Information Processing Apparatus and Information Processing Method

Abstract

To provide an information processing device capable of preventing a user other than the user of a terminal device from using setting history information including destination information acquired from the terminal device, without need of a special operation.SOLUTION: The information processing device comprises a control unit for executing a job using a destination and a storage unit for storing a setting value of the job as history information. In a case where the history information of the job with a destination acquired from the terminal device as a transmission destination is stored in the storage unit, the control unit applies the setting value to an execution of the job.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

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 are provided with a function of acquiring destination information including destinations such as email addresses and fax numbers managed by terminal devices such as smartphones, tablets, mobile phones, or personal computers. Among these information processing apparatuses, there are those that can transmit image data to destinations not managed by themselves by setting the destinations included in the destination information acquired from the terminal device as transmission destinations related to jobs such as the Scan to E-mail function and the Scan to FAX function.

[0003] By the way, in order to facilitate the execution of jobs that are the same as or similar to jobs executed in the past, attempts have been made to store the set values related to the jobs as setting history information and reuse them. The setting history information is, for example, displayed selectably on a display device, and the user can select the desired setting history information and change the set values as necessary, thereby easily executing the job.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an image processing apparatus that controls whether to store the settings related to the execution of a transmission job, which is a job of transmitting image data, as setting history information according to the user's intention.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] From a security perspective, the destination information obtained from the terminal device is often deleted from the storage device after job execution. Here, for example, when it is desired to re-execute a transmission job with the same destination, the user has to obtain the destination information from the terminal device again and reconfigure the settings related to the job.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing apparatus and the like that can efficiently execute a job based on a destination obtained from a terminal device without performing the same setting operation multiple times.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, an information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a control unit that executes a job using a destination, and a storage unit that stores the set value of the job as history information. When the history information of the job with the destination obtained from the terminal device as the transmission destination is stored in the storage unit, the control unit is characterized by applying the set value to the execution of the job.

[0009] Also, an information processing method according to the present disclosure includes a step of executing a job using a destination, a storage step of storing the set value of the job as history information in a storage unit, a step of obtaining a destination from a terminal device, a step of determining whether the history information of the job with the destination obtained from the terminal device as the transmission destination is stored in the storage unit, and an application step of applying the set value to the execution of the job when it is determined that the history information of the job with the destination obtained from the terminal device as the transmission destination is stored in the storage unit.

Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an information processing apparatus and the like that can efficiently execute a job based on a destination obtained from a terminal device without repeatedly performing the same setting operation.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present disclosure, a multifunction peripheral having a copy function, a scan function, a Scan to E-mail function, a Scan to FAX function, etc. 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.

[0013] [1 First Embodiment] The first embodiment is a form of a multifunction peripheral that can execute a job using a destination and store history information of the job. When the storage unit stores history information having a destination acquired from the terminal device as a transmission destination, the multifunction peripheral applies the set value of the history information to the execution of the job.

[0014] [1.1 Functional Configuration] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically explaining the overall configuration of the multifunction peripheral 10 according to the first embodiment. The multifunction peripheral 10 is configured to be connectable to the terminal device 30. In the present disclosure, "connection" means a state in which the multifunction peripheral 10 and the terminal device 30 establish a connection by communication and can mutually transmit and receive information.

[0015] Here, the connection method is not particularly limited. For example, communication technologies such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near field communication), Wi-fi (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), Irda, and wireless USB can be adopted. Note that in FIG. 1, the form in which the multifunction peripheral 10 is directly connected to the terminal device 30 is illustrated, but it is also possible to connect via a network (not shown) such as a LAN (Local area network), a WAN (Wide area network), or the Internet.

[0016] Also, there is no particular limitation on the number of terminal devices 30 that can be connected to the multifunction device 10. When a plurality of terminal devices 30 can be connected to the multifunction device 10, each of the terminal devices 30 may have the same functional configuration or different functional configurations.

[0017] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view for explaining the overall configuration of the multifunction device 10. Also, FIG. 3 is a functional configuration diagram of the multifunction device 10. The multifunction device 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 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.

[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 (for example, numeric keys) and buttons or 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 detection method of the touch panel, for example, methods such as a resistive film method, an infrared method, an electromagnetic induction method, and a capacitance method can be adopted.

[0021] As described above, the communication unit 17 is provided with wireless communication interfaces such as Bluetooth, NFC, Wi-fi, ZigBee, Irda, and wireless USB. Further, the communication unit 17 can also be provided with a wired / wireless or both interfaces for communicating with other devices via a network (not shown) such as LAN, WAN, the Internet, a telephone line, and a fax line.

[0022] 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. The image forming unit 19 performs image formation using toner supplied from a toner cartridge (not shown) corresponding to toner colors (for example, C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), K (black)).

