JP2008204088A - Image forming system, image forming apparatus, print condition setting method and print condition setting program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming system that can facilitate the setting of an image forming apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: In the image forming system, a plurality of MFPs each receive set points input on a plurality of hierarchically related setting screens for receiving set points (S03), send history data relating a process flow including process identification information about two or more processes to an operator's user identification information to a server device (S13), and in response to the setting of a set point on any one of the plurality of setting screens (S03: YES), send a customization request including the operator's user identification information and process identification information identifying a process to the server device (S06) and display a transition button for displaying the setting screen for receiving set points for executing processes identified by process identification information included in customization information received from the server device (S08). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming system, an image forming apparatus, a printing condition setting method, and a printing condition setting program, and in particular, an image forming system including a plurality of image forming apparatuses that set printing conditions using a plurality of setting screens having a hierarchical structure, The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a printing condition setting method and a printing condition setting program executed by the image forming apparatus.

  Conventionally, a plurality of image forming apparatuses such as printers may be connected to a network. In a plurality of image forming apparatuses, setting screens for setting print condition setting values are configured in a hierarchical structure, and this configuration usually differs depending on the model. For this reason, the user stores the hierarchical structure of the setting screen of the image forming apparatus that is familiar to him / her, but he / she is confused to display a desired setting screen when setting print conditions for an image forming apparatus that is not normally used. There is. In particular, recent image forming apparatuses have many functions, a large number of setting screens for setting print conditions, and a complicated hierarchical structure, so that a user can display a desired setting screen. Has become difficult.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-191032 (Patent Document 1) describes a technique for displaying a guide for notifying an item to be input next in order to facilitate an operation for setting the apparatus. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-215285 (Patent Document 2) discloses a facsimile apparatus that displays help image information configured by arranging descriptions of various registration / setting item registration methods or setting methods.

However, in the conventional technique, the user can know the item to be set, but the user has to perform an operation for displaying a setting screen for setting the item. If the setting screen is defined in a hierarchical structure, you must remember which level the setting screen for setting exists, especially if you are setting up on a device that you are not familiar with, select the desired setting screen. There is a problem that it is difficult to display.
JP-A-11-191032 JP-A-11-215285

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and one of the objects of the present invention is to provide an image forming system capable of facilitating setting in an image forming apparatus.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of easily displaying a setting screen for setting processing.

  Still another object of the present invention is to provide a printing condition setting method and a printing condition setting program capable of easily displaying a setting screen for setting processing.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, an image forming system is an image forming system including a plurality of image forming apparatuses and an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with the plurality of image forming apparatuses. Authentication means for authenticating an operator of each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, and each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses is associated with each other in a hierarchical structure and receives a set value for executing a predetermined process. Processing condition accepting means for accepting a setting value input according to the setting screen and a plurality of process identification information for identifying each of the two or more processes when a setting value for executing the two or more processes is accepted. A history transmission means for transmitting history data associating a set with user identification information for identifying an operator authenticated by the authentication means to the information processing apparatus; User identification information for identifying the operator authenticated by the authentication means and processing identification information for identifying the process in which the setting value is set in response to the setting value being set on any one of the screens And a transition button for displaying a setting screen for receiving a setting value for executing a process specified by the process identification information received from the information processing apparatus. A transition button display means for displaying the information, and the information processing apparatus associates a plurality of sets of processing identification information and user identification information from any of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, and associates them with a history. In response to receiving user identification information and process identification information from any of a plurality of image forming apparatuses and history storage means for storing data, the user identification information is associated with the user identification information and received Extraction means for extracting the history data including the process identification information from the stored history data, and the process identification information included in the extracted history data has been transmitted as user identification information and process identification information Customizing information transmitting means for transmitting to the image forming apparatus.

  According to this aspect, when a set value for executing two or more processes is received in each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, a set of a plurality of process identification information for identifying each of the two or more processes, History data in association with the authenticated user identification information of the operator is transmitted to the information processing apparatus. In the information processing apparatus, the history data is stored in response to receiving the history data. In the image forming apparatus, in response to the setting value being set on any one of the plurality of setting screens, the user identification information of the operator and the processing identification information of the process in which the setting value is set are stored in the information processing apparatus. The process identification information included in the history data that is transmitted and includes the user identification information of the operator and the process identification information of the process for which the set value is set is received from the information processing apparatus, and is specified by the received process identification information A transition button for displaying a setting screen for receiving a setting value for executing the process is displayed. For this reason, if the user performs an operation of inputting a setting value on a plurality of setting screens in one of a plurality of image forming apparatuses, if the setting value is input on a setting screen in another image forming apparatus, the user first sets the setting value. A transition button for transitioning to a setting screen for performing the same setting as that set in the image forming apparatus that has input the value is displayed. As a result, an image forming system capable of facilitating setting in the image forming apparatus can be provided.

  Preferably, when a plurality of history data is extracted, the customization information transmitting means transmits history data having the maximum number of history data including the same set of process identification information.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus is associated with authentication means for authenticating an operator in a hierarchical structure, and a plurality of setting screens for receiving setting values for executing a predetermined process A processing condition accepting unit that accepts a setting value input according to the above, a set of a plurality of processing identification information for identifying each of the two or more processes when a setting value for executing the two or more processes is received; In response to the setting value being set in any one of a plurality of setting screens and history storage means for storing history data associated with user identification information for identifying an operator authenticated by the authentication means The history data associated with the user identification information for identifying the operator authenticated by the authentication means and including the process identification information for identifying the process for which the set value is set is stored in the history data. Transition button display for displaying a history extraction means for extracting from there and a transition button for displaying a setting screen for receiving a setting value for executing a process specified by the process identification information included in the extracted history data Means.

