Information processing device and information processing program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device and an information processing program capable of reusing document information used in past processing without instructing storage of used document information before execution of processing.SOLUTION: An application management unit 60 manages a pre-installed application 62 and controls the execution of the application 62. When a document storage processing unit 64 executes a process that does not involve document storage, the document storage processing unit stores document information to be executed in a predetermined special storage area. When the processing is executed, the document information stored in the storage area is displayed on a display of a user interface to allow the user to select, and output processing is performed using the selected document information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 proposes an image processing system in which, when a transmission job is specified and a transfer process is instructed, the history of that job is recorded, and when resending an executed transmission job by changing the destination, the user can specify the desired executed job using a web browser on a host computer, and if necessary, change or add a destination and resend the job. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-212575 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] By instructing the saving of document information before executing a process, it becomes possible to reuse the saved document information after the process is executed. If the saving of document information is not instructed before executing a process, the document information will not be saved after the process is executed. Therefore, if you try to reuse the contents of a previous process, including the original, such as changing the settings and re-scanning the original, you will need to perform processes such as re-scanning the original. Also, even when sending document information to an image forming device to form an image, if you try to reuse the contents of a previous process, the document information that will become the original will no longer remain, so you will need to re-send the document information.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide an information processing device and an information processing program that can reuse document information used in past processing without instructing the storage of the document information used before processing is executed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, an information processing device according to a first aspect includes a processor, and when executing a process that does not involve document storage, the processor stores document information to be executed in a predetermined storage area, and also stores setting information when the process was executed in the past in the storage area, and when executing the process, For the process executed by the specified user, the document information and the setting information are stored. For the process executed by a user other than the specified user, the setting information is stored. The document information stored in the storage area as The setting information is displayed on a display unit to allow the user to make a selection, and processing is executed using the selected document information by reusing the setting information.When the setting information is reused, a screen is displayed that displays parameters of the setting information that can be changed or cannot be changed in a recognizable display format, and that accepts changes to the setting information. An information processing device according to a second aspect includes a processor, which, when executing a process that does not involve document storage, stores the document information to be executed in a predetermined storage area, and also stores setting information from when the process was executed in the past in the storage area. When executing the process, the processor displays the document information stored in the storage area on a display unit to allow a user to select, and executes a process using the selected document information by reusing the setting information. When reusing the setting information, the processor displays a screen that displays changeable or unchangeable parameters of the setting information in a recognizable display mode, and accepts changes to the setting information. Furthermore, the processor deletes the document information stored in the storage area using at least one of the date and time of past processing and the number of times the process using the document information stored in the storage area has been re-executed. If the document information has been deleted from the storage area and no longer exists, the processor reuses only the setting information from when the process was executed in the past to execute the process.

[0008] Also, 3 The information processing device according to the aspect is 2 In an information processing device relating to this aspect, the processor identifies a user, and when displaying the document information stored in the storage area, displays the document information and the setting information for processes performed by the identified user, and displays the setting information for processes performed by a user other than the identified user.

[0009] Also, 4 The information processing device according to the embodiment is a first embodiment. ~Any one of the 3rd forms In the information processing apparatus according to the above, the processor accepts changes to the setting information stored in the storage area, and executes processing using the selected document information.

[0011] Also, 5 The information processing device according to the embodiment is the first embodiment to the third embodiment. 4 In the information processing device according to any one of the aspects, the processor stores the document information that meets predetermined conditions for storing in the storage area in the storage area.

[0012] Also, 6 The information processing device according to the embodiment is a first embodiment. Like In this information processing device, the processor deletes the document information stored in the storage area using at least one of the past processing date and time and the number of times processing using the document information stored in the storage area has been re-executed.

[0013] Also, 7 The information processing device according to the aspect is 6 In the information processing device according to the aspect, if the document information has been deleted from the storage area and no longer exists, the processor reuses only the setting information used when processing was previously executed.

[0014] Also, 8 The information processing device according to the embodiment is the first embodiment to the third embodiment. 7 In the information processing device according to any one of the aspects, the processor displays an image representing the document information when displaying the document information stored in the storage area on the display unit.