[0023] The image reading unit 21 generates image data by scanning and reading a manuscript image to be read. The image reading unit 21 can be configured as, for example, a scanner device provided 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 particularly limited as long as it is configured to generate image data by reading a reflected light image from the manuscript 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 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 destination information acquisition program 232, a setting history information processing program 233, a display processing program 234, and a destination determination program 235, and secures a setting value storage area 236, a destination information storage area 237, and a setting history information storage area 238.

[0026] The job execution program 231 is a program read by the control unit 11 to perform, on a job-by-job basis, processes associated with the execution of functions such as a copy function, a scan function, a Scan to E-mail function, and a Scan to FAX function. The control unit 11 that has read 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, or the image reading unit 21. Further, the control unit 11 that has read the job execution program 231 can execute various jobs based on the setting values stored as setting history information described later.

[0027] The destination information acquisition program 232 is a program read by the control unit 11 when a destination acquisition request is received from the user. The control unit 11 that has read the destination information acquisition program 232 requests the terminal device 30 to output destination information including destinations such as e-mail addresses, FAX numbers, or TEL numbers managed by the terminal device 30. There are no particular restrictions on the acquisition means for destination information. For example, phone book transfer profiles such as PBAP (Phone book access profile) and OPP (Object push profile) can be used.

[0028] The setting history information processing program 233 is a program read by the control unit 11 when performing, for example, acquisition of setting values related to job execution, generation of setting history information, and various processes on the setting history information. The control unit 11 that has read the setting history information processing program 233 acquires the setting values related to job execution and stores them in the setting value storage area 236. 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 238.

[0029] The display processing program 234 is a program read by the control unit 11 when displaying a setting history information screen, a job execution screen, a home screen, or the like on the display unit 13. The control unit 11 that has read the display processing program 234 displays various screens such as a setting history information screen, a job execution screen, or a home screen on the display unit 13 according to frame information, content arrangement information, etc. (not shown).

[0030] The destination determination program 235 is a program read by the control unit 11 when determining whether setting history information of a job with a destination included in the destination information acquired from the terminal device 30 is stored in the setting history information storage area 238. The control unit 11 performs destination determination processing by comparing the destination included in the destination information read from the destination information storage area 237 with the destination included in the setting history information read from the setting history information storage area 238.

[0031] The setting value storage area 236 is a storage area that stores setting values related to the execution of a job. The setting values include, for example, setting values set by the user such as color mode, original paper size, magnification, density, image quality, resolution, format, etc., and setting values related to image formation such as device initial values held by the device itself. Note that the control unit 11 stores the destination set during the execution of the transmission job as a setting value in the setting value storage area 236.

[0032] The destination information storage area 237 is a storage area that stores the destination information acquired from the terminal device 30. The destination included in the destination information stored in the destination information storage area 237 is read by the control unit 11 and used for destination determination processing.

[0033] The setting history information storage area 238 is a storage area that stores setting history information in a data table format. The setting history information according to the present disclosure is, for example, information related to the execution history of a job such as the execution date and time, the type of job executed, etc., and a part or all of the setting values stored in the setting value storage area 236. It can be configured as history information with an identifier such as a job ID attached to uniquely identify the information. The setting history information stored in the setting history information storage area 238 is read out by the control unit 11 and used for destination determination processing and job execution.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of the setting history information according to the first embodiment. For example, the setting history information of job ID "1" represents a job of job type "Copy" executed at the execution date and time "April 1, 2020, 9:00". The setting values include, for example, setting values related to image formation such as color mode, original paper size, density, image quality, resolution, magnification, or data format, and are the setting values related to job execution stored in the setting value storage area 236. The setting history information of job ID "1" includes setting values such as color mode: full color, original paper size: A4, paper size: A4, magnification: 100 (same magnification). Note that the setting values illustrated in FIG. 4 are merely examples, and the setting values in the present disclosure are not limited to the matters described in FIG. 4.

[0035] The setting history information of job ID "2" represents a job of job type "E-mail transmission" executed at the execution date and time "April 1, 2020, 11:00". The setting history information of job ID "2" includes setting values such as color mode: full color, resolution: 200x200 dpi, format: PDF, and also includes the destination "aiueo@sample.com".

[0036] The setting history information of job ID "3" represents a job of job type "Fax transmission" executed at the execution date and time "April 1, 2020, 13:10". The setting history information of job ID "3" includes setting values such as image quality: normal font, density: dark, and also includes the destination "55-6666-7777".

[0037] The setting history information of job ID "4" represents a job with a job type of "E-mail transmission" that was executed at the execution date and time of "April 2, 2020, 13:30". The setting history information of job ID "4" includes destination information of "aiueo@sample.com" in addition to setting values such as color mode: black and white, resolution: 200x200 dpi, and format: TIFF.

