Information processing apparatus and control method

Abstract

To provide an information processing apparatus that can easily execute a job based on setting history information through a setting screen desired by a user and has high convenience.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus comprises a display, a storage unit, and a control unit. The control unit displays, on the display, any one screen of an execution screen for receiving a job execution instruction and a simplified execution screen obtained by simplifying the details of display of the execution screen. The storage unit stores history information on the job for which the execution instruction is received through either one screen of the execution screen or the simplified execution screen. The control unit displays the execution screen or the simplified execution screen on the display according to the history information selected by a user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Some information processing apparatuses such as multifunction printers execute each function such as copying, faxing, scanning, or E-mail transmission in units of jobs.

[0003] The execution of a general job is performed via a setting screen specialized for the function setting of the job. In recent years, with the increasing functionality of information processing apparatuses, the screen operation via the setting screen has become more complex.

[0004] In order to improve the convenience of an information processing apparatus, there is also known an apparatus that separately provides a setting screen (simple setting screen) in which the display content of a setting screen (normal setting screen) capable of all settings is deliberately restricted.

[0005] In the simple setting screen, since the settable items are limited, even a user who does not require high-function processing or a user who is not good at screen operation on the normal setting screen can easily execute a job without performing unnecessary screen operations.

[0006] By the way, attempts have been made to store the set values set via the setting screen during the execution of a job so that they can be read out as setting history information and reuse the past setting history information (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0007] The image forming apparatus and the like according to Patent Document 1 are configured such that the setting history information can be set via the setting screen and can be read out from the setting screen.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0008]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] Conventionally, for example, when the setting history information set and stored via a normal setting screen is read via a simple setting screen, the simple setting screen transitions to the normal setting screen. Therefore, it was not user-friendly for users who routinely execute jobs via the simple setting screen.

[0010] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing apparatus and the like that facilitate the execution of jobs based on setting history information via a setting screen desired by the user and have high convenience.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0011] In order to solve the above problems, an information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a display unit, a storage unit, and a control unit. The control unit displays on the display unit either an execution screen that receives an execution instruction for a job or a simple execution screen that simplifies the display content of the execution screen. The storage unit stores history information related to the job for which an execution instruction has been received via either the execution screen or the simple execution screen. The control unit is characterized by displaying on the display unit either the execution screen or the simple execution screen according to the history information selected by the user.

[0012] Also, a control method according to the present disclosure is a control method for an information processing apparatus, and includes a display step of displaying on a display device either an execution screen that receives an execution instruction for a job or a simple execution screen that simplifies the display content of the execution screen, a storage step of storing in a storage device history information related to the job for which an execution instruction has been received via either the execution screen or the simple execution screen, and a selection display step of displaying on the display device either the execution screen or the simple execution screen according to the history information selected by the user.

Effects of the Invention

[0013] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an information processing apparatus or the like that facilitates the execution of a job based on setting history information via a setting screen desired by a user and has high convenience.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

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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, a multifunction machine that executes each function such as copying, faxing, scanning, or E-mail transmission in job units will be described as one form of an information 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] In the first embodiment, when executing a job, either a setting screen as an execution screen capable of all settings related to the execution of the job (hereinafter referred to as a normal setting screen) or a setting screen as a simple execution screen that simplifies the display content of the normal setting screen (hereinafter referred to as a simple setting screen) is used. This is a form of a multifunction machine that can execute a job via any of the setting screens. Note that the execution mode of a job via the normal setting screen may be referred to as the "normal mode", and the execution mode of a job via the simple setting screen may be referred to as the "simple mode".

[0017] [1.1 Functional Configuration] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view schematically explaining the overall configuration of the multifunction machine 10 according to the first embodiment. 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.

[0018] The control unit 11 controls the entire multifunction device 10. The control unit 11 is constituted by, for example, one or a plurality of arithmetic units (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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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 (such as numeric keys), buttons, and the like. 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, methods such as a resistive film type, an infrared type, an electromagnetic induction type, and a capacitance type can be adopted.

[0021] The communication unit 17 includes, for example, a wired / wireless interface 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.

[0022] The image forming unit 19 forms an image based on image data on a sheet as a recording medium. The image forming unit 19 feeds a sheet from the sheet feeding unit 25, forms an image based on the image data on the sheet, and then discharges the sheet to the sheet discharging unit 27. The image forming unit 19 can be constituted by, for example, a laser printer using an electrophotographic method. The image forming unit 19 performs image formation using toner supplied from a toner cartridge (not shown) corresponding to toner colors (such as C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), K (black)).

[0023] The image reading unit 21 generates image data by scanning and reading a document image to be read. 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 image reading unit 21 is not limited to its configuration as long as it generates image data by reading a reflected light image from the document image with an image sensor.

[0024] 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).

[0025] In the first embodiment, the storage unit 23 stores a job execution program 231, a setting history information processing program 232, a display processing program 233, and a mode determination program 234, and secures a setting value storage area 235, a setting history information storage area 236, and a display content storage area 237.

[0026] The job execution program 231 is a program read by the control unit 11 to perform processing associated with the execution of each function such as copy, fax, scan, or E-mail transmission in job units. The control unit 11 that reads the job execution program 231 executes a job by controlling each unit involved in the execution of the job, such as the display unit 13, the operation input unit 15, the communication unit 17, the image forming unit 19, and the image reading unit 21. Further, the control unit 11 that reads the job execution program 231 executes various jobs based on the setting values included in the setting history information described later.

[0027] The setting history information processing program 232 is a program that the control unit 11 reads out when, for example, acquiring setting values related to the execution of a job, generating setting history information, and performing various processes on the setting history information. The control unit 11 that has read out the setting history information processing program 232 acquires the setting values related to the execution of the job and stores them in the setting value storage area 235. Further, the control unit 11 generates setting history information based on the acquired setting values and stores it in the setting history information storage area 236.

[0028] The display processing program 233 is a program that the control unit 11 reads out when displaying a display screen for displaying setting history information, a setting screen such as a normal setting screen for accepting input of various setting values related to the execution of a job, a simple setting screen, or a home screen for accepting switching of each job function. The control unit 11 that has read out the display processing program 233 configures each screen based on frame information (not shown) stored in the display content storage area 237, content arrangement information, etc., and displays it on the display unit 13.

