Display processing device, image processing device, and display processing method

Abstract

To provide a display processing device and the like which can accurately display setting history information that is desired to use by a user when executing a job.SOLUTION: A display processing device comprises: a display unit which can display setting history information related to execution of a job; and a control unit which controls execution of the job by using the setting history information. The control unit determines necessity of the setting history information for execution of the job, excludes a job with the low necessity from the setting history information, and decides a display order of the setting history information displayed on the display unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a display processing device and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Some image processing devices, such as multifunction peripherals, store setting values ​​relating to the execution of jobs such as printing, faxing, or email transmission as setting history information.

[0003] In recent years, as one of the means for making effective use of setting history information, attempts have been made to display stored setting history information on a display device to allow confirmation of setting values ​​related to job execution, or to execute a job based on selected setting history information by directly selecting displayed setting history information on the screen.

[0004] The user can easily execute a job based on the desired setting history information by selecting the desired setting history information from the plurality of setting history information displayed on the display device.

[0005] However, the number of pieces of setting history information that can be displayed on a display device is naturally limited by constraints such as the screen display size, screen configuration specifications, etc. In order to perform effective display control of setting history information within such constraints on screen display, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses that when the number of pieces of setting history information that can be displayed on a display device reaches an upper limit, the display of older pieces of setting history information is limited. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-125687 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Patent document 1 displays setting history information in chronological order according to the order in which jobs are executed, and when the number of display items reaches an upper limit, it restricts the display of setting history information with older history, thereby making it possible to display setting history information relating to the most recent job.

[0008] However, displaying the setting history information in chronological order is not necessarily the display format desired by the user. In a display format in which the setting history information is displayed in chronological order, the display of the setting history information for the oldest job among those displayed is unconditionally limited if a job that exceeds the display limit is executed. As a result, if the setting history information for that job is the setting history information the user wants to use, the user may be unable to refer to the setting history information they want to use or to execute a job based on that setting history information.

[0009] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a display processing device or the like that is capable of accurately displaying setting history information that a user desires to use when executing a job. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to solve the above problem, the display processing device of the present disclosure includes a display unit capable of displaying setting history information related to the execution of a job, and a control unit that controls the execution of the job using the setting history information, and is characterized in that the control unit determines the necessity of the setting history information for the execution of the job, excludes the setting history information that is less necessary from the setting history information, and determines the display order of the setting history information to be displayed on the display unit.

[0011] An image processing device according to the present disclosure includes the display processing device described above and an image processing unit that executes image processing based on the job.

[0012] In addition, the display processing method according to the present disclosure includes a display step of displaying setting history information relating to the execution of a job on a display device, and a control step of controlling the execution of the job using the setting history information, wherein the control step determines the necessity of the setting history information for the execution of the job, excludes the setting history information that is less necessary from the setting history information, and determines the display order of the setting history information to be displayed on the display device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a display processing device or the like that is capable of accurately displaying setting history information that a user desires to use when executing a job. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of setting history information. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of job history information. [Figure 5] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation of the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation of the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation of the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a functional configuration diagram of a multifunction peripheral according to a second embodiment. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow according to a second embodiment. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow according to a second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation of the second embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation of the second embodiment. [Figure 19] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow according to a third embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation of the third embodiment. [Figure 21] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation of the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0016] [1 First Embodiment] The first embodiment is a form in which setting history information that is less necessary for the execution of a job is determined and excluded from the setting history information to be displayed, and the display order is determined. [1.1 Functional Configuration] The functional configuration of a multifunction peripheral 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2. Fig. 1 is an external perspective view that schematically explains the overall configuration of the multifunction peripheral 10. Fig. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of the multifunction peripheral 10. The multifunction peripheral 10 includes a control unit 11, a display unit 13, an operation input unit 15, a communication unit 17, an image forming unit 19 and an image reading unit 21 as image processing units, and a storage unit 23.

[0017] The control unit 11 controls the entire multifunction device 10. The control unit 11 is configured, for example, with one or more arithmetic units (CPUs (Central Processing Units) and the like). The control unit 11 realizes its functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 23.

[0018] The display unit 13 displays various types of information to the user, etc. The display unit 13 can be configured by a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-luminescence) display, for example.

[0019] The operation input unit 15 accepts information input by a user or the like. The operation input unit 15 can be configured with hard keys (for example, a numeric keypad), buttons, etc. The operation input unit 15 can be configured as a touch panel that allows input via the display unit 13. In this case, the input method of the touch panel can be a general method such as a resistive film method, an infrared method, an electromagnetic induction method, or a capacitance method.

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

[0021] Image forming unit 19 forms an image based on image data on paper as a recording medium. Image forming unit 19 feeds paper from paper feed unit 25, forms an image on the paper based on the image data, and then discharges the paper to paper discharge unit 27. Image forming unit 19 can be configured, for example, by a laser printer that uses an electrophotographic method. In this case, image forming unit 19 forms an image using toner supplied from toner cartridges (not shown) that correspond to toner colors (e.g., cyan, magenta, yellow, and black).

[0022] The image reading unit 21 generates image data by scanning and reading the document image to be read. The image reading unit 21 can be configured as a scanner device equipped with an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CIS (Contact Image Sensor). There are no limitations on the configuration of the image reading unit 21 as long as it is configured to generate image data by reading a reflected light image from the document image with an image sensor.

[0023] The storage unit 23 stores various programs and various data necessary for the operation of the multifunction device 10. The storage unit 23 can be configured with a storage device such as a RAM (Random access memory), an HDD (Hard disk drive), an SSD (Solid state drive), or a ROM (Read only memory).

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

[0025] The job execution program 231 is a program that is read by the control unit 11 to perform processing for each job associated with the execution of each function, such as copying, faxing, and email transmission. After reading the job execution program 231, the control unit 11 executes the job by controlling the display unit 13, operation input unit 15, communication unit 17, image forming unit 19, image reading unit 21, etc. Furthermore, after reading the job execution program 231, the control unit 11 can execute various jobs based on setting values ​​included in a setting value file of setting history information, which will be described later.

[0026] The setting history information processing program 232 is a program read by the control unit 11, for example, when acquiring setting values ​​related to job execution, generating setting history information, and performing various processes on the setting history information. After reading the setting history information processing program 232, the control unit 11 acquires setting values ​​related to job execution and generates a setting value file containing the setting values. The control unit 11 then stores the generated setting value file in the setting value file storage area 235. The control unit 11 also generates setting history information by linking the setting value file to identification information (e.g., a job ID) for identifying which job the file relates to. The control unit 11 then stores the generated setting history information in the setting history information storage area 236 as setting history.

