Image forming apparatus and control method thereof

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus and a method for controlling the image forming apparatus that, in setting setting values of a plurality of setting items, display setting information in an easily comparable manner according to a change in initial setting values.SOLUTION: It is assumed that a user has changed a setting value of paper selection (221c) being one of various setting items (221) from "automatic" to "A3." A control unit (100) extracts the setting values of paper selection (221c) being "A3" from a setting information history in a storage unit (120), arranges them in parallel to the various setting items (221) in time sequence, and time-sequentially displays three pieces of setting information (251, 252, 253) on the right side of the various setting items (221) in descending order from the latest one. In displaying the setting information (251, 252, 253), colors are changed, the setting information are surrounded by frames, and characters are thickened so that portions not matching the setting values of the various setting items (221) become clear and conspicuous.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that presents setting candidates based on a history of setting operations when setting setting values of a plurality of setting items, and a control method for the image forming apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] For example, when making a copy with an image forming apparatus such as a copier / multifunction peripheral, there are various setting items such as the number of printed copies, color / black and white, whether the original is single-sided or double-sided, whether the printing is single-sided or double-sided, the original size, the printing size, the magnification, the original reading exposure, the finish after printing, and so on. It is necessary for the user to accurately set these numerous setting items, and it takes time both to set them and to confirm that there are no mistakes.

[0003] Therefore, there has conventionally been a technique for reducing the operation steps of the user by recording a set of setting values of those setting items as an "operation history" in the apparatus and making the same settings reusable. This helps to reduce the number of steps in the setting operation and reduce setting errors when the user makes complex settings.

[0004] For example, in a copy operation on a digital copier, for setting items such as the original size, the paper size, single-sided or double-sided copying, the magnification of enlargement or reduction, the copy density, etc., the user determines whether the initial values displayed on the operation panel are as desired. For setting items that are different from the user's wishes, the user changes the settings, and when the user presses the start button, the copy process is executed. When the start button is pressed by the user, the apparatus stores the combination of settings in the apparatus together with the date and time as an "operation history". When user identification means is used, the user identification information is also stored.

[0005] Hereinafter, specific examples of conventional techniques using such an operation history will be given. In the device shown in Patent Document 1, when the "Application Mode" switch on the copy operation screen is pressed by the user, a pop-up display of the application mode detailed setting screen is presented. Further, if the "Operation History" switch on the same screen is pressed, the screen being pop-up displayed is switched to the operation history detailed setting screen, and the setting information based on one of the operation histories to be displayed (for example, the latest one) is shown. Here, if the operation history selection UI is operated by the user, the display is switched to the operation history corresponding to the operation. If the OK switch is pressed here, the setting information of the currently displayed operation history is reflected on the copy operation screen, and the operation history detailed setting screen that was pop-up displayed is closed.

[0006] Also, in the device shown in Patent Document 2, the display is switched on the copy operation screen, and the setting information based on one of all available operation histories (for example, the latest one) is shown. Here, if "Next" or "Back" is operated by the user, for a series of operation histories arranged in a certain order (for example, in the order of the latest operation date and time), the display is switched to the operation history in the next or previous order according to the button operation. If the OK switch is pressed here, the setting information of the currently displayed operation history is reflected on the copy operation screen, and the operation history detailed setting screen that was pop-up displayed is closed.

[0007] Furthermore, if the "Filter" button on the same screen is pressed, the current state of the device is acquired, and only the history including the current state is extracted and made the display target. For example, if the button is pressed with an A4 document placed, only the operation history related to A4 copying is made the display target.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0008]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] However, in the devices disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, when the "application mode" switch is pressed from the copy operation screen and further the "operation history" switch is pressed, selection candidates for the operation history are displayed. If the user displays and views all the selection candidates one by one and the expected operation history is not displayed, it is necessary to return to the copy operation screen once to confirm the current settings and the state of the device.

[0010] Also, it is necessary to perform a display operation of the corresponding settings to confirm where the current settings and the history settings match and where they differ. The operation is complicated, and it is difficult to confirm the difference at a glance.