[0029] The mode determination program 234 identifies whether the setting history information selected via the currently displayed setting screen is related to a job executed in the normal mode (normal setting screen) or a job executed in the simple mode (simple setting screen) when executing a job, and determines the mode of the job to be executed. The control unit 11 that has read out the mode determination program 234, for example, (1) When the currently displayed setting screen is a simple setting screen and the setting history information selected via the simple setting screen is related to a job executed via the simple setting screen, it determines that the mode of the job to be executed is the "simple mode". (2) When the currently displayed setting screen is a simple setting screen, the setting history information selected via the simple setting screen is related to a job executed via the normal setting screen, and execution in the simple mode is possible, it determines that the mode of the job to be executed is the "simple mode". (3) If the setting screen being displayed is the normal setting screen and the setting history information selected through the normal setting screen relates to a job executed through the simple setting screen, the mode of the job to be executed is determined as the "simple mode". (4) If the setting screen being displayed is the normal setting screen, the setting history information selected through the normal setting screen relates to a job executed through the normal setting screen, and execution in the simple mode is possible, the mode of the job to be executed is determined as the "simple mode". In addition, in the above (2) or (4), when the user selects the setting history information in which a function not in the simple mode (for example, a character / image composition function, a special printing function, etc.) is set, the control unit 11 can also determine that the mode of the job to be executed is the "normal mode".

[0030] The setting value storage area 235 is a storage area for storing the setting values related to the execution of the job. The setting values include, for example, the setting values set by the user such as color mode, paper / original size, paper type, number of copies, zoom function (magnification), paper selection (tray), duplex copying, etc., and the setting values such as the device initial values held by the device itself.

[0031] The setting history information storage area 236 is a storage area for storing the setting history information in a data table format. The setting history information according to the present disclosure can be configured as history information with an identifier such as a job ID for uniquely identifying information that is a combination of, for example, information related to the execution history of a job such as job type, executing user name, execution date and time, mode, etc., and part or all of the setting values stored in the setting value storage area 235. The setting history information stored in the setting history information storage area 236 is appropriately called when executing a job, determining a mode, etc. based on the setting history information.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of setting history information. For example, the setting history information of job ID "025" includes, as information related to the execution history, "job type": copy, "executing user name": Yamada, "document name": document03, "number of pages / sets": 002 / 001, "start date / time / end date / time": 2019 / 12 / 04 10:30:50 - 2019 / 12 / 04 10:32:50, "mode": normal (normal mode). Also, the setting history information includes, as setting values, "color mode": full color, "paper size / original size": A4, "paper type": plain paper, ···, "sort / group": automatic, etc. Note that the setting values in FIG. 3 are merely examples, and the setting values in the present disclosure are not limited to only the matters described in FIG. 3.

[0033] The display content storage area 237 is a storage area that stores frame information (not shown) used for displaying a display screen, a setting screen, a home screen, etc., and content arrangement information, etc. The control unit 11 that has read the display processing program 233 configures each screen based on the frame information (not shown) and content arrangement information, etc. stored in the display content storage area 237 and displays it on the display unit 13.

[0034] [1.2 Flow of processing] Next, the flow of processing according to the first embodiment will be described. First, as the overall processing by the multifunction machine 10, the processing related to the generation and storage of setting history information based on the executed job will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 4. In the following description, a copy job is assumed as one form of the job executed by the multifunction machine 10 for explanation, but this processing is also applicable to fax jobs, scan jobs, or E-mail transmission jobs, etc. other than copy jobs.

[0035] The control unit 11 receives an input for instructing the execution of a copy job via a normal setting screen related to the normal mode or a simple setting screen related to the simple mode (step S10).

[0036] The control unit 11 reads out the job execution program 231. The control unit 11 executes a copy job by controlling each unit such as the image forming unit 19 based on the set value received via the normal setting screen or the simple setting screen (step S20).

[0037] After the execution of the copy job, the control unit 11 reads out the setting history information processing program 232. The control unit 11 acquires the set value related to the execution of the copy job. Then, the control unit 11 generates setting history information based on the acquired set value and stores it in the setting history information storage area 236. At this time, the control unit 11 attaches mode information (see FIG. 3) indicating whether the copy job was executed in the normal mode or the simple mode to the generated setting history information and stores it (step S30).

[0038] Subsequently, the processing related to the execution of a new copy job when using the setting history information stored in the setting history information storage area 236 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 5.

[0039] When executing a copy job, the user selects whether to execute it in the normal mode via the normal setting screen or in the simple mode via the simple setting screen. In this case, the user can select either the normal mode or the simple mode, for example, via the home screen described later.

[0040] When either the normal mode or the simple mode is selected by the user, the control unit 11 accepts the selection of the mode (step S40).

[0041] The control unit 11 reads out the display processing program 233 and displays the setting screen (normal setting screen or simple setting screen) based on the accepted mode on the display unit 13 (step S50).

[0042] After the display of the setting screen, the control unit 11 determines whether the execution of the job uses the stored setting history information (step S60). In this case, the control unit 11 may determine that the stored setting history information is to be used when an input for displaying the setting history information is received.

[0043] If it is determined that the setting history information is to be used, the control unit 11 displays the stored setting history information (step S60; Yes → step S70).

[0044] Next, the control unit 11 accepts the selection of the setting history information by the user (step S80). Then, the control unit 11 displays on the display unit 13 a setting screen to which the setting value of the setting history information selected by the user is applied (step S90).

[0045] When the control unit 11 receives an execution instruction for a new job via the setting screen displayed on the display unit 13, it executes a job based on the setting history information (step S100).

[0046] If it is determined that the setting history information is not to be used (step S60; No), when the control unit 11 receives an execution instruction for a new job via the setting screen displayed in step S50, it executes the job (step S100).

[0047] Note that the setting value related to the job executed in step S100 can be generated and stored as setting history information by the same process as step S30 in FIG. 4.

[0048] Next, the process of step S90 in FIG. 5 will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 6.

[0049] The control unit 11 determines whether the setting history information received in step S80 of FIG. 5 is the setting history information related to a copy job executed in the normal mode by reading out the mode determination program 234 (step S110).

[0050] When the control unit 11 determines that the selected setting history information is the setting history information related to a copy job executed in the normal mode, it determines whether the execution of the copy job related to the setting history information can be handled in the simple mode (step S110; Yes → step S120).

[0051] When the control unit 11 determines that the execution of the copy job related to the setting history information can be handled in the simple mode, it displays on the display unit 13 a simple setting screen to which the setting values of the setting history information are applied (step S120; Yes → step S130).

[0052] By the way, when it is determined that the selected setting history information is not the setting history information related to a copy job executed in the normal mode, the control unit 11 displays on the display unit 13 a simple setting screen to which the setting values of the setting history information are applied and ends the process (step S110; No → step S130).