[0027] The necessity determination program 233 is a program that is read by the control unit 11, for example, when the number of pieces of setting history information displayed on the display unit 13 reaches the number that can be displayed on the display unit 13, or when an instruction to change the display of setting history information (screen) is received from the user. Having read the necessity determination program 233, the control unit 11 determines the necessity of setting history information for job execution. Based on the determined necessity, the control unit 11 determines the display order of the setting history information to be displayed on the display unit 13 (setting history information display screen).

[0028] Here, the "necessity" according to the present disclosure is an index that evaluates the degree (level) of need (demand, request), importance, or necessity for the setting history information that is relied upon in executing a job. The necessity according to the present disclosure can be determined based on, for example, a specific numerical evaluation such as the number of times the setting history information is used in executing a job, or a relative evaluation such as whether the state of the setting history information meets specific conditions. If the control unit 11 determines that specific setting history information is not necessary for executing a job, it excludes the specific setting history information from the setting history information used in determining the display order. The process of determining necessity will be described later.

[0029] The display processing program 234 is a program that the control unit 11 reads when displaying on the display unit 13 a display screen that displays setting history information as setting history, a setting screen for accepting input of various setting values ​​related to job execution, a basic screen (home screen) that displays the setting screen in a switchable manner, or a login screen for user authentication.

[0030] The setting value file storage area 235 is a storage area in which the control unit 11, which has read the setting history information processing program 232, stores the setting value file generated. The setting values ​​include, for example, setting values ​​set by the user, such as color mode, resolution, format, and density, as well as setting values ​​such as device initial values ​​held by the device itself. The control unit 11, which has read the job execution program 231, can reproduce a job based on the setting history information by executing a job using a setting value file linked to the setting history information.

[0031] The setting history information storage area 236 is a storage area that stores setting history information generated by the control unit 11. The setting history information stored in the setting history information storage area 236 is read out as needed when a display process is performed as a setting history or when a job based on the setting history information is executed.

[0032] Here, the setting history information according to the present disclosure will be described. Fig. 3(a) is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the setting history information stored in the setting history information storage area 236. Fig. 3(b) is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of a setting value file associated with the setting history information of Fig. 3(a).

[0033] The setting history information illustrated in FIG. 3A includes a history ID, an execution date and time, a job type, a display setting value, and a setting value file name.

[0034] The history ID is identification information for uniquely identifying the setting history information. The history ID is assigned to the generated setting history information. The history ID may be a serial number, as shown in the example of Figure 3(a), or may include a specified string of characters, symbols, etc. The execution date and time indicates the date and time when the job was executed. The job type indicates the type of executed job (e.g., copy, email, etc.). The display setting value indicates part of the setting value (content) to be displayed on the display screen. The setting value file name is the file name of the setting value file linked to the setting history information.

[0035] Here, for example, the setting history information associated with history ID "0099" represents setting history information for the job type "copy" executed at "2020 / 02 / 22 20:20." This job is a copy job executed based on the setting values ​​contained in the setting value file name "0099.config," and is an example in which setting values ​​(items) such as "Tray: Tray 1, Original: Single-Sided to Double-Sided, Density: Character, ..." are set as display setting values. Note that the display setting values ​​set for each history ID are merely examples, and the setting values ​​displayed on the display screen are not limited to those described in FIG. 3.

[0036] FIG. 3B shows an example of the data structure of the setting value file “0098.config” associated with the history ID “0098.” The setting value file shown in FIG. 3B can be configured as a text file or binary data that stores setting values ​​related to job execution, such as “Destination: sample@local, test@test.ne.jp, Format: High-Compression PDF, Resolution: 600 × 600 dpi, Original: Single-Sided → Single-Sided, Density: Automatic, Page Combination Mode: Off, Card Scan Mode: Off, Skip Blank Pages Mode: On, Mixed Original Mode: On, Test Copy Mode: Off, Concatenated Copy Mode: Off, Bulk Original Mode: Off, Multi-Crop Scan / Photo Crop Mode: Off, Original Count: Off, ....” When executing a job based on setting history information, the control unit 11 executes the job related to the setting history using the setting values ​​stored in the setting value file. Furthermore, when processing related to the job is completed, the control unit 11 stores the setting values ​​used in executing the job in the setting value file.

[0037] 2, the job history information storage area 237 is a storage area that stores job execution records as job history information. Here, the job history information according to the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the job history information stored in the job history information storage area 237.

[0038] The job history information illustrated in Fig. 4 includes a job ID, execution date and time, job type, user name, and status. The job ID, execution date and time, and job type are the same items and have the same content as those included in the setting history information described in Fig. 3. The user name indicates the name of the user who executed the job. The status indicates the processing status of the job.

[0039] For example, the job history information for job ID "0098" represents job history information for a job type "Email" executed at "2020 / 02 / 22 19:19." The job is indicated as having been executed by a user named "aaaaa," and its status is "Completed."

[0040] Unlike the setting history information, the job history information is information that records the execution history of a job. The job history information can be generated at any time, such as when a job is registered, after the job is completed, or after the setting history information is generated.

[0041] [1.2 Processing flow] Next, the flow of processing according to the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating processing related to job execution using setting history information. The processing described here is processing executed by the control unit 11 by reading out the job execution program 231, setting history information processing program 232, necessity determination program 233, display processing program 234, etc.

[0042] First, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a display instruction for setting history information has been received from the user (step S10). The display instruction for setting history information can be received, for example, via a home screen (to be described later) or a setting screen corresponding to each job type.

[0043] If it is determined that an instruction to display the setting history information has been received, the control unit 11 reads out the necessity determination program 233, the display processing program 234, etc. After reading out these programs, the control unit 11 executes display processing related to the setting history information, which will be described later, and displays the setting history information on the display unit 13 (step S10; Yes → step S20). If it is determined that an instruction to display the setting history information has not been input, the control unit 11 waits until an instruction to display the setting history information is input (step S10; No). If an instruction to display the setting history information has not been input, and an instruction to display a setting screen related to a specific job type has been input via the home screen, the control unit 11 may proceed to step S40 and display the setting screen on the display unit 13.

[0044] Next, the control unit 11 accepts the selection of setting history information by the user (step S30).

[0045] When the control unit 11 receives the selection of the setting history information, it reads out the setting value file linked to the setting history information, and displays a setting screen according to the job type (step S40).

[0046] The control unit 11 determines whether or not an instruction to execute a job has been received via the setting screen (step S50). If the control unit 11 determines that an instruction to execute a job has been received, it executes the job (step S50; Yes → step S60). If the control unit 11 determines that an instruction to execute a job has not been received, it waits until an instruction to execute a job is input (step S50; No).