[0038] The setting history information of job ID "5" represents a job with a job type of "E-mail transmission" that was executed at the execution date and time of "April 2, 2020, 13:40". The setting history information of job ID "5" includes destination information of "aaaaa@sample.com" in addition to setting values such as color mode: full color, resolution: 400x400 dpi, and format: PDF.

[0039] The setting history information of job ID "6" represents a job with a job type of "fax transmission" that was executed at the execution date and time of "April 2, 2020, 13:50". The setting history information of job ID "6" includes the destination of "22-3333-4444" in addition to setting values such as image quality: normal characters and density: automatic.

[0040] The setting history information of job ID "7" represents a job with a job type of "E-mail transmission" that was executed at the execution date and time of "April 3, 2020, 10:00". The setting history information of job ID "7" includes destination information of "tachi@sample.com" in addition to setting values such as color mode: full color, resolution: 400x400 dpi, and format: PDF.

[0041] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the functional configuration of the terminal device 30. The terminal device 30 according to the present disclosure assumes a so-called mobile terminal device such as a smartphone, a tablet, a mobile phone, or a notebook personal computer, but is not limited thereto. If it is in an environment where it can communicate with the multifunction device 10, an installed terminal device such as a desktop personal computer is also included in the terminal device of the present disclosure.

[0042] Such a terminal device 30 includes a control unit 31, a display unit 33, an operation input unit 35, a communication unit 37, and a storage unit 39.

[0043] The control unit 31 controls the entire terminal device 30. The control unit 31 is configured by, for example, one or a plurality of arithmetic units (such as a CPU). The control unit 31 realizes its functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 39.

[0044] The display unit 33 displays various information to the user. The display unit 33 can be configured by, for example, an LCD, an organic EL display, or the like.

[0045] The operation input unit 35 receives input of information by the user or the like. The operation input unit 35 can be configured as a touch panel capable of input via the display unit 33. In this case, as the input detection method of the touch panel, for example, methods such as a resistive film method, an infrared method, an electromagnetic induction method, and a capacitance method can be adopted.

[0046] The communication unit 37 includes communication interfaces such as Bluetooth, NFC, Wi-fi, ZigBee, Irda, and wireless USB. In addition, the communication unit 37 can also be provided with either a wired or wireless interface or both for communicating with other devices via a network (not shown) such as a LAN, a WAN, the Internet, a telephone line, or a fax line.

[0047] The storage unit 39 stores various programs and various data necessary for the operation of the terminal device 30. The storage unit 39 can be configured by, for example, a storage device such as a RAM, an HDD, an SSD, or a ROM.

[0048] In the first embodiment, the storage unit 39 stores an application program 391 and a destination information management program 392, and secures a destination information storage area 393.

[0049] The application program 391 is a program that the control unit 31 reads when executing various applications such as mail, fax, call, SNS, video / music viewing, and games.

[0050] The destination information management program 392 is a program that the control unit 31 reads when managing destinations such as the email address, fax number, and TEL number of the counterpart used in applications such as mail, fax, and call. The control unit 31 performs processes related to destination information such as new registration, editing, and deletion based on instructions from the user. Also, the control unit 31 reads and outputs the destination information managed in response to requests from the control unit 11 of the multifunction device 10. When the request for acquiring destination information is made based on a profile such as PBAP or OPP, for example, the control unit 31 can output the destination information in vCard format. Note that the destination information can also be written out in CSV format. Note that the destination information management program 392 may be implemented as a management program incorporated in the application program 391.

[0051] The destination information storage area 393 is a storage area that stores destination information associating identification information such as a user name and ID with destinations such as an email address, fax number, and phone TEL number.

[0052] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of destination information. For example, for the destination information of ID "1", the email address "aiueo@sample.com", FAX number "00-1111-2222", and TEL number "aa-bbbb-cccc" are associated with the destination name "Aii Ueta".

[0053] Similarly, for example, for the destination information of ID "4", the email address "tachi@sample.com", FAX number "99-0000-1111", and TEL number "jj-kkkk-llll" are associated with the destination name "Tsuji Tsutomu".

[0054] Note that the destination information illustrated in FIG. 6 is merely an example, and the destination information in the present disclosure is not limited to the matters described in FIG. 6.

[0055] [1.2 Flow of processing] Next, the flow of processing according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing by the multifunction device 10. The control unit 11 of the multifunction device 10 realizes the processing in each step by reading out a job execution program 231, a destination information acquisition program 232, a setting history information processing program 233, a display processing program 234, or a destination determination program 235.

