JP2008236028A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To display an appropriate prediction menu corresponding to the utilization scene of an image forming apparatus and to easily indicate an image processing function often used by a user. <P>SOLUTION: In a history management part 22, the operation history of a user is managed. In a function count management part 21, processing function units such as printing and the combinations are counted in the operation history. In a prediction control part 20, image processing operations are predicted with priority orders based on a processing count value and a plurality of predicted menus are generated. The priority order is changed corresponding to the kind of an original or the like. In an image working control part 23, a reduced image indicating the finish image of a processing result is prepared on the basis of the predicted image processing operation. In a preview display control part 24, the predicted menus including the finish image are displayed at an operation part according to the priority orders for each output destination of the processing result. As one item of the predicted menus is selected, the corresponding image processing is executed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus that displays a predicted operation menu created based on an operation history.

  Conventionally, when using an image forming apparatus, a user inputs image data from a scanner unit or the like, issues various instructions from an operation panel, performs image processing, and prints the result on a printer. At this time, in order to assist the user's operation, an operation is performed in which thumbnails and preview images are displayed and processing results can be confirmed. In addition, there is a method for easily instructing the same processing by converting a series of user operations into macro commands and automatically registering them in a key, or displaying an operation history as a menu. Furthermore, there is a method that eliminates a complicated menu selection operation by predicting and presenting the next operation command based on the comparison between the operation history and the recent operation and the operation frequency. Examples of related art related to this will be given below.

  The “image forming apparatus” disclosed in Patent Document 1 can easily execute a specific operation without selecting a series of setting items of a hierarchical structure each time with an operation key. Operation history information of operation keys sequentially selected according to the hierarchical structure of setting items is stored in the nonvolatile memory as key macro data. Calls key macro data at runtime. Even when an operation with a large number of setting items is repeatedly executed or when the same operation is repeated at a high frequency, the operation can be easily and quickly performed, and operability and work efficiency are greatly improved.

  The “image forming apparatus” disclosed in Patent Document 2 can be easily reused by selecting an operation history. The operation history is stored and displayed for each individual. The image forming apparatus is set based on an operation history selected from the displayed operation history.

  The “image forming apparatus” disclosed in Patent Document 3 operates the same type of image forming apparatus that can communicate with the image forming apparatus even when an image forming apparatus that has not been operated in the past is used. If there is, the operation history stored in the same type of image forming apparatus can be used in an image forming apparatus that has not been operated, and the operation history stored for each image forming apparatus is effectively used. Operability and productivity are improved. An operation history based on the operation command is stored. Operation histories are collected from other image forming apparatuses communicable via a network, and stored operation histories and operation histories collected from other image forming apparatuses are integrated. Display integrated operation history. An arbitrary operation history is selected from the displayed operation histories. The image forming apparatus is set based on the selected operation history.

  The “image forming apparatus” disclosed in Patent Document 4 displays thumbnails and preview images on the display screen of the image forming apparatus at high speed without reducing a processing waiting time without consuming a large amount of memory such as a hard disk. is there. In addition to the thumbnails displayed on the display screen, thumbnails of pages that can be selected on the display screen are generated in advance, and the thumbnails are displayed at high speed. In addition to the document displayed as a thumbnail on the display screen, a preview image of the document displayed as a thumbnail of pages selectable on the display screen is generated in advance, and the preview image is displayed at high speed. In this case, a preview image is generated with a resolution corresponding to the maximum enlarged display that can be specified by the user, and a preview image for the same size and reduced display is generated therefrom.

The “image forming apparatus” disclosed in Patent Document 5 is an image forming apparatus that can call and set an operation history, and displays operations related to the state of the image forming apparatus by narrowing down the operation history. Thus, an operation history desired by the operator can be easily selected. An operation history is stored for each user. An operation history including operations performed by the user is extracted from the operation history and displayed. An arbitrary operation history is selected from the displayed operation histories. The setting information of the selected operation history is set in the image forming apparatus.
JP 2003-131526 A JP 2005-153346 A JP 2005-297488 A JP 2006-203702 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-220940

  However, the conventional operation support method for the image forming apparatus has the following problems. Since the priority is determined based on almost a single standard and the prediction menu is created from the operation history, it is not possible to create a detailed prediction menu. Since the prediction menu suitable for the image processing intended by the user is not displayed, the operation is not so easy.