[0053] Also, when it is determined that the copy job related to the setting history information cannot be handled in the simple mode, the control unit 11 displays on the display unit 13 a normal setting screen to which the setting values of the setting history information are applied and ends the process (step S120; No → step S140).

[0054] [1.3 Operation Example] Next, the operation example of the first embodiment will be described. The touch panel type operation input unit 15 provided on the screen of the display unit 13 detects the pressing by the user on each button area partitioned on the screen, enabling each input by the user. FIG. 7 is a configuration example of a simple setting screen W10 related to a copy job. The simple setting screen W10 can be displayed, for example, through the mode selection process by the user via the home screen described later in step S40 of FIG. 5 or through the normal setting screen described in the next figure.

[0055] The simple setting screen W10 has restricted the set value items that can be set by the user compared to the normal setting screen described in the following figure, and has a simple screen configuration. The simple setting screen W10 includes a set value button B11a, an operation control button B13a, a start button B19a, a normal setting button B21a, a job status notification button B23a, and a display switching button B25a.

[0056] The set value button B11a accepts the selection and input of set values that can be set by the user via the simple setting screen W10. For example, the user can press the paper selection button and select a desired set value from items such as "hand feed", "trays 1, 2, 3...", and "automatic selection" related to paper selection (not shown) to set the set value related to paper selection. FIG. 7 is an example showing four types of set value items: "paper selection", "double-sided copy", "magnification", and "staple / punch" as the settable set value items. Note that other set value items can be displayed by pressing the display switching button B25a. By the way, the set values shown on the surface of each button of the set value button B11a are displayed with the set values of the applied setting history information reflected (FIG. 7 is an example where the set values related to the setting history information of the job ID "024" in FIG. 3 are applied). Note that the configuration of the set value button B11a illustrated in FIG. 7 is merely an example and is not limited to only the matters described in FIG. 7.

[0057] The operation control button B13a includes, for example, a reset button, a preview button, a number of copies button B15a, a setting history display button B17a, etc. For example, the reset button accepts the reset of the set values selected and input via the set value button B11a, the number of copies button B15a, etc. The preview button accepts an instruction to display a preview image prior to the execution of a copy job. The number of copies button B15a accepts the input of the number of copies. The setting history display button B17a accepts an instruction to display a setting history display screen described later.

[0058] The start button B19a includes a monochrome start button and a color start button. When the user desires a monochrome copy, the user presses the monochrome start button. On the other hand, when the user desires a color copy, the user presses the color start button. When either the monochrome start button or the color start button is pressed by the user, the processing related to the copy job is executed.

[0059] The normal setting button B21a receives an instruction to switch to the normal setting screen to be described in the following figure.

[0060] The job status notification button B23a receives an instruction to notify the execution status of the job.

[0061] FIG. 8 is a configuration example of the normal setting screen W20 related to the copy job. The normal setting screen W20 can be displayed, for example, in step S40 of FIG. 5 through the mode selection process by the user or via the simple setting screen W10.

[0062] The normal setting screen W20 has a screen configuration that enables all settings related to the execution of the copy job. The normal setting screen W20 includes a setting value button B11b, an operation control button B13b, a number of copies button B15b, a start button B19b, a simple setting button B21b, and a job status notification button B23b.

[0063] The setting value button B11b accepts the selection and input of setting values that can be set by the user from among the setting values included in the setting history information. For example, the user can press the color mode button and select a desired setting value from items such as "Full Color", "Black and White", "Single Color", and "Automatic (Color / Black and White)" (not shown) related to color mode selection to set the setting value related to color mode. FIG. 8 shows an example in which seven setting value items of "Color Mode", "Original Document", "Paper Selection", "Duplex Copy", "Magnification", "Copy Density", and "Sort / Group" are provided as the setting value items that can be set. By the way, each setting value shown on the surface of the setting value button B11b is displayed with the setting value of the applied setting history information reflected (FIG. 8 is an example in which the setting value related to the setting history information of the job ID "025" in FIG. 3 is applied). Note that the configuration of the setting value button B11b illustrated in FIG. 8 is merely an example and is not limited to only the matters described in FIG. 8.

[0064] In addition to the above setting value items, the setting value button B11b includes an "Other Functions" button. By pressing the "Other Functions" button, the user can call other setting value items other than the displayed setting value items and perform the selection and input of setting values.

[0065] In addition to the preview button and the reset button, the operation control button B13b includes extension function buttons such as a "Transmit Simultaneously with Printing" button, a "Program Call" button, and a "Filing" button. For example, by pressing the "Transmit Simultaneously with Printing" button, when executing a copy job, it is possible to simultaneously perform the printing of the read image and the transmission to a predetermined destination (for example, email transmission or fax transmission, etc.).

[0066] Also, the operation control button B13b includes a setting history display button B17b and a simple setting button B21b. The setting history display button B17b accepts an instruction to display a setting history display screen described later. Also, the simple setting button B21b accepts an instruction to switch to the simple setting screen W10.

[0067] The number-of-copies button B15b accepts presses when setting the number of copies.

[0068] The start button B19b includes a black-and-white start button and a color start button. When desiring a black-and-white copy, the user presses the black-and-white start button. On the other hand, when desiring a color copy, the user presses the color start button. When either the black-and-white start button or the color start button is pressed by the user, processing related to the copy job is executed.

[0069] The job status notification button B23b accepts a notification instruction for the execution status of the job.

[0070] FIG. 9 shows one configuration of the setting history display screen W30. The setting history display screen W30 can be displayed at an arbitrary timing by pressing, for example, the setting history display button B17a on the simple setting screen W10 illustrated in FIG. 7, the setting history display button B17b on the normal setting screen W20 illustrated in FIG. 8, or the setting history display button on the home screen described later.

[0071] The setting history display screen W30 includes a setting history display area R11 and a full deletion button B27. The setting history display area R11 is configured to be able to display the setting history information related to each job in chronological order. Note that there is no particular limitation on the display form of the setting history information. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9, all the setting history information related to all jobs is displayed, only the setting history information related to a certain specific job is displayed, when the multifunction machine 10 has a user authentication function, only the setting history information related to the jobs of the logged-in user is displayed, only the setting history information having the same setting value is displayed, only the setting history information related to the jobs executed within a specific period is displayed, only the setting history information related to a specific job execution user is displayed, and the like.