[0047] Then, control unit 11 generates new setting history information related to the job executed in step S60. Then, control unit 11 stores the generated setting history information in setting history information storage area 236 and ends the process (step S70). Note that, although the description here has been given of a form in which setting history information is generated and stored after a job is executed, the timing of generating and storing setting history information is not limited to this, and may be, for example, the timing when an instruction to execute the job is received in step S50, or may be during execution of the job.

[0048] Next, the setting history information display process in step S20 of FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6, 7, 8, and 9. FIG.

[0049] 6 is a flowchart illustrating the overall flow of the setting history information display process. The control unit 11 executes this process by reading out the display process program 234, the necessity determination program 233, and the like.

[0050] When the control unit 11 receives an instruction to display setting history information in step S10 of FIG. 5, it determines whether the number of pieces of setting history information to be displayed exceeds the upper limit of the number of pieces of setting history information that can be displayed on the display unit 13 (step S210). The number of pieces of setting history information to be displayed may be the total number of pieces of setting history information stored in the setting history information storage area 236, or may be a preset number of pieces of history information for display. If the number of pieces of history information for display is preset, the preset number and the number of pieces of history information that can be displayed may be the same value. The number of pieces of setting history information that can be displayed on the screen of the display unit 13 refers to the number of pieces of setting history information that can be displayed on the screen. The number of pieces of displayable information can be set appropriately based on the screen size, screen configuration, etc. of the display unit 13. The number of pieces of displayable information may be the number of pieces of setting history information that can be displayed on the screen at one time, or may be the number of pieces of setting history information that can be displayed as a result of screen transitions using screen transition means provided on the screen (for example, screen operations such as a scroll bar or a swipe operation).

[0051] If it is determined that the number of pieces of setting history information displayed exceeds the upper limit of the number that can be displayed on the display unit 13, the control unit 11 executes a determination process related to necessity (step S210; Yes→step S212). The determination process related to necessity will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0052] Based on the result of the necessity determination process, the control unit 11 determines the display order of the setting history information (step S214). The display order determination process of the setting history information will be described with reference to FIG.

[0053] Then, the control unit 11 displays the setting history information on the display unit 13 based on the determined display order of the setting history information, and ends the process (step S216).

[0054] Meanwhile, if it is determined that the number of pieces of setting history information displayed is less than the number that can be displayed on the display unit 13, the control unit 11 determines whether or not an instruction to change the display of setting history information has been received from the user via the home screen or the like (step S218).

[0055] If it is determined that an instruction to change the display of the setting history information has been received, the control unit 11 executes the processes from step S212 onwards (step S218; Yes -> step S212). On the other hand, if it is determined that an instruction to change the display of the setting history information has not been received, the control unit 11 determines to display the setting history information in chronological order according to the execution order of the jobs (step S218; No -> step S220). Then, the control unit 11 displays the setting history information on the display unit 13 based on the determined display order (chronological order) of the setting history information, and ends the process (step S220 -> step S216).

[0056] Next, the necessity determination process in step S212 of Fig. 6 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 7. In the first embodiment, a form will be described in which the number of uses of setting history information is used as a numerical evaluation criterion for determining necessity.

[0057] The control unit 11 starts scanning the setting history information stored in the setting history information storage area 236 (step S2120).

[0058] The control unit 11 acquires the number of times the setting history information has been used (step S2122). The number of times the setting history information has been used may be stored in the setting history information used to execute the job, or may be stored in a setting value file linked to the setting history information, or in job history information.

[0059] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether scanning of all the setting history information has been completed (step S2124). If it is determined that scanning of all the setting history information has been completed, the control unit 11 identifies setting history information that has been used less frequently for job execution, and determines that the necessity of that setting history information is low (step S2124; Yes→step S2126). Then, the control unit 11 ends the process.

[0060] Incidentally, setting history information with a low number of uses may include setting history information with a use count of 0 times. Furthermore, setting history information with a use count less than a specific number of times, such as 0 times, 1 time, 2 times, ..., or N times, can be evaluated as setting history information with a low number of uses. On the other hand, setting history information with a use count less than a predetermined ratio of the most frequent use can also be evaluated as setting history information with a low number of uses. For example, if the predetermined ratio is set to 10% and the most frequent use count is assumed to be 12 times, the control unit 11 can evaluate setting history information with a use count less than 1.2 times as setting history information with a low number of uses.

[0061] On the other hand, if it is determined that scanning of all setting history information has not been completed, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S2120 and starts scanning of the next setting history information (step S2124; No→step S2120).

[0062] Next, the process of determining the display order of the setting history information in step S214 of FIG. 6 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0063] In response to the result of the necessity determination process in step S212 of FIG. 6, the control unit 11 excludes setting history information that has been determined to be less necessary from the setting history information related to the determination of the display order (step S2140).

[0064] Then, the control unit 11 determines the display order of the remaining setting history information, excluding the setting history information with low necessity, in descending order starting from the setting history information with the most number of uses, and ends the process (step S2142).

[0065] [1.3 Example of operation] Next, an example of operation according to the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 9(a) is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a home screen W10 capable of accepting an instruction to display setting history information. Fig. 9(b) is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a setting screen W20 related to email transmission, which is an example of a setting screen capable of accepting an instruction to display setting history information.

[0066] 9(a) is a basic screen that is displayed on the display unit 13 when the power is turned on, when the device is in standby mode, when the device is restored from a sleep state, etc., and that accepts operation inputs from the user. The home screen W10 includes a mode selection button B10.

[0067] The mode selection button B10 is a button that accepts the selection of the operation mode of the multifunction peripheral 10. FIG. 9A shows an example of a configuration in which selectable operation mode buttons include a simple copy button, a simple fax button, a simple scan button, an email button B104, a fax button, a scan and save button, an external address book button, and a setting history button B102. Here, the "simple" in simple copy refers to a function that simplifies the operation related to job execution by intentionally making some of the setting values ​​(setting items) selectable in normal copying unavailable (or set to fixed default settings). For example, by selecting simple copy as a job, a user can easily execute a copy-related job without having to perform complicated settings. Note that the button configuration example shown in FIG. 9A is merely an example, and can be changed as appropriate via, for example, a system setting screen (not shown).

[0068] The setting history button B102 included in the mode selection button B10 is a button that accepts an instruction to display setting history information. When an instruction to select the setting history button B102 is accepted, the control unit 11 executes the process related to step S20 in Fig. 5, and can perform a process to display setting history information.