[0011] In view of such circumstances, the present invention aims to provide an image forming apparatus and a control method for an image forming apparatus that display setting information so as to be easily comparable according to a change in an initial setting value when setting values of a plurality of setting items are set.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0012] In an image forming apparatus that performs job processing based on setting information that is information on setting values of setting items, a display unit that displays a setting screen, a storage unit that stores an initial setting value and a setting information history that is an accumulation of past setting information, and a control unit that executes a setting process for determining a setting value of the setting item and the job process, wherein when the setting value of the setting item is changed from the initial setting value, the control unit extracts one or more pieces of setting information including the changed setting value from the setting information history as history display information and displays it on the display unit in a selectable manner. The image forming apparatus is characterized by this.

[0013] Also, in a control method for an image forming apparatus that performs job processing based on setting information that is information on setting values of setting items, A display step for displaying a setting screen, a storage step for storing an initial setting value of the setting item and a setting information history which is an accumulation of past setting information, and a control step for executing a setting process for determining a setting value of the setting item and the job process. When the setting value of the setting item is changed, the control step extracts one or more pieces of setting information including the changed setting value from the setting information history as history display information and displays it in a selectable manner in the display step. This is a control method for an image forming apparatus.

Advantages of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, when a user sets setting values of a plurality of setting items, a history of related setting information is automatically displayed in response to a change in the initial setting value. Therefore, there is no need for the user to perform a time-consuming operation of displaying the history, and the time can be saved and the setting operation can be performed efficiently. In addition, it is easy to compare and display the setting value of the current setting item of the apparatus with the setting value of the setting information history, and further, the parts that do not match the setting value of the current setting item are clearly displayed, so that it is easy for the user to compare the settings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015]

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[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments are examples for explaining the present invention, and the technical scope of the invention described in the claims is not limited to the following description.

[0017] <First Embodiment> Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus, FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing job processing including setting processing of the image forming apparatus, FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing history registration processing, FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing for generating / updating history display, FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the setting screen of the image forming apparatus, FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the history display on the setting screen of the image forming apparatus, and FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the next history display on the setting screen of the image forming apparatus.

[0018] [Overview Explanation] In the image forming apparatus 10 of the first embodiment, when setting the image forming apparatus 10, each time the initial setting value is changed from the operation unit, the setting information that matches the changed setting value is extracted from the history. Then, the extracted setting information is displayed in parallel with the current setting information in time series. Here, the setting information is information on the set values of the setting items for job processing. The accumulation of past setting information set by a setting operation is defined as the setting information history. The information extracted from the setting information history that matches the changed set value is defined as the history display information.

[0019] [Each mode of the image forming apparatus] The image forming apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 is an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral) and has a plurality of modes. The image forming apparatus 10 in the present embodiment has the following modes.

[0020] The modes consist of an image forming mode in which the image forming apparatus 10 performs image forming processing and a setting mode in which the settings of the image forming apparatus 10 are made. The image forming mode is a mode in which general copy functions, FAX functions, scanner functions, etc. can be realized. When the image forming apparatus 10 is in the copy mode, a copy job can be executed. When in the FAX mode, a FAX job can be executed. When in the scanner mode, a scanner job can be executed. In the setting mode, settings for processing each job are input from the operation unit.

[0021] The copy job will be briefly described below. First, a document is set in the document reading unit 130, and a copy operation is performed by the operation unit 160. The user can confirm the set document size, paper size, copy settings (for example, single-sided printing, double-sided printing, collation printing settings, etc.) on the display unit 150.

[0022] When the user performs a copy start operation from the operation unit 160, copy processing is executed. Specifically, the document reading unit 130 reads the document set by the user. The control unit 100, which will be described later, generates image data from the document read by the document reading unit 130.

[0023] The image forming unit 140 generates an image based on image data on the paper conveyed from the paper tray 1410 and outputs it to the paper discharge tray 1420. In the present embodiment, the paper is a recording paper for forming an image. It includes not only ordinary plain paper but also various paper media such as thick paper and glossy paper, and also includes films and the like if an image can be formed on them.

[0024] Next, the FAX job will be briefly described below. When performing FAX transmission, the original is set on the original document reading unit 130, and an FAX transmission operation is performed by the operation unit 160. The user can confirm the set original size and transmission settings (such as the destination FAX number) on the display unit 150.

[0025] When the user performs an FAX start operation from the operation unit 160, FAX processing is executed. The control unit 100 described later performs communication procedures with the other party at the communication unit 170. Then, when a transmissible state is ensured, the control unit 100 performs necessary processing such as changing the compression format for the compressed file, and then performs a process of sequentially transmitting it to the other party via the communication line.