[0015] Furthermore, 9 The information processing program according to the aspect is configured to, when a process that does not involve document storage, store document information to be executed in a predetermined storage area, and also store setting information from when the process was executed in the past in the storage area, and when the process is executed, For the process executed by the specified user, the document information and the setting information are stored. For the process executed by a user other than the specified user, the setting information is stored. The document information stored in the storage area as The setting information is displayed on a display unit to allow the user to make a selection, and processing is executed using the selected document information by reusing the setting information.When the setting information is reused, a screen is displayed that displays parameters of the setting information that can be changed or cannot be changed in a recognizable display format, and that accepts changes to the setting information. An information processing program according to a tenth aspect causes a computer, when executing a process that does not involve document storage, to store document information to be executed in a predetermined storage area, and also store setting information from when the process was executed in the past in the storage area; when executing the process, the document information stored in the storage area is displayed on a display unit to allow a user to select, and the setting information is reused to execute a process using the selected document information; and, when reusing the setting information, a screen is displayed that displays changeable or unchangeable parameters of the setting information in a recognizable display mode, and that accepts changes to the setting information; and, further, deletes the document information stored in the storage area using at least one of the date and time of past processing and the number of times the process using the document information stored in the storage area has been re-executed; and, if the document information has been deleted from the storage area and no longer exists, reuses only the setting information from when the process was executed in the past to execute the process. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the first aspect, it is possible to provide an information processing device that can reuse document information used in past processes without instructing to save the document information used before executing the process, and it is also possible to reuse setting information used in past processes, and when changing setting information, it is possible to check unchangeable parameters and change the parameters. This makes it possible to improve security compared to when document information is displayed to all users. do. According to the second aspect, an information processing device can be provided that can reuse document information used in past processing without instructing the storage of document information used before processing is executed, and it is also possible to reuse setting information used in past processing.In addition, when changing setting information, it is possible to check parameters that cannot be changed and change the parameters, making it possible to delete document information other than that which may be reused, and it is possible to reuse setting information even if document information has been deleted and no longer exists.

[0018] No. 3 According to this aspect, security can be improved compared to when document information is displayed to all users.

[0019] No. 4 According to this aspect, it is possible to execute processing by changing the setting information used in the past processing.

[0021] No. 5 According to this aspect, it is possible to save storage capacity compared to when all document information is stored.

[0022] No. 6 According to this aspect, it is possible to delete document information other than that which may be reused.

[0023] No. 7 According to this aspect, even if the document information has been deleted and no longer exists, the setting information can be reused.

[0024] No. 8 According to this aspect, erroneous selection of saved document information can be suppressed compared to when only the name of the document information is displayed.

[0025] No. 9 According to this aspect, it is possible to provide an information processing device that can reuse document information used in past processes without instructing to save the document information used before executing the process, and it is also possible to reuse setting information used in past processes, and when changing setting information, it is possible to check unchangeable parameters and change the parameters. This makes it possible to improve security compared to when document information is displayed to all users. do. According to the tenth aspect, an information processing device can be provided that can reuse document information used in past processing without instructing the storage of document information used before processing is executed, and it is also possible to reuse setting information used in past processing.In addition, when changing setting information, it is possible to check parameters that cannot be changed and change the parameters, making it possible to delete document information other than that which may be reused, and it is possible to reuse setting information even if document information has been deleted and no longer exists. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of an electrical system of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of processes from displaying a job history to re-executing the job, which are performed by a control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating examples of screens displayed on a user interface of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed when a re-execution button is operated in a control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a modified example of the flow of processes from displaying a job history to re-executing the job, which are performed by a control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] An example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, an image forming apparatus will be described as an example of an information processing apparatus. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the exterior of an image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment. The image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment has a print function that receives various data via a communication line such as a network and performs image formation processing based on the received data. The image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment also has multiple functions, such as a reading function that reads an original document to obtain image information representing the original document, a copying function that copies an image recorded on the original document onto paper, a facsimile function that transmits and receives various data via a telephone line (not shown), a transfer function that transfers document information such as image information read by the reading function, and a storage function that stores document information such as read image information.

[0028] Furthermore, image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment includes document reading unit 52 at the top of the device, with image forming unit 24 disposed below document reading unit 52. Document reading unit 52 includes a document transport unit (not shown) within document cover 54. The document transport unit sequentially pulls in documents 56 placed on document feed unit 54A provided in document cover 54 and transports them onto a platen glass (not shown), thereby reading the images recorded on documents 56. Furthermore, the document transport unit ejects documents 56 after image reading has been completed onto document ejection unit 54B provided in document cover 54.