  An object of the present invention is to solve the above-described conventional problems and display an appropriate prediction menu according to the usage scene of the image forming apparatus so that a user can easily designate an image processing function frequently used. is there.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, in the present invention, the image forming apparatus includes a history management unit that manages a user's operation history, and a function count that counts a use state of a processing function in the operation history and outputs a processing count value. A management unit, a prediction control unit that generates a plurality of prediction menus by assigning priorities based on processing count values and predicting image processing operations, and a reduction that indicates a finished image of a processing result based on the predicted image processing operations An image processing control unit that creates an image, a preview display control unit that displays a prediction menu including a finished image on the operation unit according to priority for each processing result output destination, and one item of the prediction menu is selected. In response to this, the image processing apparatus includes processing execution means for executing corresponding image processing.

  The function count management unit includes means for counting by processing function unit and outputting a single function count value as a processing count value, or means for counting a combination of processing function units and outputting a combination function count value as a processing count value. The prediction control unit includes means for preferentially predicting either the single function count value or the combination function count value, or means for predicting the single function count value and the combination function count value in a comprehensive manner.

  The prediction control unit includes a means for predicting from the entire operation history, a means for predicting from an individual operation history, a means for predicting by integrating a plurality of modes, and each user of another device connected via a network. Means for integrating and predicting the operation histories, means for assigning priorities according to the order of descending processing count values, means for assigning priorities according to the order of recent operation histories, and changing the priorities according to document image information Means for changing the priority order according to the number of documents, means for changing the priority order according to the color mode, means for changing the priority order according to the document size, and changing the priority order according to the character / photo mode. A means for predicting an image processing operation in which high-priority processing function units are combined, a means for setting ON / OFF of prediction processing for each user, and selected during the user's operation. It comprises one of a means for leaving only compatible prediction Menu menu item. The preview display control unit includes means for displaying a prediction menu for each output destination of the processing result.

  With the above configuration, an appropriate prediction menu corresponding to the usage scene of the image forming apparatus is displayed, and the user can easily designate an image processing function that is frequently used.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  The embodiment of the present invention manages the operation history of the user, counts the usage status of the processing function in the operation history, outputs the processing count value, and prioritizes the image processing operation based on the processing count value. To generate a plurality of prediction menus, create a reduced image showing the finished image of the processing result based on the predicted image processing operation, and operate the prediction menu including the finished image according to the priority for each output destination of the processing result. And an image forming apparatus that executes corresponding image processing in response to selection of one item of the prediction menu.

  FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a CPU 1 is an arithmetic device that centrally controls each unit of the image forming apparatus. The image bus 2 is a common bus that transmits data and control signals. The ROM 3 is a fixed memory that stores fixed data such as programs. The RAM 4 is a temporary memory that stores various data in a rewritable manner. The NVRAM 5 is a nonvolatile RAM that stores data without erasing it. The modem 6 is a modem for communication. The communication control unit 7 is a means for communicating with other devices via a network. The panel control unit 8 is means for controlling the operation panel. The operation panel 9 is an LCD touch panel that is a user interface.

  The engine control unit 10 is means for controlling the scan / print engine. The scan / print engine 11 is a scanner unit or a printer unit that executes input / output of image data. The disk driver 12 is means for controlling the disk. The storage device 13 is an HDD that stores image data, a control program, and the like. The image processing driver 14 is means for controlling image processing. The aggregation ASIC 15 is a circuit that performs image aggregation processing. The rotation ASIC 16 is a circuit that performs image rotation processing. The network 17 is a LAN for connecting to other devices.

