JP2011166492A - Image processor, control method thereof, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processor for calling the information of a registered function and enabling a call when a condition required to attain the function is satisfied, and also to provide a control method thereof, and a program. <P>SOLUTION: Setting information set from an operation part 112 and an action ID for calling the setting information are related with each other and stored in an HDD 104, and the action ID and button information corresponding to the action ID are associated with each other and stored in the HDD 104. Then, the button information is displayed in the operation part 112 as portal buttons to be selected by a user. When the user selects a desired portal button, the action ID corresponding to the portal button is detected from the HDD 104. Besides, information for indicating whether the button is usable or not is imparted to the button information. When the button is not usable in the information, the usage of the button by the user is disabled. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus that can be easily set by a user, a control method thereof, and a program.

  In recent years, image processing apparatuses have become more sophisticated and multifunctional, and thus there is a user need to quickly call frequently used functions or to easily perform settings. For this reason, in a conventional image processing apparatus, processing relating to an arbitrary function or setting is assigned to a function assignment key (shortcut key) and displayed on the display unit. And when a user selects this key, the image processing apparatus which reflects a corresponding function and setting value is proposed (for example, refer to patent documents 1).

  On the other hand, the image processing apparatus has a function of a routine work button which can assign a routine work to a shortcut key and can instruct execution of the routine work by operating the shortcut key from the operation unit of the image processing apparatus. There is. In particular, as a method for using this routine work button, a button that can be commonly used for each user is often used. In addition, as a “post process” of a routine work, a workflow is often used in which image data generated using an image processing apparatus is received by a predetermined post process person and further passed to the next work. . Further, this routine work button is often registered and managed mainly by an administrator of the image processing apparatus.

JP 2002-132100 A

  However, the routine work is executed even when only a specific administrator manages the routine work button and there is no individual in charge of the subsequent process of the workflow. As a result, the routine work is executed, but there is a case where only the workflow as the subsequent process is not executed.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus, a control method therefor, and a program that can prevent a case in which only a subsequent process is not executed because there is no person in charge of the subsequent process of the workflow. There is.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image processing apparatus according to claim 1 includes an operation unit including an operation unit capable of inputting a command related to setting information and a display unit capable of displaying information related to the operation. In the processing device, first setting means for storing the setting information set by the command input by the operation means and call information for calling the setting information in association with each other, the call information, and the call Second storage means for storing button information corresponding to information and valid / invalid information for determining whether to validate or invalidate a button corresponding to the button information, the button information and the button information Based on the valid / invalid information, in a valid state in which the processing related to the setting information can be executed, the display means displays the data in a format selectable by the user, The display control means for displaying on the display means in a form that cannot be selected by the user in the case of an invalid state in which the processing related to the fixed information cannot be executed, and the button information displayed on the display means are selected by the user. Call information detection means for detecting call information corresponding to the button information from the second storage means, and the call information from the first storage means based on the call information detected by the call information detection means. A setting information acquisition unit that acquires setting information corresponding to the information, and an execution unit that executes or reflects the setting information acquired by the setting information acquisition unit.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image processing apparatus control method according to an eighth aspect of the present invention includes an operation unit including an operation unit capable of inputting a command related to setting information and a display unit capable of displaying information related to the operation. In the control method of the image processing apparatus, the first storage step of storing the setting information set by the command input by the operation means and the call information for calling the setting information in association with each other, and the call A second storage step for storing information, button information corresponding to the call information, and valid / invalid information for determining whether to validate or invalidate the button corresponding to the button information; Based on the button information and the valid / invalid information, in a valid state in which processing related to the setting information can be executed, in a format selectable by the user A display control step for displaying on the display means, and in a case where the processing relating to the setting information is in an invalid state incapable of being executed, a display control step for displaying on the display means in a form that cannot be selected by the user; When the button information is selected by the user, the call information detection step for detecting the call information corresponding to the button information from the second storage step, and the call information detected by the call information detection step, A setting information acquisition step for acquiring setting information corresponding to the call information from the first storage step; and an execution step for executing or reflecting the setting information acquired by the setting information acquisition step. .

  In order to achieve the above object, a program according to claim 9 is readable by a computer for causing a computer to execute the control method according to claim 8.