[0029] The document reading unit 52 is also provided with a user interface 22 that accepts various instruction operations from the user. This user interface 22 is provided with display buttons that realize the acceptance of instruction operations through a software program, a display 22A that displays various information, hardware keys 22B such as a numeric keypad, etc. The display 22A is a touch panel type that combines a display device such as a liquid crystal panel with a position input device such as a touchpad. The user interface 22 is used by the display buttons on the display 22A and the hardware keys 22B to set the number of copies and magnification when using the copy function, and as dial keys on a telephone when using the facsimile function, etc. The hardware keys 22B may be omitted.

[0030] On the other hand, the image forming unit 24 is equipped with a paper feed storage unit 58 that stores paper sheets that serve as recording media for image formation. The image forming unit 24 takes out the paper sheets stored in the paper feed storage unit 58 one by one and forms an image on the paper sheets based on image data, for example, by an electrophotographic process. The image forming unit 24 also sequentially discharges the paper sheets on which the image has been formed onto a paper discharge unit (not shown).

[0031] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the electrical system of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 2, the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment includes a control unit 20 including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 20A, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 20B, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 20C. The CPU 20A controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 10. The RAM 20C is used as a work area when the CPU 20A executes various programs. The ROM 20B stores various control programs, various parameters, and the like in advance. In the image forming apparatus 10, the various components of the control unit 20 are electrically connected via a system bus 42.

[0033] On the other hand, the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment includes a storage unit 26 that stores various data, application programs, etc. The image forming apparatus 10 is also provided with a display control unit 28 that is connected to a user interface 22 and controls the display of various operation screens, etc. on a display 22A of the user interface 22. The image forming apparatus 10 is also provided with an operation input detection unit 30 that is connected to the user interface 22 and detects operation instructions input via the user interface 22. In the image forming apparatus 10, the storage unit 26, the display control unit 28, and the operation input detection unit 30 are electrically connected to a system bus 42. The storage unit 26 may be, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), or a non-volatile storage unit such as a flash memory.

[0034] The image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment also includes a reading control unit 32 that controls the optical image reading operation by the document optical reading unit 46 and the document feeding operation by the document transport unit, and an image forming control unit 34 that controls the image formation process by the image forming unit 24 and the transport of paper to the image forming unit 24 by the transport unit 25. The image forming apparatus 10 also includes a communication line interface (communication line I / F) unit 36 that is connected to a communication line (not shown) and transmits and receives communication data to and from other external devices, such as a server, connected to the communication line, and an image processing unit 44 that performs various image processing. The image forming apparatus 10 also includes a facsimile interface (facsimile I / F) unit 38 that is connected to a telephone line (not shown) and transmits and receives facsimile data to and from a facsimile device connected to the telephone line. The image forming apparatus 10 also includes a transmission / reception control unit 40 that controls the transmission and reception of facsimile data via the facsimile interface unit 38. In the image forming apparatus 10, the transmission / reception control unit 40, the reading control unit 32, the image forming control unit 34, the communication line interface unit 36, the facsimile interface unit 38, and the image processing unit 44 are electrically connected to a system bus 42.

[0035] With the above configuration, the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment uses the CPU 20A to access the RAM 20C, the ROM 20B, and the storage unit 26. The image forming apparatus 10 also uses the CPU 20A to control the display of information such as operation screens and various messages on the display 22A of the user interface 22 via the display control unit 28. The image forming apparatus 10 also uses the CPU 20A to control the operation of the document optical reading unit 46 and the document transport unit via the reading control unit 32. The image forming apparatus 10 also uses the CPU 20A to control the operation of the image forming unit 24 and the transport unit 25 via the image formation control unit 34, and to control the transmission and reception of communication data via the communication line interface unit 36. The image forming apparatus 10 also uses the CPU 20A to control the transmission and reception of facsimile data via the facsimile interface unit 38 via the transmission and reception control unit 40. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 has the CPU 20A grasp the operation content in the user interface 22 based on the operation information detected by the operation input detection unit 30, and executes various controls based on the operation content.

[0036] Next, a functional configuration will be described that is realized by the CPU 20A of the control unit 20 expanding a program stored in the ROM 20B into the RAM 20C and executing it in the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment. Fig. 3 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment.

[0037] The control unit 20 has the functions of an application management unit 60 , a document storage processing unit 64 , and a stored document deletion unit 66 .

[0038] The application management unit 60 manages pre-installed applications 62 and controls the execution of the applications 62. Although only one application 62 is shown in FIG. 3, the application management unit 60 actually has a plurality of applications 62. As an example, the application management unit 60 has an application that provides a service using a plurality of functions of the image forming apparatus 10. Specifically, the application management unit 60 has an application that provides a service using at least one of the above-mentioned print function, read function, copy function, facsimile function, transfer function, and storage function.