  The prediction control unit 20 is a means for generating a plurality of prediction menus by assigning priorities based on the processing count values and predicting image processing operations. The function count management unit 21 is a means for managing a processing count value obtained by counting the number of executions of processing function units and combinations thereof. The history management unit 22 is means for managing user operations as history information. The image processing unit 23 is means for performing image processing. The preview display control unit 24 is a means for displaying a preview image indicating the processing result of the prediction menu on the operation panel. These basic configurations are the same as the conventional ones. Other configurations may be used as long as they have similar functions.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration in which image forming apparatuses are connected to a network. 3 and 4 are control flowcharts of the image forming apparatus. 5 and 6 are explanatory diagrams of a method for determining the prediction order. FIG. 7 is a table showing history information. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for creating a prediction menu preview image according to the number of documents. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for determining a priority criterion for creating a preview image. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a preview display screen.

  The function and operation of the image forming apparatus in the embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described. First, an overview of the functions of the image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 1A, the image forming apparatus has a built-in CPU 1 that mainly controls each unit with a microcomputer as a main component. The CPU 1 has a ROM 3 for storing fixed data such as programs in advance via an image bus 2, a RAM 4 for storing various data in a rewritable manner, and an NVRAM 5 which is a nonvolatile RAM for storing data without erasing it. Is connected. Also connected to the image bus 2 are a communication control unit 7 responsible for connection to the network 17 and an operation panel 9 having an LCD touch panel that serves as an interface with the user via the panel control unit 8.

  Further, a scan / print engine 11 is connected via the engine control unit 10 to cause the scanner unit and printer unit to execute input / output of image data (reading of a paper document and printing on transfer paper). In addition, a storage device 13 that is an HDD used for storing and storing image data and control programs via the disk driver 12, an aggregation ASIC 15 that performs image aggregation processing via the image processing driver 14, and image rotation A rotating ASIC 16 for processing is also connected. Furthermore, a modem 6 that enables data communication with an external device through a public line or the like is also connected.

  As shown in FIG. 1B, the history management unit 22 displays image processing conditions (processing conditions such as 2in1 and stamps and the number of output sheets) and usage conditions (user name, usage date, etc.) operated by the user. , Manage as history information. The history information is stored in the storage device 13 via the disk driver 12. You may store in NVRAM5 etc. The image processing unit 23 controls the aggregation ASIC 15 and the rotation ASIC 16 via the image processing driver 14 to execute image processing. The image processing control unit 23 may perform image processing by software.

  The preview display control unit 24 displays a preview image indicating the processing result of the prediction menu on the screen on the operation panel 9 via the panel control unit 8. Alternatively, it is displayed on a screen (such as a web browser) via the network via the communication control unit 7. The function count management unit 21 acquires history information from the history management unit 22 and manages a process count value obtained by counting the number of executions of a process function unit such as 2in1 or a stamp or a combination thereof. As shown in FIG. 1B, each history information can be shared between MFPs via a network. Each MFP has the configuration shown in FIG.

  That is, the history management unit 22 manages the user operation history. The function count management unit 21 counts the number of executions of processing function units or combinations thereof in the operation history. The prediction control unit 20 generates a plurality of prediction menus by predicting image processing operations with priorities based on the processing count values. The image processing control unit 23 creates a reduced image indicating the finished image of the processing result based on the predicted image processing operation. The preview display control unit 24 displays the prediction menu including the finished image on the operation unit according to the priority order for each output destination of the processing result. Corresponding image processing is executed in response to selection of one item of the prediction menu.

  The function count management unit 21 counts in units of processing functions and outputs a single function count value. Alternatively, a combination of a plurality of processing function units is counted and a combination function count value is output. The prediction control unit 20 preferentially predicts either the single function count value or the combination function count value. Alternatively, the single function count value and the combination function count value are predicted in an integrated manner.

  The prediction control unit 20 performs prediction based on the entire operation history or an individual user operation history. It is also possible to predict by integrating a plurality of modes, or by integrating operation histories for each user of other devices connected via a network. Priorities are assigned according to the order of the processing count value or the order of recent operation history. Furthermore, the priority order is changed according to the information of the original image, the number of originals, the color mode, the original size, and the character / photo mode. It is also possible to predict an image processing operation in which high-priority processing function units are combined. Prediction processing ON / OFF can be set for each user.