[0026] Also, when receiving a FAX, the control unit 100 receives the compressed file transmitted from the other party while performing communication procedures at the communication unit 170, and performs decompression processing on the received compressed file by a compression / decompression processing unit (not shown). Then, various image processes are performed on the image data and output to the image forming unit 140. The image forming unit 140 forms an output image on the recording paper based on the output image data.

[0027] Next, the scanner job will be briefly described below. First, the original is set on the original document reading unit 130, and a scanner operation is performed by the operation unit 160. The user can confirm the set original size and output image settings (such as the type of image file) on the display unit 150.

[0028] When the user performs a scan start operation from the operation unit 160, scanner processing is executed. Specifically, the document reading unit 130 reads the document set by the user. The control unit 100, which will be described later, generates image data from the document read by the document reading unit 130.

[0029] The image forming apparatus 10 executes various jobs while combining these functions (copy function, FAX function, scanner function). At this time, for a plurality of setting items in each job, every time the user performs a setting operation input, the auto-complete function automatically extracts and displays the setting values set previously from the operation history.

[0030] Regarding the setting mode of the image forming apparatus, when the user operates the operation unit 160 to activate the setting mode, the control unit 100 of the image forming apparatus 10 causes the display unit 150 to display the setting mode on the screen. At this time, the initial setting values in the setting items are displayed, and the setting items can be changed from the operation unit 160.

[0031] [Functional Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus] The functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0032] The control unit 100 is a functional unit for controlling the entire image forming apparatus 10. The control unit 100 realizes various functions by reading and executing the control program 121 stored in the storage unit 120, and is composed of one or more arithmetic units (for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit)) and the like. Hereinafter, the functions realized by the control unit 100 will be described.

[0033] The control unit 100 has a setting processing function for performing setting processing in the setting mode, an image forming processing function for performing image forming processing in the image forming mode, and the like. As the image forming processing function, the control unit 100 executes functions such as a copy function, a FAX function, and a scanner function.

[0034] The storage unit 120 is a functional unit in which programs and data are stored. The storage unit 120 is constituted by, for example, a semiconductor memory such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0035] The storage unit 120 stores a control program 121, document image data 122, initial setting values 123, and setting information history 124.

[0036] The control program 121 is a program related to the operation control of the image forming apparatus 10. The document image data 122 is the image data of the document read by the document reading unit 130. The initial setting values 123 are information indicating the initial setting values of various setting items 221 of the image forming apparatus 10. The setting information history 124 is information related to the past setting information of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0037] The document reading unit 130 reads the image of the document and is constituted by, for example, a scanner apparatus provided with a device that converts optical information such as a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) into an electrical signal.

[0038] For example, the document reading unit 130 reads the document placed on the placement table within a range set according to the document size. Note that the document may be set on the placement table or set in an automatic document feeder (ADF: Auto Document Feeder).

[0039] The image forming unit 140 is a functional unit for forming image data on a recording medium (for example, recording paper). For example, recording paper is fed from the paper tray 1410 in FIG. 1, an image is formed on the surface of the recording paper in the image forming unit 140, and then it is discharged from the discharge tray 1420. The image forming unit 140 is constituted by, for example, a laser printer using an electrophotographic method. Also, usually one or more paper trays 1410 are provided and store paper.

[0040] The display unit 150 displays various states of the image forming apparatus 10 and the state of operation input. For example, it is composed of a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic EL panel, electronic paper using an electrophoresis method, and the like.

[0041] The operation unit 160 is buttons, switches, etc. that receive operation input from the user. The operation unit 160 may be realized by a hardware input device such as a switch or a keyboard, or may be realized by a touch panel integrally formed with the display unit 150. In this case, the method of detecting the input of the touch panel may be a general detection method such as a resistive film method, an infrared method, an electromagnetic induction method, or a capacitance method. The operation unit 160 of the present embodiment includes a hardware input device and a touch panel of the display unit 150, and each is operable.

[0042] The communication unit 170 communicates with other devices. For example, the communication unit 170 has an interface connectable to a network and may communicate with other devices via a wired / wireless LAN (Local Area Network). Note that image data may be transmitted and received from other devices (for example, a USB memory, etc.) via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface or the like. It can also be connected to a communication network such as a public line network, a LAN (Local Area Network), or the Internet, and a compressed file can be transmitted to the outside via the communication network by a communication method such as facsimile or e-mail.

