Image processing apparatus and method for storing setting history

Abstract

To provide an image processing device capable of obtaining a setting history that accurately reflects the final state at a time of executing a job by determining a timing to store the setting history on the basis of a type and settings of job.SOLUTION: An image processing device includes a job execution unit that executes a job related to image processing, a storage unit capable of storing a setting history pertaining to the executing of the job on the time of executing the job, and a control unit that controls the storage timing of the setting history. The control unit determines the storing timing on the basis of execution conditions of the job and stores the setting history.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Some image processing apparatuses such as multifunction printers store setting values related to the execution of jobs such as printing, faxing, or image transmission as a setting history.

[0003] In recent years, attempts have been made to reduce the labor and time of users related to job execution by using the stored setting history. Specifically, the image processing apparatus displays the setting history on the display unit so that it can be selected by the user. The image processing apparatus that has received the selection of the setting history by the user can easily reproduce the job corresponding to the setting history by executing the job based on the setting values associated with the setting history.

[0004] Generally, the setting history is stored triggered by an input for instructing the execution of a job, for example, pressing the start button. However, in a configuration where the setting history is simply stored triggered by pressing the start button, depending on the type and settings of the job, the setting history of the state during execution may be stored. In this case, even if the job is executed using the setting history, it is not always possible to faithfully reproduce the job executed last time.

[0005] Also, since the setting history stores all the functions of the executed job regardless of the execution result of the job, even if an error or job cancellation occurs and the job is not completed normally, the setting values related to the job are stored as the setting history. Even if the job is executed later using this setting history, it is not possible to determine whether the job related to the setting history was completed normally. Therefore, if the previous job failed, there is a high possibility of repeating the same failure.

[0006] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which, when a power failure occurs during the execution of a processing job, information stored in a first storage means that stores information regarding the progress of the processing job during execution is transferred to a second storage means that stores and accumulates information regarding the processing result of the processing job that has been completed as execution history information when the power failure error is recovered or after recovery.

[0007] According to the technique according to Patent Document 1, it is said that it is possible to reliably store job history information of a job in progress that may be lost due to a power failure error and prevent a decrease in the accuracy of the job history information.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0008]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] However, in conventional technologies such as Patent Document 1, the setting history is not stored in consideration of the type and settings of the job, and if the setting history of the state during execution is stored, it may not be possible to obtain a setting history that accurately reflects the final state at the time of job execution.

[0010] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an image processing apparatus or the like that can obtain a setting history that accurately reflects the final state at the time of job execution by determining the timing for storing the setting history based on the type and settings of the job.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0011] In order to solve the above problems, an image processing apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a job execution unit that executes a job related to image processing, a storage unit that can store a setting history related to the execution of the job at the time of executing the job, and a control unit that controls the storage timing of the setting history. The control unit is characterized in that it determines the storage timing based on the execution conditions of the job and stores the setting history.

[0012] Further, a method for storing a setting history according to the present disclosure includes a storage step of storing a setting history related to the execution of a job at the time of executing the job, and a control step of controlling the storage timing of the setting history. In the control step, the storage timing is determined based on the execution conditions of the job and the setting history is stored.

Advantages of the Invention

[0013] According to the present disclosure, by determining the timing for storing the setting history based on the type and settings of the job, it is possible to provide an image processing apparatus or the like capable of obtaining a setting history that accurately reflects the final state at the time of job execution.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present disclosure, for example, a multifunction device capable of performing jobs related to copying, faxing, image transmission, etc. in one housing will be described as one form of an image processing apparatus. Note that the following embodiments are examples for explaining the present disclosure, and the technical scope of the description described in the claims is not limited to the following description.

[0016] [1 First Embodiment] [1.1 Functional Configuration] The functional configuration of the multifunction machine 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view schematically illustrating the overall configuration of the multifunction machine 10. FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of the multifunction machine 10. The multifunction machine 10 includes a control unit 11, a display unit 13, an operation input unit 15, a communication unit 17, an image forming unit 19, an image reading unit 21, and a storage unit 23.

[0017] The control unit 11 controls the entire multifunction machine 10. The control unit 11 is constituted by, for example, one or a plurality of arithmetic devices (such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit)). The control unit 11 realizes its functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 23.

[0018] The display unit 13 displays various information to the user and the like. The display unit 13 can be constituted by, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, or the like.

