Job processing device and display method

Abstract

To provide a job processing device etc. capable of displaying a job list screen desired by a user, with proper timing corresponding to an execution situation of a job.SOLUTION: A job processing device comprises a control unit which controls execution of a registered job and a display unit capable of displaying an execution situation of the job on a screen. The control unit displays the execution situation of the job on the screen during the execution of the job, but displays an execution history of the job on the screen, when the execution of the registered job is completed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a job processing device and the like.

Background Art

[0002] For example, there is known a job processing device that registers jobs such as printing, copying, scanning, faxing, or Internet Fax transmission, and manages the registered jobs as a queue.

[0003] In such a job processing device, the queue is displayed on the screen in the form of a job list representing the execution status of jobs, such as spool, reserved / executing, completed (hereinafter, this screen may be referred to as a job list screen), and the user can grasp the execution status of the registered jobs by referring to the job list screen.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 describes an image forming apparatus capable of manually switching the display content of a job list screen.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0008] To solve the above problems, the job processing device according to this disclosure comprises a control unit that controls the execution of a registered job and a display unit capable of displaying the execution status of the job on a screen, wherein the control unit displays the execution status of the job on the screen when the job is being executed, and displays the execution history of the job on the screen when the execution of the registered job is completed.

[0009] Furthermore, the job processing device according to this disclosure comprises a control unit that controls the execution of registered jobs, a job detection unit that detects the execution of said jobs, and a display unit that can display the execution status of said jobs on a screen, wherein the control unit switches the display content of the screen according to the execution status of the registered jobs based on the results of the job execution detection.

[0010] Furthermore, the display method relating to this disclosure is a display method that controls the execution of a registered job and displays the execution status of the job on a screen, characterized in that when the job is being executed, the execution status of the job is displayed on the screen, and when the execution of the registered job is completed, the execution history of the job is displayed on the screen. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a job processing device, etc., that can display a job list screen desired by the user at an appropriate timing according to the job execution status. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is an external perspective view of the multifunction printer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a functional configuration diagram of a multifunction device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a diagram for explaining (a) a job management table and (b) a job history table. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart for explaining the processing flow of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart for explaining the processing flow of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a diagram for explaining an operation example of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a diagram for explaining an operation example of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a diagram for explaining an operation example of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a diagram for explaining an operation example of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a diagram for explaining an operation example of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a diagram for explaining an operation example of the first embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a diagram for explaining an operation example of the first embodiment. [Figure 13] It is a diagram for explaining an operation example of the second embodiment. [Figure 14] It is a diagram for explaining an operation example of the second embodiment. [Figure 15] It is a diagram for explaining an operation example of the second embodiment. [Figure 16] It is a functional configuration diagram of a multifunction device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 17] It is a flowchart for explaining the processing flow of the third embodiment.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present disclosure, for example, a multifunction printer that can execute jobs based on various functions such as printing, copying, scanning, faxing, or Internet Fax in one housing will be described as one form of a job processing device. Note that the following embodiments are examples for explaining the present disclosure, and the technical scope of the description described in the claims is not limited to the following description.

[0014] [1 First Embodiment] The first embodiment includes a control unit that controls the execution of registered jobs and a display unit that can display the execution status of jobs on a screen. When the control unit is executing a job, it displays the execution status of the job on the screen, and when the execution of the registered job is completed, it displays the execution history of the job on the screen.

[0015] [1.1 Functional Configuration] The functional configuration of the multifunction printer 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view schematically illustrating the overall configuration of the multifunction printer 10. FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of the multifunction printer 10. The multifunction printer 10 includes a control unit 11, a display unit 13, an operation input unit 15, a communication unit 17, an image forming unit 19, an image input unit 21, and a storage unit 23.

[0016] The control unit 11 controls the entire multifunction printer 10. The control unit 11 is constituted by, for example, one or a plurality of arithmetic units (such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit)). The control unit 11 realizes its functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 23.

[0017] The display unit 13 displays various information to the user and the like. The display unit 13 can be constituted by, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The display unit 13 can display a job list screen based on the control by the control unit 11 that reads a display control program 232 described later.

[0018] The operation input unit 15 accepts information input from the user or other party. The operation input unit 15 can be composed of hard keys (e.g., a numeric keypad) or buttons. The operation input unit 15 can also be configured as a touch panel that allows input via the display unit 13. In this case, common methods such as resistive, infrared, electromagnetic induction, and capacitive touch input methods can be used for the touch panel.

[0019] The communication unit 17 is equipped with either a wired or wireless interface, or both, for communicating with other devices via a network (NW) such as a LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), the Internet, a telephone line, or a fax line.