  According to this aspect, when a set value for executing two or more processes is accepted, history data in which a set of a plurality of process identification information for each of the two or more processes is associated with the user identification information of the operator Is stored and is associated with the user identification information of the operator in response to the setting value being set on any one of a plurality of setting screens, and includes history data including the processing identification information of the process for which the setting value is set Is extracted, and a transition button for displaying a setting screen for receiving a setting value for executing a process specified by the process identification information included in the extracted history data is displayed. For this reason, it is possible to easily display a plurality of setting screens for setting a plurality of processes set in the past. As a result, an image forming apparatus capable of easily displaying a setting screen for setting processing can be provided.

  Preferably, when a plurality of history data is extracted, the customization information transmitting means transmits history data having the maximum number of history data including the same set of process identification information.

  Preferably, when the operator is authenticated by the transmitting unit that transmits the history data to another communicable image forming apparatus and the authentication unit, the history data including the user identification information of the operator is converted into another image forming unit. History data receiving means for receiving from the apparatus is further provided.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to easily display a setting screen for performing the same setting as that set in the past in another image forming apparatus.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, a printing condition setting method includes a step of authenticating an operator and a plurality of setting screens associated with a hierarchical structure and receiving setting values for executing a predetermined process. A step of accepting a set value input in accordance with, a set value for executing two or more processes, and a set of a plurality of process identification information for identifying each of the two or more processes A step of storing history data in association with user identification information for identifying an operator, and identifying an authenticated operator in response to a setting value being set on any one of a plurality of setting screens Extracting history data including process identification information associated with user identification information for identifying a process for which a set value is set, from the history data; And displaying the shift button for displaying a setting screen for receiving setting values for performing the process specified by the process identification information included in the history data, the.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a print condition setting method capable of easily displaying a setting screen for setting processing.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, the print condition setting program is associated with the step of authenticating the operator in a hierarchical structure, and a plurality of settings for accepting setting values for executing a predetermined process When a setting value input according to the screen is received and a setting value for executing two or more processes is received, a plurality of sets of process identification information for identifying each of the two or more processes are authenticated. A step of storing history data in association with user identification information for identifying the selected operator, and setting the set value on any one of a plurality of setting screens, History data that is associated with user identification information for identification and includes process identification information for identifying a process for which a set value is set is extracted from the history data. And a step of displaying a transition button for displaying a setting screen for receiving a setting value for executing a process specified by the process identification information included in the extracted history data. .

  According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a print condition setting program capable of easily displaying a setting screen for setting processing.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall outline of an image forming system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, image forming system 1 includes multifunction peripherals (hereinafter referred to as “MFPs”) 100, 100 </ b> A, 100 </ b> B, 100 </ b> C connected to network 2, and server apparatus 200. The server device 200 is a general computer.

  Since MFPs (Multi Function Peripherals) 100, 100A, 100B, and 100C have the same configuration and functions, the MFP 100 will be described as an example unless otherwise specified.

  The network 2 is a local area network (LAN), and may be wired or wireless. The network 2 is not limited to a LAN, and may be a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, a network using a general public line, or the like.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of MFP 100 in the present embodiment. MFP 100A, MFP 100B, and MFP 100C have the same hardware configuration as MFP 100, and thus description thereof will not be repeated. Referring to FIG. 2, MFP 100 includes main circuit 101, facsimile unit 12, communication control unit 14, ADF 10, image reading unit 20, image forming unit 30, paper feeding unit 40, and post-processing unit. 50.

  The main circuit 101 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 111, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 112 used as a work area of the CPU 111, and an EEPROM (Electronically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) for storing programs executed by the CPU 111. ) 113, a display unit 114, an operation unit 115, a hard disk drive (HDD) 116 as a mass storage device, and a data communication control unit 117.

  The CPU 111 is connected to the display unit 114, the operation unit 115, the HDD 116, and the data communication control unit 117, and controls the entire main circuit 101. CPU 111 is connected to facsimile unit 12, communication control unit 14, ADF 10, image reading unit 20, image forming unit 30, paper feed unit 40, and post-processing unit 50, and controls the entire MFP 100.

  The ADF 10 handles a plurality of documents mounted on the document table, and sequentially conveys them to the image reading unit 20 one by one. The image reading unit 20 optically reads image information such as photographs, characters, pictures, and the like from a document and acquires image data.

  When image data is input, the image forming unit 30 forms an image on a sheet based on the image data. The image forming unit 30 forms an image using toners of four colors, cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. For this reason, it is possible to print in full color. It is also possible to print in monochrome using one type of toner. The paper feed unit 40 stores paper and supplies the stored paper to the image forming unit 30 one by one. The post-processing unit 50 discharges the paper on which the image is formed. The post-processing unit 50 has a plurality of paper discharge trays, and can sort and discharge the recording sheets. The post-processing unit 50 includes a punch hole processing unit and a staple processing unit, and can perform punch hole processing or staple processing on the discharged recording sheet.