[0056] First, the control unit 11 of the multifunction device 10 determines whether or not a destination acquisition request has been made by the user (step S100). If it is determined that a destination information acquisition request has been made by the user, the control unit 11 acquires destination information from the terminal device 30 (step S100; Yes → step S110).

[0057] At this time, the control unit 11 requests the control unit 31 of the terminal device 30 to output destination information including a destination such as an email address, a FAX number, or a TEL number. The control unit 31 that has received the request outputs the destination information stored in the destination information storage area 393 to the multifunction device 10.

[0058] Next, the control unit 11 acquires setting history information from the setting history information storage area 238 of the storage unit 23 (step S120).

[0059] The control unit 11 displays the destination (for example, an email address) included in the destination information acquired in step S110 on the display unit 13 (step S130).

[0060] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether there are multiple destinations acquired from the terminal device 30 (step S140). If there are multiple destinations acquired from the terminal device 30, the control unit 11 accepts the selection of the destination by the user (step S140; Yes → step S150). On the other hand, if the acquired destination is not multiple, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S160 (step S140; No → step S160).

[0061] The control unit 11 determines whether there is setting history information with the acquired destination as the transmission destination (step S160). If there is corresponding setting history information, the control unit 11 displays the setting history information on the display unit 13 (step S160; Yes → step S170).

[0062] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether there are multiple pieces of corresponding setting history information (step S180). If there are multiple pieces of corresponding setting history information, the control unit 11 accepts the selection of the setting history information by the user (step S180; Yes → step S190). On the other hand, if there are not multiple pieces of corresponding setting history information, the control unit 11 moves the process to step S200 (step S180; No → step S200).

[0063] Then, the control unit 11 displays on the display unit 13 a job execution screen to which the set value of the one piece of setting history information selected in step S190 or the setting history information (step S180; No) when there is one piece of corresponding setting history information in step S180 is applied (step S200). When a job execution instruction is received via the displayed job execution screen, the control unit 11 executes the job (step S210) and ends the process.

[0064] At this time, the number of times the setting history information applied to the execution of the job may be aggregated. The aggregation result can be used, for example, for the display process of the setting history information in step S180 or the like. In the display process in step S180, by arranging and displaying the setting history information in descending order of the number of applications, the user can easily grasp the setting history information with a large number of applications, that is, high usage frequency. Also, for example, a predetermined threshold value may be provided for the number of applications, and the setting history information with the number of applications less than the threshold value can be deleted from the setting history information storage area 238. Thereby, it is possible to prevent unnecessary setting history information from being accumulated and avoid the storage capacity of the storage unit 23 from being compressed.

[0065] Incidentally, when there is no setting history information with the acquired destination as the transmission destination, the control unit 11 displays a job execution screen to which the default setting is applied (step S160; No → step S220). When a job execution instruction is received via the displayed job execution screen, the control unit 11 executes the job (step S210) and ends the process. As the default setting according to the present disclosure, for example, a recommended value recommended by the manufacturer of the multifunction device 10, a consumable supply manufacturer, etc., a user setting value preset by the user, etc. can be used.

[0066] [1.3 Operation Example] Next, an operation example of the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a configuration example of a home screen displayed by the multifunction device 10. The home screen W10 is a basic screen that is displayed on the display unit 13, for example, when the power is turned on, during standby, when recovering from the sleep state, etc., and receives operation inputs by the user. The user makes a request to acquire destination information for the terminal device 30 via the displayed home screen W10.

[0067] The home screen W10 includes a job selection button B10, a device status display area R10, and a function selection button B12.

[0068] The job selection button B10 includes selection buttons for transitioning to the job execution screens of respective jobs such as, for example, a "simple copy" button, a "simple fax" button, and a "simple scan" button. Further, the job selection button B10 includes a "address book of external device" button B102. The "address book of external device" button B102 is a button that accepts a request to acquire an address book as destination information managed by an external device such as the terminal device 30. When the "address book of external device" button B102 is pressed, the control unit 11 reads out the destination information acquisition program 232 to acquire destination information from the terminal device 30.

[0069] The device state display area R10 is an area for displaying the device state of the multifunction machine 10. The example shown in FIG. 8 is an example in which the toner remaining amount is displayed in the device state display area R10.

[0070] The function selection button B12 is a button that accepts change instructions, reference instructions, etc. related to the function settings of the multifunction machine 10. When the function selection button B12 is pressed, the control unit 11 displays respective setting screens (not shown) for executing the change instruction and reference instruction of the corresponding function.

[0071] FIG. 9 is a configuration example of a message screen M10 displayed on the home screen W10 until the connection with the terminal device 30 is established (paired) after the "address book of external device" button B102 is pressed. The message screen M10 includes a message display area R12 and a cancel button B14.