[0039] When the document storage processing unit 64 executes a process that does not involve document storage, it stores the document information of the process target in a recycled document box 26A, which is a predetermined special storage area. When executing the process, the document information stored in the storage area is displayed on the display 22A of the user interface 22 to allow the user to select one, and output processing is performed using the selected document information. In the output processing, for example, the document storage processing unit 64 outputs the document by causing the application management unit 60 to execute image formation based on the document information.

[0040] The stored document deletion unit 66 performs a process of deleting document information stored in the recycled document box 26A, which is a predetermined special storage area, in accordance with predetermined conditions.

[0041] Incidentally, in a typical image processing device, the main document processing services include a copy function, a print function, a read function, a facsimile function, a transcription function, etc., as well as services that combine these functions. When using these services, document information is temporarily stored in a memory unit or the like of the image processing device, but the user is unaware of the existence of the document information (for example, it is not visible or accessible on the screen), and it is automatically deleted from the memory unit after processing is completed.

[0042] When document information is explicitly stored in the image forming apparatus 10, a box service such as a confidential box is used. In this case, the user stores document information in advance in a confidential box that stores document information on the storage unit 26, and then accesses the stored document information from a user interface or the like to process a specific service (for example, a forwarding function, a facsimile function, a print function, etc.). In this case, the document information is not automatically deleted even after the service processing is completed, but is deleted by the user's explicit deletion operation.

[0043] When performing the same process, using a box service tends to require more steps and take longer. For example, if you want to save a paper document as electronic data on a specific file server, this can be achieved with a service that reads and transfers the original document, but to also save the document in a box, you need to perform two consecutive operations: saving the scanned document and outputting it to the box (transferring the document).

[0044] Furthermore, when re-executing a document stored in a box, if the user anticipates using the same document multiple times, the user will consciously use the box service and store the document in a box, making it easy to re-execute a document output process that was previously executed. In this case, the user specifies the document information to be re-executed from the service that outputs the information stored in the box, and issues output instructions such as image formation and forwarding. Therefore, re-entering document information such as scanning the original is not necessary, but the user must re-enter parameters for re-execution (for example, the destination in the case of forwarding) on the screen.

[0045] On the other hand, when a user does not foresee reusing document information and uses a general service that does not involve document storage, it is likely that the user will not use the box service but will use a regular service (for example, a service that reads and transfers an original document) when re-executing the operation due to issues such as operation time. In this case, the previously executed document information is no longer stored in the storage unit 26 of the image forming device 10, and therefore all operations, including the re-input process of document information such as reading the original document, must be performed again from the beginning.

[0046] Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment, the control unit 20 executes the following process. Here, the process executed by the control unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment will be specifically described.

[0047] The document storage processing unit 64 does not completely delete document information used in general services that do not involve document storage (for example, a process for reading and transferring an original document) from the storage unit 26 even after the job is completed, but instead stores the document information in the recycled document box 26A, a special storage area within the storage unit 26. The document information is then managed by linking it to a log ID as history information of the executed job when it is stored. In addition, document information used in box services such as a mailbox is also stored in the recycled document box 26A only if the used document is deleted from the mailbox after the job is completed. Note that the recycled document box 26A, as a special storage area, is a storage area provided separately from the storage area for the mailbox. Also, a job refers to a process or a group of processes executed by the image forming device 10 to realize a predetermined function.

[0048] Then, a job history list is displayed on the user interface 22 of the image forming apparatus 10 in a few steps from an initial display screen such as a predetermined menu screen. For example, a history screen display button or the like is displayed on the menu screen, and when the history screen display button is operated, a series of job histories are displayed. The job history displayed in the job history list displays a mixture of jobs for box services such as a mailbox (e.g., jobs that only output documents) and jobs for general services other than the mailbox service that do not involve document storage (e.g., jobs that input and output documents). However, the job history may be displayed separately by job type. Furthermore, for a job selected from the job history list, detailed information about the job (e.g., execution date and time, processing content, etc.) is displayed, and if document information is stored in the recycle document box 26A or a mailbox, a portion of the image is displayed as the job history. Note that when the job history list is displayed, a user may be identified by user authentication or the like, and only job histories executed by the identified user in the past may be displayed, while job histories of other users may not be displayed. Alternatively, for the job history previously executed by the specified user, detailed job information including setting information and a portion of the document image may be displayed, and for the job history previously executed by users other than the specified user, only detailed job information including setting information may be displayed.