  The display unit 114 is a display such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic ELD (Electro Luminescence Display), and displays an instruction menu for the user, information about acquired image data, and the like. The operation unit 115 includes a plurality of keys, and accepts input of various instructions, data such as characters and numbers by user operations corresponding to the keys. The operation unit 115 includes a touch panel provided on the display unit 114. The display unit 114 and the operation unit 115 constitute an operation panel.

  The data communication control unit 117 includes a LAN terminal 118 that is an interface for communication using a communication protocol such as TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) or FTP (File Transfer Protocol), and a serial communication interface terminal 119 for serial communication. . The data communication control unit 117 transmits / receives data to / from an external device connected to the LAN terminal 118 or the serial communication interface terminal 119 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 111.

  When a LAN cable for connecting to a network is connected to the LAN terminal 118, the data communication control unit 117 communicates with the other MFPs 100A, 100B, 100C and the server apparatus 200 connected via the LAN terminal 118, Data can be sent and received.

  Further, the CPU 111 controls the data communication control unit 117 to read a program to be executed by the CPU 111 from the memory card 119A, and stores the read program in the RAM 112 and executes it. The recording medium for storing the program to be executed by the CPU 111 is not limited to the memory card 119A, but a flexible disk, a cassette tape, an optical disk (CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory) / MO (Magnetic Optical Disc / It may be a medium such as a semiconductor memory such as an MD (Mini Disc) / DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), IC card, optical card, mask ROM, EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), EEPROM, etc. Further, the CPU 111 is connected to the Internet. Download the program from the computer and store it in the HDD 116, or a computer connected to the Internet. The data may be written in the HDD 116, and the program stored in the HDD 116 may be loaded into the RAM 112 and executed by the CPU 111. The program here is only a program that can be directly executed by the CPU 111. Source programs, compressed programs, encrypted programs, and the like.

  The communication control unit 14 is a modem for connecting the CPU 111 to a PSTN (Public Switched Telephony Networks) 7. The MFP 100 is assigned a telephone number in the PSTN 7 in advance. When a call is made from the facsimile apparatus connected to the PSTN 7 to the telephone number assigned to the MFP 100, the communication control unit 14 detects the call. When the communication control unit 14 detects a call, the communication control unit 14 establishes a call and causes the facsimile unit 12 to communicate.

  The facsimile unit 12 is connected to the PSTN 7 and transmits facsimile data to the PSTN 7 or receives facsimile data from the PSTN 7. The facsimile unit 12 converts the received facsimile data into print data that can be printed by the image forming unit 30 and outputs the print data to the image forming unit 30. As a result, the image forming unit 30 prints the facsimile data received by the facsimile unit 12 on a sheet. The facsimile unit 12 converts the data stored in the HDD 116 into facsimile data, and outputs the facsimile data to a facsimile machine connected to the PSTN 7 or another MFP. Thereby, the data stored in HDD 116 can be output to the facsimile machine or other MFPs 100A, 100B, 100C. As described above, the MFP 100 has a facsimile transmission / reception function.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the server apparatus. Referring to FIG. 3, server apparatus 200 includes CPU 201 each connected to bus 208, RAM 205 used as a work area of CPU 201, ROM 206 storing a program executed by CPU 201, and hard disk drive (HDD) 207. A communication I / F 202 for connecting the server device 200 to the network 2, an input unit 204 such as a keyboard and a mouse, and a monitor 203.

  FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an overview of the functions of the CPU provided in the MFP. Referring to FIG. 4, CPU 111 provided in MFP 100 includes a setting screen display unit 51 for displaying a setting screen, a setting value receiving unit 53 that receives a setting value input according to the setting screen, and customization of the setting screen. Customization request unit 55 that requests device 200, customization information reception unit 57 that receives customization information received from server device 200, and history data including a plurality of processing sets in which setting values are set are stored in server device 200. A processing flow transmission unit 59 for transmission and an authentication unit 61 for authenticating the operator of MFP 100 are included.

  Authentication unit 61 authenticates an operator who operates MFP 100. The MFP 100 stores authentication information including, for example, a user ID and a password in the EEPROM 113, and compares the user ID and password input to the operation unit 115 with the authentication information stored in the EEPROM 113. If the authentication information is stored in the EEPROM 113, the operator is authenticated. If the authentication is successful, the authentication unit 61 stores a user ID for identifying the operator, and thereafter, the operation input to the operation unit 115 before the operator logs out is assigned the user ID. It is treated as input by the operator. Specifically, the user ID of the authenticated operator is output to the customization request unit 55 and the processing flow transmission unit 59.

  The setting screen display unit 51 displays any one of a plurality of setting screens stored in advance in the EEPROM 113 on the display unit 114. The setting screen corresponds to at least one of the plurality of processes and is a screen for accepting input of setting values necessary for executing at least one process. The plurality of setting screens are classified into a plurality of hierarchies, and the setting screens classified into the upper hierarchies and the setting screens classified into the lower hierarchies are associated with each other. The setting screen has a transition key for displaying the associated setting screen. When a transition key is designated on the setting screen displayed on the display unit 114, the setting screen display unit 51 displays a setting screen corresponding to the transition key on the display unit 114.