[0043] The image forming apparatus 10 may further have other necessary functions in addition to the above-described configuration. For example, by having a charging management unit, a management unit may be provided such that the image forming apparatus 10 becomes available only when a fee is input from the user.

[0044] [Setting Process of Image Forming Apparatus] Based on FIG. 3, the setting process of the image forming apparatus will be described. First, when the user selects a job type, the control unit 100 of the image forming apparatus 10 acquires the initial setting value 123 of the selected job type from the storage unit 120 (step S101). Then, according to the job type, the setting values and the screen are initialized, and the initial setting value 123 is displayed on the display unit 150 (step S102).

[0045] The user operates via the operation unit 160 (step S103), and the control unit 100 of the image forming apparatus 10 proceeds with the following processing by confirming which operation was performed.

[0046] The control unit 100 checks whether the reset key has been pressed (step S104). If it has been pressed, it returns to step S102; if the reset key has not been pressed, it proceeds to step S105.

[0047] In step S105, the control unit 100 checks whether a job type switching operation has been performed. If a job type switching operation has been performed, the job type is switched (step S106), and it returns to step S102. If a job type switching operation has not been performed, it proceeds to step S107.

[0048] In step S107, the control unit 100 checks whether the start key has been pressed. If the start key has been pressed, the history registration of the setting information is performed (step S108), and the job is executed (step S109). Then, when the job ends, it returns to step S103. If the start key has not been pressed, it proceeds to step S110. Note that the history registration process in step S108 may be performed after the job execution in step S109. The history registration process in step S108 will be described later.

[0049] In step S110, the control unit 100 checks whether an operation for setting the history extraction conditions has been performed. If the operation for setting the history extraction conditions has been performed, the history extraction conditions are set (step S111), and the process returns to step S103. If the operation for setting the history extraction conditions has not been performed, the process proceeds to step S112. The history extraction conditions include, for example, the folder name of the storage unit 120 as the extraction destination and the extraction range (e.g., information from three months ago to the present). Also, the history display conditions are set. For example, settings for parallel display (such as time series) and settings for making the discrepancies from the current set values prominent are set.

[0050] In step S112, the control unit 100 checks whether an operation for switching the ON / OFF of the history display has been performed. If the operation for switching the ON / OFF of the history display has been performed, the ON / OFF of the history display is switched (step S113), and the process returns to step S103. If the operation for switching the ON / OFF of the history display has not been performed, the process proceeds to step S114. The ON / OFF state of the history display is shown on the setting screen so that the user can check it.

[0051] In step S114, the control unit 100 checks whether there has been an operation to change the settings with respect to the initial values of the various setting items 221. When there has been an operation to change the settings, the job settings are changed according to the operation (step S115). Here, just changing the setting items does not mean that it has been finalized. The setting information that has been changed but not finalized will be referred to as changed setting information.

[0052] Furthermore, the control unit 100 checks the ON / OFF of the history display (step S116). If the history display is OFF, the process returns to step S103. If the history display is ON, the history display is generated / updated (step S117), and the process returns to step S103. If there has been no operation to change the settings, the process proceeds to step S118. The process of generating / updating the history display in step S117 will be described later.

[0053] In step S118, the control unit 100 checks whether an operation to confirm the setting has been performed. For example, it checks whether an operation such as selecting and confirming the current setting set by the operation unit 160 or selecting and confirming the displayed setting history has been performed. If an operation to confirm the setting has been performed, the set value of the selected setting information is confirmed as the current setting (step S119), and the process returns to step S103. If an operation to confirm the setting has not been performed, the process returns to step S103. The setting information for which the confirmation operation has been performed will be referred to as confirmed setting information.

[0054] Next, the process of history registration in step S108 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. The control unit 100 checks whether all the set values of the job are initial values (step S201). If not all are initial values, the control unit 100 checks that the capacity of the number of history items is less than the capacity of the storage unit 120 (step S202). If the capacity of the number of history items is less than the capacity of the storage unit 120, the current confirmed setting information is added to the history (step S204). If the capacity of the number of history items becomes greater than or equal to the capacity of the storage unit 120, the old history is deleted (step S203), and the process proceeds to step S204. In step S204, the current confirmed setting information is added to the history.