[0072] The message screen M10 can have a configuration equivalent to that of a message screen displayed between devices attempting to connect using general Bluetooth. That is, on the message screen, the target terminal device 30 (in the example of FIG. 9, device name: BP-aaaa(bb:cc:dd:ee)) and the passkey for establishing the connection (in the example of FIG. 9, passkey: 1234) are displayed together in the message display area R12. When permission is given to connect to the device, the user can establish the connection by entering the passkey. Note that the cancel button B14 is a button that accepts input when the connection to the terminal device 30 is not to be established. When the user presses the cancel button B14, the control unit 11 stops the display of the message screen M10 and also stops the connection operation with the terminal device 30.

[0073] FIG. 10 is a configuration example of a message screen M12 displayed on the home screen W10 after the connection with the terminal device 30 is established. When the connection with the terminal device 30 is established, the control unit 11 starts acquiring the destination information from the terminal device 30. A message indicating the acquisition status of the destination information is displayed in the message display area R12 of the message screen M12.

[0074] FIG. 11 is a configuration example of a destination display screen W20 for displaying the destination information acquired from the terminal device 30. The destination display screen W20 includes a destination display area R14, a process selection button B16, and an OK button B18.

[0075] The destination display area R14 is an area for displaying the destinations included in the destination information acquired from the terminal device 30. FIG. 11 shows an example in which the E-mail address as the destination and a part of the FAX number are displayed in the destination information acquired from the terminal device 30 (see FIG. 6). In the example of FIG. 11, although the E-mail address is centered as the destination, it is possible to display the non-displayed destinations (such as the FAX number) by scrolling the scroll bar S10 downward in the figure.

[0076] Note that the destination to be displayed in the destination display area R14 may be in a form of displaying all the destinations included in the acquired destination information, as exemplified in FIG. 11, or may limit the destinations to be displayed, for example, as in "display only e-mail addresses". Furthermore, in the destination information acquired from the terminal device 30, only specific destinations may be acquired (for example, "acquire only FAX numbers", etc.). The destination display area R14 is configured to enable selection of one destination when there are a plurality of acquired destinations. FIG. 11 shows a state where the e-mail address "aiueo@sample.com" among the multiple displayed destinations is selected by the user and the e-mail address is highlighted. The control unit 11 searches the setting history information storage area 238 by reading the destination determination program 235 based on the destination selected by the user.

[0077] The process selection button B16 is a button for accepting selection of a process (action) desired by the user. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the process selection button B16 includes buttons such as "search address book", "search transmission history", and "search global address book". For example, by pressing the "search address book" button, the user can switch to a destination based on the destination information (address book) managed by the multifunction machine 10 for the transmission destination related to job execution.

[0078] The OK button B18 is a button for accepting a confirmation instruction for the selection of a destination via the destination display area R14 or a confirmation instruction for the selection of a process via the process selection button B16. When a specific destination is selected via the destination display area R14 and the OK button B18 is pressed, the control unit 11 performs a destination determination process by searching the setting history information storage area 238 for the destination selected by the user.

[0079] FIG. 12 shows a configuration example of the setting history information display screen. The setting history information display screen can be configured as a display screen for displaying the result of the destination determination process executed by the control unit 11. The setting history information display screen W30 includes a search result display area R16, an OK button B20, and a delete button B22.

[0080] The search result display area R16 is an area for displaying the setting history information of jobs with the destination that matches the destination displayed or selected on the destination display screen W20 as the transmission destination. Here, as an example, a case where the email address "aiueo@sample.com" is selected as the destination on the destination display screen W20 in FIG. 11 will be described. Also, the control unit 11 will be described as having retrieved the setting history information illustrated in FIG. 4 based on the email address.

[0081] When the user selects the email address "aiueo@sample.com" as the destination, the control unit 11 retrieves the setting history information stored in the setting history information storage area 238 based on the email address.

[0082] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the setting history information of job ID "2" and the setting history information of job ID "4" are the setting history information related to the E-mail transmission job with the email address "aiueo@sample.com" as the transmission destination. Therefore, the control unit 11 displays the setting history information of job ID "2" and the setting history information of job ID "4" in the search result display area R16 as search results. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the search result display area R16 is configured to enable selection of one piece of setting history information when there are multiple search results.

[0083] The OK button B20 is a button that accepts an instruction to confirm the selection of the setting history information via the search result display area R16. When specific setting history information is selected via the search result display area R16 and the OK button B20 is pressed, the control unit 11 displays an inquiry screen for asking the user whether to apply the setting value related to the setting history information to the execution of the job.

