. Then, as shown in Fig. 10, resolution setting screen 800 is displayed as a small screen smaller than email sending screen 100 so as to cover a part of email sending screen 100.

[0063] This resolution setting screen 800 is a common screen for operation modes that can set the reading resolution of a document in the image scanner mode, including the e-mail transmission mode. In addition to the e-mail transmission mode, such operation modes include a shared folder transmission mode, as described below. A drop-down list 802 is arranged in the upper part of the resolution setting screen 800, slightly toward the right. This drop-down list 802 is a selection operator for selecting an operation mode to which the reading resolution setting in the resolution setting screen 800 is applied. When the resolution setting screen 800 is displayed by operating the resolution setting button 130a on the e-mail transmission screen 100, this drop-down list 802 is in its initial state in which the e-mail transmission mode (E-mail) is selected.

[0064] Below the drop-down list 802, a plurality of resolution selection buttons 804, 804, ... are arranged vertically. These resolution selection buttons 804, 804, ... are controls for setting (selecting) the reading resolution of a document using the image scanner function, and strictly speaking, for proceeding with the operation. In the initial state before the reading resolution is set, the reading resolution is set to a value of "200 x 200 dpi". To enable this to be intuitively understood, the resolution selection button 804a corresponding to the reading resolution of "200 x 200 dpi" is displayed in a different manner from the other resolution selection buttons 804, 804, ..., and is given an appropriate color, for example.

[0065] Furthermore, an OK button 806 is arranged in the upper right portion of the resolution setting screen 800. This OK button 806 is an operator for setting the reading resolution by the resolution setting screen 800. That is, by operating this OK button 806, the reading resolution is set by the resolution setting screen 800. Then, the display of the resolution setting screen 800 disappears, and the display state of the display 22a transitions to a state in which the e-mail sending screen 100 is displayed as shown in FIG. 2. In the e-mail sending screen 100 after this transition, the value of the reading resolution set by the resolution setting screen 800 is reflected in the character string representing the reading resolution attached to the resolution setting button 130a. Note that, when the resolution setting screen 800 is displayed as shown in FIG. 10, each button 138, 138, ... in the action panel 136 becomes an operator for setting parameters other than the reading resolution of the document by the image scanner function, or strictly speaking, for proceeding to the operation.

[0066] On the other hand, suppose that the resolution setting button 728a is operated on the shared folder transmission screen 700 shown in Fig. 9. In this case as well, as shown in Fig. 11, a resolution setting screen 800 similar to that shown in Fig. 10 is displayed so as to cover a part of the shared folder transmission screen 700.

[0067] When the resolution setting screen 800 is displayed by operating the resolution setting button 728a on the shared folder transmission screen 700, the drop-down list 802 is initially set to the shared folder transmission mode. Also in this case, the initial setting before the document reading resolution is set by the image scanner function is "200 x 200 dpi." In other words, the resolution selection button 804a corresponding to the reading resolution "200 x 200 dpi" is displayed in a different manner from the other resolution selection buttons 804, 804, ....

[0068] Furthermore, when an OK button 806 arranged in the upper right part of the resolution setting screen 800 is operated, the setting of the reading resolution is executed by the resolution setting screen 800. Then, the display of the resolution setting screen 800 disappears, and the display state of the display 22a transitions to a state in which the shared folder transmission screen 700 is displayed as shown in Fig. 9. Even in the shared folder transmission screen 700 after this transition, the value of the reading resolution set by the resolution setting screen 800 is reflected in the character string indicating the reading resolution attached to the resolution setting button 728a. Note that, when the resolution setting screen 800 is displayed as shown in Fig. 11, each button 736, 736, ... in the action panel 734 becomes an operator for setting parameters other than the reading resolution of the document by the image scanner function, or strictly speaking, for proceeding to the operation.

[0069] Referring again to Fig. 10, suppose that the resolution selection button 804b corresponding to the resolution "600 x 600 dpi" is operated on the resolution setting screen 800 shown in Fig. 10. Then, the resolution setting screen 800 transitions to the state shown in Fig. 12. That is, instead of the resolution selection button 804a corresponding to the resolution "200 x 200 dpi", the resolution selection button 804b corresponding to the resolution "600 x 600 dpi" is selected.