[0019] The operation input unit 15 receives input of information by the user and the like. The operation input unit 15 can be constituted by hard keys (for example, numeric keys) and buttons. Note that the operation input unit 15 can be configured as a touch panel capable of input via the display unit 13. In this case, as the input method of the touch panel, for example, general methods such as a resistive film method, an infrared method, an electromagnetic induction method, and a capacitance method can be used.

[0020] The communication unit 17 includes a wired / wireless interface, either one or both, for communicating with other devices via a network (NW) such as a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), the Internet, a telephone line, or a fax line.

[0021] The image forming unit 19 forms an image based on image data on a sheet of paper as a recording medium. The image forming unit 19 feeds the paper from the paper feeding unit 25, forms an image based on the image data on the paper, and then discharges the paper to the paper discharging unit 27. The image forming unit 19 can be configured by, for example, a laser printer or the like using an electrophotographic method. In this case, the image forming unit 19 performs image formation using toner supplied from a toner cartridge (not shown) corresponding to toner colors (for example, cyan, magenta, yellow, black).

[0022] The image reading unit 21 generates image data by scanning and reading a document image. The image reading unit 21 can be configured as, for example, a scanner device equipped with an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CIS (Contact Image Sensor). The configuration of the image reading unit 21 is not limited as long as it generates image data by reading a reflected light image from the document image with the image sensor.

[0023] The storage unit 23 stores various programs and various data necessary for the operation of the multifunction device 10. The storage unit 23 can be configured by, for example, a storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a ROM (Read Only Memory).

[0024] In the first embodiment, the storage unit 23 stores a job execution program 231, a setting history processing program 232, a storage timing determination program 233, and a display processing program 234, and secures a setting value file storage area 235, a setting history storage area 236, and a job history storage area 237.

[0025] The job execution program 231 is a program that the control unit 11 reads in order to perform, on a job-by-job basis, the processing associated with the execution of each function such as copy, fax, and image data transmission. The control unit 11 that has read the job execution program 231 functions as a job execution unit and executes a job by controlling the display unit 13, operation input unit 15, communication unit 17, image forming unit 19, image reading unit 21, and the like. Note that the control unit 11 that has read the job execution program 231 can execute various jobs based on the set values included in the set value file of the setting history.

[0026] The setting history processing program 232 is a program that the control unit 11 reads in, for example, when acquiring set values related to the execution of a job, generating a setting history, and performing various processes on the setting history. The control unit 11 that has read the setting history processing program 232 acquires the set values related to the execution of the job and generates a set value file storing the set values. Then, the control unit 11 stores the generated set value file in the set value file storage area 235. In addition, the control unit 11 generates a setting history by associating the set value file with identification information (for example, job ID) for identifying which job it is related to. Then, the control unit 11 stores the generated setting history in the setting history storage area 236.

[0027] The storage timing determination program 233 is a program that the control unit 11 reads in when determining the storage timing of the generated setting history to the setting history storage area 236. The control unit 11 that has read the storage timing determination program 233 determines the storage timing of the setting history based on the execution conditions of the job. For example, the control unit 11 determines the storage timing of the setting history based on the job type and settings as the execution conditions of the job. Note that in the present disclosure, the storage timing is intended to be a specific point in time when the generated setting history is stored in the setting history storage area 236. However, the actual storage process of the setting history may be performed, for example, simultaneously with the determination of the storage timing, simultaneously with the input operation to the input means that was the factor for the determination of the storage timing, or after a predetermined time (period) has elapsed from the determination of the storage timing or the input operation to the input means.

[0028] The display processing program 234 is a program that the control unit 11 reads when displaying on the display unit 13 a display screen for listing the setting history, a setting screen for receiving inputs such as various setting values, execution instructions, or end instructions related to the execution of a job, a basic screen (e.g., a home screen) that can switchably display the setting screen, or a login screen for user authentication, etc.

[0029] The setting value file storage area 235 is a storage area that stores the setting value file generated by the control unit 11 that has read the setting history processing program 232. The setting values include, for example, setting values set by the user such as color mode, resolution, format, density, etc., and setting values such as device initial values held by the device itself. The control unit 11 that has read the job execution program 231 acquires the setting value file associated with the setting history of the execution target from the setting value file storage area 235, and executes the job based on the setting values included in the setting value file.