[0055] Next, the process of generating / updating the history display in step S117 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. The control unit 100 extracts the set items changed from the initial set values (step S301). Then, all the set information (history display information) that matches the set values (changed set information) of the changed set items is extracted from the set information history 124 stored in the storage unit 120 (step S302). Therefore, if the set items are changed, the set information extracted following that also changes.

[0056] Next, the control unit 100 displays the extracted setting information (history display information) based on the history extraction conditions set in step S111 (step S303). In the first embodiment, since the history display information is displayed in chronological order, the older setting information is displayed in order from the latest setting information. Also, the differences from the setting values of the various setting items 221 displayed on the setting screen are made prominent so that the user can confirm them at a glance. For example, the differences are changed to a prominent color, the characters are made bold, or they are surrounded by a frame. Also, the matching points with the setting values of the various setting items 221 displayed on the setting screen are made lighter in color, thinner in characters, or semi-transparent.

[0057] [Specific Setting Process of Image Forming Apparatus] Based on the setting screens of FIGS. 6 to 8, a specific example of the setting process will be described. When the user switches to the copy job setting mode by operating the operation unit 160, as shown in FIG. 6, a setting screen is displayed on the display unit 150 of the image forming apparatus 10. The display unit 150 displays a job type display 201, a history ON / OFF display 210, various setting items 221 (color mode 221a, image quality 221b, paper selection 221c, duplex copy 221d, magnification 221e, copy density 221f, staple sort 221g), a number input display 230, a paper layout diagram 240 of the image forming apparatus, a preview button 231, a reset button 232, a monochrome start button 233, and a color start button 234.

[0058] The history ON / OFF display 210 indicates that the history display is ON when a check is entered in the check input 211, and indicates that the history display is OFF when no check is entered in the check input 211. If the history display is ON, the history display information is displayed, and if the history display is OFF, the history display information is not displayed. For the various setting items 221, the initial setting values are displayed when the setting screen is first displayed.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 7, assume that the user changes the setting value of paper selection 221c, which is one of the various setting items 221, from "automatic" to "A3". The ☆ mark indicates the changed location. The control unit 100 extracts from the setting information history 124 in the storage unit 120 those with the setting value of paper selection 221c being "A3", and when there are multiple, they are displayed in parallel horizontally next to the various setting items 221 in chronological order. To the right of the various setting items 221, they are displayed in chronological order from the latest to the oldest. If there is only one extracted setting information (history display information), only one is displayed. Above the history display, the set date and time are displayed. On the screen, three pieces of setting information (history display information) 251, 252, and 253 are displayed in chronological order, but the number of displayed items can be any number. If they cannot be fully displayed, make them displayable by scrolling or the like.

[0060] The history display makes the parts that do not match the setting values of the various setting items 221 clear and prominent. For example, the parts that do not match the various setting items 221 are changed in color, surrounded by a frame, or made the characters bold. Or, the parts that match the setting values of the various setting items 221 are made the characters thin or semi-transparent.

[0061] Furthermore, when the setting value of the copy density 221f is changed from "automatic" to "map", as shown in FIG. 8, the history display information changes, and new setting information (history display information) is extracted from the setting information history 124 and displayed in chronological order. In this case, since the paper selection 221c is changed to "A3" and the copy density 221f is changed to "map", the control unit 100 extracts from the setting information history 124 those that match the paper selection 221c being "A3" and the copy density 221f being "map". In this way, every time the user changes the setting item, the related history display information is automatically displayed accordingly, saving the user's effort and making the setting operation more efficient.

[0062] In addition, the displayed history display information is displayed in parallel in time series as setting information 252, 254, 255 beside various setting items 221. Further, similar to FIG. 7, it is displayed so that the points of disagreement with the set values of various setting items 221 are made clear. In this way, since the user can easily compare the set values of the various setting items 221 and the parts that do not match the set values of the various setting items 221 are made clear, it becomes easier for the user to compare the settings.

[0063] <Second Embodiment> Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a history display on a setting screen of an image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] [Overview Explanation] In the image forming apparatus 10 of the second embodiment, when displaying the history display information extracted from the setting information history, it is displayed in parallel in descending order of the number of points of disagreement with the set values of various setting items 221. Since the configuration and processing procedure of each part are almost the same as those of the first embodiment, the description of the same parts will be omitted. The difference is that in step S111 of FIG. 3, the extraction condition of the history is extracted not in time series but in descending order of the number of points of disagreement with the set values of various setting items 221.