[0070] Then, suppose that the OK button 806 is operated on the resolution setting screen 800 shown in Fig. 12. Then, the display of the resolution setting screen 800 disappears, and the e-mail sending screen 100 transitions to the state shown in Fig. 13. That is, the character string indicating the reading resolution of the document attached to the resolution setting button 130a becomes "600 x 600 dpi". This indicates that the reading resolution of the document has been set to "600 x 600 dpi". In addition, a program registration button 138d is arranged in place of the above-mentioned program call button 138a in the action panel 136.

[0071] Assume that program registration button 138d in action panel 136 is operated on email sending screen 100 shown in Fig. 13 in order to register the settings made on email sending screen 100. Then, as shown in Fig. 14, program registration screen 300 similar to that shown in Fig. 5 is displayed so as to cover a part of email sending screen 100. Note that Fig. 14 shows a state in which the job program with the program name "Send link of save destination" mentioned above has already been registered.

[0072] On the program registration screen 300 shown in Fig. 14, assume that an arbitrary program registration button 302 for which no job program has been registered is operated, for example, the program registration button 302b corresponding to the program number "2" is operated. Then, instead of the program registration screen 300, a program name setting screen 400 similar to that shown in Fig. 6 is displayed as shown in Fig. 15. On the other hand, when the OK button 306 is operated, the display of the program registration screen 300 disappears as described above, and the display state of the display 22a returns to the state shown in Fig. 13.

[0073] 15 shows a state in which the character string "600 dpi" has already been entered into field 406 for entering a program name on program name setting screen 400. The character string is entered into field 406 by operating software keyboard 408. As described above, in the initial state of program name setting screen 400, a character string representing the corresponding program number (here, the character string "02") is entered into field 406.

[0074] Assume that the OK button 404 is operated on the program name setting screen 400 shown in Fig. 15. Then, the setting contents shown in Fig. 13 are registered as a job program with a program number of "02" in a state associated with the corresponding operation mode (email transmission mode). That is, the program number, program name, operation mode, and setting contents are recorded in a mutually associated state in the job program table 500 described above (Fig. 7). Then, after the above-mentioned message screen is displayed for a certain period of time in place of the program name setting screen 400, the display state of the display 22a returns to the state shown in Fig. 13. On the other hand, when the cancel button 402 is operated, the display of the program name setting screen 400 disappears without registering the job program, and the display state of the display 22a returns to the state shown in Fig. 13.

[0075] After a job program with the program name "600 dpi" for the e-mail transmission mode is registered in this manner, assume that the program call button 736a in the action panel 734 is operated on the shared folder transmission screen 700 shown in Fig. 9. Then, as shown in Fig. 16, the program call screen 600 similar to that shown in Fig. 8 is displayed so as to cover a part of the shared folder transmission screen 700. Note that Fig. 16 also shows a state in which a job program with the program name "Send link of save destination" has already been registered, similar to Fig. 14.

[0076] In the program call screen 600 shown in Fig. 16, it is assumed that an arbitrary program call button 604 corresponding to a registered job program, for example, the program call button 604b corresponding to a job program with a program name of "600dpi", is operated. Then, instead of the shared folder transmission screen 700 including this program call screen 600, the e-mail transmission screen 100 shown in Fig. 13 is displayed on the display 22a. In addition, an operation mode according to the e-mail transmission screen 100 shown in Fig. 13, that is, an e-mail transmission mode, is set, and operation conditions according to the e-mail transmission screen 100 are set. That is, the same state as when the job program with the program name of "600dpi" was registered is reproduced.

[0077] This allows the user to intuitively check the contents of the job program named "600 dpi", and also allows the user to immediately use the multifunction device 10 in the operating mode and operating conditions corresponding to the job program named "600 dpi".

[0078] When the program call button 604a corresponding to the job program with the program name "Send link of save destination" is operated on the program call screen 600 shown in Fig. 16, the same state as when the job program was registered is reproduced as described above (i.e., the email transmission screen 100 shown in Fig. 4 is displayed on the display 22a). When the preset program call button 602 is operated, the default values ​​of the operating conditions for the shared folder transmission mode are called, and a state according to the default values ​​is created.