[0072] FIG. 9 is an example showing setting history information related to five jobs, namely normal copy, simple copy, normal copy, simple fax, and scan save, in chronological order from the top to the bottom. Note that the top three types of setting history information in FIG. 9 correspond to the setting history information related to job IDs "025" to "023" illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0073] Here, in each display area (the part related to the copy job) in the setting history display area R11, the job type under a specific mode (for example, the copy job under the normal mode: normal copy), the start date and time of the job, and a part of the setting values are displayed. FIG. 9 is an example showing three types of setting value items, namely "paper selection", "double-sided copy", and "staple / punch", as the setting value items to be displayed, but the setting value items to be displayed can be selected as appropriate.

[0074] Note that each piece of setting history information displayed in the setting history display area R11 is configured to be selectable by the user. By selecting the desired setting history information, the user can easily execute the job based on the setting history information or a job similar thereto. For example, when the setting history information related to the simple copy (corresponding to the job ID "024") surrounded by the dotted line frame in the figure is selected, the screen transitions to the simple setting screen W10 illustrated in FIG. 7. In this case, the selected setting history information may be dimmed to facilitate grasping of the selected setting history information.

[0075] The all-delete button B27 receives a deletion instruction for the setting history information from the setting history display area R11. When the all-delete button B27 is pressed by the user, the control unit 11 stops the display of the setting history information in the setting history display area R11.

[0076] FIG. 10 is an example of the operation when, in step S40 of FIG. 5, the setting history information selected via the simple setting screen W10 is executed for a job in the normal mode (normal setting screen W20) with the simple mode selected by the user.

[0077] Note that this operation example corresponds to the processing described in the flowcharts of FIGS. 5 and 6. Here, the state in which the control unit 11 displays the simple setting screen W10 is referred to as "state 1", the state in which the setting history display screen W30 is displayed is referred to as "state 2", and the state in which the normal setting screen W20 is displayed is referred to as "state 3" for explanation.

[0078] When the setting history display button B17a is pressed from state 1 in which the simple setting screen W10 is displayed, the control unit 11 changes the display screen to the setting history display screen W30 (arrow 1-2 in the figure, state 2).

[0079] In state 2, when the setting history information related to the copy job is selected by the user, the control unit 11 determines whether the selected setting history information is a copy job executed in the normal mode (corresponding to the processing in step S110 of FIG. 6). In this case, the control unit 11 can determine whether the selected setting history information is a copy job executed in the normal mode by referring to the "mode" of the selected setting history information.

[0080] When the control unit 11 determines that the setting history information selected by the user is a copy job executed in the normal mode, it further determines whether the copy job can be handled in the simple mode (step S110 in FIG. 6; Yes → corresponding to the processing in step S120). In this case, the control unit 11 refers to the set values of the setting history information and checks the set values that cannot be changed by the user via the simple setting screen W10 (for example, the character / image synthesis function, the special printing function, etc.). The control unit 11 can determine that the simple mode can handle the case where these set values have not been changed.

[0081] When it is determined that the copy job can be handled in the simple mode, the control unit 11 changes the display screen from the setting history display screen W30 to the simple setting screen W10 (arrow 2-1 in the figure, state 2 → state 1). Incidentally, the control unit 11 also changes the display screen from the setting history display screen W30 to the simple setting screen W10 when it is determined that the setting history information selected by the user is a copy job executed in the simple mode (arrow 2-1 in the figure, state 2 → state 1).

[0082] Along with the transition of the display screen from state 2 to state 1, the control unit 11 displays on the display unit 13 with the set values of the setting history information selected by the user applied to the simple setting screen W10.

[0083] On the other hand, when a change is made to a set value that cannot be changed by the user via the simple setting screen W10, the control unit 11 determines that handling in the simple mode is not possible. Then, the control unit 11 changes the display screen from the setting history display screen W30 to the normal setting screen W20 (arrow 2-3 in the figure, state 2 → state 3).

[0084] Along with the transition of the display screen from state 2 to state 3, the control unit 11 displays on the display unit 13 with the set values of the setting history information selected by the user applied to the normal setting screen W20.

[0085] As illustrated in FIG. 10, the simple setting screen W10 and the normal setting screen W20 can be appropriately switched by pressing a switching instruction button (normal setting button B21a or simple setting button B21b) provided on each setting screen. Therefore, for example, in the simple mode, when the user wants to change a set value that cannot be changed, the user can easily and flexibly execute the copy job by switching the display screen (mode) from the simple setting screen W10 to the normal setting screen W20.

[0086] FIG. 11 is an operation example when, in step S40 of FIG. 5, the setting history information selected via the normal setting screen W20 relates to a job executed in the normal mode selected by the user.

[0087] When the setting history display button B17b is pressed from the state 3 where the normal setting screen W20 is displayed, the control unit 11 changes the display screen to the setting history display screen W30 (arrow 3-2 in the figure, state 2).

[0088] In state 2, when the user selects the setting history information related to the copy job, the control unit 11 determines whether the selected setting history information is a copy job executed in the normal mode (corresponding to the process of step S110 in FIG. 6). In this case, the control unit 11 can determine whether the selected setting history information is a copy job executed in the normal mode by referring to the "mode" of the selected setting history information.

[0089] When the control unit 11 determines that the setting history information selected by the user is a copy job executed in the normal mode, it further determines whether the copy job can be handled in the simple mode (step S120 in FIG. 6; Yes → corresponding to the process of step S130). In this case, the control unit 11 refers to the setting values of the setting history information and checks the setting values that cannot be changed by the user via the simple setting screen W10 (for example, the character / image composition function, the special printing function, etc.). The control unit 11 determines that the simple mode can be used when these setting values have not been changed. Then, the control unit 11 changes the display screen from the setting history display screen W30 to the simple setting screen W10 (arrow 2-1 in the figure, state 2 → state 1). Note that when the control unit 11 determines that the setting history information selected by the user is a copy job executed in the simple mode, the control unit 11 changes the display screen from the setting history display screen W30 to the simple setting screen W10 (arrow 2-1 in the figure, state 2 → state 1).

[0090] When the display screen transitions from state 2 to state 1, the control unit 11 displays on the display unit 13 with the set value of the setting history information selected by the user applied to the simple setting screen W10.

[0091] By the way, if a change is made to a set value that cannot be changed by the user via the simple setting screen W10, the control unit 11 determines that it is impossible to handle in the simple mode. Then, the control unit 11 transitions the display screen from the setting history display screen W30 to the normal setting screen W20 (arrow 2-3 in the figure, state 2 → state 3).

[0092] When the display screen transitions from state 2 to state 3, the control unit 11 displays on the display unit 13 with the set value of the setting history information selected by the user applied to the normal setting screen W20.