[0069] The setting screen W20 for email sending shown in FIG. 9(b) can be displayed on the display unit 13 by, for example, selecting the email button B104 included in the mode selection button B10 on the home screen W10. The setting screen W20 is a setting screen that accepts input and selection of setting values ​​for email sending. The setting screen W20 includes a setting value display area R10, a destination display area R12, a process selection button B12, and a start button B14.

[0070] The setting value display area R10 is a display area that displays setting values ​​related to email transmission. The setting value display area R10 displays device default values ​​related to email transmission, setting values ​​based on a setting value file read by the control unit 11 from the setting value file storage area 235, and the like. Note that FIG. 9(b) shows an example in which four setting values ​​(items) that can be set are displayed: resolution (600 dpi x 600 dpi), format (high-compression PDF), original (single-sided → single-sided), and density (automatic). Note that the setting values ​​(items) illustrated in the setting value display area R10 of FIG. 9(b) correspond to the setting history information of the history ID "0098" illustrated in FIG. 3(a).

[0071] The destination display area R12 is a display area for displaying the destination of the email transmission. Fig. 9(b) shows an example in which the destination of the email transmission, "sample@local, test@test.ne.jp," is displayed based on the setting history information of the history ID "0098" shown in Fig. 3(a).

[0072] The process selection button B12 is a button that accepts the selection of a process (action) desired by the user. The process selection button B12 includes a setting history button B122 in addition to selection buttons that accept the selection of various processes such as an external address book button, a read by search number button, a program read button, a transmission history button, and a simple setting button. The setting history button B122 accepts an instruction to display setting history information, similar to the setting history button B102 on the home screen W10. When an instruction to select the setting history button B122 is accepted, the control unit 11 executes the process related to step S20 in FIG. 5 and can perform a process to display setting history information.

[0073] The start button B14 is a button that accepts an instruction to send an email. When the start button B14 is selected by the user, the control unit 11 sends an email to the destination displayed in the destination display area R12.

[0074] Next, an example of operation relating to the display control of setting history information will be described. To facilitate understanding, first, an example of operation will be described in which the display order of setting history information is displayed in chronological order according to the job execution order (corresponding to the processing of step S218; No → step S220 in FIG. 6). Next, an example of operation relating to the display of setting history information determined by applying the necessity determination processing will be described (corresponding to the processing of step S212 → step S214 in FIG. 6).

[0075] FIG. 10 shows an example of the configuration of the setting history display screen W30 that is displayed by the control unit 11 when the number of pieces of setting history information displayed is less than the number that can be displayed on the display unit 13 and an instruction to change the display of the setting history information is not received.

[0076] The setting history display screen W30 includes a setting history information display area R14, a slider bar SB10, and a display order change button B16. The setting history information display area R14 can be configured as a display area that selectably displays setting history information related to each history ID. In the example shown in FIG. 10(a), setting history information related to history IDs "0099" to "0095" is displayed in chronological order according to the job execution order (see FIG. 3).

[0077] The slider bar SB10 is configured to be slidable to one end of the setting history information display region R14. The slider bar SB10 accepts a display instruction for the setting history information associated with history IDs "0094" to "0090" that is not displayed in the setting history information display region R14 of FIG. 10(a). In this case, for example, by moving the slider bar SB10 downward, pressing the down arrow button, or flicking upward within the setting history information display region R14, the setting history information associated with history IDs "0094" to "0090" can be displayed.

[0078] Fig. 10(b) is an example in which the hidden area in Fig. 10(a) is displayed by operating the slider bar SB10. That is, Fig. 10(b) is an example in which the setting history information relating to job IDs "0094" to "0090" shown in Fig. 3 is displayed in the setting history information display area R14.

[0079] The change display order button B16 is a button that accepts a change display order instruction to change the display order of the setting history information being displayed in the setting history information display area R14. When the change display order button B16 is selected, the control unit 11 executes the processes of step S212 → step S214 in Fig. 6, and changes the display order of the setting history information based on the display order determined by applying the necessity determination process.

[0080] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a display order determination table that summarizes the display order (step S214 in FIG. 6) of the setting history information determined based on the necessity determination result (step S212 in FIG. 6).

[0081] The history IDs on the left side of the table represent the history IDs exemplified in Fig. 3. The number of uses in the center of the table represents the number of uses of the setting history information acquired by the control unit 11 in step S2122 of Fig. 7. The display order on the right side of the table represents the display order of the setting history information determined based on the flowchart in Fig. 8. Note that in the operation example of Fig. 11, setting history information that has been used once or less is determined to be setting history information with low necessity, thereby lowering the display order, and as a result, the corresponding setting history information (history ID "0099", history ID "0097", history ID "0094", history ID "0093", and history ID "0090") is excluded from the setting history information involved in determining the display order.

[0082] For the remaining setting history information after excluding setting history information with low necessity, the control unit 11 determines the display order in descending order, starting with the setting history information with the most number of uses. Fig. 11 shows an example in which the display order is determined in the following order, starting with the setting history information with the most number of uses, history ID "0098" (used 12 times), followed by history ID "0091" (used 4 times), history ID "0096" (used 3 times), history ID "0095" (used 2 times), and history ID "0092" (used 2 times). Note that Fig. 11 shows an example in which the display order is determined such that, when history ID "0095" and history ID "0092" (used 2 times) have the same number of uses, the setting history information with the newer execution date and time (history ID "0095") is ranked higher. Note that the handling of setting history information with the same number of uses, etc., used in the numerical evaluation criteria will be described later.

[0083] Fig. 12 shows an example of the configuration of a setting history display screen W40 that displays setting history information in descending order of frequency of use, starting with the most frequently used setting, according to the display order table shown in Fig. 11. Note that the screen configuration example of the setting history display screen W40 can be the same as the configuration of the setting history display screen W30 shown in Fig. 10, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0084] 12, setting history information displayed on the setting history display screen W40 excludes setting history information with low necessity (history ID "0099", history ID "0097", history ID "0094", history ID "0093", and history ID "0090"). The setting history display screen W40 displays setting history information in descending order, starting with the setting history information that has been used most frequently, i.e., the setting history information that is most necessary, so that the user can easily grasp the setting history information that is most necessary for executing a job.

[0085] [Applicable evaluation criteria for determining necessity] In step S212 in FIG. 6 and steps S2122 and S2126 in FIG. 7 which explain the processing of step S212, it is also possible to determine necessity by a determination method using the evaluation criteria exemplified in FIG.

[0086] The determination method (1) is a method for determining that the setting history information that has been used the least number of times as described above is least necessary.