  Moreover, when the customization information is input from the customization information receiving unit 57 described later, the setting screen display unit 51 transitions to a setting screen corresponding to the process specified by the process identification information included in the customization information. The key is displayed on the display unit 114.

  The set value receiving unit 53 receives a set value input to the operation unit 115 by the user according to the setting screen displayed on the display unit 114. The set value receiving unit 53 outputs process identification information for identifying a process corresponding to the received set value to the process flow transmitting unit 59 and the customization request unit 55.

  When the process identification information is input, the customization request unit 55 transmits a customization request to the server device 200. The customization request includes process identification information and a user ID input from the authentication unit 61. The customization information receiving unit 57 receives customization information returned from the server device 200 in response to the customization request transmitted by the customization request unit 55. The customization information receiving unit 57 outputs the received customization information to the setting screen display unit 51.

  If the transition screen based on the customization information is not displayed by the setting screen display unit 51, the processing flow transmission unit 59 transmits the user ID and processing flow input from the authentication unit 61 to the server device 200. The process flow includes a set of a plurality of process identification information input from the set value receiving unit 53.

  FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing an overview of the functions of the CPU provided in the server apparatus, together with information stored in the HDD. Referring to FIG. 5, CPU 201 includes history data management unit 217 for managing history data, customization request receiving unit 211 for receiving a customization request from any of MFPs 100, 100A, 100B, and 100C, A history data extraction unit 213 for extracting data, and a customization information transmission unit 215 that transmits customization information to the MFP that has transmitted the customization request among the MFPs 100, 100A, 100B, and 100C.

  When the history data management unit 217 receives the user ID and the processing flow from any of the MFPs 100, 100 A, 100 B, and 100 C, the history data management unit 217 generates history data and stores it in the HDD 207. As a result, the history data 221 is stored in the HDD 207. The history data 221 includes a user ID and a processing flow. The process flow includes a set of process identification information for identifying each of a plurality of processes. Therefore, the history data includes a plurality of process identification information for identifying each of the executed processes when the user causes any of MFPs 100, 100A, 100B, and 100C to execute a plurality of processes. The processing flow is stored. The processing flow may define the order of a plurality of processes, or may not define the order. The history data may include device identification information for identifying the MFP that has transmitted the processing flow among the MFPs 100, 100A, 100B, and 100C. As the device identification information, for example, location information on the network assigned to each of MFPs 100, 100A, 100B, and 100C, for example, an IP (Internet Protocol) address or a MAC (Media Access Control) address can be used. If the device identification information is included in the history data, it is possible to determine from the history data whether the processing flow has been executed by the MFP 100, 100A, 100B, or 100C for each user.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of history data. Referring to FIG. 6, the history data includes a user ID item and a processing flow item. In the user ID item, the user ID received from any of MFPs 100, 100A, 100B, and 100C is set. The item of the process flow includes process identification information (1) to process identification information (N) for identifying a plurality of processes. The number of process identification information included in the process flow is an arbitrary number of 2 or more. Therefore, as many pieces of processing identification information as are included in the processing flow received from any of MFPs 100, 100A, 100B, and 100C are set in the processing flow item.

  Returning to FIG. 5, customization request receiving section 211 receives a customization request from any of MFPs 100, 100 </ b> A, 100 </ b> B, and 100 </ b> C. The customization request includes a user ID and process identification information. When receiving the customization request, the customization request receiving unit 211 outputs the user ID and the processing identification information to the history data extracting unit 213. Note that device identification information for identifying the MFP that has transmitted the customization request among the MFPs 100, 100A, 100B, and 100C may be output to the history data extraction unit 213.

  The history data extraction unit 213 searches the history data 221 stored in the HDD 207 using the input user ID and the process identification information, and extracts the history data. Specifically, the history data including the input user ID and including the input process identification information is extracted. When a plurality of history data are extracted, the history data extraction unit 213 determines one history data having the largest number of history data having the same processing flow (a set of processing identification information). Then, a set of a plurality of process identification information included in the extracted history data is output to the customization information transmission unit 215. When device identification information is input from the customization request receiving unit 211, history data that does not include the input device identification information is extracted. In this way, the setting screen can be customized only when a device other than the device that has been operated in the past is used.

  The customization information transmission unit 215 transmits the customization information to the MFP that has transmitted the customization request among the MFPs 100, 100A, 100B, and 100C. The customization information includes a set of a plurality of process identification information input from the history data extraction unit 213.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary flow of a print condition setting process executed by the MFP. This print condition setting process is a process executed by CPU 111 when CPU 111 provided in MFP 100 executes a print condition setting program.

  Referring to FIG. 7, the process waits until the operator logs in (step S01). When the operator is permitted to log in, the process proceeds to step S02. The user ID of the operator is accepted by login, and the operator is specified. That is, this print condition setting process is a process that is executed on condition that the login of the operator is permitted. In step S02, a setting screen is displayed on display unit 114. The setting screen to be displayed first is determined in advance, and usually a basic screen positioned at the highest level is displayed.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the set value has been accepted (step S03). If the user inputs a set value to operation unit 115 and is accepted, the process proceeds to step S04. If not, the process proceeds to step S10. In step S10, it is determined whether or not the setting has been completed. If completed, the process proceeds to step S11. If not, the process returns to step S02. The end of the setting is detection of pressing of a start button which is an instruction for starting image formation. The start button is one of the buttons provided on the operation unit 115.