[0030] The setting history storage area 236 is a storage area that stores the setting history generated by the control unit 11 that has read the setting history processing program 232. The setting history stored in the setting history storage area 236 is appropriately read during list display processing and when executing a job based on the setting history.

[0031] Here, the setting history according to the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of the data structure of the setting history stored in the setting history storage area 236.

[0032] The setting history illustrated in FIG. 3 includes a job ID, an execution date and time, a job type, display setting values, and a setting value file name.

[0033] The job ID is identification information for identifying which job the setting history pertains to. The execution date and time represents the date and time when the job was executed. The job type represents the type of the executed job (for example, copy job, fax job, image transmission job, etc.). The display setting value represents a part of the setting value (content) to be displayed on the display screen for listing the setting history. The setting value file name is the file name of the setting value file associated with the said setting history.

[0034] For example, the setting history related to the job ID “0099” represents the setting history regarding the job type “copy” executed at “2020 / 02 / 22 20:20”. And the said job is a copy job executed based on the setting values included in the setting value file name “0099.config”, and is an example where setting values (items) such as “Tray: Tray 1, Original: Single-sided → Double-sided, Density: Text, ···” are set as the display setting values to be displayed on the display screen. Note that the display setting values set for each job ID are merely examples, and the setting values displayed on the display screen are not limited to the matters described in FIG. 3.

[0035] Returning to FIG. 2 again, the job history storage area 237 is an area for storing the execution records of jobs as job history. Here, the job history according to the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of the data structure of the job history stored in the job history storage area 237.

[0036] The job history according to the example shown in FIG. 4 includes a job ID, an execution date and time, a job type, a user name, and a status.

[0037] The job ID, the execution date and time, and the job type are the same items as those included in the setting history described in FIG. 3 and have the same content. The user name represents the name of the user who executed the said job. The status represents the processing status of the said job.

[0038] For example, the job history related to the job ID "0098" represents the job history regarding the job type "Scan to E-mail" executed at "2020 / 02 / 22 19:19". And it is indicated that the execution instruction of this job was input by the user name "aaaaa" and the status of this job is "completed".

[0039] Unlike the setting history, the job history is information that records the execution history of a job, so it can be generated immediately after the completion of the job or after the generation of the setting history.

[0040] [1.2 Process Flow] [1.2.1 Overall Process Flow] Next, the process flow according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the overall process by the multifunction machine 10. The process described here is a process executed by the control unit 11 by loading the job execution program 231, the setting history processing program 232, the storage timing determination program 233, and the display processing program 234.

[0041] For example, when a job is started triggered by the display of a setting screen or the like related to the execution of a job, the control unit 111 determines whether the job to be started is a job that meets the execution conditions (step S10 → step S20).

[0042] In the first embodiment, as jobs that meet the execution conditions, (1) A job that inputs an end instruction for the job after inputting an execution instruction for the job, (2) A job that inputs an execution instruction for the second job after inputting an execution instruction for the first job, (3) A job that inputs a confirmation instruction for the second job between the input of the execution instruction for the first job and the input of the execution instruction for the second job, will be described for these three types. Specific aspects of these will be described later.

[0043] When the job to be started meets the above type, the control unit 11 executes a storage timing determination process based on the job execution conditions (step S20; Yes → step S30).

[0044] In step S40, the control unit 11 determines whether it is the storage timing of the setting history. If it is determined that it is the storage timing of the setting history, the control unit 11 stores the setting history in the setting history storage area 236 and ends the process (step S40; Yes → step S50 → "end").

[0045] On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines in step S40 that it is not the storage timing of the setting history, the control unit 11 ends the process without storing the setting history in the setting history storage area 236 (step S40; No → "end").

[0046] By the way, when the control unit 11 determines that the job to be started does not meet the above type, the control unit 11 accepts an execution instruction input for the job (step S20; No → step S60). Next, after executing the job, the control unit 11 stores the setting history related to the job in the setting history storage area 236 and ends the process (step S70 → step S50 → "end").

[0047] Note that, as described above, the setting history is generated by the control unit 11 that reads out the setting history processing program 232. In the case of the first embodiment, the control unit 11 may generate the setting history according to the storage timing of the setting history. Also, the control unit 11 may generate the setting history when executing the job and discard the generated setting history when it is not the storage timing of the setting history.

[0048] [1.2.2 Flow of Storage Timing Determination Process] Next, the process according to step S30 in FIG. 5 will be described for each type of job that meets the execution conditions. In each step described hereinafter, the same step numbers will be assigned to the same processes.