[0020] The image forming unit 19 forms an image based on image data onto paper used as a recording medium. The image forming unit 19 feeds paper from the paper feeding unit 25, forms an image based on image data on the paper, and then discharges the paper to the paper discharge unit 27. The image forming unit 19 can be configured, for example, as a laser printer using an electrophotographic method. In this case, the image forming unit 19 performs image formation using toner supplied from a toner cartridge (not shown) corresponding to toner colors (e.g., cyan, magenta, yellow, black).

[0021] The image input unit 21 generates image data by scanning and reading the original document. The image input unit 21 can be configured as a scanner device equipped with an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge coupled device) or CIS (Contact image sensor) and an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF). The image input unit 21 is not limited in its configuration as long as it generates image data by reading the reflected light image from the original document image with the image sensor. In this disclosure, the image input unit 21 can also be configured as an interface capable of acquiring image data stored in a portable storage medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, or image data transmitted from an external device (not shown) via the communication unit 17.

[0022] The memory unit 23 stores various programs and data necessary for the operation of the multifunction printer 10. The memory unit 23 can be configured with storage devices such as RAM (Random access memory), HDD (Hard disk drive), SSD (Solid state drive), and ROM (Read only memory).

[0023] In the first embodiment, the storage unit 23 stores a job control program 231, a display control program 232, and a user authentication program 233, and reserves a job storage area 234.

[0024] The job control program 231 is a program read by the control unit 11 to perform processing on a job-by-job basis for each function such as printing, copying, scanning, faxing, and Internet faxing. After reading the job control 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, and image input unit 21, etc.

[0025] The display control program 232 is a program that the control unit 11 reads when controlling the display screen to be displayed via the display unit 13. Upon reading the display control program 232, the control unit 11 can display on the display unit 13 a settings screen (not shown) for accepting input of various setting values ​​related to job execution, a home screen for receiving instructions to switch between operation modes, a login screen for user authentication, and so on. The display control program 232 also includes a job list control program 2321. Upon reading the job list control program 2321, the control unit 11 performs necessary determination processing and display control for displaying the job list screen. For example, if user authentication is enabled, the control unit 11, upon reading the job list control program 2321, switches the display of the job list screen according to the execution status of jobs registered by the authenticated user.

[0026] The user authentication program 233 is a program that the control unit 11 reads when authenticating a user attempting to log in to the multifunction printer 10. Upon reading the user authentication program 233, the control unit 11 functions as an authentication unit. If the user authentication function is enabled, it displays a login screen on the display unit 13 and accepts input of a login username and login password. The control unit 11 stores the login username and login password associated with user authentication in advance, and can authenticate the user's login by comparing the login username and login password entered via the login screen. In addition to knowledge authentication based on the input of a login username and login password, login authentication can also be performed using possession authentication methods such as tokens, keys, IC (Integrated Circuit) cards, smartphones, etc., or biometric authentication methods such as facial recognition or fingerprint recognition. The control unit 11 can determine whether the user authentication function is enabled or disabled based on settings configured via a settings screen (not shown).

[0027] The job storage area 234 includes a job registration area 2341 for registering and managing jobs to be executed, and an execution history storage area 2342 for storing the execution history of jobs as a job history. The job registration area 2341 manages jobs related to printing, copying, scanning, faxing, or Internet faxing, etc., based on a job management table. The execution history storage area 2342 manages the execution history of executed jobs based on a job history table.

[0028] Here, the job management table and the job history table will be explained using Figure 3. Figure 3(a) is a diagram illustrating one example of the data structure of the job management table. Figure 3(b) is a diagram illustrating one example of the data structure of the job history table. In Figure 3, a job related to printing, including copying (print job), is used as an example of a job type.

[0029] The job management table shown in Figure 3(a) includes the following management items: Job ID, Set Time, Job Type, User Name, Number of Sets, Image Data, and Status. The Job ID is an identifier that uniquely identifies the registered job. The Set Time represents the time the job was set. In this case, the Set Time can be the time the execution instruction for the copy job was entered, or it may be the time the original document to be copied was placed in the image input unit 21 (e.g., the scanner device). The Job Type represents the type of job. The User Name represents the user name executing the job. If the user executing the job is unknown (e.g., a job to make a small number of copies by directly operating the multifunction printer 10), this management item may be left blank. The Number of Sets represents the number of copies to be made. The Image Data represents the storage location (file path) of the image data that will be the source image for the copy. The Status represents the execution status of the job, for example, as "Waiting" or "Copying".