[0093] As illustrated in FIG. 11, the normal setting screen W20 and the simple setting screen W10 can be appropriately switched by pressing the switching instruction buttons (normal setting button B21a and simple setting button B21b) provided on their respective setting screens. Therefore, for example, in the simple mode, when the user wants to change a set value that cannot be changed, the user can easily and flexibly execute the copy job by switching the display screen (mode) from the simple setting screen W10 (state 1) to the normal setting screen W20 (state 3).

[0094] As described above, according to the first embodiment, depending on the execution mode of the setting history information selected via the currently displayed (selected) setting screen, the setting screen related to the execution of the job based on the setting history information is selected. Therefore, it is easy for the user to execute a job based on the setting history information via the desired setting screen, and an information processing apparatus with high convenience can be provided.

[0095] [2 Second Embodiment] The second embodiment is a form in which when selecting the setting history information on the home screen, it is possible to select whether to execute a job in the normal mode via the normal setting screen or to execute a job in the simple mode via the simple screen.

[0096] The functional configuration of the multifunction device according to the second embodiment can be the same as that of the multifunction device 10 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of the functional configuration of the multifunction device according to the second embodiment is omitted, and the same reference numerals as those of the multifunction device 10 according to the first embodiment are used for the description.

[0097] [2.1 Flow of processing] The flow of processing according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 12. In the second embodiment, the processing is started via the home screen. The home screen is a basic screen that is displayed on the display unit 13, for example, when the power is turned on, during standby, or when recovering from the sleep state, and accepts operation inputs from the user. In the following description, a copy job is assumed as one form of the job executed by the multifunction device 10, but this processing is also applicable to fax jobs, scan jobs, or E-mail transmission jobs, etc., in addition to copy jobs.

[0098] The control unit 11 displays the home screen on the display unit 13 by reading out the display processing program 233, for example, when the power is turned on, during standby, or when recovering from the sleep state (step S150).

[0099] When a display instruction for the setting history information is input from the user (step S160), the control unit 11 displays the setting history display screen W30 on the display unit 13.

[0100] Next, the control unit 11 accepts the selection of the setting history information by the user (step S170). The control unit 11 determines whether the selected setting history information relates to a copy job (step S180).

[0101] When it is determined that the selected setting history information relates to a copy job, the control unit 11 accepts the selection of the copy mode by the user (step S180; Yes → step S190).

[0102] The control unit 11 determines whether the copy mode selected by the user is the simple mode (step S200). If the copy mode selected by the user is the simple mode, the control unit 11 displays the simple setting screen W10 on the display unit 13 (step S200; Yes → step S210). After the display of the simple setting screen W10, based on the execution instruction by the user, the control unit 11 executes a simple copy job and ends the process (step S220).

[0103] On the other hand, if the copy mode selected by the user is not the simple mode, the control unit 11 displays the normal setting screen W20 on the display unit 13 (step S200; No → step S230). After the display of the normal setting screen W20, based on the execution instruction by the user, the control unit 11 executes a normal copy job and ends the process (step S240).

[0104] Incidentally, in step S180, if it is determined that the setting history information selected by the user does not relate to the copy job, the control unit 11 displays a setting screen to which the setting value of the setting history information is applied, and then based on the execution instruction by the user, executes the job corresponding to the setting history information and ends the process (step S180; No → step S250).

[0105] [2.2 Operation Example] FIG. 13 is a configuration example of the home screen W40. The home screen W40 includes a job selection button B29, a job status notification button B23c, and a display switching button B25b.

[0106] The job selection button B29 accepts the selection of jobs and various processes desired by the user. By pressing the simple copy button B31 included in the job selection button B29, the user can execute a copy job in the simple mode. Also, by pressing the copy button B33, the user can execute a copy job in the normal mode. The control unit 11 displays the simple setting screen W10 upon receiving the pressing of the simple copy button B31. Similarly, the control unit 11 displays the normal setting screen W20 upon receiving the pressing of the copy button B33. Note that the setting history display button B17c accepts an input for instructing the display of the setting history display screen, as in the first embodiment.

[0107] Incidentally, FIG. 13 shows an example in which eight job / processing items, namely, "simple copy", "simple fax", "simple scan", "print resource", "setting history", "shared folder", "scan save", and "copy", are displayed as selectable job / processing items. Other job / processing items can be displayed by pressing the display switching button B25b. Note that the configuration of the job selection button B29 illustrated in FIG. 13 is merely an example and is not limited to the matters described in FIG. 13.

[0108] The job status notification button B23c accepts an instruction for notifying the execution status of a job.

[0109] FIG. 14 shows an operation example in the case where, in step S180 of FIG. 12, the setting history information selected by the user pertains to a copy job, and a mode selection for executing the copy job based on the setting history information in the normal mode or the simple mode is accepted.

[0110] Note that this operation example corresponds to the process described in the flowchart of FIG. 12. Here, the state in which the control unit 11 displays the home screen W40 is referred to as "state 0", the state in which the simple setting screen W10 is displayed is referred to as "state 1", the state in which the setting history display screen W30 is displayed is referred to as "state 2", and the state in which the normal setting screen W20 is displayed is referred to as "state 3" for explanation.

[0111] When the setting history display button B17c is pressed from the state 0 in which the home screen W40 is displayed, the control unit 11 changes the display screen to the setting history display screen W30 (arrow 0-2 in the figure, state 2).

[0112] In state 2, when the user selects the setting history information related to the copy job, the control unit 11 displays a mode selection screen W50 that accepts a mode selection of whether to execute the copy job based on the setting history information in the normal mode or in the simple mode (corresponding to the processing from step S180 to step S200 in FIG. 12).

[0113] When the simple mode is selected by the user via the mode selection screen W50, the control unit 11 changes the display screen from the setting history display screen W30 to the simple setting screen W10 (arrow 2-1 in the figure, state 2 → state 1).

[0114] On the other hand, when the normal mode is selected by the user via the mode selection screen W50, the control unit 11 changes the display screen from the setting history display screen W30 to the normal setting screen W20 (arrow 2-3 in the figure, state 2 → 3).

[0115] In addition, in the system settings, etc., when a setting is provided to prioritize either the simple mode or the normal mode, it is also possible to display the setting screen corresponding to the prioritized mode without displaying the mode selection screen W50 illustrated in FIG. 14. Also, when a change is made to a setting value that cannot be changed by the user via the simple setting screen W10 in the selected setting history information, that is, when the setting history information for which correspondence in the simple mode is not possible is selected, it is also possible to preferentially transition to the normal mode.

[0116] As illustrated in FIG. 14, the simple setting screen W10 and the normal setting screen W20 can be appropriately switched by pressing a switching instruction button (normal setting button B21a or simple setting button B21b) provided on each setting screen. Therefore, for example, in the simple mode, when the user wants to change a setting value that cannot be changed, the user can easily and flexibly execute a copy job by switching the display screen (mode) from the simple setting screen W10 to the normal setting screen W20.