  In order to achieve the above object, a method for controlling an image processing apparatus according to claim 10 is a workflow for performing the subsequent process on the data generated in the previous process based on an instruction of a user who is responsible for the subsequent process. In the control method of the image processing apparatus capable of executing at least a part of the process, when the user instructing execution of the subsequent process is in a state capable of instructing execution of the subsequent process, When the routine work button for instructing execution of the workflow is in a usable state and a user instructing execution of the subsequent process is in a state incapable of instructing execution of the subsequent process, It is characterized by making the routine work button unavailable.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image processing apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program capable of preventing the occurrence of a case where only a subsequent process is not executed because there is no person in charge of the subsequent process of the workflow. .

It is a block diagram which shows an example of an internal structure of the image processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the software structure for displaying the function and setting value of an application installed in the image processing apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment on an operation part. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the screen displayed on the touchscreen of the operation part provided in the image processing apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the copy initial screen displayed on the touch panel of the image processing apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the portal initial screen displayed on the touch panel of the image processing apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the registration process to the portal displayed on the touch panel of the image processing apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the magnification setting screen displayed by a copy application on the touch panel of the image processing apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the menu list displayed by a copy application on the touch panel of the image processing apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the confirmation dialog displayed by the copy application on the touch panel of the image processing apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the portal registration screen displayed on the touch panel of the image processing apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the table information preserve | saved at the storage area | region of the portal application in HDD displayed on the touch panel of the image processing apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the table information preserve | saved at the storage area of the copy application in HDD displayed on the touch panel of the image processing apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the portal initial screen in which the portal button displayed on the touch panel of the image processing apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment was registered. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the table information preserve | saved in the storage area of the portal application before the portal button displayed on the touch panel of the image processing apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment is registered. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the display screen switched when the portal button displayed on the touch panel of the image processing apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment is pressed. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the call reproduction function performed when a portal button is pressed by the image processing apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing processing executed by a copy application when a portal button is pressed in the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other example of the table information preserve | saved in the storage area of the copy application in HDD in the image processing apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the portal initial screen by which the menu list was displayed by pressing the menu button in the image processing apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the edit / deletion screen of the portal button in the image processing apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the edit screen of the portal button in the image processing apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the confirmation dialog displayed on the edit / deletion screen of the portal button in the image processing apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process performed when deleting the portal button in the image processing apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the user table preserve | saved at the example in which the image processing apparatus and input / output management system which concern on this Embodiment are connected by the network, and the input / output management system. It is a flowchart which shows the process performed in conjunction with entrance / exit in the image processing apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a basic configuration of the image processing apparatus in FIG. 1, in which 100 is a controller unit that controls each unit in the image processing apparatus, 112 is an operation unit, 123 is a scanner unit, and 125 is a printer unit.

  The operation unit 112 is configured to be able to input a command with a hard key such as a numeric keypad for inputting numbers and a start key for executing processing, and a liquid crystal touch panel. The operation unit 112 provides a user interface for the user to operate the image processing apparatus.

  The operation unit 112 is configured to input settings and information to the image processing apparatus by touching (pressing down) icons and buttons (or hard keys) representing setting items displayed on the touch panel. .

  The scanner unit 123 reads an image such as a document as image data. The printer unit 125 conveys the recording paper and prints the image data as a visible image on the recording paper.

  The controller unit 100 is connected to the scanner unit 123 via the bus 122 and connected to the printer unit 125 via the bus 124. Further, the controller unit 100 is connected to another device via the LAN 113, the public line (WAN) 114, or the wireless 115, and performs input / output control of image information and device information.

  A CPU 101 installed in the controller unit 100 is a controller that controls the entire system. A RAM 102 is a system work memory for the CPU 101 to operate, and is also an image memory for temporarily storing image data. The ROM 103 is a boot ROM. The ROM 103 stores a system boot program. The HDD 104 is a hard disk drive, and stores system software, image data, and all wireless communication information (wireless communication specifications) of the communication unit 111 described later.

  In this image processing apparatus, the number of functions can be increased by installing an application (hereinafter referred to as “application”) in which a function desired to be used is installed. When the application is installed, application programs for operating various functions are stored in the RAM 102 and the HDD 104 on the image processing apparatus.

  The operation unit I / F 106 installed in the controller unit 100 is an interface unit with the operation unit 112 that is a user interface (UI), and outputs data to be displayed on the operation unit 112 to the operation unit 112. To do. At the same time, the operation unit I / F 106 plays a role of transmitting the information input and instructed by the user from the operation unit 112 to the CPU 101.

  A network unit 109 installed in the controller unit 100 is connected to the LAN 113 and inputs / outputs information. The MODEM 110 is connected to the public line 114 and inputs / outputs information.