[0049] FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining processing related to a job in which an end instruction for the job is input after an execution instruction for the job is input.

[0050] When the control unit 11 receives an execution instruction input for a job, it executes the job (step S310 → step S320).

[0051] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether an end instruction for the job has been input (step S330).

[0052] When the control unit 11 determines that an end instruction for the job has been input, it determines the storage timing of the setting history and ends the process (step S330; Yes → step S340 → "end").

[0053] On the other hand, when the control unit 11 determines that an end instruction for the job has not been input, it waits until an end instruction for the job is input without determining the storage timing of the setting history (step S330; No).

[0054] FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining processing related to a job in which an execution instruction for a second job is input after an execution instruction for a first job is input.

[0055] When the control unit 11 receives an execution instruction input for the first job, it executes the first job (step S350 → step S360).

[0056] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether an execution instruction for the second job has been input (step S370).

[0057] When the control unit 11 determines that an execution instruction for the second job has been input, it determines the storage timing of the setting history and ends the process (step S370; Yes → step S340 → "end").

[0058] On the other hand, when the control unit 11 determines that the execution instruction for the second job has not been input, it waits until the execution instruction for the second job is input without determining the storage timing of the setting history (step S370; No).

[0059] FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the processing related to a job in which a confirmation instruction input for the second job is performed between the input of the execution instruction for the first job and the input of the execution instruction for the second job.

[0060] When the control unit 11 receives the input of the execution instruction for the first job, it executes the first job (step S350 → step S360).

[0061] Next, before the input of the execution instruction for the second job, the control unit 11 determines whether a confirmation instruction for the second job, such as a transmission reservation, has been input (step S380).

[0062] When the control unit 11 determines that the confirmation instruction for the second job has been input, it determines the storage timing of the setting history (step S380; Yes → step S340).

[0063] On the other hand, when the control unit 11 determines that the confirmation instruction for the second job has not been input, that is, when it determines that no transmission reservation or the like has been made, it determines whether the execution instruction for the second job has been input (step S380; No → step 370).

[0064] When the control unit 11 determines that the execution instruction for the second job has been input, it determines the storage timing of the setting history and ends the process (step S370; Yes → step S340 → "End").

[0065] On the other hand, when the control unit 11 determines that the execution instruction for the second job has not been input, it waits until the execution instruction for the second job is input without determining the storage timing of the setting history (step S370; No).

[0066] [1.3 Operation Example] Next, an operation example according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is an operation example corresponding to a process of inputting an end instruction for a job after inputting an execution instruction for the job. Examples falling under this type include, for example, a copy job in which a scanner device as the image reading unit 21 reads a document image from a document table based on an instruction to start reading the document and forms an image on a sheet based on an instruction to end reading the document.

[0067] The copy setting screen W10 in FIG. 9 includes a start button B10 and a reading operation notification screen W20. The start button B10 is an input button that receives an execution instruction input to start reading a document set on the document table. For example, when reading a plurality of documents from the document table, the user presses the start button B10 each time reading one document.

[0068] When reading of all the documents is completed, the user presses a reading end button B20 provided on the reading operation notification screen W20 that receives an end instruction input for the job. Upon receiving the pressing of the reading end button B20, the control unit 11 ends the document reading and executes a copy job based on the read document image. In this case, the control unit 11 determines the pressing of the reading end button B20 as the timing for storing the setting history and stores the setting history.

[0069] At this time, the control unit 11 may display a setting history storage confirmation screen W22 illustrated in FIG. 10. The setting history storage confirmation screen W22 can be displayed upon receiving the pressing of the reading end button B20 by the user. The setting history storage confirmation screen W22 displays, for example, a message asking whether to store the setting history such as "The 'Reading End' button has been pressed. Do you want to store the setting history?", and also displays an affirmative button B22 for storing the setting history as "Yes" and a negative button B24 for not storing the setting history as "No". The user can select whether to store the setting history by selecting and pressing a desired button.

[0070] Incidentally, when the reading setting is a duplex reading setting, since the setting cannot be changed during the reading of the document, the control unit 11 determines that the pressing of the start button B10 is the timing for storing the setting history.