[0117] As described above, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to select a setting screen related to the execution of a job based on the setting history information according to the execution mode of the setting history information selected via the currently displayed (selected) setting screen. Therefore, it is easy for the user to execute a job based on the setting history information via the desired setting screen, and an information processing apparatus with high convenience can be provided.

[0118] [3 Third Embodiment] The third embodiment is a form in which when selecting setting history information on the simple setting screen or the normal setting screen, it is possible to select whether to execute a job in the normal mode via the normal setting screen or to execute a job in the simple mode via the simple screen.

[0119] The functional configuration of the multifunction machine according to the third embodiment can be the same as the functional configuration of the multifunction machine 10 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of the functional configuration of the multifunction machine according to the third embodiment is omitted, and the same reference numerals as those of the multifunction machine 10 according to the first embodiment are used for the description.

[0120] [3.1 Flow of Processing] The flow of processing according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16. FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the processing via the simple setting screen W10 when the simple mode is selected by the user. Note that the same processing as that described in FIGS. 5 or 6 according to the first embodiment may be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description may be omitted.

[0121] When the user selects the simple mode, the control unit 11 accepts the selection of the simple mode (step S41).

[0122] The control unit 11 displays the simple setting screen W10 based on the accepted simple mode on the display unit 13 (step S51).

[0123] After the display of the simple setting screen W10, the control unit 11 accepts the selection of the setting history information by the user. Then, the control unit 11 determines whether the selected setting history information is the setting history information related to the copy job executed in the normal mode (step S260).

[0124] When the control unit 11 determines that the selected setting history information is the setting history information related to the copy job executed in the normal mode, it accepts the selection of the copy mode for executing the copy job related to the setting history information (step S260; Yes → step S270).

[0125] When the simple mode is selected for the execution of the copy job related to the setting history information by the user, the control unit 11 displays the simple setting screen W10 on the display unit 13 (step S280; Yes → step S130). Then, the control unit 11 executes a new copy job and ends the process (step S100).

[0126] On the other hand, when it is determined that the selected setting history information is not the setting history information related to the copy job executed in the normal mode, the control unit 11 displays the simple setting screen W10 on the display unit 13 (step S260; No → step S130). Then, the control unit 11 executes a new copy job and ends the process (step S100).

[0127] Also, when the simple mode is not selected for the execution of the copy job related to the setting history information by the user, the control unit 11 displays the normal setting screen W20 on the display unit 13 (step S280; No → step S140). Then, the control unit 11 executes a new copy job and ends the process (step S100).

[0128] FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining processing via a normal setting screen W20 when a normal mode is selected by a user.

[0129] When the normal mode is selected by the user, the control unit 11 accepts the selection of the normal mode (step S43).

[0130] The control unit 11 displays the normal setting screen W20 based on the accepted normal mode on the display unit 13 (step S53).

[0131] After the normal setting screen W20 is displayed, the control unit 11 accepts the selection of setting history information by the user. Then, the control unit 11 determines whether the selected setting history information is the setting history information related to a copy job executed in the simple mode (step S290).

[0132] If the control unit 11 determines that the selected setting history information is the setting history information related to a copy job executed in the simple mode, it accepts the selection of a copy mode for executing the copy job related to the setting history information (step S290; Yes → step S300).

[0133] If the simple mode is selected for executing the copy job related to the setting history information by the user, the control unit 11 displays the simple setting screen W10 on the display unit 13 (step S310; Yes → step S130). Then, the control unit 11 executes a new copy job and ends the process (step S100).

[0134] On the other hand, if it is determined that the selected setting history information is not the setting history information related to a copy job executed in the simple mode, the control unit 11 displays the normal setting screen W20 on the display unit 13 (step S290; No → step S140). Then, the control unit 11 executes a new copy job and ends the process (step S100).

[0135] Also, when the simple mode is not selected for the execution of the copy job related to the setting history information by the user, the control unit 11 displays the normal setting screen W20 on the display unit 13 (step S310; No → step S140). Then, the control unit 11 executes a new copy job and ends the process (step S100).

[0136] [3.2 Operation Example] FIG. 17 is an operation example of selecting whether to execute a job in the normal mode via the normal setting screen or a job in the simple mode via the simple screen when the setting history information selected via the simple setting screen W10 is a job executed in the normal mode with the simple mode selected by the user.

[0137] This operation example corresponds to the process described in the flowchart of FIG. 15. Here, the control unit 11 will be described with the state of displaying the simple setting screen W10 as "state 1" or "state 1a", the state of displaying the setting history display screen W30 as "state 2", and the state of displaying the normal setting screen W20 as "state 3".

[0138] When the setting history display button B17a is pressed from state 1 where the simple setting screen W10 is displayed, the control unit 11 changes the display screen to the setting history display screen W30 (arrow 1-2 in the figure, state 2).

[0139] In state 2, when the setting history information related to the copy job executed in the normal mode is selected by the user, the control unit 11 displays a mode selection screen W50 that accepts a mode selection of whether to execute the copy job based on the setting history information in the normal mode or in the simple mode.

[0140] When the simple mode is selected by the user via the mode selection screen W50, the control unit 11 changes the display screen from the setting history display screen W30 to the simple setting screen W10 (arrow 2-1a in the figure, state 2 → state 1a).

[0141] On the other hand, when the normal mode is selected by the user via the mode selection screen W50, the control unit 11 changes the display screen from the setting history display screen W30 to the normal setting screen W20 (arrow 2-3 in the figure, state 2→3).

[0142] In addition, in state 2, when the setting history information related to the copy job executed in the simple mode is selected by the user, the control unit 11 does not display the mode selection screen W50 and changes the display screen from the setting history display screen W30 to the simple setting screen W10 (arrow 2-1a in the figure, state 2→state 1a).

[0143] FIG. 18 shows an operation example of selecting whether to execute a job in the normal mode via the normal setting screen or a job in the simple mode via the simple screen when the setting history information selected via the normal setting screen W20 is a job executed in the simple mode with the normal mode selected by the user.

[0144] This operation example corresponds to the process described in the flowchart of FIG. 16. Here, the state in which the control unit 11 displays the simple setting screen W10 is referred to as "state 1", the state in which the setting history display screen W30 is displayed is referred to as "state 2", and the state in which the normal setting screen W20 is displayed is referred to as "state 3" or "state 3a" for explanation.