  A communication unit 111 installed in the controller unit 100 is connected to a wireless (WIRELESS) 115 via an antenna (not shown), and inputs and outputs information. The communication unit 111 can perform a plurality of types of wireless communication. Each device described above is arranged on the system bus 107.

  An image bus (ImageBus) I / F 105 in the controller unit 100 is a bus bridge that connects a system bus 107 and an image bus 108 that transfers image data at high speed and converts a data structure.

  In each device arranged on the image bus 108, a raster image processor (RIP) 116 expands the PDL code into a bitmap image. The device I / F unit 117 connects the scanner unit 123 or the printer unit 125 to the controller unit 100.

  A scanner image processing unit 118 disposed on the image bus 108 corrects, processes, or edits input image data. The printer image processing unit 119 performs correction, resolution conversion, and the like suitable for the printer unit 125 on the print output image data. The image rotation unit 120 rotates image data. The image processing unit 121 performs compression / decompression processing such as JPEG, JBIG, MMR, and MH, format conversion processing to PDF and TIFF, OCR processing, and encryption / decryption processing on image data.

  Next, a software configuration for displaying functions and setting values of applications installed in the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 on the operation unit 112 will be described with reference to FIG.

  An application installed in the image processing apparatus includes a copy application 2303 for executing a copy function. In addition, there are a send application 2305 for executing a send function for transmitting / receiving document data and image data, a portal application 2307 for executing a function related to a portal, and the like.

  These applications are directly installed in the image processing apparatus by the user or installed in the image processing apparatus via the network unit 109, the communication unit 111, and the like. The installed application is stored in the RAM 102 or HDD 104 as an application program.

  Further, the copy application 2303 and the like installed in the image processing apparatus in FIG. 1 operate independently according to a command from the CPU 101. For this reason, data used in each application is grouped for each application and stored in the HDD 104. Note that data shared by each application is stored as common data in a common data unit 2302 set in the HDD 104.

  In this image processing apparatus, an application ID is assigned to a plurality of installed applications as an identifier for identifying each application. This application ID is stored in the common data section 2302 as common data.

  In this embodiment, for example, the application ID of the copy application 2303 is “100”, the application ID of the send application 2305 is “101”, and the application ID of the portal application 2307 is “102”.

  In this image processing apparatus, for a plurality of installed applications, the window control unit 2301 determines which applications are displayed on the operation unit 112.

  A plurality of applications such as the copy application 2303 installed in the image processing apparatus acquires data such as screen resources and setting values from the HDD 104 and displays them in accordance with a command from the window control unit 2301.

  For example, when the window control unit 2301 receives a display request for the copy application 2303 (specifically, the application ID 101), the window control unit 2301 determines whether display by the function of the copy application 2303 is possible. When the window control unit 2301 determines that display is possible, the window control unit 2301 notifies the copy application 2303 of a display command. Note that the window control unit 2301 notifies a display command together with setting data for display.

  Upon receiving this display instruction, the copy application 2303 acquires screen resources and setting values from the copy data unit 2304 set in the HDD 104 and displays them on the operation unit 112.

  On the other hand, the copy application 2303 notifies the window control unit 2301 of a data request when displaying data that is not in the copy data unit 2304.

  Receiving this, the window control unit 2301 acquires corresponding data from the common data unit 2302 set in the HDD 104 and notifies the copy application 2303 of the data. The copy application 2303 displays the notified data.

  The send application 2305 installed in the image processing apparatus can send and receive data related to the send to and from the send data unit 2306 set in the HDD 104. Similarly, the portal application 2307 can send and receive data related to the portal with the portal data unit 2308 set in the HDD 104.

  Next, a screen displayed on the touch panel of the operation unit 112 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The screen displayed on the touch panel of the operation unit 112 includes a common area 201 in which common contents are displayed on each screen and a functional area in which different contents are displayed on each screen, as in the top screen 300 illustrated in FIG. 202. Here, the top screen is a screen that is displayed first when the image processing apparatus is turned on and becomes executable.

  The common area 201 displayed on the top screen includes a title bar 203 for explaining the displayed screen, and a menu for displaying a menu for setting registration and function setting according to the currently displayed screen. Button 204.

  In the function area 202 displayed on the top screen, an application button for switching to a screen for using an application such as copy or send is displayed.

  In the present embodiment, a copy application button 205, a send application button 207, and a portal application button 206 are displayed as application buttons. When a new application is installed in the image processing apparatus, an application button corresponding to this application is displayed in the function area 202 on the top screen 300.