[0049] In addition, a re-execute button is displayed in the job history regardless of whether the document from the previous execution is saved or not. When the re-execute button is operated, if the document information from the previous execution is saved, a confirmation screen is displayed to confirm whether to re-execute the previous document or re-execute another new document, and either one is accepted.

[0050] If "Rerun the previous document" is selected from the displayed job history, the document output settings screen is displayed with the parameters specified at the previous execution set as default. Note that the same process is used for both box service jobs and jobs other than box services. After the settings are complete, if the start button is pressed, document output processing such as transfer is executed for the document from the previous execution with the reconfigured settings.

[0051] Furthermore, if a box service job and a new document are selected from the displayed job history, the screen will transition to a selection screen for selecting a new document stored in the mailbox. After the document selection is complete, a settings screen for document output will be displayed with the parameters specified the previous time set as default. After the settings are complete, if the start button is pressed, document output processing such as transfer will be performed for the selected document with the reconfigured settings.

[0052] Furthermore, if a job other than a box service and a new document is selected to be re-executed from the displayed job history, the setting screen for both document input and document output is displayed with the parameters specified at the previous execution set as defaults. After the settings are complete, when the start button is operated, document input processing such as scanning and then document output processing such as transfer are executed with the re-set contents.

[0053] In the case of an example of a process for reading and transferring an original document, when displaying parameters related to the transfer, the transfer method such as a protocol, destination information in a format for each transfer method, file name, and other specifications unique to the transfer method (e.g., encryption, signature, etc.) are displayed as parameters.

[0054] In addition, taking the example of a process for scanning and transferring an original document, when displaying parameters related to scanning the original document, color mode, file format, resolution, etc. are displayed as examples. However, since the document is not actually scanned and the previous image information is converted, only convertible cases are displayed and settable. For example, it is not possible to change an image whose original color mode is black and white to a color image, or to change an image whose original resolution is "200 dpi" to "300 dpi." Here, modifiable and unmodifiable parameters may be displayed in a recognizable display manner. For example, modifiable and unmodifiable parameters may be displayed in different colors or at different display densities, thereby displaying the modifiable and unmodifiable parameters in different display manners. Alternatively, unmodifiable parameters may be displayed in a recognizable display manner by graying out the unmodifiable parameters.

[0055] In the processing by the document storage processing unit 64 described above, the input image information is stored in the memory unit 26 of the image forming device 10, but once the upper capacity limit of the memory unit 26 or the recycled document box 26A is reached, no further document information will be stored.

[0056] Therefore, the document storage processing unit 64 selects documents to be stored and stores the documents according to predetermined conditions so as not to reach the upper limit of the capacity of the storage unit 26. Furthermore, when the upper limit of the storage unit 26 or the recycled document box 26A is reached, the stored document deletion unit 66 selects and deletes unnecessary document information from the stored documents.

[0057] The document storage processing unit 64 selects document information to be stored based on predetermined conditions that are determined according to the destination and the nature of the job. For example, the document storage processing unit 64 may select document information based on the destination or the nature of the job. For example, the document storage processing unit 64 may select document information based on the destination or the nature of the job. More specifically, the document storage processing unit 64 may select document information based on the destination or the nature of the job. For example ... - When part or all of the job processing ends with an error - Document information that takes a long time to process (for example, if it contains more than a certain number of pages or is larger than a certain file size) By manual operation, for example, it is possible to specify whether to save by operating the user interface 22 at the time of execution, and if saving is selected, - When executed by a specific user When scanning and forwarding an original document, take into consideration the possibility of sending it to other destinations, and if there are multiple destinations for forwarding (for example, more than a predetermined number), When scanning and forwarding a document, please be aware that there is a possibility that the destination may be incorrect and you may need to resend the document. When scanning and forwarding original documents, consider the possibility of re-sending due to input errors, and use manually entered destinations instead of using the address book. If the same image as the one previously saved is not saved

[0058] The conditions under which the stored document deletion unit 66 selects and deletes unnecessary document information include, for example, the following conditions. - Document information saved with the oldest date and time (FIFO: First in First out) Document information that has been saved for a specified period of time (for example, one week) Document information with few retry attempts

[0059] Next, specific processing performed by the control unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0060] First, the process from displaying the job history to issuing an instruction to re-execute the job will be described. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processes from displaying the job history to re-execution, which are performed by the control unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment. Note that the process in Fig. 4 may be started, for example, after a predetermined startup process of the image forming apparatus 10 has been performed, or may be started when an operation to display a menu screen is performed on the user interface 22.