[0071] FIG. 11 is an operation example corresponding to the processing of a job in which an execution instruction input for a second job is performed after an execution instruction input for a first job (2). Examples falling under this type include, for example, a job in which a large document mode is set using a scanner device as the image reading unit 21. As this operation example, an example in which the first job is reading of a large number of documents and the second job is copying as image formation, image transmission as image sending, or image saving as image storage will be described.

[0072] The copy setting screen W30 in FIG. 11(a) includes a start button B30 and a reading operation notification screen W60. The start button B30 is an input button that receives an execution instruction input for starting the reading of the document set in the image reading unit 21 as the first job. For example, the user sets a part of a large number of documents in the automatic document feeder provided in the scanner device as the image reading unit 21 and presses the start button B30 to start reading the document.

[0073] When the reading of all the documents is completed, the user presses the reading end button B40 provided on the reading operation notification screen W60, which receives an execution instruction input for the second job. Upon receiving the pressing of the reading end button B40, the control unit 11 ends the document reading and executes a copy job based on the read document image. In this case, the control unit 11 determines that the pressing of the reading end button B40 is the timing for storing the setting history and stores the setting history.

[0074] The image transmission setting screen W40 in Fig. 11(b) includes a start button B30 and a loading operation notification screen W60. The start button B30 is an input button that receives an execution instruction input for starting the reading of the document set in the image reading unit 21 as the first job. For example, the user sets a part of a large number of documents in the document automatic feeder provided in the scanner device as the image reading unit 21, and presses the start button B30 to start reading the document.

[0075] When the reading of all the documents is completed, the user presses the reading end button B40 provided on the reading operation notification screen W60, which receives an execution instruction input for the second job. Upon receiving the pressing of the reading end button B40, the control unit 11 ends the document reading and executes an image transmission job based on the read document image. In this case, the control unit 11 determines the pressing of the reading end button B40 as the storage timing of the setting history and stores the said setting history.

[0076] The image saving setting screen W50 in Fig. 11(c) includes a start button B30 and a loading operation notification screen W60. The start button B30 is an input button that receives an execution instruction input for starting the reading of the document set in the image reading unit 21 as the first job. For example, the user sets a part of a large number of documents in the document automatic feeder provided in the scanner device as the image reading unit 21, and presses the start button B30 to start reading the document.

[0077] When the reading of all the documents is completed, the user presses the reading end button B40 provided on the reading operation notification screen W60, which receives an execution instruction input for the second job. Upon receiving the pressing of the reading end button B40, the control unit 11 ends the document reading and executes an image saving job based on the read document image. In this case, the control unit 11 determines the pressing of the reading end button B40 as the storage timing of the setting history and stores the said setting history.

[0078] 12 shows an example of the operation of a job in which a test copy is set, as another example different from the job in which the large volume document mode is set. In this operation example, a first job is a test copy, which is a provisional operation of the second job, which is a copy, will be described.

[0079] 12A shows an example of the configuration of an execution screen W70 for test copying as a first job. The execution screen W70 includes a status notification screen W80 that notifies the user that the multifunction device 10 is performing a test copy. If the user wishes to stop the test copy, the user can stop the test copy by pressing an operation stop button B50 provided on the status notification screen W80.

[0080] 12B shows an example of the print start reception screen W90 displayed after a test copy is executed. The print start reception screen W90 is a screen that accepts input of an instruction to execute a copy as a second job. If the user checks the message content displayed on the pop-up screen P10 and determines that there is no problem with the current copy settings, the user can press the print start button B60 to input an instruction to execute the second job.

[0081] On the other hand, if the user wishes to make a test copy again, he or she can execute the test copy by pressing the test copy button B70.

[0082] The control unit 11 determines that the user's press of the print start button B60 is the timing to store the setting history, and stores all the setting history, including the test copy.

[0083] 13 shows an example of operation corresponding to processing related to a job in which (3) a confirmation instruction input for a second job is made between an execution instruction input for a first job and an execution instruction input for a second job. An example that corresponds to this type is a transmission reservation job in which an original is read using a scanner device as the image reading unit 21 and the scanned data is transmitted by fax at the reserved time. As an example of this operation, an example will be described in which the first job is the reading of an original and the second job is the fax transmission at the reserved time.

[0084] Figure 13 is a configuration example of a reservation confirmation screen W100 that is displayed immediately after the start button B80 for confirming a transmission reservation, which is used as an input for determining the second job, is pressed, and the first job of loading the manuscript is performed. The control unit 11 determines that the pressing of the start button B80 is the timing for storing the setting history. Then, the control unit 11 executes fax transmission as the second job at the reservation time determined by the pressing of the start button B80.