  In step S04, it is determined whether to switch the setting screen. If the setting screen is switched, the process proceeds to step S05. If not, step S05 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S06. This is because the setting screen may be switched in response to acceptance of the setting value, and in this case, the next setting screen is displayed. In step S05, the setting screen to be displayed is switched and the process proceeds to step S06.

  In step S06, a customization request including the user ID and process identification information is transmitted to server device 200. The user ID is the user ID of the operator who is permitted to log in in step S01. The process identification information is process identification information for identifying a process corresponding to the set value set in step S03. Since the server apparatus 200 transmits the customization information or the error signal in response to the reception of the customization request, in step S07, it is determined whether or not the customization information has been received. If customization information is received, the process proceeds to step S08; otherwise, the process returns to step S02.

  In step S08, a transition button is displayed on display unit 114. The transition button is a button for displaying a setting screen for setting a setting value corresponding to each of a plurality of pieces of processing identification information included in the customization information received in step S07. In addition, since it is not necessary to change to the setting screen currently displayed on the display part 114, the transition button for that is not displayed.

  In the next step S09, it is determined whether or not a transition button has been designated. If a transition button has been designated, the process returns to step S02; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S10. When the process returns to step S02, a setting screen corresponding to the transition button is displayed on the display unit 114. For this reason, in step S03, the setting value can be input on the setting screen.

  In step S10, it is determined whether or not the setting has been completed. If completed, the process proceeds to step S11. If not, the process returns to step S02. In step S11, printing is performed according to the setting value set in step S03.

  In the next step S12, it is determined whether or not customization has been made. Whether or not customization has been made is determined whether or not a transition button has been displayed in step S08. If the transition button is displayed, it is determined that the button has been customized, and the process is terminated by skipping step S13. If not, the process proceeds to step S13. In step S <b> 13, the user ID and the processing flow are transmitted to the server device 200. The user ID is the user ID of the operator who is permitted to log in in step S01. The process flow includes a plurality of process identification information for identifying processes corresponding to the set values set in step S03.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of customization processing. The customization process is a process executed by the CPU 201 when the CPU 201 of the server apparatus 200 executes a customization program. The customization program is a part of the print condition setting program.

  Referring to FIG. 8, it is determined whether a custom request has been received from any of MFPs 100, 100A, 100B, and 100C (step S21). If a custom request is received, the process proceeds to step S22; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S28. In step S22, history data is extracted. History data including the user ID included in the custom request and including the process identification information included in the custom request is extracted from the history data 221 stored in the HDD 207. Then, it is determined whether or not even one piece of history data has been extracted (step S23). If the history data can be extracted, the process proceeds to step S24. If the history data cannot be extracted, the process proceeds to step S27. In step S27, error processing is executed. For example, a message notifying that it cannot be customized is returned to the MFP that has transmitted the custom request.

  In step S24, it is determined whether there are a plurality of extracted history data. If the number is plural, the process proceeds to step S25. If the number is single, step S25 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S26. In step S25, the history data having the maximum number of history data in the same processing flow is determined. In step S26, the custom information is transmitted to the MFP that has transmitted the custom request received in step S21. The custom information includes process identification information included in the extracted history data.

  In step S28, it is determined whether or not a user ID and a processing flow are received from any of MFPs 100, 100A, 100B, and 100C. If the user ID and the process flow are received, the process proceeds to step S29. If not, the process returns to step S21. In step S 29, history data including the received user ID and processing flow is generated and stored in the HDD 207.

  Here, a specific example will be described. FIG. 9 is a first diagram illustrating an example of the hierarchical structure of the setting screen of MFP 100. FIG. 9 shows a setting screen displayed on the display unit 114 when the MFP 100 performs settings for executing the “2 in 1” process and settings for executing the “binding margin” process. First, when an application button is selected on the initial screen 501 of the first hierarchy, a second hierarchy of the application screen 502 is displayed. When the combination button is pressed, a third button including a button for setting the “2 in 1” process is included. A hierarchy combination setting screen 503 is displayed. Thereafter, the screen returns to the initial screen 505 of the first hierarchy via the application screen 502 of the second hierarchy. When the “binding margin setting” button is selected, the second hierarchy for inputting the setting value of the binding margin width is selected. A binding margin setting screen 506 is displayed. The combination setting screen 503 is a screen on which “2 in 1” is set, and is associated with processing identification information for identifying the processing of “2 in 1”. The binding margin setting screen 506 is a screen in which a setting value of the binding margin width is set, and is associated with processing identification information for identifying the processing of “binding margin”. When the above-described operation is executed in MFP 100, a combination of process identification information for identifying the “2 in 1” process and process identification information for identifying the “binding margin” process is included in the history data as a process flow. Included and stored in the HDD 207 of the server apparatus 200.

  FIG. 10 is a first diagram illustrating an example of a hierarchical structure of a setting screen of another MFP 100A. FIG. 10 shows a setting screen displayed on display unit 114 when setting for executing “2 in 1” processing and setting for executing “binding margin” processing in MFP 100A. First, when a document button is selected on the initial screen 511 of the first layer, a document screen 512 including a button for setting the “2 in 1” process of the second layer is displayed. This document screen 512 is a screen on which “2 in 1” processing is set, and is associated with processing identification information for identifying “2 in 1” processing. When the application button is selected on the initial screen 511 of the first hierarchy, the application screen 514 of the second hierarchy is displayed. When the binding margin setting button is selected, a third value for inputting the setting value of the binding margin width is displayed. A level binding margin setting screen 515 is displayed. The binding margin setting screen 515 is a screen in which a setting value for the binding margin width is set, and is associated with processing identification information for identifying the processing of “binding margin”.