  Next, a procedure for creating a prediction menu will be described with reference to FIGS. When the user inputs a document image, creation of a prediction menu is started, and a prediction menu including a finished image is displayed. As shown in FIG. 3A, in S1, the prediction control unit 20 requests the history management unit 22 to acquire history information and obtains history information. The history information to be acquired may be all history information or limited information such as a recent history or a specified user history. In this case, the prediction control unit 20 determines what information is necessary and requests acquisition of the target information. Next, in S2, the prediction control unit 20 performs prediction based on the acquired history information. In S3, the prediction control unit 20 issues a processing request to the image processing unit 23 with the prediction result information and the processing source image. This request may be issued as many times as necessary as one request per image, or may be combined at once. The processing source image is an input image from the scan engine 11 if it is read by a scanner, and an input image from the recording device 13 if it is read by an HDD. The prediction control unit 20 that has obtained the processed image passes the image to the preview display control unit 24. In S4, the preview display control unit 24 performs display.

  When the operation history of other devices is integrated and predicted, control is performed as shown in FIG. In S1, the prediction control unit 20 passes communication destination information to the communication control unit 7 and requests acquisition of history information. In S1a, the communication control unit 7 connects to the communication destination and requests the communication control unit 7 of the communication destination to acquire history information. Upon receiving the request, the communication control unit 7 of the communication destination requests the history management unit 22 to acquire history information in S1b, and obtains the specified history information. The communication control unit 7 as the communication destination sends the history information to the communication control unit 7 as the request source. In this way, the prediction control unit 20 obtains history information in the specified other machine. When information is sucked up from a plurality of other devices, S1 to S1b are repeated. In S2, the prediction control unit 20 requests the history management unit 22 to acquire history information and obtains history information. Either S1 or S2 may be executed first. Subsequently, the prediction control unit 20 merges all acquired history information. The subsequent steps are the same as S2 to S4 shown in FIG. Since the processing procedure for selecting and outputting the preview image is the same as the conventional one, the description thereof is omitted. Similarly, data input (scanner reading, HDD reading, etc.) is also omitted.

  When counting processing function units or combinations thereof, as shown in FIG. 4A, in S1, the prediction control unit 20 requests the history management unit 22 to acquire history information and obtains history information. In S2, the prediction control unit 20 requests the function count management unit 21 to obtain a processing count value, and obtains a processing count value. The processing count value to be acquired is information such as the number of times “2in1” and the number of times “stamp” necessary for determining the priority among the history information obtained in S1. Subsequently, in S3, the prediction control unit 20 performs prediction based on the acquired history information and the processing count value. In S <b> 4, the prediction control unit 20 sends a processing request to the image processing unit 23 together with the prediction result information and the processing source image. The prediction control unit 20 that has obtained the processed image passes the image to the preview display control unit 24. In S5, the preview display control unit 24 performs display.

  When changing the priority order in consideration of the information of the original or the original image, the control is performed as shown in FIG. S1 to S3 are the same as in FIG. If the result of the prediction that the priority order is the first is processing that does not match the information of the currently operated document or the original image (for example, color mode), the prediction control unit 20 operates in S4. The contents matching the information of the original document or the original image are searched from the top of the priority order, and the priority order of the hit result is raised. As an example of changing the priority order according to the conditions accompanying the input image, for example, if the input image is A4 size, the prediction result for A4 size may be prioritized. Further, for example, when reduced printing is selected, the priority order is changed so that only a prediction menu related to reduced printing is displayed. The subsequent steps are the same as S4 to S5 shown in FIG.

  A method for determining the priority order based on the count value of the processing function will be described. Predict the process from the count value of the operation history, and create a prediction menu and processing image. For example, if history 1 is “2in1”, history 2 is “2in1 + printing”, history 3 is “printing”, and history 4 is “2in1”, “2in1” is 3 times and “printing” is 2 times. Because there is, “2in1” priority is displayed above “print”. Moreover, the prediction menu item which united the single function with high priority is created. For example, if history 1 is “2in1”, history 2 is “printing”, history 3 is “printing”, and history 4 is “2in1 + stamp”, “2in1”, “printing”, “2in1 + printing” 3 Create one prediction menu item.