  The menu button 204 displayed in the common area 201 of the top screen is a button for displaying a menu for performing setting registration and function setting according to each screen. When the menu button 204 is pressed, a menu list 701 shown in FIG. 8 described later is displayed. The contents displayed in the menu list 701 and the internal processing when it is selected are defined for each screen by each application, and the defined contents are stored in the HDD 104 in association with each screen. When there is nothing to be displayed in the menu list, the user selection is disabled by performing a shaded display.

  In this image processing apparatus, applications other than the portal application 2307 always define a menu “registration to the portal” and processing corresponding thereto in the menu list 701 as shown in FIG.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is configured such that the user can perform various settings on the operation unit 112. Examples of settings that can be performed on the operation unit 112 include input of the number of copies, display of an error status of an image forming state, and bookbinding print settings including a combination of a plurality of setting operations (hereinafter, such various settings are set). Collectively referred to as “various settings relating to image formation”).

  The portal application 2307 illustrated in FIG. 2 stores various settings regarding image processing executed by the application as setting information. A function for calling and reproducing the stored setting information in accordance with an instruction requested by the user (hereinafter referred to as “call reproduction function”) is provided. Further, the portal application 2307 has a change / delete function for changing or deleting the stored various settings. Details of these will be described later.

  In the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, information (coordinates, fonts, image resources, default setting values, etc.) displayed on each screen by each application is all stored in one of the RAM 102, ROM 103, and HDD 104. Shall.

  Further, in this image processing apparatus, information to be displayed on each screen is determined according to the state of the image processing apparatus under the control of the window control unit 2301. Information stored in the HDD 104 (which may be the RAM 102 or the ROM 103) determined to be displayed is displayed on the operation unit 112 through the operation unit I / F 106.

  Further, in this image processing apparatus, when the copy application button 205 is pressed on the top screen 300 shown in FIG. 3, the display is switched to a copy initial screen 400 as shown in FIG.

  In the copy initial screen 400, as a setting button in the function area 202, a magnification setting button 301 for magnification setting, a duplex setting button 302 for duplex setting, and a setting confirmation for confirming setting contents set in the entire copy application A button 304 or the like is displayed. When any of these setting buttons is pressed, the display is switched to various setting screens for performing settings relating to copying, and the user can change the settings.

  In addition, basic functions (such as magnification) often used for copying displayed on the initial copy screen 400 display not only setting buttons but also setting contents. For example, when the magnification is set, the set result (for example, “100%”) is displayed in the magnification setting result area 303.

  When the portal application button 206 is pressed on the top screen 300 shown in FIG. 3, the display is switched to the portal initial screen 500 as shown in FIG. In the function area 202 on the portal initial screen 500, portal buttons 401 and 407 that can be selected by the user for calling various settings relating to image formation stored by the call reproduction function are displayed. These portal buttons 401 and 407 have the same configuration. For example, the portal button 401 includes an icon 402, a button name 403, and a comment 404 for the button, but is not limited thereto. The portal button can display the grouping (group classification) selected by the user.

  When the personal button 405 or the share button 406 displayed on the portal initial screen 500 is pressed, the display is switched to a group different from the currently displayed group.

  In the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, it is assumed that the share button 406 is pressed (selected) as a default. The share button 406 is a button for displaying a portal button used in common by all users.

  On the other hand, the personal button 405 is a button for displaying a portal button registered for each individual. Therefore, this image processing apparatus performs user authentication before displaying the top screen 300 or before displaying the portal initial screen 500. Then, the personal button 405 cannot be pressed for a user who has an authentication error. For user authentication in this embodiment, general means such as password authentication and human body authentication can be used. Details thereof are omitted.

  Next, the flow of control when displaying the portal initial screen based on the portal initial screen display command will be described.

  Information for displaying the portal button on the screen is stored and managed as table information illustrated in FIG. 14, and button information such as an icon, a button name, and a comment is associated with other information and stored in the HDD 104. In the table information shown in FIG. 14, the portal button No. assigned to the portal button. The application ID, action ID, icon information, and button information are associated with each other.

  The icon information includes image data such as a bitmap format that can be displayed as an icon or a path to the image data. The button information includes a button name, a comment, a group classification, a button state, and presence / absence of external cooperation.

  This button name is the content displayed in the button name 403. The comment is the content displayed in the comment 404. The group classification indicates whether the personal button 405 is pressed and registered, or the share button 406 is pressed and registered.