  When the user selects the “2 in 1” button while the document screen 512 is displayed, the server apparatus 200 stores history data including “2 in 1” processing identification information stored based on the operation performed by the MFP 100. Information for each processing machine for identifying the “binding margin” process extracted and included in the history data is received from the server apparatus 200. In MFP 100 </ b> A, a transition key for transitioning to the binding margin setting screen 515 from the processing unit-specific information for identifying the “binding margin” processing received from the server apparatus 200 is superimposed and displayed on the document screen 512. Is done. For this reason, if the transition key is designated, the binding margin setting screen 515 is displayed immediately without displaying the initial screen 513 and the application screen 514, so that it is easy even without knowing the hierarchical structure of the setting screen of the MFP 100A. Binding margin processing can be set.

  FIG. 11 is a second diagram illustrating an example of the hierarchical structure of the setting screen of MFP 100. FIG. 11 shows a setting screen displayed on the display unit 114 in the case of setting for executing a series of processes called ScanEmail which transmits image data obtained by scanning a document by e-mail. First, when the ScantoEmail button is selected on the initial screen 501 of the first layer, the ScantoEmail screen 522 for setting the destination address of the second layer is displayed. When the “Subject / Edit Body” button is pressed, the third layer is displayed. When an edit screen 523 for setting the subject of the current item is displayed and the “original setting” button is selected, an original setting change screen 524 for setting the resolution of the fourth layer is displayed.

  The ScantoEmail screen 522 is a screen for setting a destination address, and is associated with first process identification information for identifying a destination address setting process. The edit screen 523 is a screen for setting the Subject and the text, and is associated with the second process identification information for identifying the process for setting the Subject and the text. The original setting change screen 524 is a screen for setting the resolution and the document type, and is associated with the third identification information for identifying the processing for setting the resolution and the fourth identification information for setting the size. It has been.

  When the operator performs the above-described operation in MFP 100, history data including a set of first to fourth process identification information as a process flow is stored in HDD 207 of server apparatus 200.

  FIG. 12 is a second diagram illustrating an example of a hierarchical structure of a setting screen of another MFP 100A. FIG. 12 shows a setting screen displayed on the display unit 114 when the MFP 100A performs settings for executing a series of processes called ScanEmail. First, when the ScantoEmail button is selected on the initial screen 511 of the first layer, the ScantoEmail screen 532 for setting the destination address of the second layer is displayed. When the Subject button is pressed, the Subject and the text of the third layer are displayed. The subject input screen 533 for setting is displayed, and then the screen returns to the second layer ScantoEmail screen 532. When the scan setting button is pressed, a scan setting screen 535 for setting the resolution of the third layer is displayed. When the scan size setting button is pressed, a size change screen 536 for changing the size of the fourth layer is displayed.

  The ScantoEmail screen 532 is a screen for setting a destination address, and is associated with first process identification information for identifying a destination address setting process. The subject input edit screen 523 is a screen for setting the subject and the text, and is associated with the second process identification information for identifying the process for setting the subject. The scan setting screen is a screen for setting a resolution, and is associated with third process identification information for identifying a process for setting the resolution. The size change screen 536 is a screen for changing the size, and is associated with fourth process identification information for identifying a process for setting the size.

  When the user selects a destination address while the ScantoEmail screen 532 is displayed, the server apparatus 200 uses the first process identification information for identifying the destination address setting process stored based on the operation performed by the MFP 100. The second process identification information for identifying the process for setting the subject and the text included in the history data and the process for setting the resolution are extracted. Fourth identification information for setting information and size is received from server apparatus 200. In MFP 100 </ b> A, a transition key for transitioning to each of the subject input screen 533, the scan setting screen 535, and the size change screen 536 corresponding to each of the second to fourth process identification information received from the server device 200 is displayed in the ScanEmail 532. It is displayed superimposed. For this reason, if the transition key is designated, the display can be immediately switched to the subject input screen 533, the scan setting screen 535, or the size change screen 536, so that the binding can be easily performed without knowing the hierarchical structure of the setting screen of the MFP 100A. It is possible to set the processing of the fee.

<Modification>
In the image forming system 1 described above, the server apparatus 200 is used. However, the image forming system can be realized by collecting history data from another MFP without using the server apparatus 200.

  FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram showing an overview of the functions of the CPU 111 provided in the MFP 100 according to the modification, together with information stored in the EEPROM 113. Referring to FIG. 13, history data 221 is stored in EEPROM 113.

  CPU 111 provided in MFP 100 in the modification includes setting screen display unit 51A, setting value receiving unit 53A, history data acquiring unit 63 for acquiring history data, history data managing unit 217A, and history data extracting unit 213A. Authentication unit 61A.

  Authentication unit 61A authenticates an operator who operates MFP 100. If the authentication is successful, the authentication unit 61A outputs a user ID for specifying the operator to the history data management unit 217A and the history data extraction unit 213A.