  It is assumed that the count value is a combination of functions. For example, if history 1 is “2in1”, history 2 is “2in1 + print”, history 3 is “print”, and history 4 is “2in1 + print”, “2in1 + print” is twice and “2in1” is 1. Since “printing” is once, “2in1 + printing”, “2in1”, and “printing” are displayed in the priority order. Further, it is possible to select which of the single function count and the combination function count has priority. The priority order can be determined by predicting the single function count and the combined function count. For example, history 1 is “2in1 + stamp”, history 2 is “2in1 + print”, history 3 is “print”, history 4 is “2in1 + print”, history 5 is “2in1 + print + stamp”, history 6 When “2in1 + stamp” is selected, the priority order as a combination function is “2in1 + print”, “2in1 + stamp” (first in the same rank), “2in1 + print + stamp”, “print” (second in the same rank) However, since there are a plurality of the same ranking, the ranking is given more finely. For example, detailed ranking is performed by considering a single function count. Since “Print” is 4 times, “Stamp” is 3 times, and “2in1” is 5 times, “2in1” + “Print”, “2in1” + “Stamp”, “2in1 + Print + Stamp”, “Print” The order of

  Next, various prediction methods will be described with reference to FIGS. Sort the count values in descending order and use the higher functions for prediction. The number of prediction results displayed can be set. As shown in FIG. 5A, if the number is 3, it is displayed as a prediction result in the order of “2in1”, “print”, and “frame deletion”. Alternatively, the count values are sorted in descending order, and the upper functions are used for prediction. As shown in FIG. 5 (b), “2in1” and “printing” which are higher ranks are combined and “2in1 + printing” is also used for prediction. At this time, a threshold value can be set for the count value. If the threshold value = 8, the combination is only “2 in 1 + printing”. If threshold = 4, the combination is “2in1 + print”, “2in1 + frame erase”, and “print + frame erase”. Furthermore, the number of functions to be combined can be set. If the number = 2, the above three patterns (when the threshold value is 4) are predicted, and if the number = 3, “2 in 1 + printing + frame deletion” is also added to the prediction. The number of combination results displayed can also be set. The threshold value is preferably set to (count value MAX−set value). Alternatively, the count values are sorted in descending order, and the upper functions are used for prediction. As shown in FIG. 5C, when the user selects “2in1 + printing”, “2in1 + printing” is counted up, and “2in1” and “printing” are not counted up. As shown in FIG. 5D, a table counting single functions and a table counting combined functions are held in a storage medium, and which table is used for prediction can be set.

  As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the combination function table is mainly used, and the single function table is subordinate. In the descending order of the count value in the combination function table, “2in1 + print” and “print + frame erase” cannot be ranked with a count value of 10. In this case, referring to the single-function count table, “2in1” is 18th and “frame erase” is 10 times, so “2in1 + print” is first, “print + frame erase” is second, and “2in1” is Predicted 3rd place. It has only a single function table and is more accurate than combination prediction. In the case where only the combination function table is held and predicted, there are cases where the above-mentioned peers become the same. Further, as shown in FIG. 6C, in the copy operation of the A4 document, “2in1” is often performed, and when the A3 document is operated, “reduction (50%)” is often performed. Thus, the accuracy of prediction is improved by putting information based on the original image into the prediction information. Each information based on the original image (in this example, size, color mode, text / photo) has a count table. Further, based on the image information of the image to be output from now on (the image information is known because the image is received from the scanner reading or the network), the corresponding record is acquired from the table and used for prediction. For example, if the image to be output from now is A3, full color, photo mode, A3, full color, photo mode count records (in this example, frame deletion and 2in1) are acquired.