[0030] For example, the job identified by job ID "0101" is a copy job of type "copy" that was set at the set time "2020 / 04 / 01 14:10". This copy job is an example where the user name "User_1" set the image data " / MFP / ADF / 003256789.jpg" as the source image and set the number of copies to "0200". The status of the copy job related to job ID "0101" is "waiting".

[0031] The job history table shown in Figure 3(b) includes the following history items: History ID, Job ID, Set Time, Job Type, User Name, and Status. The History ID is generated each time a job is executed (completed) and is an identifier that uniquely identifies each job history. The Job ID is an identifier that uniquely identifies the registered job and is the same identifier as the Job ID in Figure 3(a). Note that Figure 3(b) is an example where the History ID and Job ID have the same identifier value, but of course, the History ID and Job ID may have different identifier values, for example, if the job registration order (Job ID) and the execution order of the job (History ID) are different. The Set Time represents the time the job was set and is the same as the Set Time in Figure 3(a). The Job Type and User Name are also the same values ​​as the Job Type and User Name exemplified in Figure 3(a). The Status represents the execution status of the job, for example, OK meaning completed.

[0032] For example, the job history identified by history ID "0099" (job ID "0099") indicates a copy job of type "copy" that was set at the set time "2020 / 04 / 01 13:55". This copy job was set by the username "User_1", and the status of the copy job related to history ID "0099" is "OK".

[0033] The control unit 11, having read the job list control program 2321, generates a job list screen displaying the queue for the corresponding job based on the management items in the job management table and the history items in the job history table.

[0034] [1.2 Processing Flow] Next, the processing flow of the first embodiment will be explained using the flowcharts in Figures 4 and 5. The processing described in Figures 4 and 5 is performed by the control unit 11 by reading the job control program 231, the display control program 232, and in particular the job list control program 2321 and the user authentication program 233. In Figures 4 and 5, a copy and print job will be explained as an example of a job.

[0035] First, the control unit 11 determines whether the user authentication function is enabled or disabled (step S10). If the control unit 11 determines that the user authentication function is disabled, it performs a job execution status determination process (step S10; No → step S20). In this case, the control unit 11 can determine the job execution status by referring to the "Status" item in the job management table or the job history table.

[0036] If the job execution status is determined to be in progress, the control unit 11 displays the "Reserved / In Progress" screen as the job list screen and terminates the process (step S30; Yes → step S40). If the user authentication function is disabled and a job is in progress, the control unit 11 displays the queues corresponding to the jobs managed in the job management table in the order in which the jobs were registered. This allows the user to easily see which jobs are currently running.

[0037] On the other hand, if it is determined that no job is currently running, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a print job related to a previously registered encrypted PDF (Portable Document Format) exists (step S30; No → step S50). Here, an encrypted PDF refers to a PDF that has been encrypted for the purpose of enhancing security and preventing data tampering or information leakage by third parties, requiring the user to enter a password when viewing, editing, or printing the PDF file. In other words, once an encrypted PDF is registered as a print job, it becomes virtually impossible to execute the print job until the password to decrypt the encrypted PDF is entered.

[0038] Therefore, if in step S50 it is determined that there is a print job related to a previously registered encrypted PDF, the control unit 11 displays the "Spool" screen as a job list screen so that it is possible to decrypt or delete the encrypted PDF (step S50; Yes → step S60).

[0039] On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that there are no print jobs related to encrypted PDFs that have been registered in advance, and that no print jobs have been registered at all, it displays the "Completed" screen as the job list screen (step S50; No → step S70). In this case, since the user authentication function is disabled, the control unit 11 displays all queues managed in the job history table in the order they were registered. Therefore, the user can easily see which jobs have been completed on the multifunction printer 10, and can also easily re-operate jobs using the queues related to jobs that have been executed.

[0040] Incidentally, if the control unit 11 determines that the user authentication function is enabled, it determines whether or not the user is logged into the multifunction printer 10 (step S10; Yes → step S80). If it determines that the user is logged into the multifunction printer 10, the control unit 11 performs a job execution status determination process (step S80; Yes → step S90). On the other hand, if it determines that the user is not logged into the multifunction printer 10, the control unit 11 terminates the process (step S80; No → terminate).

[0041] If the job execution status is determined to be in progress, the control unit 11 displays the "Reserved / In Progress" screen as the job list screen and terminates the process (step S100; Yes → step S110). If the user authentication function is enabled and a job is in progress, the control unit 11 displays the queue corresponding to the job registered by the user logged into the multifunction printer 10, so that the user can easily understand the execution status of the job they have registered.