[0079] In this so-called second specific example, the case has been described where the setting contents of the operating conditions for the mail transmission mode in which the reading resolution of the document in the image scanner mode has been appropriately changed are called up on the shared folder transmission screen 700, which is the operation screen for the shared folder transmission mode in which the reading resolution can be similarly changed, but the same applies to other cases. That is, regardless of whether the same parameters can be changed, and regardless of whether the operating mode is the same when the job program is registered and when it is called up as described above, when the program call button 604 corresponding to a registered job program is operated, the same state as when the job program was registered is reproduced.

[0080] FIG. 17 shows a memory map 900 conceptually showing the internal configuration of the RAM of the main storage unit 16b.

[0081] As shown in this memory map 900, the RAM has a program memory area 910 and a data memory area 950. Of these, the above-mentioned control programs are stored in the program memory area 910. Specifically, the control programs include a display control program 912, an operation detection program 914, an image reading program 916, an image forming program 918, a communication control program 920, a setting registration program 922, a setting recall program 924, and the like.

[0082] The display control program 912 is a program for generating display screen data required for displaying various screens such as the email transmission screen 100 on the display 22a. The operation detection program 914 is a program for detecting an operation state on the touch panel 24a. The image reading program 916 is a program for controlling the image reading unit 12. The image forming program 918 is a program for controlling the image forming unit 14. The communication control program 920 is a program for controlling the communication unit 20. The setting registration program 922 is a program for controlling the operation of the CPU 16a when registering the setting contents of the operating conditions for an arbitrary operating mode, that is, a job program. And the setting call program 924 is a program for causing the CPU 16a to execute a setting call task, which will be described later.

[0083] Meanwhile, various types of data are stored in the data storage area 950. The various types of data include display image generation data 952, operation data 954, and the like.

[0084] The display image generation data 952 is data such as polygon data and texture data used for generating display screen data based on the above-mentioned display control program 912. The operation data 954 is data representing an operation state on the touch panel 24a, and more specifically, is time-series data representing a touch position (coordinates) of a user on the touch panel 24a.

[0085] As described above, according to this embodiment, the same state as when the job program was registered is reproduced. To achieve this, the CPU 16a executes a setting call task in accordance with the setting call program 924 described above (FIG. 17). The flow of this setting call task is shown in FIG. 18. The CPU 16a executes this setting call task in response to the operation of any of the program call buttons 604 or the preset program call button 602 on the program call screen 600 described above (FIG. 8 or FIG. 16, etc.).

[0086] According to this setting call task, first, in step S1, the CPU 16a refers to the job program table 500. Then, the CPU 16a advances the process to step S3.

[0087] In step S3, the CPU 16a compares the currently set operation mode with the operation mode to be reproduced, and judges whether or not they are the same. If the operation modes are the same (S3: YES), the CPU 16a advances the process to step S7, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the operation modes are not the same (S3: NO), the CPU 16a advances the process to step S5.

[0088] In step S5, the CPU 16a sets the operation mode to be reproduced based on the result of the reference in step S1 to the job program table 500. After that, the CPU 16a advances the process to step S7.

[0089] In step S7, the CPU 16a displays an operation screen on the display 22a based on the result of referring to the job program table 500 in step S1, specifically, displays the operation screen after erasing the display of the program call screen 600. Then, the CPU 16a advances the process to step S9.

[0090] In step S9, the CPU 16a applies the setting contents for the operating conditions to be reproduced based on the result of referring to the job program table 500 in step S1, and then the CPU 16a ends the series of setting call tasks.

[0091] As described above, according to this embodiment, the operating conditions for any operation mode can be registered as a job program, which can be called up when necessary to reproduce the same state as when the job program was registered. This is extremely useful for the multifunction device 10 having multiple operation modes, particularly in terms of improving its operability.

[0092] It should be noted that the present embodiment is merely a specific example for implementing the present invention, and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention. In other words, the present invention can be applied to aspects other than the present embodiment.