  When the personal button 405 is pressed and registered, the user ID (for example, “userID: 0001” in the figure) is also registered in the HDD 104. This user ID is preferably used at the time of user authentication. The action ID will be described later.

  Here, the information on the presence or absence of external cooperation included in the button information means information on whether or not the processing registered in the button includes cooperation processing such as transmitting data to the outside of the image processing apparatus. The button state holds whether or not external cooperation is possible when button processing with external cooperation is performed. Changes in button state information and screen display in cooperation with an external system will be described later.

  When displaying the portal initial screen, when the CPU 101 detects a portal initial screen display command, the window control unit 2301 instructs the portal application 2307 to perform display control of the portal button.

  Upon receiving this instruction, the portal application 2307 detects a group designated for display from the HDD 104 and detects a portal button belonging to this group. Further, the CPU 101 determines an application ID that can operate normally.

  Next, button information of a portal button having an application ID that can operate normally among the detected portal buttons is read from the HDD 104 and displayed as a portal button (display control means). As a result, a portal initial screen 500 as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the touch panel of the operation unit 112.

  The portal application 2307 executes processing registered in the portal button 401 when the portal button 401 is pressed. Similarly, the contents displayed when the menu button 204 is pressed will be described later.

  Next, a process for registering settings relating to image formation of each application as a portal button will be described.

  A procedure for registration processing in the portal for registering processing relating to image formation of each application as a portal button by the call reproduction function will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 6, the process performed by the copy application 2303 is described on the left side in the figure, and the process performed by the portal application 2307 is described on the right side so that the two can be clearly distinguished.

  Note that all the processing in this embodiment is performed by the portal application 2307 acquiring information stored in advance in the HDD 104 and user input, and issuing various execution instructions using the CPU 101 based on this information. Is called. Further, all processes performed by the copy application 2303 and the portal application 2307 are performed based on the determination of the CPU 101.

  In addition, when the user wants to perform screen switching or setting processing, the user touches the screen of the operation unit 112 and inputs a command (instruction). Then, the CPU 101 detects the coordinate position on the touched screen, reads out the processing program associated with the coordinate position from the HDD 104, and executes it to perform screen switching or setting processing. Further, all the results of the processing executed by the instruction of the CPU 101 are stored in the RAM 102 and the HDD 104.

  In the registration process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6, as an example, in the copy application 2303, a copy process setting in which the magnification setting is “80%” and the duplex setting is “duplex to duplex” is registered as the portal button 4. Will be described. Of course, in the flowchart of FIG. 6, the setting content is not limited to this, and is not limited to the copy application 2303 but can be applied to setting registration in the send application 2305.

  In the portal registration process, when the CPU 101 detects that the user has instructed by pressing the copy application button 205 on the top screen 300 shown in FIG. 3, the portal registration process starts. In the portal registration process, the top screen 300 is switched to the copy initial screen 400 shown in FIG.

  Next, in the portal registration process, the copy application 2303 detects various settings relating to image formation (copying) performed by the user on the copy initial screen 400, and stores them in the HDD 104 as setting information (step S501).

  Here, specific operations for the user to perform various settings relating to image formation will be described.

  When the user presses the magnification setting button 301 on the copy initial screen 400, the display is switched to the magnification setting screen 700 shown in FIG. In the magnification setting screen 700, when the user presses the 80% button 601 to instruct, the magnification result area 602 is set to “80”%. When the user presses the close button 603 in this state, the set magnification is stored in the HDD 104, and the screen returns to the previous screen (in this embodiment, the copy initial screen 400).

  Next, when the user performs the duplex setting, when the duplex setting button 302 is pressed on the copy initial screen 400, the display is switched to a duplex setting screen (not shown). Then, on this duplex setting screen, the user sets both sides from both sides and completes the setting operation.

  Next, a process for registering the contents set by the user as a portal button will be described.

  First, when the copy application 2303 detects that the menu button 204 has been pressed, the CPU 101 controls to display a menu list 701 on the copy initial screen 400 as shown in FIG. 8 (step S502).

  When the copy application 2303 detects that the portal registration area 702 has been pressed (YES in step S502), the copy application 2303 enters the portal registration mode.

  On the other hand, when it is detected that an area other than the portal registration area 702 has been pressed (NO in step S502), the copy application 2303 executes the corresponding processing without entering the registration mode (step S503). This process is terminated.