[0042] On the other hand, if it is determined that no job is currently running, the control unit 11 determines whether or not there is a print job related to a previously registered encrypted PDF (Portable Document Format) (step S100; No → step S120).

[0043] In step S120, if the control unit 11 determines that a print job related to a previously registered encrypted PDF exists, it displays the "Spool" screen as the job list screen so that it can decrypt or delete the encrypted PDF (step S120; Yes → step S130). However, if a print job related to an encrypted PDF is registered by a user other than the user logged into the multifunction printer 10, the control unit 11 does not display the "Spool" screen as the job list screen. This configuration prevents the user logged into the multifunction printer 10 from accidentally manipulating an encrypted PDF registered by another user. Note that other users can log into the multifunction printer 10 to display the "Spool" screen, which allows them to manipulate the encrypted PDF.

[0044] If the control unit 11 determines that there are no print jobs related to encrypted PDFs that have been registered in advance, and that no print jobs have been registered at all, it displays the "Completed" screen as the job list screen (step S120; No → step S140). In this case, since the user authentication function is enabled, only the queues corresponding to jobs registered as execution jobs by the user logged into the multifunction printer 10 and managed in the job history table are displayed. Therefore, the user can easily keep track of their completed jobs and can easily re-operate jobs using the queues related to the executed jobs.

[0045] [1.3 Example of Operation] Next, an example of operation of the first embodiment will be described. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating one example configuration of the user authentication screen W10 that the control unit 11 displays on the display unit 13. The user authentication screen W10 can be configured as a login screen that the control unit 11 displays on the display unit 13 when the user authentication function is enabled and the user authentication program 233 has been read.

[0046] The user authentication screen W10 includes a login username input box Bx10, a login password input box Bx12, an authentication destination selection button B10, an OK button B12, and a Cancel button B14.

[0047] The login username input box Bx10 accepts the login username of a user attempting to log in to the multifunction printer 10. The login username can be entered directly using an input device such as a keyboard, or it can be selected from a list of usernames displayed by pressing a selection button on a separately provided list.

[0048] Login password input box Bx12 is an input box that accepts the login password corresponding to the login username. Users attempting to log in to the multifunction printer 10 enter the login username along with the login password.

[0049] The authentication destination specification button B10 is a button that accepts the user's specification of the user authentication destination. The user authentication destination may be the device itself, or it may be possible to specify an authentication server separately provided on the network (NW), for example. If the device itself is specified as the user authentication destination, the control unit 11 performs user authentication by comparing the entered login username and login password with pre-prepared authentication information (for example, a combination of username and password). On the other hand, if an authentication server provided on the network (NW) is specified as the user authentication destination, the control unit 11 performs user authentication by sending the entered login username and login password to the authentication server and receiving the authentication result from the authentication server.

[0050] The OK button B12 is a button that accepts a confirmation instruction from the user regarding an input action. The user selects the OK button B12 when confirming input in the login username input box Bx10 or the login password input box Bx12, or when confirming the user authentication destination via the authentication destination specification button B10. The Cancel button B14 is a button that accepts a cancellation instruction from the user regarding an input action.

[0051] Figure 7 illustrates one example configuration of the "Reserved / Running" screen W20A that the control unit 11 displays as a job list screen when the user authentication function is disabled and a job is running. Note that Figure 7 is an example of operation corresponding to the process in step S40 of Figure 4.

[0052] The "Reservation / In Progress" screen W20A includes a print job tab T10, a scanner job tab T12, a fax job tab T14, and an Internet fax job tab T16, as well as a job queue display area R10, an operation selection area R12, a status display area R14, and a system information display button B16.

[0053] The Print Job tab T10 is the tab that accepts instructions to display queues related to print jobs and copy jobs (hereafter, the queues related to each job may be referred to as job queues). The Scanner Job tab T12 is the tab that accepts instructions to display job queues related to scanner jobs. The Fax Job tab T14 is the tab that accepts instructions to display job queues related to fax jobs. The Internet Fax Job tab T16 is the tab that accepts instructions to display job queues related to Internet Fax jobs. Figure 7 is an example in which the Print Job tab T10 is selected by the user and the job queues related to print jobs and copy jobs are displayed in the job queue display area R10, and is also the default screen that is displayed when the "Reserved / Running" screen W20A is opened. In addition, in order to clearly distinguish between tabs (job types) selected by the user and tabs that are not selected when displaying the job queue, the tab portion of the unselected tab may be dimmed, as shown in the example in Figure 7.