[0087] 7, the number of setting value items that have been changed from the initial values ​​is acquired, and in step S2126, it is determined that the setting history information with the fewest number of changed setting value items is least necessary. If there are few changes from the initial values, it can be determined that the setting history information is least necessary.

[0088] The determination method (3) is a method in which the number of times the setting history information for each job type is used is obtained in step S2122 of Fig. 7, and in step S2126, it is determined that the setting history information for the least frequently used job type is least necessary. If the frequency of use of a job (type) is low, it can be determined that the necessity of that setting history information is low.

[0089] Judgment method (4) is a method for judging that there is little need for setting history information in which only specific items that are subject to change each time the setting history information is used as a change history, such as the number of copies, have been changed in step S2122 of Fig. 7. Even if the setting history information is stored, there is a high possibility that the settings will be changed, so it can be judged that there is little need to keep the setting history information.

[0090] Determination method (5) is a method for determining in step S2122 of FIG. 7 that there is little need for setting history information related to a job executed from a job program. Here, the job program according to the present disclosure refers to a technology for permanently manually storing job-related settings, and refers to a batch setting in which settings related to job processing are registered in a batch. In a use case in which a standard job is repeatedly executed, a user can call and execute a job program, thereby setting the setting values ​​related to the job in a batch, thereby reducing the number of setting steps required to execute the job. In this way, since the setting values ​​related to a job executed from a job program are already registered as the job program, it can be determined that there is little need to retain setting history information.

[0091] Determination method (6) is a method for determining in step S2122 of Fig. 7 that there is little need for setting history information related to an image transmission job, such as an email transmission job or a fax job, whose destination is a destination selected from a registered address book. Because destinations are registered in the address book and destination selection is easy, it can be determined that there is little need to leave setting history information related to an image transmission job.

[0092] Judgment method (7) is a method for judging that there is little need for setting history information related to an image transmission job in which a registered address book destination has been modified or deleted in step S2122 of Fig. 7. Because the setting history information is not based on the address book destination that was originally registered, it can be judged that there is little need to retain the setting history information.

[0093] Determination method (8) is a method for determining in step S2122 of FIG. 7 that the setting history information (cancellation history) related to a job canceled by a user due to, for example, a paper jam or the occurrence of an error code is not necessary. Because the setting history information is related to a job canceled by a user, it can be determined that there is little need to retain the setting history information. In this case, the display order can be determined for setting history information (non-canceled setting history information) excluding setting history information related to the canceled job.

[0094] As described above, according to the first embodiment, setting history information that is less necessary for executing a job is determined, and the display order is determined by excluding it from the setting history information to be displayed, so that the setting history information that the user desires to use can be displayed with high accuracy.

[0095] [2 Second embodiment] The second embodiment is a form in which, in response to user authentication when the user authentication function is enabled, setting history information relating to a user authenticated as a logged-in user is displayed.

[0096] [2.1 Functional Configuration] 14 is a functional configuration diagram of a multifunction device 30 according to the second embodiment. The multifunction device 30 includes a storage unit 33 instead of the storage unit 23 of the multifunction device 10 according to the first embodiment. In the following description, the same components as those in the multifunction device 10 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof may be omitted.

[0097] The storage unit 33 includes an authentication program 331 in addition to the configuration of the storage unit 23. The authentication program 331 is a program that the control unit 11 reads out when authenticating a user.

[0098] For example, when the user authentication function is enabled, the control unit 11 receives authentication information related to user authentication, such as a login user name and a login password, and performs user authentication. When a login operation is performed with administrator privileges, the control unit 11 requests input of administrator information as necessary, or authenticates the administrator user by referring to the registration information for the administrator user.

[0099] The control unit 11 can perform user authentication by comparing the combination of login user name and login password entered by the user with the combination of login user name and login password registered in advance in the device. Note that user authentication may be performed by a separate, external authentication server. In this case, the login user name and login password for user authentication are held by the authentication server.

[0100] Incidentally, user authentication can be performed not only by a combination of a login user name and a login password, but also by a combination of an identification number, a registration number, etc. and a login password, possession authentication using a token, a key, an IC (Integrated circuit) card, a smartphone, etc., or biometric authentication such as fingerprint authentication or face authentication.

[0101] [2.2 Processing flow] Next, the flow of processing according to the second embodiment will be described. Fig. 15 is a flowchart illustrating processing related to job execution using setting history information. The processing described here is processing executed by the control unit 11 by reading out the job execution program 231, setting history information processing program 232, necessity determination program 233, display processing program 234, authentication program 331, etc.

[0102] The process described in Fig. 15 is the process described in Fig. 5 of the first embodiment with the addition of a process related to user authentication. Therefore, the same processes are assigned the same step numbers and their description will be omitted.

[0103] The control unit 11 accepts input of authentication information relating to a user attempting to log in to the multifunction device 30 via a user authentication screen, which will be described later (step S80).

[0104] Next, the control unit 11 performs user authentication based on the received authentication information. If the user authentication is successful, the control unit 11 authenticates the user whose input of the authentication information is accepted as a logged-in user (step S90; Yes → step S100). On the other hand, if the user authentication is not successful, the control unit 11 temporarily treats the user whose input of the authentication information is accepted as a general user who uses the multifunction device 30 (step S90; No → step S110).

[0105] Next, the control unit 11 executes the processes from step S10 to step S70 described with reference to FIG.

[0106] Incidentally, the internal processing of the setting history information display processing in step S20 in FIG. 15 can be the same as the processing explained in FIG. 6, so the explanation here will be omitted.

[0107] Fig. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a determination process related to necessity according to the second embodiment. Note that the process illustrated in Fig. 16 is the same as the process illustrated in Fig. 7 of the first embodiment, except that step S2120 is replaced with step S2128.

[0108] When the process of determining the necessity of step S212 in FIG. 6 is started, the control unit 11 starts scanning the setting history information stored in the setting history information storage area 236 for setting history information corresponding to jobs previously executed by the login user authenticated in step S100 in FIG. 15 (step S2128).

[0109] That is, in the second embodiment, only the setting history information related to the authenticated login user is subject to display processing. The processing related to steps S2122 to S2126 after step S2128 can be the same processing as the processing described in FIG. 7, so a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0110] On the other hand, if the user is treated as a general user who temporarily uses the multifunction device 30 (step S90 in FIG. 15; No → step S110), the control unit 11 performs a scan of all setting history information to be displayed, similar to step S2120 in FIG. 7, as a process corresponding to step S2128.

[0111] [2.3 Example of operation] Next, an example of operation according to the second embodiment will be described. Fig. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an authentication screen W50 that accepts input of authentication information such as a login user name and a login password. A user attempting to use the multifunction device 30 can log in to the multifunction device 30 as a login user by performing user authentication via the authentication screen W50.