  When entering the portal registration mode, the copy application 2303 displays a confirmation dialog 801 that is a modal dialog on the copy initial screen 400 shown in FIG. 9 (step S504), and waits for input from the user. (Step S505).

  In the confirmation dialog 801, contents set by the user (magnification setting, duplex setting, etc.), a cancel button 802, and an OK button 803 are displayed.

  If the copy application 2303 detects that the cancel button 802 has been pressed while the confirmation dialog 801 is being displayed (NO in step S505), the portal registration mode is terminated, and the portal registration area 702 is pressed. Return to the previous state.

  On the other hand, when the copy application 2303 detects pressing of the OK button 803 (YES in step S505), a registration request is issued to the portal application 2307 (step S506). In response to the registration request, the copy application 2303 acquires the application ID of the copy application 2303 and icon information to be displayed as a portal button on the portal initial screen from the HDD 104, and transmits this to the portal application 2307. It should be noted that information relating to the setting such as the magnification is not notified during this transmission.

  As a specific process, the copy application 2303 acquires an application ID and icon information from the storage area (including the common data unit 2302 and the copy data unit 2304) of the copy application 2303 set in the HDD 104. Then, the copy application 2303 notifies the window control unit 2301 of these pieces of information.

  Upon receiving this notification, the window control unit 2301 notifies the portal application 2307 of these pieces of information. Upon receiving this notification, the portal application 2307 stores these pieces of information in its storage area (including the common data section 2302 and the portal data section 2308).

  Upon receiving the registration request from the copy application 2303, the portal application 2307 displays a portal registration screen 1000 for registering button information as shown in FIG. 10 (step S507). On this portal registration screen 1000, it is possible to set the button name and comment to be displayed on the portal button, and the group classification of the portal button.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, “reduced_double-sided copy” is input as a button name, “change magnification to 80%, change to double-sided setting” is input as a comment, and the portal button group classification is “ It is assumed that “Shared” is set.

  Next, when the user presses a cancel button 902 on the portal registration screen 1000, which means to cancel the setting, the portal application 2307 detects this (NO in step S508). Then, the portal application 2307 deletes the received application ID and the button information input / set on the portal registration screen, and then exits the portal registration mode.

  As a specific process at this time, the portal application 2307 deletes the application ID and icon information from the storage area (including the common data part 2302 and the portal data part 2308) of the portal application 2307 set in the HDD 104. Then, the portal application 2307 notifies the window control unit 2301 of a display request for the copy application 2303 and information indicating that the portal registration has been canceled.

  On the other hand, when the user completes the setting on the portal registration screen 1000 and presses the OK button 901, the portal application 2307 detects this (YES in step S508). Then, the portal application 2307 performs a portal button creation process based on the contents input and set on the portal registration screen 1000 (step S509).

  In step S509, first, the portal application 2307 generates an action ID that can uniquely identify the current registration request in order to create a portal button (in this embodiment, control for assigning a serial number from 1 for each application). Used).

  Next, the portal application 2307 creates a portal button based on the application ID, action ID, icon information, and button information. Specifically, the table information shown in FIG. 11 is recorded in the storage area of the portal application 2307 in the HDD 104 (second storage means). There, the application ID, action ID, icon information, and button information of the copy application 2303 are associated and stored as one portal button.

  As a result of the portal button creation processing, the portal button 4 is added to the table information shown in FIG. 11 so as to be understood as compared with the table information before the registration processing shown in FIG.

  When the creation of the portal button is completed in this way, the portal application 2307 transmits the action ID generated together with the completion notification to the copy application 2303 (step S510).

  The copy application 2303 associates the received action ID (calling information) with the content (setting information) set in step S501 and the icon information and the setting information with the action ID in the manner illustrated in FIG. . When the copy application 2303 always uses the same icon, there is no need to store the action ID and icon information in association with each other as shown in FIG.

  At the same time, the icon information and the setting information associated with the action ID are stored in the storage area (first storage means) of the copy application 2303 in the HDD 104, and the portal registration mode ends (step S511).

  When the portal registration mode ends, the copy application 2303 returns to the state before entering the registration mode (step S502).

  In the image processing apparatus in which the portal button is registered as shown in the table information of FIG. 11 as described above, when the portal application button 206 is pressed on the top screen 300, the portal initial screen 1300 shown in FIG. Displayed on the section 112.

  In the function area 202 shown in FIG. 13, a portal button 401 is displayed as the portal button 1, a portal button 407 is displayed as the portal button 3, and a portal button 1303 is displayed as the newly registered portal button 4.