[0085] As described above, according to the first embodiment, by determining the timing for storing the setting history based on the job type and settings, a setting history that accurately reflects the final state at the time of job execution can be obtained. As a result, it becomes possible to reproduce the job based on the setting history with high accuracy.

[0086] [2 Second Embodiment] The second embodiment relates to a job in which, after the input of the execution instruction for the first job, as described in FIG. 7 of the first embodiment, the input of the execution instruction for the second job is performed. For each execution of the first job, the setting history is stored, and the input of the execution instruction for the second job is determined as the timing for storing the setting history together with the setting history.

[0087] [2.1 Functional Configuration] The functional configuration of the multifunction machine according to the second embodiment can be substantially the same as that of the multifunction machine 10 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, for the same configuration as that of the multifunction machine 10 according to the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given and the description thereof is omitted.

[0088] [2.2 Flow of Processing] Figure 14 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing in the second embodiment. The second embodiment provides a process according to step S390 between the process of step S360 and the process of step S370 according to the flowchart of FIG. 7. Since the other processes can be the same as the processes described in the flowchart of FIG. 7, the description here is omitted.

[0089] When the control unit 11 executes the first job, it stores the setting history related to the first job (step S360 → step S390).

[0090] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether an execution instruction for the second job has been input (step S370).

[0091] When the control unit 11 determines that an execution instruction for the second job has been input, it determines the storage timing of the setting history and ends the process (step S370; Yes → step S340 → "End").

[0092] On the other hand, when the control unit 11 determines that an execution instruction for the second job has not been input, it waits until an execution instruction for the second job is input without determining the storage timing of the setting history (step S370; No).

[0093] [2.3 Operation Example] Next, an operation example according to the second embodiment will be described. In the operation example described with reference to FIG. 15, a form in which the first job is a trial copy, which is a preliminary operation of a copy as the second job, will be described in the same manner as the operation example described with reference to FIG. 12.

[0094] FIG. 15 is a configuration example of a print start reception screen W92 displayed after the trial copy is executed. The print start reception screen W92 is a screen for receiving an execution instruction input for a copy as the second job. In the second embodiment, in the pop-up screen P12 that the user confirms, it is displayed that the setting history is stored every time the trial copy as the first job is executed.

[0095] When the user checks the message content displayed on the pop-up screen P12 and determines that there is no problem with the current copy settings, the user can input an execution instruction for the second job by pressing the print start button B60.

[0096] On the other hand, when the user wants to perform a trial copy again, the user can execute the trial copy by pressing the trial copy button B70. In this case, the control unit 11 stores the setting history related to the trial copy.

[0097] As described above, according to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the setting history is stored every time the first job is executed, and the execution instruction input of the second job is determined as the storage timing of the setting history together with the setting history. Therefore, the setting history in the middle stage can be obtained without omission.

[0098] [3 Third Embodiment] In the third embodiment, the validity of the setting history stored in the first embodiment or the second embodiment is determined after the execution of the job. When the stored setting history is not valid, the setting history is edited and deleted.

[0099] [3.1 Functional Configuration] The functional configuration of the multifunction machine 30 according to the third embodiment can be substantially the same as that of the multifunction machine 10 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the same components as those of the multifunction machine 10 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted. Different parts will be described.

[0100] FIG. 16 is a functional configuration diagram of the multifunction machine 30 according to the third embodiment. The multifunction machine 30 includes a storage unit 33 instead of the storage unit 23 included in the multifunction machine 10.

[0101] In the third embodiment, the storage unit 33 stores a job execution program 231, a setting history processing program 232, a storage timing determination program 233, a display processing program 234, and a validity determination program 331, and secures a setting value file storage area 235, a setting history storage area 236, and a job history storage area 237.

[0102] The validity determination program 331 is a program that the control unit 11 reads after the execution of a job. The control unit 11 that has read the validity determination program 331 determines the validity of the setting history stored in the setting history storage area 236 based on the execution status of the job corresponding to the setting history. In the third embodiment, as the execution status of the job, whether (1) retransmission due to a transmission error has occurred a specified number of times or more, (2) the job has been canceled, or (3) the destination linked to the address book has been edited or deleted is used to determine the validity of the setting history. The control unit 11 that determines that the setting history is not valid edits and stores or deletes the setting history related to the determination.