[0145] When the setting history display button B17b is pressed from state 3 where the normal setting screen W20 is displayed, the control unit 11 changes the display screen to the setting history display screen W30 (arrow 3-2 in the figure, state 2).

[0146] In state 2, when the setting history information related to the copy job executed in the simple mode is selected by the user, the control unit 11 displays a mode selection screen W50 that accepts a mode selection of whether to execute the copy job based on the setting history information in the normal mode or in the simple mode.

[0147] When the user selects the simple mode via the mode selection screen W50, the control unit 11 changes the display screen from the setting history display screen W30 to the simple setting screen W10 (arrow 2-1 in the figure, state 1).

[0148] On the other hand, when the user selects the normal mode via the mode selection screen W50, the control unit 11 changes the display screen from the setting history display screen W30 to the normal setting screen W20 (arrow 2-3a in the figure, state 3a).

[0149] In addition, in state 2, when the setting history information related to the copy job executed in the normal mode by the user is selected, the control unit 11 does not display the mode selection screen W50 and changes the display screen from the setting history display screen W30 to the normal setting screen W20 (arrow 2-3a in the figure, state 3a).

[0150] As described above, according to the third embodiment, when selecting the setting history information on the simple setting screen or the normal setting screen, it is possible to select whether to execute the job in the normal mode via the normal setting screen or the job in the simple mode via the simple screen. Therefore, it is easy for the user to execute the job based on the setting history information via the desired setting screen, and an information processing apparatus with high convenience can be provided.

[0151] [4 Fourth Embodiment] The fourth embodiment is a form in which the setting history information related to the job is used when user authentication is valid.

[0152] The functional configuration of the multifunction machine according to the fourth embodiment can be the same as the functional configuration of the multifunction machine 10 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of the functional configuration of the multifunction machine according to the fourth embodiment is omitted, and the same reference numerals as those of the multifunction machine 10 according to the first embodiment are used for the description.

[0153] [4.1 Flow of Processing] When user authentication is valid, the process flow when using the setting history information related to a job will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 19. In the description of this figure, the same steps will be assigned the same step numbers for the same processes as those described in the flowchart of FIG. 12 according to the second embodiment.

[0154] The control unit 11 displays the login screen on the display unit 13 (step S320). For example, the control unit 11 displays the login screen when the power is turned on, during standby, when resuming from the sleep state, etc.

[0155] The control unit 11 receives input of information related to user authentication such as the login username and login password by the user and performs user authentication. In this case, the control unit 11 can perform user authentication by comparing the combination of the login username and login password input by the user with the combination of the login username and login password registered in the own device in advance. Note that user authentication may be performed by an authentication server provided separately outside. In this case, the authentication server holds the login username and login password for user authentication. By the way, in addition to the combination of the login username and login password, user authentication can also be performed by, for example, the combination of an identification number, a registration number, etc. and the login password, authentication using a token, a key, an IC (Integrated circuit) card, a smartphone, etc., biometric authentication such as fingerprint authentication and face authentication.

[0156] When the user authentication is O.K., the control unit 11 displays the home screen W40 on the display unit 13 (step S330; Yes → step S150).

[0157] When an instruction to display the setting history information is input from the user (step S160), the control unit 11 displays the setting history display screen W30 on the display unit 13.

[0158] Next, the control unit 11 accepts the selection of the setting history information by the user (step S170). The control unit 11 determines whether the setting history information selected by the user relates to a copy job (step S180).

[0159] If the setting history information selected by the user relates to a copy job, the control unit 11 determines whether the setting history information relates to the execution job of another person (step S180; Yes → step S340).

[0160] If the setting history information relates to the execution job of another person, the control unit 11 displays the simple setting screen W10 (step S340; Yes → step S210). After the display of the simple setting screen W10, based on the execution instruction by the user, the control unit 11 executes a simple copy job (step S220) and ends the process.

[0161] In this case, for example, according to the execution status of the job such as the high execution frequency of the copy job in the simple mode, or the system setting such as the simple mode priority that "the copy job of another person gives priority to the execution in the simple mode", even if the selected setting history information of another person relates to the normal mode, it may be in the form of shifting to the simple mode. If the execution frequency of the copy job in the simple mode is not high, it may shift to the same mode as the mode in which the copy job related to the selected setting history information was executed.

[0162] On the other hand, if the setting history information does not relate to the execution job of another person, the control unit 11 determines the mode of the selected setting history information on the assumption that the selected setting history information is by the logged-in user (step S340; No → step S350).

[0163] If the setting history information relates to the simple mode job of the logged-in user, the control unit 11 displays the simple setting screen W10 (step S360; Yes → step S210). Then, the control unit 11 executes a simple copy job based on the instruction by the user and ends the process (step S220).

[0164] On the other hand, when the setting history information pertains to the normal mode job of the logged-in user (not to the simple mode job), the control unit 11 displays the normal setting screen W20 (step S360; No → step S230). Then, the control unit 11 executes a normal copy job based on an instruction from the user and ends the process (step S240).

[0165] [4.2 Operation Example] FIG. 20 is a configuration example of the user authentication screen W60. The user authentication screen W60 includes a logged-in user name input box Bx11, a logged-in password input box Bx13, an authentication destination input box Bx15, a job status notification button B23c, an OK button B35, and a cancel button B37.

[0166] The logged-in user name input box Bx11 accepts the input of the logged-in user name. The logged-in password input box Bx13 accepts the input of the logged-in password. The authentication destination input box Bx15 accepts the input of the authentication destination related to user authentication. The OK button B35 accepts an input confirmation instruction for the logged-in user name input box Bx11, the logged-in password input box Bx13, and the authentication destination input box Bx15. The cancel button B37 accepts a cancel instruction for the user authentication process via the user authentication screen W60.

[0167] FIG. 21 is an operation example when using the setting history information related to a copy job executed by a user other than the logged-in user when user authentication is valid. This operation example corresponds to the process described in steps S320 to S340; Yes to step S220 in FIG. 19. Here, the state where the control unit 11 displays the user authentication screen W60 is referred to as "state a", the state where the home screen W40 is displayed is referred to as "state 0", the state where the setting history display screen W30 is displayed is referred to as "state 2", and the state where the simple setting screen W10 is displayed is referred to as "state 1" for explanation.

[0168] In the state a where the user authentication screen W60 is displayed, when the user authentication is successful, the control unit 11 transitions the display screen to the home screen W40 (arrow a-0 in the figure, state 0).

[0169] When the setting history display button B17c is pressed from the state 0 where the home screen W40 is displayed, the control unit 11 transitions the display screen to the setting history display screen W30 (arrow 0-2 in the figure, state 2).