[0061] In step 100, the CPU 20A displays a predetermined menu screen on the display 22A, and then proceeds to step 102. For example, the menu screen shown in the upper part of Fig. 5 is displayed on the display 22A.

[0062] In step 102, CPU 20A determines whether a job history list button that displays a list of the history of jobs that have been executed in the past has been operated. For example, this determination determines whether the job history button shown in the upper part of Fig. 5 has been operated. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 104, and if the determination is negative, the process returns to step 100 and the above-described process is repeated.

[0063] In step 104, the CPU 20A displays the job history list on the display 22A and proceeds to step 106. For example, the job history list shown in the middle of FIG. 5 is displayed on the display 22A. Note that the middle of FIG. 5 shows an example in which all job history lists are displayed without specifying a user, but if user authentication is set, a user may be specified and only the job history executed in the past by the specified user may be displayed. For example, the job history of only user A in the middle of FIG. 5 may be displayed.

[0064] In step 106, CPU 20A determines whether an operation to select a job history to be re-executed has been performed. This determination is made by determining whether an operation to select any of the job histories in the job history list shown in the middle of Fig. 5 has been performed. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 108, and if the determination is negative, the process returns to step 104 and repeats the above-described process.

[0065] In step 108, CPU 20A determines whether the job is a box service job. This determination determines whether a job history of a box service such as a confidential box has been selected. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 110, and if negative, the process proceeds to step 116.

[0066] In step 110, the CPU 20A searches the confidential box for the document from the previous execution, and then the process proceeds to step 112.

[0067] In step 112, the CPU 20A determines whether or not a document exists. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 114, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 116. Note that if user authentication is set, even if it is determined that a document exists, if the document belongs to a user other than the authenticated user, the determination in step 112 may be negative from a security standpoint.

[0068] In step 114, the CPU 20A displays a preview image of the document and details of the job history on the display 22A, and then proceeds to step 122. For example, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 5, a preview image showing document information such as a thumbnail image of the first page or an image of the first character string is displayed together with the details of the job history.

[0069] On the other hand, in step 116, the CPU 20A searches for the document from the previous execution in the recycled document box 26A, and then the process proceeds to step 118.

[0070] In step 118, CPU 20A determines whether or not a document exists. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 114 described above, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 120. Note that if user authentication is set, even if it is determined that a document exists, if the document belongs to a user other than the authenticated user, the determination in step 118 may be negative from a security standpoint.

[0071] In step 120, the CPU 20A displays only the details of the job history on the display 22A, and then proceeds to step 122. For example, only the setting information at the time of past job execution is displayed on the display 22A.

[0072] In step 122, the CPU 20A determines whether a re-execute button for re-executing the selected job history has been operated. For example, it determines whether "re-execute" shown in the lower part of Fig. 5 has been operated. The CPU 20A waits until the determination is affirmative, and then terminates the series of processes. Note that if a button other than the re-execute button is operated during the standby state, the CPU 20A terminates the process and performs the process corresponding to the button that was operated.

[0073] Next, a description will be given of specific processing that is performed when the retry button is operated in the above-mentioned step 122. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing that is performed when the retry button is operated in the control unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment.

[0074] In step 200, the CPU 20A determines whether the job instructed to be re-executed is a job for a box service such as a confidential box. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 202, and if negative, the process proceeds to step 222.

[0075] In step 202, the CPU 20A searches the confidential box and the recycled document box 26A for the document from the previous execution, and then the process proceeds to step 204.

[0076] In step 204, CPU 20A determines whether or not a document is present. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 206, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 210. Note that, since the processes of steps 200 to 204 have already been performed in the process of Fig. 4, the information on whether or not a document is present may be stored without performing the processes again.

[0077] In step 206, CPU 20A displays a confirmation screen for the document to be used, and proceeds to step 208. Here, if there is a searched document, the confirmation screen for the previous document is displayed, and if there is no searched document, the new document is displayed.

[0078] In step 208, the CPU 20A determines whether or not to use the previous document. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 210, and if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 216.

[0079] In step 210, the CPU 20A determines whether or not a box document is to be used. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 212; if not, the process proceeds to step 230.

[0080] In step 212, the CPU 20A displays a box and document selection screen on the display 22A, and then proceeds to step 214. That is, a screen for selecting a confidential box and a document is displayed on the display 22A.