  History data acquisition unit 63 acquires history data from other MFPs 100 </ b> A, 100 </ b> B, 100 </ b> C, and stores the acquired history data in EEPROM 113. Specifically, a history data transmission request is transmitted to each of other MFPs 100A, 100B, and 100C, and the history data stored therein is received from each of other MFPs 100A, 100B, and 100C. It is sufficient that the history data requesting transmission is history data including the user ID of the operator authenticated by the authentication unit 61A.

  The setting screen display unit 51A displays any one of a plurality of setting screens stored in advance in the EEPROM 113 on the display unit 114. When history data is input from the history data extraction unit 213A described later, A transition key for transitioning to a setting screen corresponding to the process specified by the process identification information included in the history data is displayed on the display unit 114.

  The setting value receiving unit 53A receives a setting value input to the operation unit 115 by the user according to the setting screen displayed on the display unit 114. The set value reception unit 53A outputs process identification information for identifying a process corresponding to the received set value to the history data management unit 217A and the history data extraction unit 213A.

  The history data management unit 217A receives process identification information from the set value reception unit 53A and a user ID from the authentication unit 61A. The history data management unit 217A generates history data and stores it in the EEPROM 113. The processing flow may define the order of processing, or may not define the order.

  The history data extraction unit 213A searches the history data 221 stored in the EEPROM 113 using the user ID input from the authentication unit 61A and the processing identification information input from the setting value reception unit 53A, and the history data To extract. Specifically, the history data including the input user ID and including the input process identification information is extracted. When a plurality of pieces of history data are extracted, the history data extraction unit 213A determines one piece of history data having the largest number of pieces of history data having the same processing flow (a set of processing identification information). And the group of several process identification information contained in the extracted history data is output to the setting screen display part 51A.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of print condition setting processing executed by the MFP according to the modification. This print condition setting process is a process executed by CPU 111 when CPU 111 provided in MFP 100 executes a print condition setting program.

  Referring to FIG. 14, the process waits until the operator logs in (step S31). When the operator is permitted to log in, the process proceeds to step S32. In step S32, history data is acquired, and the process proceeds to step S33. A history data transmission request including a user ID is transmitted to each of other MFPs 100A, 100B, and 100C, and the history data stored in each MFP 100A, 100B, and 100C is received. The history data requesting transmission is history data including the user ID of the operator authenticated by the authentication unit 61A.

  Since the process of step S33-step S36 is the same as the process of step S02-step S05 shown in FIG. 7, description is not repeated here. In step S37, history data is extracted. History stored in EEPROM 113 includes history data including the user ID of the operator who is permitted to log in in step S31 and including process identification information for identifying the process corresponding to the setting value set in step S34. Extracted from the data 221. Then, it is determined whether or not even one piece of history data has been extracted (step S38). If the history data can be extracted, the process proceeds to step S39; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S43.

  In step S39, it is determined whether or not there are a plurality of extracted history data. If it is plural, the process proceeds to step S40. If it is singular, step S40 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S41. In step S40, the history data having the maximum number of history data in the same processing flow is determined, and the process proceeds to step S41.

  In step S41, a transition button is displayed on the display unit 114. The transition button is a button for displaying a setting screen for setting a setting value corresponding to each of a plurality of pieces of processing identification information included in the history data extracted in step S37. In addition, since it is not necessary to change to the setting screen currently displayed on the display part 114, the transition button for that is not displayed.

  In the next step S42, it is determined whether or not a transition button has been designated. If a transition button has been designated, the process returns to step S33; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S43. When the process returns to step S33, a setting screen corresponding to the transition button is displayed on the display unit 114. For this reason, in step S34, the setting value can be input on the setting screen.

  In step S43, it is determined whether or not the setting is completed. If completed, the process proceeds to step S44. If not, the process returns to step S33. In step S44, printing is performed according to the setting value set in step S34.

  In the next step S45, it is determined whether or not it has been customized. Whether it has been customized is determined whether or not a transition button is displayed in step S41. If the transition button is displayed, it is determined that the button has been customized, and step S46 is skipped and the process ends. If not, the process proceeds to step S46. In step S 46, history data is generated and stored in the EEPROM 113. The history data includes the user ID and processing flow of the operator who is permitted to log in in step S31. The process flow includes a plurality of sets of process identification information for identifying a plurality of processes for which setting values are set in step S34.

  In MFP 100 according to the modification, for example, history data including a processing flow set in other MFP 100A is acquired, and therefore a setting screen for setting a series of processes operated by MFP 100A by the user is displayed on MFP 100. A transition key is displayed. Therefore, it is possible to easily switch to a desired setting screen without knowing the hierarchical structure of the setting screen of MFP 100.