[0170] In state 2, when a copy job (normal mode) of another person is selected by the logged-in user, the control unit 11 transitions the display screen from the setting history display screen W30 to the simple setting screen W10 (arrow 2-1 in the figure, state 1). In this case, for example, depending on the execution status of the job such as a high execution frequency of the copy job in the simple mode, or system settings such as "prioritize the execution of copy jobs of others in the simple mode", it may be in a form of transitioning to the simple mode. If the execution frequency of the copy job in the simple mode is not high, it may transition to the same mode as the mode in which the copy job related to the setting history information selected by the user was executed.

[0171] FIG. 22 is an operation example when using the setting history information related to the copy job executed by the logged-in user when user authentication is valid. This operation example corresponds to the processing described in steps S320 to S340; No to step S240 of FIG. 19. Here, the control unit 11 will be described with the state of displaying the user authentication screen W60 as "state a", the state of displaying the home screen W40 as "state 0", the state of displaying the setting history display screen W30 as "state 2", the state of displaying the simple setting screen W10 as "state 1", and the state of displaying the normal setting screen W20 as "state 3".

[0172] In the state a where the user authentication screen W60 is displayed, when the user authentication is successful, the control unit 11 transitions the display screen to the home screen W40 (arrow a-0 in the figure, state 0).

[0173] When the setting history display button B17c is pressed from the state where the home screen W40 is displayed (state 0), the control unit 11 transitions the display screen to the setting history display screen W30 (arrow 0-2 in the figure, state 2).

[0174] In state 2, when the login user selects their own copy job (simple mode or normal mode), the control unit 11 transitions from the setting history display screen W30 to the display screen during the execution of either the simple setting screen W10 (arrow 2-1 in the figure, state 1) or the normal setting screen W20 (arrow 2-3 in the figure, state 3).

[0175] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, when user authentication is valid, based on the setting history information related to the execution jobs of the login user or other users, the setting screen related to the execution of the job based on the setting history information is selected. Therefore, it is easy for the user to execute the job based on the setting history information via the desired setting screen, and an information processing apparatus with high convenience can be provided.

[0176] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible. That is, embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means modified within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0177] 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.

[0178] Also, the programs operating in each device in the embodiment are programs that control a CPU or the like (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 its processing, and then stored in a storage device such as various ROMs and HDDs, and read out by the CPU as needed for correction and writing.

[0179] Here, as the recording medium for storing the program, any of a semiconductor medium (e.g., ROM, non-volatile memory card, etc.), an optical recording medium or 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.) may be used. Further, 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.

[0180] In addition, 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, it goes without saying that the storage device of the server computer is also included in the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0181] 10 Multifunction device 11 Control unit 13 Display unit 15 Operation input unit 17 Communication unit 19 Image forming unit 21 Image reading unit 23 Storage unit 231 Job execution program 232 Setting history information processing program 233 Display processing program 234 Mode determination program 235 Set value storage area 236 Setting history information storage area 237 Display content storage area 25 Paper feeding unit 27 Paper discharging unit

Claims

1. A display unit, a storage unit, and a control unit are provided, wherein the control unit displays on the display unit either an execution screen for receiving an execution instruction of a job or a simplified execution screen obtained by simplifying the display content of the execution screen, wherein the storage unit stores history information related to the job for which an execution instruction has been received via either the execution screen or the simplified execution screen, wherein the control unit determines whether or not it is possible to execute the job based on the history information via the simplified execution screen according to whether the selected history information is the history information related to the job executed via the execution screen for receiving settings of all setting values related to the execution of the job or the history information related to the job executed via the simplified execution screen for receiving settings of some of the setting values related to the execution of the job, which are selected by the user via either the execution screen or the simplified execution screen, and when it is possible to execute the job via the simplified execution screen for the selected history information, the simplified execution screen is displayed on the display unit, and when it is not possible to execute the job via the simplified execution screen for the selected history information, the execution screen is displayed on the display unit. An information processing apparatus characterized by this.

2. wherein the control unit when the history information related to the job for which an execution instruction has been received via the execution screen is selected, and when it is possible to execute the job via the simplified execution screen for the selected history information, the simplified execution screen is displayed on the display unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by this.

3. wherein the control unit when the history information related to the job for which an execution instruction has been received via the execution screen is selected, displays on the display unit a selection screen for prompting a selection of whether to input an execution instruction of the job via either the execution screen or the simplified execution screen, and when the simplified execution screen is selected, and when it is possible to execute the job via the simplified execution screen, the simplified execution screen is displayed on the display unit, and when it is not possible to execute the job via the simplified execution screen, the execution screen is displayed on the display unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized by this.

4. wherein the control unit When the history information related to the job for which an execution instruction has been received via the simple execution screen is selected, a selection screen for prompting a selection of whether to input an execution instruction for the job via either the execution screen or the simple execution screen is displayed on the display unit, and the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that either the selected execution screen or the simple execution screen is displayed.

5. The control unit displays a reception screen for receiving an input for instructing display of the history information on the display unit, When an input for instructing display of the history information is received via the reception screen, a selection screen for prompting a selection of whether to input an execution instruction for the job via either the execution screen or the simple execution screen is displayed on the display unit, and the information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that.

6. comprises an authentication unit for performing user authentication, The control unit When the user is authenticated, receives an input for instructing display of the history information via the reception screen, and when the history information related to the job executed by another user is selected, determines that an execution instruction for the job is received via the simple execution screen, and the information processing apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that.

7. The control unit When the user is authenticated, receives an input for instructing display of the history information via the reception screen, and when the history information related to the job executed by the user is selected, determines that an execution instruction for the job is received via the execution screen, and the information processing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that.

8. A control method for an information processing apparatus, comprising: a display step of displaying on a display device either an execution screen for receiving an execution instruction for a job or a simple execution screen obtained by simplifying the display content of the execution screen; a storage step of storing, in a storage device, history information related to the job for which an execution instruction has been received via either the execution screen or the simple execution screen; Based on any one of the history information selected by the user via the execution screen or the simple execution screen, the history information related to the job executed via the execution screen that accepts the setting of all setting values related to the execution of the job, or the history information related to the job executed via the simple execution screen that accepts the setting of some of the setting values related to the execution of the job, determine whether the job can be executed based on the history information via the simple execution screen. If the execution of the job via the simple execution screen for the selected history information is possible, display the simple execution screen on the display device. If the execution of the job via the simple execution screen for the selected history information is not possible, a selection step of displaying the execution screen on the display device is provided. A control method characterized by this is provided.

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