[0054] The job queue display area R10 is the area where the job queue is displayed. When a user selects one of the following tabs—the print job tab T10, the scanner job tab T12, the fax job tab T14, or the Internet fax job tab T16—the control unit 11 displays the job queue for the job type represented by the selected tab. At this time, the control unit 11 retrieves the items necessary for displaying the job queue from the job management table or job history table exemplified in Figure 3 and displays them in the job queue display area R10.

[0055] The job queue display area R10, illustrated in Figure 7, includes the following display items: Job, User / Mode, Remaining Copies / Set Copies, and Status. Job is represented by an icon (the icon in Figure 7 represents a copy job) indicating the job type in the job queue. User / Mode represents the username of the user who instructed the job execution, or a job mode where the user is not specified (for example, a job to make a small number of copies by directly operating the multifunction device 10). Remaining Copies / Set Copies represents the number of remaining copies in the planned number of copies (prints). Status indicates the job execution status.

[0056] Figure 7 shows that the job queue at the top relates to a copy job executed by user "User_1," with a set quantity of "200" and remaining copies of "25," indicating that the status is "Copying." Note that the operation example in Figure 7 is an example of a case where the user authentication function is disabled, so the control unit 11 displays the execution status (e.g., "Waiting") of jobs executed (registered) by other users (User_2, User_3) in addition to the job executed (registered) by user "User_1" as a job queue in the order of job registration. Incidentally, as illustrated in Figure 7, it is preferable to display the job queue corresponding to the job currently in progress and other job queues in different display modes (e.g., different display colors or different fill patterns) so that the job currently in progress and other jobs can be distinguished.

[0057] Thus, when the user authentication function is disabled and a job is running, the control unit 11 displays the job queue corresponding to the job managed in the job management table in the order in which the jobs were registered. This allows the user to easily identify jobs that are currently running. Therefore, the user can easily identify jobs that have been completed on the multifunction device 10 and can easily re-operate jobs using the executed job queue.

[0058] The operation selection area R12 is an area that accepts input for operation instructions for the job queue displayed in the job queue display area R10. For example, you can select a job queue that you want to operate on by placing a check mark next to it, and then cancel or delete the selected job by specifying "Cancel / Delete selected job" in the operation selection area R12.

[0059] The status display area R14 is the area that displays the job execution status. Figure 7 is an example of a job list screen related to the "Reserved / Running" job execution status, so in the status display area R14, the part related to "Reserved / Running" is highlighted.

[0060] The System Information Display button B16 is a button that receives a command to display the System Information screen, which is a device information display screen. The System Information screen will be described later.

[0061] Figure 8 illustrates one example configuration of the "Reserved / Running" screen W20B, which the control unit 11 displays as a job list screen when the user authentication function is enabled and a job is running. Note that Figure 8 is an example of operation corresponding to the process in step S110 of Figure 5.

[0062] The "Reservation / Execution" screen W20B displays the same configuration as the "Reservation / Execution" screen W20A, plus a logout button B18 that accepts logout commands from users logged into the multifunction printer 10. The logout button B18 displays the username (User_1) of the user logged into the multifunction printer 10 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the logged-in user), allowing users to identify who is logged into the multifunction printer 10.

[0063] Furthermore, the control unit 11 displays only the job queues corresponding to the jobs registered by the logged-in user (User_1) in the job queue display area R10 of the "Reserved / Running" screen W20B. In this way, when a job is running, the job queue corresponding to the running job is displayed, so the logged-in user can easily keep track of the jobs that are currently running. Also, at this time, since the control unit 11 displays only the job queues corresponding to the jobs registered by the logged-in user, the logged-in user can easily understand the execution status of the jobs they have registered.

[0064] Figure 9 illustrates one example configuration of the "Completed" screen W30A that the control unit 11 displays as a job list screen when the user authentication function is disabled, no jobs are running, no print jobs related to encrypted PDFs registered in advance exist, and no print jobs are registered at all. Note that Figure 9 is an example of operation corresponding to the process in step S70 of Figure 4.

[0065] The display configuration of the "Completion" screen W30A can be the same as that of the "Reservation / Execution" screen W20A, so its explanation is omitted here.

[0066] Since user authentication is disabled here, the job queue display area R10 in Figure 9 displays all job queues registered as jobs to be executed on the multifunction device 10 and managed in the job history table in the order they were registered. Therefore, users can easily see which jobs have been completed on the multifunction device 10, and can easily re-operate jobs using the job queue related to the executed jobs.