[0065] [Regarding the Specific Setting Process of the Image Forming Apparatus] Based on the setting screen of FIG. 9, a specific example of the setting process will be described. Suppose the user switches to the setting mode of the copy job by the operation unit 160 and changes the paper selection 221c of the setting item from "Automatic" to "A3". The control unit 100 extracts the ones with the paper selection 221c being "A3" from the setting information history 124 of the storage unit 120 and displays them in parallel beside the various setting items 221.

[0066] The control unit 100 displays the setting information 252, 256, and 257 in order from the left of the various setting items 221 in descending order of the number of discrepancies with the set values of the various setting items 221. The display of the set values of the setting information 252, 256, and 257 is made such that the portions that do not match the set values of the various setting items 221 are clear and prominent. For example, the portions that do not match the set values of the various setting items 221 are changed in color, surrounded by a frame, or made bold. Or, the portions that match the set values of the various setting items 221 are made thin or semi-transparent.

[0067] In this way, the history information with many discrepancies from the set values of the various setting items 221 means that there are many items whose settings have been changed from the initial values. By displaying the history of the many changed set values beside the various setting items 221, it becomes easier for the user to perform complex setting operations.

[0068] <Third Embodiment> Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing history display on a setting screen of an image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] [Overview Explanation] In the third embodiment, when displaying the history display information extracted from the setting information history, it is displayed in parallel in chronological order, and the matching points with the displayed changed setting information are made non-displayed. Since the configuration and processing procedure of each part are the same as those in the first embodiment, the description is omitted.

[0070] [Regarding the Specific Setting Process of the Image Forming Apparatus] Based on the setting screen of FIG. 10, a specific example of the setting process will be described. Suppose that the user switches to the setting mode using the operation unit 160 and changes the setting value of paper selection 221c, which is one of the various setting items 221, from "automatic" to "map". The control unit 100 extracts from the setting information history 124 of the storage unit 120 those with the setting value of copy density 221f being "map", and displays the setting information 252, 258 in parallel beside the various setting items 221 in time series. At this time, the matching points between the setting values of the setting information 252, 258 and the setting values of the various setting items 221 are not displayed as they are already shown in the various setting items 221. By doing so, only the non-matching points are displayed for the user, allowing them to confirm the differences at a glance.

[0071] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and the invention also includes design changes and the like that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0072] 10 Image forming apparatus 100 Control unit 120 Storage unit 123 Initial setting value 124 Setting information history 150 Display unit 160 Operation unit 221 Various setting items 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258 Setting information (history display information)

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus that executes a copy job based on a set value corresponding to a setting item, comprising: a display unit that displays a setting screen for the copy job; a storage unit that stores a setting history that is a history of the set values; a control unit; The control unit: arranges software keys including a start key in a predetermined area of the setting screen; When the start key is operated after a new set value is set for the set value of the setting item of the copy job, the new set value is stored in the storage unit as a new setting history, and the execution of the copy job based on the new set value is started. An image forming apparatus characterized by that.

2. The control unit: displays the setting history in an area different from the predetermined area in response to an operation for displaying the setting history. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The predetermined area and the area different from the predetermined area are adjacent areas. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The predetermined area is an area below the center in the vertical direction of the setting screen. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The predetermined area is an area to the right of the center in the horizontal direction of the setting screen. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The control unit: When the start key is operated without a new set value being set for the set value of the setting item of the copy job, the execution of the copy job is started without storing the set value in the storage unit as the setting history. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The control unit: arranges a reset key as the software key in the predetermined area. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The control unit: arranges the reset key above the start key. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7.

9. The control unit: is capable of accepting a change to the initial set value of the setting item, and initializes the changed set value changed from the initial set value and sets the initial set value in response to the reset key being operated. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7 or 8.

10. ​ A control method in an image forming apparatus having a display unit that displays a setting screen for a copy job, a storage unit that stores a setting history which is a history of setting values, and a control unit, the method being for executing a copy job based on a setting value corresponding to a setting item, the step of arranging software keys including a start key in a predetermined area of the setting screen; when the start key is operated after a new setting value is set for a setting value for a setting item of the copy job, the step of storing the new setting value in the storage unit as the setting history; the step of starting execution of the copy job based on the new setting value; A control method for an image forming apparatus including the above steps.

Images