[0103] [3.2 Flow of processing] [3.2.1 Flow of overall processing] Next, the flow of processing according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the overall processing by the multifunction machine 30. The processing described here is processing executed by the control unit 11 reading the job execution program 231, the setting history processing program 232, the storage timing determination program 233, the display processing program 234, and the validity determination program 331.

[0104] Note that the processing according to the third embodiment can be performed after the execution of the setting history storage processing (steps S10 to S70) described in the flowchart of FIG. 5 of the first embodiment. In FIG. 17, the processing from step S10 to step S70 of FIG. 5 is described as having been executed.

[0105] After executing the processing related to steps S10 to S70, the control unit 11 performs job execution status determination processing (step S400).

[0106] If, as a result of the job execution status determination processing, it is determined that the setting history is valid, the control unit 11 ends the processing without performing any processing on the setting history related to the job (step S410; Yes → "End").

[0107] On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that the setting history is not valid as a result of the job execution status determination process, the control unit 11 edits and stores the setting history related to the job or deletes the setting history from the setting history storage area 236 and ends the process (step S410; No → step S420 → "end").

[0108] [3.2.2 Flow of Job Execution Status Determination Process] Next, the process related to step S400 in FIG. 17 will be described using the flowchart in FIG. 18.

[0109] When starting the job execution status determination process, the control unit 11 determines whether the job is an image transmission job (step S4010).

[0110] If it is determined that the job is a job related to image transmission, the control unit 11 determines whether the number of retransmissions (retries) due to a transmission error has occurred more than the specified number of times (step S4010; Yes → step S4020). On the other hand, if it is determined that the job is not a job related to image transmission, the control unit 11 determines the validity of the setting history related to other job types (for example, copy jobs, fax jobs, etc.) and ends the process (step S4010; No → step S4070 → "end"). If the validity determination of the setting history related to other job types is not necessary, the control unit 11 may end the process as it is.

[0111] If it is determined that the number of retransmissions has occurred more than the specified number of times, the control unit 11 determines that the setting history related to the job is not valid (step S4020; Yes → step S4060). When it is determined that the setting history is not valid, the control unit 11 deletes only the destination from the corresponding setting history on the assumption that there is an error in the destination related to image transmission and stores the setting history (step S420 in FIG. 17). If the number of destinations stored in the setting history becomes 0 due to the deletion of the destination, the control unit 11 may delete the setting history from the setting history storage area 236.

[0112] On the other hand, when the number of retransmissions is less than the specified number, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the job has been canceled (step S4020; No → step S4030).

[0113] If it is determined that the job has been canceled, the control unit 11 determines that the setting history related to the job is not valid (step S4030; Yes → step S4060). When it is determined that the setting history is not valid, the control unit 11 deletes the setting history from the setting history storage area 236 on the grounds that there is some reason why the job should not be executed (step S420 in FIG. 17).

[0114] On the other hand, if it is determined that the job has not been canceled, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the destination linked to the address book has been edited since the setting history was stored (step S4030; No → step S4040).

[0115] If it is determined that the destination linked to the address book has been edited, the control unit 11 determines that the setting history related to the job is not valid (step S4040; Yes → step S4060). When it is determined that the setting history is not valid, the control unit 11 deletes only the destination from the corresponding setting history and stores the setting history in order to prevent mistransmission to an unintended destination (step S420 in FIG. 17). Note that when the number of destinations stored in the setting history becomes zero due to the deletion of the destination, the control unit 11 may delete the setting history from the setting history storage area 236.

[0116] Regarding the process related to step S400 in FIG. 17, the job related to image transmission determines the validity of the setting history related to the job based on the processing order of (1) whether the retransmission due to transmission error has occurred more than the specified number of times, (2) whether the job has been canceled, and (3) whether the destination linked to the address book has been edited or deleted. However, the processing order and processing content related to the above (1) to (3) are not particularly limited. For example, as the validity determination of the setting history, it may be in a form of performing any one of the above (1) to (3) processes, or it may be a combination of any of the above (1) to (3) processes, and the processing order can also be appropriately changed.

[0117] As described above, according to the third embodiment, even for the stored setting history, editing, deletion, etc. can be performed according to the execution status of the job. As a result, the setting history related to the failed job does not remain as history information, so the recurrence of the failed job based on the setting history can be prevented.