[0067] Figure 10 illustrates one example configuration of the "Completed" screen W30B that the control unit 11 displays as a job list screen when the user authentication function is enabled, no jobs are currently running, no print jobs related to encrypted PDFs have been registered in advance, and no print jobs have been registered at all. Note that Figure 10 is an example of operation corresponding to the process in step S140 of Figure 5.

[0068] The display configuration of the "Completion" screen W30B can be the same as that of the "Reservation / Execution" screen W20B, so its explanation is omitted here.

[0069] Since user authentication is enabled here, the job queue display area R10 in Figure 10 only displays job queues corresponding to jobs registered by the logged-in user and managed in the job history table. Therefore, logged-in users can easily keep track of their completed jobs and can easily re-operate on jobs using the job queue related to the executed jobs.

[0070] Figure 11 illustrates one configuration example of the "spool" screen W40A that the control unit 11 displays as a job list screen when the user authentication function is disabled, no jobs are currently running, and there are print jobs related to encrypted PDFs that have been registered in advance. Note that Figure 11 is an example of operation corresponding to the process in step S60 of Figure 4.

[0071] The display configuration of the "Spool" screen W40A can be the same as the configuration of the "Reservation / Execution" screen W20A, but without the operation selection area R12; therefore, a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0072] Since the user authentication function is disabled here, the job queue display area R10 in Figure 11 displays all job queues spooled on the multifunction device 10 in the order they were registered. If there are print jobs related to encrypted PDFs that have been registered in advance, the corresponding job queue is displayed on the "Spool" screen W40A, allowing the user to decrypt or delete the encrypted PDF.

[0073] Figure 12 illustrates one example configuration of the "Spool" screen W40B that the control unit 11 displays as a job list screen when the user authentication function is enabled, no jobs are currently running, and there are print jobs related to encrypted PDFs that have been registered in advance. Note that Figure 12 is an example of operation corresponding to the process in step S130 of Figure 5.

[0074] The display configuration of the "Spool" screen W40B can be the same as the configuration of the "Reservation / Execution" screen W20A, but without the operation selection area R12; therefore, a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0075] Furthermore, since the user authentication function is enabled here, the job queue display area R10 in Figure 12 only displays the job queue of jobs registered and spooled by the logged-in user, as well as the job queue of print jobs related to encrypted PDFs. Therefore, the logged-in user (User_1) has the advantage of not accidentally manipulating encrypted PDFs that other users have registered in advance.

[0076] As described above, according to the first embodiment, when user authentication is enabled, the content displayed on the screen can be switched according to the execution status of jobs registered by the authenticated user. Therefore, it is possible to provide a job processing device that can display the job list screen desired by the user at an appropriate timing according to the job execution status.

[0077] [2 Second Embodiment] The second embodiment is a configuration in which the contents of the job list display screen according to the first embodiment are displayed on an equipment information display screen that aggregates equipment information.

[0078] The functional configuration and processing flow of the multifunction device according to the second embodiment can be the same as those of the multifunction device 10 according to the first embodiment, so a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0079] [2.1 Example of Operation] An example of operation according to the second embodiment will now be described. Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of a home screen W50 that receives a display instruction for a system information screen as a device information display screen. The home screen W50 includes a device function selection button area R16, a system information display button B16, and a job status display button B20. The device function selection button area R16 includes input buttons that represent settings and various information related to device functions such as image input / output, communication, job-related functions, or maintenance, using graphics, characters / numbers, or symbols. In the example in Figure 13, the device function selection button area R16 includes a simple copy button, a simple fax button, a simple scan button, an E-mail button, a copy button, an external address book button, a scan save button, and a fax button. The user can execute a function based on the desired function by selecting the desired input button from these input buttons.

[0080] The system information display button B16 is a button that accepts a display instruction input for the system information screen, which is a device information display screen as described in the following figure. Upon receiving the display instruction input selected by the user, the control unit 11 displays the system information screen on the display unit 13.

[0081] The job status display button B20 is a button that receives a display instruction for the job list screen (for example, the "Reserved / Running" screen W20, etc.) as illustrated in Figures 7 to 12 of the first embodiment. Upon receiving the display instruction input selected by the user, the control unit 11 displays the job list screen corresponding to the job execution status on the display unit 13.

[0082] Figure 14 illustrates one example configuration of the system information screen W60A that the control unit 11 displays on the display unit 13 in response to a display instruction input by the user through the selection of the system information display button B16. Note that the system information screen W60A can also be displayed by selecting the system information display button B16 on the job list screen (for example, the "Reserved / Running" screen W20, etc.) as exemplified in Figures 7 to 12.