  In the above-described embodiment, the image forming system 1 has been described. However, the print condition setting method for executing the processes shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 14 and those processes are executed by a computer. Needless to say, the present invention can be understood as a print condition setting program.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

1 is a diagram showing an overall outline of an image forming system in one embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an MFP according to the present embodiment. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of a server apparatus. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating an overview of functions of a CPU provided in the MFP. FIG. It is a functional block diagram which shows the outline | summary of the function of CPU with which a server apparatus is provided with the information memorize | stored in HDD. It is a figure which shows an example of log | history data. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of print condition setting processing executed in the MFP. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a customization process. FIG. 3 is a first diagram illustrating an example of a hierarchical structure of an MFP setting screen. 6 is a first diagram illustrating an example of a hierarchical structure of a setting screen of another MFP. FIG. FIG. 6 is a second diagram illustrating an example of a hierarchical structure of an MFP setting screen. 12 is a second diagram illustrating an example of a hierarchical structure of a setting screen of another MFP 100A. FIG. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of functions of a CPU provided in an MFP in a modification, together with information stored in an EEPROM. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of print condition setting processing executed by the MFP in a modified example.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming system, 2 network, 12 Facsimile part, 14 Communication control part, 20 Image reading part, 30 Image forming part, 40 Paper feed part, 50 Post-processing part, 51,51A Setting screen display part, 53,53A Setting value Reception unit, 55 customization request unit, 57 customization information reception unit, 59 processing flow transmission unit, 61, 61A authentication unit, 63 history data acquisition unit, 101 main circuit, 111 CPU, 112 RAM, 113 EEPROM, 114 display unit, 115 Operation unit, 116 HDD, 117 data communication control unit, 119A memory card, 200 server device, 201 CPU 101, 202 communication I / F, 203 monitor, 204 input unit, 205 RAM, 206 ROM, 207 HDD 107, 211 customization request reception unit 213 213A history data extraction unit 215 customization information transmitting unit, 217,217A history data management section.

Claims (7)

An image forming system including a plurality of image forming apparatuses and an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with the plurality of image forming apparatuses,
An authentication unit for authenticating an operator of each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses;
Each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses is associated with a hierarchical structure, and processing condition receiving means for receiving a setting value input according to a plurality of setting screens for receiving a setting value for executing a predetermined process;
When setting values for executing two or more processes are accepted, a set of a plurality of process identification information for identifying each of the two or more processes and an operator authenticated by the authentication unit are identified. History transmission means for transmitting history data associated with user identification information for the information processing apparatus;
In response to the setting value being set on any one of the plurality of setting screens, the user identification information for identifying the operator authenticated by the authentication unit and the process in which the setting value is set Input process transmitting means for transmitting process identification information for identification to the information processing apparatus;
Transition button display means for displaying a transition button for displaying a setting screen for receiving a setting value for executing a process specified by the process identification information received from the information processing apparatus,
In response to receiving a plurality of sets of the processing identification information and the user identification information from any one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, the information processing apparatus stores history data associated with them. When,
In response to receiving the user identification information and the process identification information from any of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, history data including the received process identification information associated with the user identification information is stored. Extracting means for extracting from the history data;
An image forming system comprising: customization information transmitting means for transmitting the processing identification information included in the extracted history data to the image forming apparatus that has transmitted the user identification information and the processing identification information.   2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein, when a plurality of pieces of history data are extracted, the customization information transmitting unit transmits history data having the maximum number of history data including the same set of process identification information. An authentication means for authenticating the operator;
Processing condition accepting means for accepting setting values input in accordance with a plurality of setting screens for accepting setting values for executing predetermined processing, which are associated with each other in a hierarchical structure;
When setting values for executing two or more processes are accepted, a set of a plurality of process identification information for identifying each of the two or more processes and an operator authenticated by the authentication unit are identified. History storage means for storing history data associated with user identification information for
In response to the setting value being set on any one of the plurality of setting screens, the setting value is set in association with user identification information for identifying the operator authenticated by the authentication unit. History extraction means for extracting history data including process identification information for identifying a process from the history data;
Transition button display means for displaying a transition button for displaying a setting screen for accepting a setting value for executing the process specified by the process identification information included in the extracted history data. Image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the customization information transmitting unit transmits history data having the maximum number of history data including the same set of process identification information when a plurality of history data is extracted. Transmitting means for transmitting the history data to another image forming apparatus capable of communication;
4. The apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising history data receiving means for receiving the history data including user identification information of the operator from another image forming apparatus when the operator is authenticated by the authentication means. Image forming apparatus. Authenticating the operator;
Accepting setting values input in accordance with a plurality of setting screens for accepting setting values associated with a hierarchical structure and executing predetermined processing;
When a set value for executing two or more processes is accepted, a set of a plurality of process identification information for identifying each of the two or more processes and a user identification for identifying an authenticated operator Storing history data associated with the information;
In response to the setting value being set on any one of the plurality of setting screens, the process is associated with user identification information for identifying the authenticated operator and the setting value is set. Extracting history data including process identification information for the history data,
Displaying a transition button for displaying a setting screen for receiving a setting value for executing a process specified by the process identification information included in the extracted history data. Authenticating the operator;
Accepting setting values input in accordance with a plurality of setting screens for accepting setting values associated with a hierarchical structure and executing predetermined processing;
When a set value for executing two or more processes is accepted, a set of a plurality of process identification information for identifying each of the two or more processes and a user identification for identifying an authenticated operator Storing history data associated with the information;
In response to the setting value being set on any one of the plurality of setting screens, the process is associated with user identification information for identifying the authenticated operator and the setting value is set. Extracting history data including process identification information for the history data,
A step of displaying a transition button for displaying a setting screen for receiving a setting value for executing a process specified by the process identification information included in the extracted history data, and a print condition for causing the computer to execute Configuration program.

Images