  At this time, in the state of “unusable” in accordance with the state change information indicating whether or not the external cooperation described later with reference to FIG. 24 is possible, the portal button does not operate even when pressed. Is displayed. Since the default group classification is shared, the portal button 2 corresponding to the portal button 2 in the table information of FIG. 11 is not displayed in the example shown in FIG. Here, when the personal button 405 is pressed, the portal button 2 of the authenticated user is displayed.

  By performing registration processing in the portal shown in FIG. 6, data of the copy application 2303 registered in the portal is held only in the copy application 2303, and the portal application 2307 holds only the action ID. For this reason, when executing the contents registered from the portal application 2307, the execution instruction of the action ID is only notified to the corresponding application, so that the same data can be used regardless of the data format the application manages. You can register to the portal in the procedure.

  In the present embodiment, the processing in the copy application 2303 has been described as an example of an application. However, other applications such as a send application can be registered in the portal button in the same manner.

  Next, processing when an error occurs in the portal registration processing shown in FIG. 6 will be described. When an error occurs, an error dialog may be displayed on the operation unit 112 by pop-up display or the like under the control of the CPU 101 of the controller unit 100 to notify the user.

  In step S506 shown in FIG. 6, when the application ID or icon information cannot be acquired from the HDD 104, the CPU 101 ends the portal registration mode, and the display screen is displayed before the portal registration area 702 is pressed. Return to.

  When the information created in step S509 or the information created in step S511 cannot be stored in the HDD 104 (for example, when there is no writing authority or the capacity is exceeded), the CPU 101 stores the information in the RAM 102. When the data cannot be stored in the RAM 102, the CPU 101 ends the registration process with the portal. Then, the CPU 101 returns the display screen to the state before the portal registration area 702 is pressed (returns to step S502).

  Even in the case where communication could not be normally performed in step S506 and step S510, the portal registration processing is ended, and the display screen is returned to the state before the portal registration area 702 is pressed (return to step S502). .

  Next, the process of the call reproduction function executed when the portal button displayed on the portal initial screen is pressed will be described.

  In the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, when the user presses the portal button 4 (portal button 1303) on the portal initial screen 1300 shown in FIG. 13, the display screen of the operation unit 112 is switched as shown in FIG. Then, the controller unit 100 of the image processing apparatus executes the process of the call reproduction function registered for the pressed portal button 4. The processing procedure of this call reproduction function will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the flowchart showing the process of the call reproduction function in FIG. 16, the process performed by the called copy application 2303 is described on the left side, and the process performed by the portal application 2307 is described on the right side.

  The portal application 2307 detects that the portal button 4 on the portal initial screen 1300 has been pressed by the user (step S1501). Next, the portal application 2307 detects the application ID and action ID corresponding to the pressed portal button 4 from the HDD 104 (step S1502) (calling information detection means). Specifically, the portal application 2307 acquires “100” as the corresponding application ID and “3” as the action ID from the table information shown in FIG.

  Next, the portal application 2307 detects from the HDD 104 a copy application 2303 that is an application that executes processing from the acquired application ID, and transmits an action ID as an execution instruction to the application (step S1503). Thus, since the portal application 2307 transmits only the action ID, an execution command can be issued from the portal application regardless of the data format of the application.

  The copy application 2303 that has received the execution command from the portal application 2307 acquires the setting information corresponding to the action ID from the HDD 104 (setting information acquisition means), and executes (reflects) the setting (step S1504).

  In the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, the copy application 2303 acquires “magnification: 80%” and “double-side: double-sided to double-sided” as setting information corresponding to action ID: 3 from the table information shown in FIG. And execute this content.

  Next, as a method of reflecting the acquired setting information, a setting information reflecting process executed by the copy application 2303 when the portal button shown in FIG. 17 is pressed will be described.

  First, when the copy application 2303 receives an execution command from the portal application 2307 (step S1601), the copy application 2303 acquires a default setting relating to copying from the HDD 104, and resets the current setting value to the default (step S1602). . Then, the screen returns to the copy initial screen (step S1603). Next, the copy application 2303 overwrites the HDD 104 with setting information corresponding to the action ID, and reflects the setting information on the operation unit 112 (step S1604).

  In the present embodiment, the setting information reflecting operation by receiving the action ID is performed by the setting information reflecting process shown in FIG. Further, in the process other than the point that the action ID is notified from the portal application 2307 to the target application, a different process may be performed for each application. For example, in the setting information reflecting operation, a process that does not perform the process in step S1602, a process that displays a specific screen after step S1604, or a process that adds another process may be performed.