[0083] The system information screen W60A illustrated in Figure 14 includes a machine information area R20 that displays the device status information (machine information) of the multifunction printer 10, a paper tray information area R22 that displays information about the paper tray installed in the multifunction printer 10 (paper tray information), a notification information area R24 that displays notification information for the user, and a device setting information area R26 that displays the device settings and toner level of the multifunction printer 10. Each display area may also be provided with a header section (for example, "machine information" or "paper tray") to identify the device information, as illustrated in Figure 14. The system information screen W60A also includes a job status display button B20 and a back button B22. The back button B22 is a button that receives a command to switch back to the previously displayed home screen W50.

[0084] Figure 15 illustrates an example configuration of a system information screen W60B, in which a job list display area R30 is provided within the display area of ​​the system information screen W60A exemplified in Figure 14, to display the contents of the job list screen exemplified in Figures 7 to 12, etc. Note that the display of the job list display area R30 for the system information screen W60A can be turned on or off as appropriate through system settings, etc.

[0085] The system information screen W60B is created by adding a job list display area R30 to the display area allocated as the machine information area R20 of the system information screen W60A exemplified in Figure 14, and moving the display of the machine information area R20 between the notification information area R24 and the device setting information area R26. The job list display area R30 shown in Figure 15 is an example of displaying the content of the "Reserved / Executed" screen W20 exemplified in Figure 7 or Figure 8, etc. In this way, the job list display area R30 can display the content of the "Reserved / Executing" screen W20, the "Completed" screen W30, or the "Spool" screen W40 exemplified in Figures 7 to 12, etc., according to the job execution status.

[0086] As described above, according to the second embodiment, by providing a job list display area that displays the contents of the job list screen exemplified in Figures 7 to 12, etc., within the display area of ​​the system information screen exemplified in Figure 14, it becomes possible to simultaneously check the device status of the multifunction printer (machine information) and the amount of paper remaining in the paper tray (paper tray information), enabling more flexible job management.

[0087] [3 Third Embodiment] The third embodiment is a configuration that enables the display of either the "Reserved / Running" screen W20 or the system information screen W60B, which displays the contents of the "Reserved / Running" screen, as a job list screen when the execution of a job is detected.

[0088] [3.1 Functional Configuration] Figure 16 is a functional configuration diagram of the multifunction printer 30 according to the third embodiment. The multifunction printer 30 according to the third embodiment includes a storage unit 33 in place of the storage unit 23 of the multifunction printer 10 according to the first embodiment. Parts that can be configured identically to those of the multifunction printer 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0089] In the third embodiment, the storage unit 33 stores the job control program 231, the display control program 232, the user authentication program 233, and the job detection program 331, and reserves a job storage area 234.

[0090] The job detection program 331 is a program that the control unit 11 reads when it detects the execution of jobs related to various functions such as printing, copying, scanning, faxing, and Internet faxing. Upon detecting the execution of a job by reading the job detection program 331, the control unit 11 determines whether the detected job is a job ordered by a user (walk-up user) who directly instructs the execution of the job via the operation input unit 15 of the multifunction device 30. If the control unit 11 determines that the detected job is not a job ordered by a walk-up user, it reads the display control program 232 (job list control program 2321) in order to control the display of the "Reservation / Execution" screen W20 or the system information screen W60B which displays the contents of the "Reservation / Execution" screen.

[0091] [3.2 Processing Flow] Next, the processing flow according to the third embodiment will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 17. Note that processes that can be the same as those described in the flowchart in Figure 4 of the first embodiment will be given the same step numbers and their explanations will be omitted.

[0092] First, the control unit 11, having read the job detection program 331, begins detecting job execution (step S200). When the control unit 11 detects job execution, it determines whether the detected job is a job by a walk-up user (step S200; Yes → step S210). On the other hand, if no job execution is detected, the control unit 11 executes the processes related to steps S20 to S70 in Figure 4 (step S200; No → step S20 to step S70).

[0093] If the control unit 11 determines that the detected job is a job created by a walk-up user, it terminates the process (step S210; Yes → “Terminate”).

[0094] On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that the detected job is not a job by a walk-up user, it reads the display control program 232 (job list control program 2321), displays the "Reserved / Running" screen W20 or the system information screen W60B which displays the contents of the "Reserved / Running" screen on the display unit 13, and terminates the process (step S210; No → step S40).