[0112] The authentication screen W50 shown in FIG. 17 includes a login user name input box Bx10, a login password input box Bx12, an authentication destination designation button B18, an OK button B20, and a cancel button B22.

[0113] The login user name input box Bx10 is an input box that accepts input of a login user name. A user attempting to log in to the multifunction device 30 or an administrator user attempting to log in with administrator privileges inputs a login user name into the login user name input box Bx10. Note that the login user name can also be selected from a user name list (not shown) by selecting the "Select from list" button located next to the login user name input box Bx10.

[0114] The login password input box Bx12 is an input box that accepts input of a login password corresponding to a login user name. A user attempting to log in to the multifunction peripheral 30 inputs the login password together with the login user name.

[0115] The authentication destination designation button B18 is a button for accepting designation of the user authentication destination. The authentication destination may be the device itself, or, for example, it is also possible to designate an authentication server or the like separately provided on the network. When authentication by the device itself is selected as the authentication destination, the control unit 11 performs user authentication by comparing the input login user name and login password with pre-prepared authentication information (for example, a combination of a user name and a password). On the other hand, when an authentication server or the like provided on the network is used, the control unit 11 can also perform user authentication by transmitting the input login user name and login password to the authentication server and receiving the authentication result from the authentication server.

[0116] The OK button B20 is an input button that accepts a user's instruction to confirm an input operation. The OK button B20 accepts input into the login user name input box Bx10 and the login password input box Bx12, and the designation of an authentication destination via the authentication destination designation button B18. The cancel button B22 is an input button that accepts a user's instruction to cancel an input operation.

[0117] When the user authentication via the authentication screen W50 is successful, the control unit 11 displays, on the display unit 13, for example, the home screen W10 illustrated in FIG. 9(a).

[0118] Fig. 18 shows an example of the configuration of a setting history display screen W60 according to the second embodiment. Note that the setting history display screen W60 has a login user name display area R16 in addition to the screen configuration of the setting history display screen W40 shown in Fig. 12.

[0119] The login user name display area R16 is a display area in which the login user name authenticated by the control unit 11 is displayed.

[0120] 18 shows an example in which the necessity determination process is applied to setting history information corresponding to a job executed by a user with the login user name “aaaaa.” In this case, the control unit 11 displays only the setting history information executed by the user with the login user name “aaaaa” (see FIGS. 3 and 4) in the setting history information display area R14.

[0121] 18, setting history information related to jobs executed by the login user name "aaaaa" that is less necessary (for example, history ID "0099") is excluded from the display targets. However, it is of course possible to display all setting history information related to the login user "aaaaa" except when the number of setting history information items that can be displayed reaches the maximum number.

[0122] As described above, according to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, because the setting history information related to jobs executed by the logged-in user and that is highly necessary is the setting history information to be displayed, the logged-in user can accurately grasp the setting history information that the logged-in user wishes to use from among the setting history information related to the jobs executed by the logged-in user. Furthermore, because the setting history information related to jobs executed by other users is not the display target, it is possible to prevent personal information such as destination information used in, for example, a fax job or an email sending job from being accidentally leaked, and security can be ensured.

[0123] [3 Third embodiment] The third embodiment is an embodiment in which display of setting history information relating to jobs that cannot be executed or whose execution is restricted due to the influence of restriction settings other than those relating to setting history information is restricted.

[0124] Here, a restriction setting refers to a setting that restricts the execution of all or some of the functions of a job regardless of the settings in the setting history information, such as prohibiting copying in color mode or prohibiting external communication outside of working hours (business hours). For example, if a color mode prohibition setting that prohibits copying in color mode is set as a restriction setting, even if setting history information related to a color copy job is selected, the execution of the job will be prohibited or restricted. Similarly, if a time period restriction that prohibits external communication outside of a specific time period is set as a restriction setting, even if setting history information related to an image transmission job such as email transmission or fax transmission is selected, the execution of the job will be prohibited or restricted. The third embodiment restricts the display of setting history information related to jobs affected by such restriction settings.

[0125] [3.1 Functional Configuration] The functional configuration of the multifunction peripheral according to the third embodiment can be substantially the same as that of the multifunction peripheral 10 according to the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0126] [3.2 Processing flow] Next, a processing flow according to the third embodiment will be described. Fig. 19 is a flowchart illustrating the setting history display processing according to the third embodiment. In Fig. 19, the description will be given assuming that a time period setting that restricts the execution of a specific function depending on the time period is set as the restriction setting.

[0127] When the control unit 11 receives an instruction to display the setting history information, it starts scanning the setting history information stored in the setting history information storage area 236 (step S300).

[0128] The control unit 11 determines whether or not the reception time at which the input of the instruction to display the setting history information was received corresponds to a restriction setting (time period restriction) that restricts the execution of a job depending on the time period (step S310).

[0129] In this case, the control unit 11 acquires the reception time using a timing unit such as a timer (not shown). Then, the control unit 11 determines whether the acquired reception time corresponds to the restriction setting (time period restriction). Note that the restriction setting (time period restriction) may be set to a specific time period (for example, 6:30 pm to 9:15 am), or may be set in units of minutes, hours, days, weeks, or months, or may be a specific date.

[0130] If it is determined that the acquired reception time corresponds to the restriction setting, the control unit 11 determines the display restriction of the setting history information related to the job whose function is restricted by the restriction setting (step S310; Yes→step S320). On the other hand, if it is determined that the acquired reception time does not correspond to the restriction setting, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S330 (step S310; No→step S330).

[0131] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether scanning of all the setting history information has been completed (step S330). If it is determined that scanning of all the setting history information has been completed, the control unit 11 excludes the setting history information related to the display restriction from the setting history information related to the determination of the display order (step S330; Yes → step S340).

[0132] On the other hand, if it is determined that scanning of all setting history information has not been completed, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S300 and starts scanning of the next setting history information (step S330; No→step S300).

[0133] The control unit 11 determines the display order of the remaining setting history information, excluding the setting history information related to the display restriction, in descending order starting from the setting history information with the most number of uses, and ends the process (step S350). Note that if the number of setting history information to be displayed is small or depending on the user's settings, the display order determination process in step S350 may be omitted.

[0134] [3.3 Example of operation] Next, an operation example according to the third embodiment will be described. Fig. 20(a) is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a home screen W70 according to the third embodiment. The home screen W70 can have the same configuration as the home screen W10 illustrated in Fig. 9(a) of the first embodiment, but differs from the home screen W10 in that it is configured to notify the user that a restriction setting (time period restriction) that prohibits the use of a specific function depending on the time period has been applied.