  Next, the history information management table will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5A shows an example of history information of the entire device. FIG. 7B is individual user history information obtained by extracting only the user A from the history information of FIG. FIG. 7C shows a management table of history information added with document information. History information is managed in a database. The items include the following information. History management number (No.), date and time (year.month.day.hour.minute.second.1 / 100 second), user, location, operation, document information, number of sheets, color, image quality, size. In the operation item, a function unit record is kept. As the original information, the number of originals, color information such as full color, black and white, and two colors, image quality information such as characters, photographs, character photographs, and copied originals, and original size information such as A4 and A3 can be recorded.

  Next, a procedure for creating a preview image when the number of documents is input information will be described with reference to FIG. A preview image is determined by predicting a function to be used in consideration of the number of documents in the history information. The priority order can be changed in consideration of information (size, number of sheets, etc.) of the original and the original image. For example, when the operation with the highest priority is for one original and it is desired to operate five originals, the history priority for a plurality of originals is increased. When history 1 is “stamp” (one original), history 2 is “stamp” (one original), and history 3 is “stamp + page printing” (10 originals), “stamp” according to the priority order. Is the first priority, but since there are a plurality of documents, the priority of “stamp + page printing” in the history 3 is increased.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 9, a description will be given of a procedure for determining the priority order for creating a preview image in the case where the prediction is made by distinguishing between functional units and functional combinations. Priority is given to either functional units or functional combination units, and a preview image having a count value that is frequently used in history information is created.

  The priority can be changed in consideration of the color mode. For example, if the operation with the highest priority is for a color document, and the user wants to operate a monochrome document, the history priority for the monochrome document is increased. When history 1 is “2in1” (color original), history 2 is “2in1” (color original), and history 3 is “stamp” (black and white original), “2in1” is the priority according to the priority order of the number of times only. Although it is first, since the document is black and white, the priority of “stamp” in the history 3 is increased.

  The priority can be changed in consideration of the document size. For example, if the operation with the highest priority is for the document A3 and the user wants to operate the document A4, the history priority for the document A4 is increased. If history 1 is “2in1 + stamp” (original A3), history 2 is “2in1 + stamp” (original A3), and history 3 is “stamp + page printing” (original A4), “2in1 + stamp” is ranked first, but since the document is A4, the priority of “stamp + page printing” in history 3 is raised.

  The priority order can be changed in consideration of the text / photo mode. For example, when the operation with the highest priority is for the character mode and the user wants to operate for the photo mode, the history priority for the photo mode is raised. When history 1 is “simple binarization” (character mode), history 2 is “simple binarization” (character mode), and history 3 is “binary error diffusion” (photo mode), priority is given only to the number of times According to the ranking, “simple binarization” is ranked first, but since the document is in the photo mode, the priority of “binary error diffusion” in the history 3 is increased. Further, these modes can be integrated and predicted.

  A method for determining the priority order considering a plurality of conditions simultaneously will be described. Each condition is weighted and added, and the one with the highest score is given priority. For example, a recent weight having a short elapsed time in the operation history is given a large weight, and a past weight having a long elapsed time is given a small weight. Further, a weight corresponding to the number of documents is given. For other conditions, weights are determined and summed over the count value. Prioritize in descending order of this value. If the weights are initially uniform and are changed as appropriate according to the usage situation, it is possible to approach optimal prediction.

  Next, a prediction menu display screen including a preview image of a processed image will be described with reference to FIG. Using the image input by the user, a reduced image indicating the finished image of the processing result is created based on the predicted image processing operation, and a preview image is displayed. FIG. 10A shows a prediction menu screen for one output destination. FIG. 10B shows a prediction menu screen for each output. A prediction menu including a preview image of the processed image is displayed in descending order of priority according to the prediction result. Although one prediction menu includes a plurality of menu items, a plurality of menu items having a high priority may be displayed at a time or may be displayed one by one and switched using a button or the like. Any other display form may be used. A prediction menu of a lower priority order that is not displayed on the screen can also be displayed as necessary. As shown in FIG. 10 (a), each output destination may be displayed, and the output destinations may be switched and displayed by tabs. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. Or any other display form. The preview image can be enlarged / reduced or scrolled as necessary.