[0093] For example, the present invention can be applied not only to an image scanner mode including an e-mail transmission mode and a shared folder transmission mode, and a fax transmission mode, but also to a case where a copy mode is used. That is, the present invention can be applied to a case where a job program registered in a copy mode is called up in an arbitrary operation mode, and a case where a job program registered in an arbitrary operation mode is called up in the copy mode.

[0094] Furthermore, the operation unit 24 does not have to include the touch panel 24a. In other words, the operation unit 24 and the display unit 22 including the display 22a may be completely separate structures.

[0095] In the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to the multifunction device 10, but the present invention is not limited to this. Naturally, the present invention can be applied to information processing devices other than the multifunction device 10.

[0096] Based on the contents set on the operation screen such as the email transmission screen 100, i.e., based on the setting operation by the user, the operation conditions of the corresponding operation mode are set, and the setting of these operation conditions is performed by the CPU 16a. Such a CPU 16a is, so to speak, an example of a setting means. Also, the CPU 16a displays each operation screen on the display 22a, and such a CPU 16a is also an example of a control means according to the present invention.

[0097] In response to a user's registration operation including an operation on the program registration screen 300 (e.g., FIG. 5 or FIG. 14), a job program is recorded in the job program table 500 (e.g., FIG. 7), and the rewritable non-volatile memory of the main storage unit 16b in which the job program table 500 is stored is an example of the storage means according to the present invention. Furthermore, in response to a user's call operation including an operation of any program call button 604 on the program call screen 600 (e.g., FIG. 8 or FIG. 16), a job program is called, and the calling of this job program is performed by the CPU 16a. Such a CPU 16a is, so to speak, an example of a call means.

[0098] Furthermore, in the program call screen 600, the program name of the job program is attached to each program call button 604 corresponding to a registered job program. The program call screen 600 including such program call buttons 604, in other words including a list of the program names of job programs, is also displayed on the display 22a under the control of the CPU 16a. The CPU 16a, which is responsible for displaying this program call screen 600 on the display 22a, is also an example of a control means according to the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 10…Multifunction device 16 ... Control section 16a...CPU 22...Display section 22a …Display 24...Operation unit 24a …Touch panel 500 ... Job program table

Claims

1. An information processing device having a plurality of operation modes, An operation receiving means for receiving a user operation; a storage means for storing setting contents of any operation condition for any of the operation modes set in accordance with the user operation accepted by the operation acceptance means; and A control means is provided, The information processing device, when a first operation mode of the multiple operation modes is set and the operation receiving means receives the user operation to call up from the storage means the setting contents for a second operation mode having a function that does not exist in the first operation mode of the multiple operation modes, the control means calls up the setting contents from the storage means and sets operating conditions according to the setting contents and the second operation mode corresponding to the operating conditions.

2. 2. The information processing device of claim 1, wherein when the first operating mode is set and the operation receiving means receives the user operation to call up from the storage means the setting contents for a third operating mode having a function present in the first operating mode among the plurality of operating modes, the control means calls up the setting contents from the storage means and sets operating conditions according to the setting contents and the third operating mode corresponding to the operating conditions.

3. 3. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of operating modes include a fax transmission mode for transmitting image data by fax, an email transmission mode for transmitting image data by email, and a shared folder transmission mode for transmitting image data to a pre-specified shared folder.

4. Further comprising a display means, 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when the setting contents are to be called from the storage means, the control means causes the display means to display a call screen for calling the setting contents from the storage means.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the call screen is a screen common to the plurality of operation modes.

6. A setting control method for an information processing device that includes an operation receiving unit that receives a user operation and a storage unit and has a plurality of operation modes, comprising: a storage step of storing in the storage means setting contents of any operation conditions for any of the operation modes set in accordance with the user operation accepted by the operation acceptance means; and A control step is included. In the control step, when a first operation mode of the plurality of operation modes is set and the operation receiving means receives the user operation to call up from the storage means the setting contents for a second operation mode having a function not present in the first operation mode of the plurality of operation modes, the setting contents are called up from the storage means, and operating conditions according to the setting contents and the second operation mode corresponding to the operating conditions are set, the setting control method comprising:

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