[0095] As described above, according to the third embodiment, for example, when a job execution is detected, the "Reserved / Running" screen W20 or the system information screen W60B which displays the contents of the "Reserved / Running" screen can be displayed as a job list screen without selecting a system information display button or a job status display button provided on the home screen, thus reducing the operational burden on the user. Furthermore, if the detected execution job is a job by a walk-up user, the control unit restricts the display of the job list screen and the system information screen, so there is no risk of affecting operations by walk-up users.

[0096] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible. That is, embodiments obtained by combining technical means that are appropriately modified without departing from the gist of this disclosure are also included in the technical scope of this disclosure.

[0097] Furthermore, although the embodiments described above are explained separately for the sake of explanation, it goes without saying that they may be combined and implemented to the extent that is technically possible.

[0098] Furthermore, in the embodiments, the programs that run on each device are programs that control the CPU and the like (programs that make the computer function) in order to realize the functions of the embodiments described above. In the embodiments, a device is assumed in which multiple programs are executed simultaneously as needed through multitasking. The information handled by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (for example, RAM) during processing, and then stored in storage devices such as various ROMs (Read Only Memory) and HDDs, and read, modified, and written by the CPU as needed.

[0099] Here, the recording medium for storing the program may be any of the following: 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® Disc, etc.)), magnetic recording media (e.g., magnetic tape, flexible disk, etc.). Furthermore, in addition to realizing the functions of the embodiments described above by executing the loaded program, the functions of this disclosure may also be realized by processing in cooperation with the operating system or other application programs based on the instructions of the program.

[0100] Furthermore, when distributing the program to the market, it can be stored on a portable storage 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, also included in this disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0101] 10, 30 multifunction devices 11 Control Unit 13 Display section 15 Operation Input Section 17 Communications Department 19 Image forming unit 21 Image Input Section 23, 33 Storage section 25 Paper feed section 27 Paper output section 231 Job control program 232 Display Control Program 2321 Job List Control Program 233 User Authentication Program 234 Job storage area 2341 Job registration area 2342 Execution history storage area 331 Job detection program

Claims

1. A control unit that controls the execution of registered jobs, The system includes a display unit capable of displaying the execution status of the job on a screen, The control unit, When the job is running, the execution status of the job is displayed on the screen, and when the execution of the registered job is completed, the execution history of the job is displayed on the screen. A job processing device characterized by displaying a spool screen when a specific job is registered.

2. The system further includes an authentication unit that performs user authentication when the user authentication function is enabled. The control unit, The job processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the user authentication function is enabled, the display content of the screen is switched according to the execution status of the job registered by the authenticated user.

3. The control unit, The job processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, when the user authentication function is enabled, the display of the screen showing the execution status of jobs registered by other users is restricted.

4. The control unit, If the user authentication function is disabled, The job processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that it displays the execution status of the jobs on the screen in the order in which the jobs were registered.

5. The aforementioned job is A print job related to printing, The aforementioned specific job is, The job processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a print job for an encrypted PDF.

6. The control unit, The job processing device according to claim 5, characterized in that the spool screen is displayed when the user authentication function is disabled and the registered specific job is a print job for the encrypted PDF.

7. The control unit, The job processing device according to claim 5, characterized in that, if the user authentication function is enabled and the specific job registered by another user is a print job for the encrypted PDF, the spool screen is displayed after the authentication of the other user.

8. The aforementioned display unit is It is possible to display a device information display screen that aggregates device information, The control unit, The job processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the device information display screen is displayed on the aforementioned screen.

9. A control unit that controls the execution of a registered job, The system includes a display unit capable of displaying the execution status of the job on a screen, The control unit, When the job is running, the execution status of the job is displayed on the screen, and when the execution of the registered job is completed, the execution history of the job is displayed on the screen. The aforementioned display unit is It is possible to display a device information display screen that aggregates device information, The control unit, A job processing device characterized by displaying the device information display screen on the aforementioned screen.

10. A control unit that controls the execution of registered jobs, A job detection unit that detects the execution of the aforementioned job, The system includes a display unit capable of displaying the execution status of the job on a screen, The control unit, Based on the detection results of the execution of the job, the content displayed on the screen is switched according to the execution status of the registered job. A job processing device characterized by displaying a spool screen when it is determined that a specific job is registered, even if the aforementioned job is not currently being executed.

11. The control unit, The job processing device according to claim 10, characterized in that the job detection unit detects the execution of the job and restricts the display of the screen when a user is operating the job processing device.

12. Control the execution of registered jobs, A method for displaying the execution status of the job on a screen, When the job is running, the execution status of the job is displayed on the screen, and when the execution of the registered job is completed, the execution history of the job is displayed on the screen. A display method characterized by displaying the spool screen when a specific job is registered.

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