[0118] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible. That is, embodiments obtained by combining technical means appropriately changed within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0119] Also, although the above-described embodiments have parts that are separately described for convenience of explanation, it goes without saying that they may be combined and executed within the technically possible range.

[0120] Also, the programs operating in each device in the embodiment are programs that control a CPU, etc. (programs that make a computer function) so as to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments. And the information handled by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (for example, RAM) during the processing, and then stored in a storage device such as various ROMs (Read Only Memory) and HDDs, and read out by the CPU as needed for correction and writing.

[0121] Here, as the recording medium for storing the program, it may be any of a semiconductor medium (e.g., ROM, non-volatile memory card, etc.), an optical recording medium or a magneto-optical recording medium (e.g., DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), MO (Magneto Optical Disc), MD (Mini Disc), CD (Compact Disc), BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disk, etc.)), a magnetic recording medium (e.g., magnetic tape, flexible disk, etc.). Also, by executing the loaded program, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the functions of the present invention may be realized by processing in cooperation with an operating system or other application programs, etc. based on the instructions of the program.

[0122] Also, when distributing to the market, the program can be stored in a portable recording medium for distribution, or transferred to a server computer connected via a network such as the Internet. In this case, needless to say, the storage device of the server computer is also included in the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0123] 10, 30 Multifunction Machine 11 Control Unit 13 Display Unit 15 Operation Input Unit 17 Communication Unit 19 Image Forming Unit 21 Image Reading Unit 23, 33 Storage Unit 25 Paper Feeding Unit 27 Paper Discharging Unit 231 Job Execution Program 232 Setting History Processing Program 233 Storage Timing Judgment Program 234 Display Processing Program 235 Setting Value File Storage Area 236 Setting History Storage Area 237 Job History Storage Area 331 Validity determination program

Claims

1. A job execution unit that executes a job related to image processing, A storage unit capable of storing a setting history related to the execution of the job during the execution of the job, A control unit that controls the storage timing of the setting history, and taking the input of the end instruction of the job executed based on the input of the execution instruction of the job as the execution condition of the job, wherein the control unit determines the storage timing based on the execution condition of the job and stores the setting history, determines the timing when the end instruction of the job is input as the storage timing An image processing apparatus characterized by the above.

2. The input of the execution instruction of the job is an input of a start instruction for reading a document, and the input of the end instruction of the job is an input of an end instruction for reading the document. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that.

3. A job execution unit that executes a job related to image processing, A storage unit capable of storing a setting history related to the execution of the job during the execution of the job, A control unit that controls the storage timing of the setting history, and taking the input of the execution instruction of a second job to be executed after the execution of the first job based on the input of the execution instruction of the first job as the execution condition of the job, wherein the control unit determines the storage timing based on the execution condition of the job and stores the setting history, determines the timing when the execution instruction of the second job is input as the storage timing An image processing apparatus characterized by the above.

4. The input of the execution instruction of the first job is the input of the start instruction for reading the manuscript, and the input of the execution instruction of the second job is the start instruction for the image processing selected from any one of image formation, image transmission, or image storage. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The first job is the job related to the preliminary operation of the second job. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3 or claim 4.

6. The control unit Between the input of the execution instruction of the first job and the input of the execution instruction of the second job, the timing at which the confirmation instruction of the second job is input is determined as the storage timing. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3 or 4.

7. The control unit Every time the first job is executed, the setting history related to the first job is stored. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5.

8. The control unit Based on the execution status of the job, the setting history is edited or deleted. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A storage step of storing the setting history related to the execution of the job at the time of execution of the job, A control step of controlling the storage timing of the setting history, comprising: The input of the end instruction of the job executed based on the input of the execution instruction of the job is set as the execution condition of the job. In the control step, Based on the execution condition of the job, the storage timing is determined to store the setting history, The timing at which the end instruction of the job is input is determined as the storage timing. A method for storing a setting history, characterized by the above.

10. A storage step of storing a setting history related to the execution of a job during the execution of the job, and a control step of controlling the storage timing of the setting history, where the input of an execution instruction for a second job to be executed after the execution of the first job based on the input of an execution instruction for the first job is set as an execution condition for the job, in the control step, the storage timing is determined based on the execution condition of the job to store the setting history, and the timing at which the execution instruction for the second job is input is determined as the storage timing A method for storing a setting history, characterized by the above.

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