[0081] In step 214, CPU 20A determines whether a new document to be processed has been selected, and waits until the determination is affirmative, and then proceeds to step 216.

[0082] In step 216, CPU 20A displays a parameter setting screen for the document output job on display 22A, and proceeds to step 218. For example, a screen that accepts changes to the setting information is displayed on display 22A, with the parameters specified during the previous execution set as defaults. When displaying the setting information, parameters that cannot be changed among the setting information may be displayed in a recognizable display format.

[0083] In step 218, the CPU 20A determines whether the start button has been operated after the parameters have been set. The CPU 20A waits until the determination is affirmative, and then proceeds to step 220.

[0084] In step 220, the CPU 20A executes the document output process and ends the series of processes. That is, the document storage processing unit 64 reads the selected document information and causes the application management unit 60 to perform image formation and the like based on the document information, thereby executing the process of outputting the document.

[0085] On the other hand, in step 222, the CPU 20A searches the recycled document box 26A for the document from the previous execution, and the process proceeds to step 224.

[0086] In step 224, CPU 20A determines whether or not a document is present. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 226, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 234. Note that, since the processes of steps 200, 222, and 224 have already been performed in the process of Fig. 4, the information on whether or not a document is present may be stored without performing these processes again.

[0087] In step 226, CPU 20A displays a confirmation screen for the document to be used, and proceeds to step 228. Here, if there is a searched document, the confirmation screen for the previous document is displayed, and if there is no searched document, the new document is displayed.

[0088] In step 228, the CPU 20A determines whether or not to use the previous document. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 230, and if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 216 described above.

[0089] In step 230, CPU 20A displays a parameter setting screen for the document input job on display 22A, and proceeds to step 232. That is, a screen for setting parameters that are conditions for inputting a document is displayed on display 22A.

[0090] In step 232, CPU 20A determines whether or not the parameter setting for the document input job is completed. This determination is made by determining whether or not an operation to end the parameter setting has been performed, and proceeds to step 234 after waiting until the determination is affirmative.

[0091] In step 234, CPU 20A displays a parameter setting screen for the document output job on display 22A, and proceeds to step 236. For example, a screen that accepts changes to the setting information is displayed on display 22A, with the parameters specified during the previous execution set as defaults.

[0092] In step 236, the CPU 20A determines whether the start button has been operated after the parameters have been set. The CPU 20A waits until the determination is affirmative, and then proceeds to step 238.

[0093] In step 238, the CPU 20A executes the document input process, proceeds to the above-mentioned step 220, executes the document output process, and ends the series of processes. That is, the document storage processing unit 64 executes the process of reading the original document as the document input, and executes the output process of forming an image based on the read document information.

[0094] Here, a modified example of the processing in Fig. 4 will be described. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a modified example of the processing flow from displaying the job history to re-execution, which is performed by the control unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment. Note that the processing in Fig. 7 may be started, for example, after a predetermined startup process of the image forming apparatus 10, or when an operation to display a menu screen is performed. Furthermore, the same processes as those in Fig. 4 will be described using the same reference numerals.

[0095] In step 100, the CPU 20A displays a predetermined menu screen on the display 22A, and then the process proceeds to step .

[0096] In step 102, the CPU 20A determines whether or not the job history list button, which displays a list of the history of jobs executed in the past, has been operated. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 103, and if the determination is negative, the process returns to step 100 and the above-described process is repeated.

[0097] In step 103, the CPU 20A displays a job history list including a re-execute button on the display 22A, and then proceeds to step 105. That is, a re-execute button is displayed for each job history in the job history list.

[0098] In step 105, CPU 20A determines whether a re-execution button in the job history list has been operated. This determination is made by determining whether any of the re-execution buttons displayed for each job history in the job history list has been operated. The CPU 20A waits until the determination is affirmative, then ends the process and starts the process shown in FIG. 6.

[0099] That is, in the process of FIG. 7, without displaying a detailed screen for each job history, a re-execution button is displayed at the time of displaying the job history list, skipping the step of displaying details and directly accepting re-execution of a past job.

[0100] In the above embodiment, it has been described that a user may be identified by user authentication and only the job history of the identified user may be displayed, but this is not limited to this. For example, when a user is identified by user authentication and a user who executed a previous process from the job history list executes the process, document information and setting information are displayed on the display 22A. On the other hand, when a user different from the user who executed the previous process executes the process, document information may not be displayed and only setting information may be displayed on the display 22A, making it possible to reuse only the setting information.