  As described above, in the embodiment of the present invention, the image forming apparatus manages the operation history of the user, counts the use state of the processing function in the operation history, outputs the processing count value, and based on the processing count value. Predict image processing operations with priorities, generate multiple prediction menus, create a reduced image that shows the finished image of the processing result based on the predicted image processing operation, and process the prediction menu that includes the finished image Are displayed on the operation unit in accordance with the priority order for each output destination, and the corresponding image processing is executed in response to selection of one item of the prediction menu. A prediction menu is displayed, and an image processing function frequently used by the user can be used without complicated settings.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention is optimal as an image forming apparatus that displays a predicted operation menu created based on an operation history.

1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration in which image forming apparatuses in an embodiment of the present invention are connected to a network. FIG. 5 is a control flow diagram illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a control flow diagram illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing of the method of determining a prediction order with the image forming apparatus in the Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the method of determining a prediction order with the image forming apparatus in the Example of this invention. It is a table | surface which shows the historical information used with the image forming apparatus in the Example of this invention. 6 is a flowchart for predicting and creating a preview image of a function desired to be used from the number of documents in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for determining a preview image creation priority of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a diagram illustrating a preview display screen of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 ... CPU, 2 ... Image bus, 3 ... ROM, 4 ... RAM, 5 ... NVRAM, 6 ... Modem, 7 ... Communication controller, 8 ... Panel Control unit, 9 ... operation panel, 10 ... engine control unit, 11 ... scan / print engine, 12 ... disk driver, 13 ... storage device, 14 ... image processing driver, 15 ... ASIC for aggregation, 16 ... ASIC for rotation, 17 ... Network, 20 ... Prediction control unit, 21 ... Function count management unit, 22 ... History management unit, 23 ... Image processing control unit, 24... Preview display control unit.

Claims (11)

  A history management unit that manages user operation history, a function count management unit that counts the usage state of processing functions in the operation history and outputs a processing count value, and prioritizes image processing based on the processing count value A prediction control unit that predicts an operation to generate a prediction menu, an image processing control unit that creates a reduced image indicating a finished image of a processing result of a processing target image based on the predicted image processing operation, and a prediction including a finished image An image comprising: a preview display control unit that displays a menu on an operation unit according to a priority order; and a process execution unit that executes a corresponding image process in response to selection of one item of a prediction menu. Forming equipment.   The function count management unit counts each processing function and outputs a single function count value as the processing count value or counts a combination of processing function units and outputs a combination function count value as the processing count value And the prediction control unit includes means for preferentially predicting either the single function count value or the combination function count value, or means for predicting the single function count value and the combination function count value in a comprehensive manner. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   The prediction control unit includes means for predicting from the entire operation history, means for predicting from an individual operation history, means for assigning priorities according to the order of the processing count values, and priority according to the recent operation history order. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an attaching unit.   The prediction control unit includes a unit that changes priority according to document image information, a unit that changes priority according to the number of documents, a unit that changes priority according to a color mode, and a priority according to document size. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: means for changing the order; and means for changing the priority according to the character / photo mode.   The prediction control unit includes a unit that predicts by integrating a plurality of modes, a unit that predicts an image processing operation in which processing units having high priority are combined, and each user of another device connected via a network. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a unit that predicts the operation history by integrating the operation history.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the prediction control unit includes a unit that generates a plurality of prediction menus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the prediction control unit includes a unit that sets ON / OFF of a prediction process for each user.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the prediction control unit includes means for leaving only a prediction menu that matches a menu item selected during a user operation.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the preview display control unit includes a unit that displays the prediction menu for each output destination of a processing result.   Manages user's operation history, counts the usage status of processing functions in the operation history, outputs a processing count value, assigns a priority order based on the processing count value, predicts image processing operations, and provides a plurality of prediction menus Generate a reduced image that shows the finished image of the processing result of the processing target image based on the predicted image processing operation, and display the prediction menu including the finished image on the operation unit according to the priority order for each output destination of the processing result An image forming method comprising: executing corresponding image processing in response to selection of one item of the prediction menu.   A computer program describing a processing procedure for executing the image forming method according to claim 10 on a computer.

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