[0084] The delete button B22 accepts an instruction to delete the setting history information in the search result display area R16. When specific setting history information is selected via the search result display area R16 and the delete button B22 is pressed, the control unit 11 deletes the setting history information from the search result display area R16.

[0085] FIG. 13 is a configuration example of an inquiry screen that asks whether to apply the setting value related to the selected setting history information to the execution of a job when specific setting history information is selected by a user. The inquiry screen M14 includes a selected setting history information display area R18, an OK button B24, and a cancel button B26.

[0086] The selected setting history information display area R18 is an area that displays the content of asking whether to apply the setting value of the setting history information selected by the user via the search result display area R16 to the execution of the job. FIG. 13 is an illustration when the setting history information of job ID "2" is selected in the search result display area R16.

[0087] The OK button B24 is a button that accepts an instruction to confirm the application of the setting value of the setting history information displayed in the selected setting history information display area R18. When the OK button B24 is pressed, the control unit 11 displays a job execution screen to which the setting value of the setting history information is applied.

[0088] The cancel button B26 is a button that accepts an instruction to cancel the application of the setting value of the setting history information displayed in the selected setting history information display area R18. When the cancel button B26 is pressed, the control unit 11 returns the display to the setting history information display screen W30, the destination display screen W20, or the like.

[0089] FIG. 14 is a configuration example of a job execution screen displayed by the control unit 11 in response to pressing of the OK button B24 on the inquiry screen M14. The control unit 11 determines which job the setting history information selected by the user via the search result display area R16 pertains to by referring to the job type, setting values, etc. included in the setting history information. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the setting history information related to the job type "E-mail transmission" is selected by the user, and the setting value relates to the reading operation (image formation) by the image reading unit 21. Therefore, the control unit 11 determines that the job to be executed is a job related to the Scan to E-mail function, and displays the execution screen of the job.

[0090] The job execution screen W40 includes a destination display area R20, a setting information display area R22, a process selection button B16, and a start button B28.

[0091] The destination display area R20 is an area for displaying the destination of the image data in the Scan to E-mail function. The destination included in the applied setting history information is set in the destination display area R20.

[0092] The setting information display area R22 is an area for displaying each setting information related to the Scan to E-mail function. The setting values of the setting history information selected by the user via the search result display area R16 are applied and displayed in the setting information display area R22. FIG. 14 is an example in which the setting values such as color mode: full color, resolution: 200x200 dpi, format: PDF, etc. included in the setting history information of job ID "2" are applied.

[0093] The processing selection button B16 is a button that accepts the selection of the processing desired by the user. The processing selection button B16 can have the same configuration as the processing selection button B16 described on the destination display screen W20. The processing selection button B16 includes buttons such as "Search address book", "Search transmission history", "Search global address book", etc. For example, by pressing the "Search address book" button, the user can switch the destination displayed in the destination display area R20 to a destination based on the destination information (address book) managed by the multifunction device 10. As a result, the user can also transmit image data to different destinations while using the set value of the desired setting history information.

[0094] As described above, according to the first embodiment, when the storage unit stores the history information having the destination acquired from the terminal device as the transmission destination, the storage unit applies the set value of the history information to the job and displays the execution screen related to the execution of the job on the display unit. As a result, the user can efficiently execute the job based on the destination information acquired from the terminal device without repeating the same setting operation.

[0095] [2 Second Embodiment] The second embodiment is a form in which the setting history information holding the attached data similar to the reading result of the attached manuscript is selected by collating the reading result (image data) of the attached manuscript with the attached data held by the setting history information.

[0096] [2.1 Functional Configuration] FIG. 15 is a functional configuration diagram for explaining the functional configuration of the multifunction device 50 according to the second embodiment. Note that the same components as those of the multifunction device 10 according to the first embodiment may be denoted by the same reference numerals and their description may be omitted. Also, since the terminal device can have the same configuration as the terminal device 30 according to the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here.

[0097] The multifunction device 50 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 53.

[0098] In the second embodiment, the storage unit 53 stores a job execution program 231, a destination information acquisition program 232, a setting history information processing program 233, a display processing program 234, a destination determination program 235, and a read document determination program 531, and secures a setting value storage area 236, a destination information storage area 237, and a setting history information storage area 238.

[0099] The read document determination program 531 is a program read by the control unit 11 when determining whether there is setting history information that holds attached data whose read result matches or is similar, by collating the read result (image data) of the document by the image reading unit 21 with the attached data held by the setting history information. When the control unit 11 that has read the read document determination program 531 determines that there is setting history information that holds attached data whose read result matches or is similar, the control unit 11 preferentially displays the setting history information.