[0101] In addition, in the above embodiment, when the job history list is displayed and the document information in the job history selected from the job history is deleted by the saved document deletion unit 66 and no longer exists, only the setting information may be displayed, and only the setting information may be made reusable.

[0102] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a CPU has been described as an example of a processor, but the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors (e.g., CPUs, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0103] Furthermore, the operations of the processors in the above embodiments may not only be performed by a single processor, but may also be performed by multiple processors located at physically separate locations working together. Furthermore, the order of the operations of the processors is not limited to the order described in the above embodiments, and may be changed as appropriate.

[0104] Furthermore, the processing performed by the control unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the above embodiment may be processing performed by software, processing performed by hardware, or a combination of both. Furthermore, the processing performed by each unit of the control unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 10 may be stored as a program on a storage medium and distributed.

[0105] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 10 Image forming device 20 Control Unit 20A CPU 26 Memory section 26A Recycled Document Box 64 Document storage processing unit 66 Archived Document Deletion Department

Claims

1. a processor, the processor comprising: When a process that does not involve document storage is executed, the document information to be executed is stored in a predetermined storage area, Setting information from previous processing is also stored in the storage area. When executing a process, the document information and the setting information for a process executed by the specified user, and the setting information for a process executed by a user other than the specified user, are displayed on a display unit as the document information stored in the storage area, and the user is prompted to select the document information and the setting information; Execute a process using the selected document information by reusing the setting information; An information processing device that displays a screen that displays, when reusing the setting information, parameters that can be changed or cannot be changed among the setting information in a recognizable display format, and that accepts changes to the setting information.

2. a processor, the processor comprising: When a process that does not involve document storage is executed, the document information to be executed is stored in a predetermined storage area, Setting information from previous processing is also stored in the storage area. When executing the process, the document information stored in the storage area is displayed on a display unit to allow a user to select the document information; Execute a process using the selected document information by reusing the setting information; and when reusing the setting information, a screen is displayed that displays changeable or unchangeable parameters of the setting information in a recognizable display mode, and that accepts changes to the setting information; Furthermore, the document information stored in the storage area is deleted using at least one of a past processing date and time and a number of times a process using the document information stored in the storage area has been re-executed; When the document information is deleted from the storage area and does not exist, the information processing apparatus executes the process by reusing only the setting information used when the process was executed in the past.

3. The information processing device described in claim 2, wherein the processor identifies a user and, when displaying the document information stored in the storage area, displays the document information and the setting information for processes performed by the identified user, and displays the setting information for processes performed by a user other than the identified user.

4. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor accepts changes to the setting information stored in the storage area, and executes processing using the selected document information.

5. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor stores, in the storage area, the document information that meets a predetermined condition for storage in the storage area.

6. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the processor deletes the document information stored in the storage area using at least one of a past processing date and time and a number of times a process using the document information stored in the storage area has been re-executed.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein, when the document information is deleted from the storage area and no longer exists, the processor reuses only the setting information used when processing was previously executed.

8. 8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor displays an image representing the document information when displaying the document information stored in the storage area on the display unit.

9. On the computer, When a process that does not involve document storage is executed, the document information to be executed is stored in a predetermined storage area, Setting information from previous processing is also stored in the storage area. When executing a process, the document information and the setting information for a process executed by the specified user, and the setting information for a process executed by a user other than the specified user, are displayed on a display unit as the document information stored in the storage area, and the user is prompted to select the document information and the setting information; Execute a process using the selected document information by reusing the setting information; And an information processing program for displaying a screen that displays, when reusing the setting information, parameters that can be changed or cannot be changed among the setting information in a recognizable display format, and that accepts changes to the setting information.

10. On the computer, When a process that does not involve document storage is executed, the document information to be executed is stored in a predetermined storage area, Setting information from previous processing is also stored in the storage area. When executing the process, the document information stored in the storage area is displayed on a display unit to allow a user to select the document information; Execute a process using the selected document information by reusing the setting information; and when reusing the setting information, a screen is displayed that displays changeable or unchangeable parameters of the setting information in a recognizable display mode, and that accepts changes to the setting information; Furthermore, the document information stored in the storage area is deleted using at least one of a past processing date and time and a number of times a process using the document information stored in the storage area has been re-executed; an information processing program for executing a process by reusing only the setting information used when the process was executed in the past when the document information has been deleted from the storage area and does not exist;

Images