[0135] The home screen W70 includes a mode selection button B10 as well as a message screen M10. The message screen M10 can display a message indicating that a restriction setting (time period restriction) that prohibits the use of certain functions depending on the time period has been applied. FIG. 20(a) is an example of the message screen M10 displaying "External connections are currently restricted. (6:30 pm - 9:15 am)," indicating that external connections using the multifunction device 30 are restricted from 6:30 pm to 9:15 am.

[0136] 20(a), when a restriction setting (time period restriction) that prohibits the use of a specific function is applied, the related mode selection button B10 (e.g., simple fax, simple scan, email, fax) may be displayed in gray so that the specific function (external connection) cannot be executed. In this way, by graying out the mode selection button B10 related to the specific function, the user can visually understand that a restriction setting has been applied to the specific function.

[0137] FIG. 20(b) shows an example of the configuration of a setting history display screen W80 that is displayed when the setting history button B102 is selected from the mode selection buttons B10 on the home screen W70 shown in FIG. 20(a).

[0138] When the setting history button B102 is selected, the control unit 11 executes the setting history display process described in Fig. 19. The control unit 11 determines the display order of the remaining setting history information, excluding the setting history information related to the display restriction, in descending order, starting with the setting history information that has been used the most. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 20(b), the control unit 11 excludes setting history information related to modes (e-mail, scan, fax, etc.) related to a specific function (external connection) from the display targets, and displays the display order determined for the remaining setting history information, such as scan and save, copy, etc., in the setting history information display area R14.

[0139] As described above, according to the third embodiment, the display of setting history information relating to jobs that cannot be executed or whose execution is restricted due to the influence of restriction settings is restricted, so that the user can be prevented from selecting such setting history information, and only setting history information that can be executed can be accurately displayed.

[0140] [4 Fourth embodiment] The fourth embodiment is an embodiment in which the determination methods (evaluation criteria) illustrated in Fig. 13 are combined and applied according to a priority order. The priority order in the fourth embodiment means the order in which the determination methods illustrated in Fig. 13 are applied. In other words, the higher the priority order of a determination method, the earlier it is applied in the processing described in Fig. 21, and display restrictions are applied to setting history information that satisfies the determination (evaluation criteria).

[0141] [4.1 Functional Configuration] The functional configuration of the fourth embodiment can be substantially the same as that of the multifunction peripheral 10 according to the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0142] [4.2 Processing flow] FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a process for determining the display order of setting history information based on the different evaluation criteria exemplified in FIG. 13 when the number of times the setting history information has been read out is the same.

[0143] First, the control unit 11 reads the number of times of use of the setting history information (step S400), and then the control unit 11 determines whether or not there is setting history information having the same number of times of use as the setting history information that has been read (step S410).

[0144] If it is determined that setting history information with the same number of uses exists, the control unit 11 determines whether the restriction setting (for example, time period restriction) described in the third embodiment is applied (step S410; Yes → step S420). If it is determined that the restriction setting (time period restriction) is applied, the control unit 11 determines the display restriction of the corresponding setting history information (step S420; Yes → step S500).

[0145] On the other hand, if it is determined that the restriction setting (time period restriction) has not been applied, the control unit 11 determines whether the content initially registered as the setting history information has been changed (step S420; No → step S430). The determination in step S430 corresponds to the determination method (7) in FIG. 13. If it is determined that the content registered as the setting history information has been changed, the control unit 11 determines the display restriction of the corresponding setting history information (step S430; Yes → step S500). The determination method (7) is an evaluation criterion for deleting or editing a registered destination in the address book, but is not limited to this as long as the change in the registered content of the setting history information makes it impossible to execute a job.

[0146] On the other hand, if it is determined that the content registered as setting history information has not been changed, the control unit 11 determines whether the setting history information relates to a job that was not executed due to a jam, a cancel operation, an error, or the like (a non-executed job) (step S430; No → step S440). The determination in step S440 corresponds to the determination method (8) in Fig. 13. If it is determined that the setting history information relates to a non-executed job, the control unit 11 determines a display restriction for the corresponding setting history information (step S440; Yes → step S500).

[0147] On the other hand, if it is determined that the setting history information is not related to a non-executed job, the control unit 11 determines whether the setting history information is related to a job executed from a job program (step S440; No→step S450). The determination in step S450 corresponds to the determination method (5) in Fig. 13. If it is determined that the setting history information is related to a job executed from a job program, the control unit 11 determines a display restriction for the corresponding setting history information (step S450; Yes→step S500).

[0148] On the other hand, if it is determined that the setting history information is not related to a job executed from the job program, the control unit 11 determines whether the setting history information has a small number of setting value items that have been changed from their initial values ​​(step S450; No → step S460). The determination in step S460 corresponds to determination method (2) in FIG. 13. If it is determined that the setting history information has a small number of setting value items that have been changed, the control unit 11 determines a display restriction for the corresponding setting history information (step S460; Yes → step S500). If there is a plurality of setting history information with a small number of setting value items that have been changed from their initial values, it is also possible to preferentially restrict the display of setting history information in which only a specific item that changes for each job execution (e.g., the number of copies) has been changed, as will be described in step S470 below.

[0149] On the other hand, if it is determined that the setting history information does not have a small number of changed setting value items, the control unit 11 determines whether the setting history information has been changed in only specific items (step S460; No → step S470). The determination in step S470 corresponds to the determination method (4) in Fig. 13. If it is determined that the setting history information has been changed in only specific items, the control unit 11 determines a display restriction for the corresponding setting history information (step S470; Yes → step S500).

[0150] On the other hand, if it is determined that the setting history information does not include changes to only specific items, the control unit 11 determines that there is no setting history information to be restricted from display, and determines the display order of the setting history information (step S470; No→step S480).The control unit 11 then displays the setting history information in accordance with the determined display order, and ends the process (step S490).

[0151] If it is determined that there is no setting history information with the same number of uses, the control unit 11 determines the display order of the setting history information (step S410; No → step S480).Then, the control unit 11 displays the setting history information in accordance with the determined display order, and ends the process (step S490).

[0152] In Figure 21, an example of the priority order of the applied determination methods is described as determination method (7) → determination method (8) → determination method (5) → determination method (2) → determination method (4), but the priority order is not limited to this and can be set or changed as appropriate.