[0100] FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of setting history information according to the second embodiment. The setting history information according to the second embodiment includes, in addition to the configuration of the setting history information illustrated in FIG. 4, for example, setting history information that holds attached data transmitted along with an E-mail transmission. Note that the attached data may be data obtained by converting a transmitted document into electronic data (for example, a PDF file or the like) and storing it in a FAX transmission job, or attached data in an IFAX transmission job. For example, the setting history information of job ID “2” is described as holding data B (image data) as the attached data, and the setting history information of job ID “4” is described as holding data A (image data) as the attached data.

[0101] [2.2 Flow of processing] Next, the process flow according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the process flow by the multifunction machine 50. In the process according to the second embodiment, for the same processes as those in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals may be used and the description may be omitted. The control unit 11 of the multifunction machine 50 realizes the processes in each step by reading out the job execution program 231, the destination information acquisition program 232, the setting history information processing program 233, the display processing program 234, the destination determination program 235, or the document reading determination program 531.

[0102] After executing the processes related to steps S100 to S130, the control unit 11 determines whether a document has been read by the image reading unit 21 (step S230).

[0103] If it is determined that a document has been read by the image reading unit 21, the control unit 11 determines whether there is setting history information that holds attached data that matches or is similar to the image data that is the document reading result (step S230; Yes → step S240).

[0104] If it is determined that there is setting history information that holds attached data that matches or is similar to the image data that is the document reading result, the control unit 11 preferentially displays the setting history information (step S240; Yes → step S250), and moves the process to step S200. For the comparison between the image data that is the document reading result and the attached data held by the setting history information, for example, character recognition by OCR (Optical Character Recognition), a combination of machine learning with the character recognition, layout analysis for extracting areas such as text, tables, and figures, etc. can be used.

[0105] On the other hand, when it is determined that the original document has not been read by the image reading unit 21 (step S230; No), and when it is determined that there is no setting history information that holds attached data that matches or is similar to the image data that is the reading result of the original document (step S240; No), the control unit 11 determines whether there is transmission history information with the acquired destination as the transmission destination (step S160). If there is corresponding destination information, the control unit 11 displays the setting history information on the display unit 13 (step S160; Yes → step S170), and transfers the process to step S190.

[0106] Note that when it is determined that there is no setting history information with the acquired destination as the transmission destination, the control unit 11 displays a job execution screen to which the default settings are applied (step S160; No → step S220), and transfers the process to step S210.

[0107] [2.3 Operation Example] Next, an operation example of the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 18 is a configuration example of a destination display screen W50 according to the second embodiment. The destination display screen W50 includes a "Read the original document first" button B161 in addition to the configuration of the destination display screen W20 according to the first embodiment.

[0108] Similar to the destination display screen W20, the destination display screen W50 displays the destinations included in the destination information acquired from the terminal device 30 in the destination display area R14. In a state where the destination is displayed in the destination display area R14, when the user presses the "Read the original document first" button B161, the reading of the original document can be started.

[0109] Note that when the original document is not read, the user can execute a destination determination process for determining whether there is transmission history information with the acquired destination as the transmission destination by pressing the OK button B18.

[0110] FIG. 19 is a configuration example of a priority display screen displayed by the control unit 11 when it is determined that there is setting history information that holds attached data that matches or is similar to the image data that is the reading result of the original document.

[0111] The priority display screen can be configured as an inquiry screen that inquires whether to apply the setting value related to the setting history information determined as the priority display target to the execution of the job. The inquiry screen M16 includes a priority setting history information display area R24, an OK button B30, and a cancel button B32.

[0112] The priority setting history information display area R24 is an area that displays the content of inquiring whether to apply the setting value of the setting history information that holds attached data that matches or is similar to the image data that is the reading result of the document to the execution of the job. The example in Fig. 19 is an example in which data A attached to job ID "4" is determined as attached data that matches or is similar to the image data that is the reading result of the document, and the setting value of the setting history information of job ID "4" that holds the data A is displayed.

[0113] The OK button B30 is a button that accepts an instruction to confirm the application of the setting value of the setting history information displayed in the priority setting history information display area R24. When the OK button B30 is pressed, the control unit 11 displays a job execution screen to which the setting value of the setting history information is applied.

[0114] The cancel button B32 is a button that accepts an instruction to cancel the application of the setting value of the priority setting history information displayed in the priority setting history information display area R24. When the cancel button B32 is pressed, the control unit 11 returns the display to the destination display screen W50 or the like.

[0115] Fig. 20 is a configuration example of a job execution screen displayed by the control unit 11 in response to the pressing of the OK button B30 of the inquiry screen M16. The job execution screen W60 can have the same configuration as the job execution screen W40 according to the first embodiment.

[0116] In the setting information display area R22 of the job execution screen W60, the set values of the priority setting history information displayed in the priority setting history information display area R24 of the inquiry screen M16 are applied and displayed. FIG. 20 shows an example in which the set values such as color mode: black and white, resolution: 200x200 dpi, format: TIFF, etc. included in the job ID “4” are applied.

[0117] As described above, according to the second embodiment, for example, when it is desired to re-send data in a fixed format such as a claim form to the same destination, by reading the claim form as a manuscript, the set values of the setting history information that holds attached data that matches or is similar to the image data of the claim form can be applied to the job. Thereby, the user can efficiently execute the job based on the destination information acquired from the terminal device without repeating the same setting operation.

[0118] [3 Third Embodiment] Next, the third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment is an embodiment that limits the search target of the setting history information according to the authentication status of the multifunction machine 10 or 50 (hereinafter simply referred to as the multifunction machine).

[0119] For example, a user authentication function such as the user authentication screen W70 illustrated in FIG. 21 can be provided for the multifunction machine, and the search target setting history information can be limited according to the authentication result of the user. In this case, in step S160 of FIG. 7, the control unit 11 can reduce the load of the search process in the multifunction machine and shorten the search time by setting only the setting history information related to the job executed by the authenticated user as the search target. On the other hand, for a user who cannot be authenticated, the search for the setting history information can be made unavailable, or the search range can be limited to the setting history information related to the jobs executed by general users other than the authenticated user. In addition to the effects of the first and second embodiments, the security can be improved.

[0120] 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.

[0121] In addition, 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 a technically possible range.

[0122] Also, the programs that operate in each device in the embodiments are programs that control a CPU or the like (programs that enable a computer to 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 (Read Only Memory) and HDDs, and read out by the CPU as needed for correction and writing.

[0123] Here, as the recording medium for storing the program, any of a semiconductor medium (for example, ROM, non-volatile memory card, etc.), an optical recording medium or a magneto-optical recording medium (for example, DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), MO (Magneto Optical Disc), MD (Mini Disc), CD (Compact Disc), BD (Blu-ray Disk (registered trademark), etc.)), a magnetic recording medium (for example, magnetic tape, flexible disk, etc.) may be used. Also, by executing the loaded program, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but in some cases, the functions of the present invention are realized by processing in cooperation with an operating system or other application programs based on the instructions of the program.

[0124] When distributing it in 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, the storage device of the server computer is of course included in the present invention.

Explanation of Signs

[0125] 10, 50 Multifunction Machine 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 Destination Information Acquisition Program 233 Setting History Information Processing Program 234 Display Processing Program 235 Destination Determination Program 236 Setting Value Storage Area 237 Destination Information Storage Area 238 Setting History Information Storage Area 30 Terminal Device 31 Control Unit 33 Display Unit 35 Operation Input Unit 37 Communication Unit 39 Storage Unit 391 Application Program 392 Destination Information Management Program 393 Destination Information Storage Area 531 Reading Manuscript Judgment Program

Claims

1. a control unit that executes a job using a destination; a storage unit that stores the set value of the job as history information; and a display unit, wherein the control unit when the history information of the job with the destination acquired from the terminal device as the transmission destination is stored in the storage unit, displays the history information, applies the set value included in the selected history information to the execution screen related to the execution of the job, and displays it on the display unit; an information processing apparatus, characterized in that when the history information of the job with the destination acquired from the terminal device as the transmission destination is not stored in the storage unit, a default set value is applied to the execution screen and displayed on the display unit.

2. wherein the control unit when there are a plurality of destinations acquired from the terminal device, displays on the display unit a screen for accepting selection of the destination to be searched in the storage unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. wherein the control unit when there are a plurality of pieces of history information stored in the storage unit, displays on the display unit a screen for accepting selection of the history information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. comprising a reading unit that generates image information by reading a document, wherein the control unit, when the history information including information identical to or similar to the image information is stored in the storage unit, displays on the display unit a screen for accepting a selection of whether to apply the set value included in the history information to the execution screen. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The set value includes a set value related to image formation including at least any one of color mode, paper size, density, image quality, resolution, or data format. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. wherein the control unit executes either an e-mail transmission or a fax transmission job. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. a step of executing a job using a destination; a storage step of storing the set value of the job as history information in a storage unit; a step of acquiring a destination from a terminal device; a step of determining whether the history information of the job with the destination acquired from the terminal device as the transmission destination is stored in the storage unit; When it is determined that the history information of the job with the destination acquired from the terminal device as the destination is stored in the storage unit, the history information is displayed, the setting value included in the selected history information is applied to the execution screen related to the execution of the job, and when it is determined that the history information of the job with the destination acquired from the terminal device as the destination is not stored in the storage unit, an application step of applying a default setting value to the execution screen is provided. An information processing method characterized by comprising the above.

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