[0153] [4.3 Example of operation] Next, an example of the operation of the fourth embodiment will be described. FIG. 22(a) is a display example of setting history information in a display format corresponding to the first embodiment, where the number of times of use is the same. In FIG. 22(a), the setting history information (history ID "0095") related to an email executed at 09:01 on February 12, 2020 and the setting history information (history ID "0092") related to a copy executed at 20:20 on February 11, 2020, shown within a dotted line frame, are examples of setting history information that have each been used twice. In the first embodiment, for setting history information that has been used the same number of times, the display order is determined so that the setting history information with the most recent job execution date and time is ranked higher. Therefore, the setting history information with history ID "0095" and the setting history information with history ID "0092" are displayed in the display order illustrated in FIG. 22(a).

[0154] In contrast, Fig. 22(b) shows a display form corresponding to the fourth embodiment, in which, when the number of uses is the same, the display order of the setting history information is determined based on different evaluation criteria. For example, when a restriction setting (time period restriction) is applied to the setting history information related to history ID "0095," the control unit 11 determines the setting history information related to history ID "0095" as the setting history information to which the display restriction is applied, based on the processing related to step S420 in Fig. 21. The control unit 11 does not display the setting history information related to history ID "0095," and displays only the setting history information related to the copy of history ID "0092" to which a restriction setting (time period restriction) is not applied.

[0155] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, by combining and applying determination methods based on different evaluation criteria in accordance with priority, it is possible to closely examine setting history information that restricts display using different evaluation criteria.

[0156] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible. In other words, embodiments obtained by combining technical means that are appropriately modified within the scope of the gist of the present invention are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0157] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiments are described separately for the sake of convenience, they may of course be combined and executed within the scope of technical feasibility.

[0158] In addition, the programs that run on each device in the embodiments are programs that control the CPU, etc. (programs that make a computer function) so as to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments. Information handled by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (e.g., RAM) during processing, and then stored in various storage devices such as ROMs (Read Only Memories) and HDDs, and is read, modified, and written by the CPU as needed.

[0159] Here, the recording medium for storing the program may be any of semiconductor media (e.g., ROM, non-volatile memory card, etc.), optical recording media / magneto-optical recording media (e.g., DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), MO (Magneto Optical Disc), MD (Mini Disc), CD (Compact Disc), BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc, etc.)), magnetic recording media (e.g., magnetic tape, flexible disk, etc.). Furthermore, not only are the functions of the above-described embodiments realized by executing the loaded program, but the functions of the present invention may also be realized by processing in cooperation with an operating system or other application programs, etc., based on instructions from the program.

[0160] Furthermore, when distributing the program on the market, the program can be stored on a portable recording medium and distributed, or transferred to a server computer connected via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the storage device of the server computer is of course included in the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0161] 10, 30 multifunction devices 11 Control section 13 Display section 15 Operation input section 17 Communications Department 19 Image forming unit 21 Image reading unit 23, 33 Storage section 231 Job Execution Program 232 Setting history information processing program 233 Needs Assessment Program 234 Display Processing Program 235 Setting value file storage area 236 Setting history information storage area 237 Job history information storage area 331 Certification Program 25 Paper feed section 27 Paper output section

Claims

1. a display unit capable of displaying setting history information relating to job execution; a control unit that controls execution of the job using the setting history information; the control unit determines the necessity of the setting history information for the execution of the job; The setting history information is excluded from the setting history information, and a display order of the setting history information to be displayed on the display unit is determined, The job includes a transmission job in which a destination selected from a registered address book is the transmission destination, The control unit determines the necessity based on the destination, the control unit determines that the setting history information of the transmission job in which the destination is selected only from the address book is less necessary; The display processing device is characterized in that the control unit determines the display order of the setting history information in which the destination is not selected only from the address book.

2. The control unit determines the necessity based on the number of times of use, the control unit determines that the setting history information that has been used less frequently is less necessary, The display processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit determines the display order in descending order from the setting history information with the most frequent use.

3. the control unit determines the necessity based on the number of items changed from the initial value, the control unit determines that the setting history information in which the number of items changed from the initial value is small is less necessary, The display processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit determines the display order in descending order from the setting history information having the largest number of items changed from the initial value.

4. the control unit determines the necessity based on the number of times a job type is used; the control unit determines that the setting history information of the job type that has been used less frequently is less necessary, The display processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit determines the display order in descending order of the setting history information of the job type that has been used the most.

5. The control unit determines the necessity based on a change history of a specific item, the control unit determines that the setting history information in which only the specific item has been changed is less necessary; The display processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit determines the display order of the setting history information in which the specific item has not been changed.

6. A display unit capable of displaying setting history information related to job execution; a control unit that controls execution of the job using the setting history information; the control unit determines the necessity of the setting history information for the execution of the job; The setting history information is excluded from the setting history information, and a display order of the setting history information to be displayed on the display unit is determined, the control unit determines the necessity based on a collective setting in which settings related to the processing of the job are collectively registered; the control unit determines that the setting history information of the job executed from the batch setting is not necessary, The display processing device is characterized in that the control unit determines the display order of the setting history information that has not been executed since the batch setting.

7. The control unit determines that the setting history information in which the destination in the address book has been deleted or edited is less necessary, 2 . The display processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit determines the display order of the setting history information in which the destination in the address book has not been deleted or edited.

8. the control unit determines the necessity based on a cancellation history of the job, the control unit determines that the setting history information of the job canceled by the user is less necessary, The display processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit determines a display order of the setting history information of the jobs that have not been canceled by the user.

9. 9. The display processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit displays only the setting history information relating to the user on the display unit when user authentication is valid.

10. the control unit determines the necessity based on restriction settings other than the items related to the setting history information; the control unit determines that the setting history information related to the job that is restricted or prohibited due to the influence of the restriction setting is less necessary; The display processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit determines the display order of the setting history information that is not affected by the restriction setting.

11. the display unit is capable of displaying the setting history information in the order in which the jobs are executed, 11. The display processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit changes the display order of the setting history information from the execution order of the jobs to a determined display order.

12. The display processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit lowers the display order of the setting history information determined to be less necessary.

13. A display processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 12; An image processing apparatus comprising: an image processing unit that performs image processing based on the job.

14. a display step of displaying setting history information relating to job execution on a display device; a control step of controlling execution of the job using the setting history information; In the control step, it is determined whether the setting history information is necessary for the execution of the job, The setting history information is excluded from the setting history information, and a display order of the setting history information to be displayed on the display device is determined, The job includes a transmission job in which a destination selected from a registered address book is the transmission destination, In the control step, the necessity is determined based on the destination; determining that the setting history information of the transmission job in which the destination is selected only from the address book is not necessary; a display processing method for determining the display order of the setting history information in which the destination is not selected only from the address book;

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