  Furthermore, in the image processing apparatus described above, the copy application 2303 has been described as storing the setting information in step S501. However, the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment may be configured to store the operation flow set by the user instead of the setting information. In this case, the processing executed by the portal application 2307 is the same, and the contents stored in association with the action ID in the copy application 2303 are different. For example, not the table information shown in FIG. 12 but the table information having the contents shown in FIG.

  In step S1604, the setting information is not reflected, but the stored operation flows are sequentially executed one by one. For example, when reflecting the setting information corresponding to the action ID: 3, as shown in FIG. 18, the operation is performed in the order of “magnification setting” button press, “80%” button press, “close” button press,. The flow is executed. Note that the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is not limited to setting information and operation flow, and any content that can be executed by the copy application 2303 by an execution command (including an action ID) from the portal application 2307 can be handled. .

  Next, error processing in the processing of the call reproduction function shown in FIG. 16 will be described. If an error occurs during the process of the call reproduction function, an error dialog may be displayed on the operation unit 112 by a pop-up display or the like to notify the user.

  If the application ID or the action ID cannot be acquired in step S1502 shown in FIG. 16 or if the corresponding process cannot be executed in step S1504, the execution process of the portal application 2307 is terminated and the portal initial screen is restored. .

  Also, if the application ID acquired in step S1502 is an already deleted application or a stopped application, the CPU 101 ends the execution process of the portal application 2307 and returns to the portal initial screen. Further, even when communication is not normally performed in step S1503, the CPU 101 ends the execution process of the portal application 2307 and returns to the portal initial screen.

  Next, processing related to editing / deletion of a registered portal button in the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described.

  In order to edit the registered portal button with this image processing apparatus, the portal initial screen is first opened and the menu button 204 is pressed. Then, a menu list 1801 as shown in FIG. 19 is displayed on the touch panel of the operation unit 112. The contents displayed when the menu button 204 is pressed (here “edit / delete button”) are stored in the HDD 104.

  When the menu list 1801 is displayed and the button edit / delete area 1802 is pressed, the display is switched from the portal initial screen 1300 to the portal button edit / delete screen 2000 shown in FIG. In the portal button edit / delete screen 2000, nothing is registered in the menu button, so the menu button 204 is shaded.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is configured to select the button edit / delete area 1802 by pressing the menu button 204 on the portal initial screen in order to edit / delete the portal button. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the image processing apparatus may be configured to automatically switch the display to the portal button editing / deleting screen 2000 after the completion of the processing in step S511 of FIG.

  In the portal button edit / delete screen 2000, when the user selects (presses) a portal button to be edited and presses the edit button 1901, the mode shifts to an edit mode.

  Next, a case where the edit button 1901 is pressed after the registered portal button 4 is pressed in the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described.

  In the edit mode shifted to when the edit button 1901 is pressed, the CPU 101 acquires button information corresponding to the portal button selected (pressed) from the HDD 104. The CPU 101 switches the display to a portal button editing screen 2100 as shown in FIG. 21 based on the button information. Here, the content acquired by the CPU 101 from the HDD 104 is button information corresponding to the selected portal button 4 in the table information shown in FIG.

  In the portal button editing screen 2100 displayed by switching, the contents registered as button information can be changed (edited). Here, in order to change the button name, it is assumed that the button name area 2001 is pressed to open a soft keyboard (not shown), where “reduced_duplex copy 2” is entered and the soft keyboard is closed.

  In this case, the content displayed in the button name area 2001 is changed from “reduced_double-sided copy” to “reduced_double-sided copy 2”. When the OK button 2002 is pressed, the portal application 2307 rewrites the contents of the HDD 104 and ends the editing mode. After finishing the edit mode, the portal button edit / delete screen reflecting the edited content is displayed.

  On the other hand, when the cancel button 2003 is pressed instead of the OK button 2002, the CPU 101 cancels all input operations performed after entering the edit mode, ends the edit mode, and edits / deletes the portal button. Display the screen.

  Note that the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is not configured to display items for editing icon information on the portal editing screen 2100 shown in FIG. Editing may be performed.

  Further, when deleting a registered portal button, the portal button to be deleted is selected (pressed) on the portal button edit / delete screen 2000 shown in FIG. 20, and the delete button 1902 is pressed to enter the delete mode. enter.

  In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which the delete button 1902 is pressed after the registered portal button 4 is pressed.

  In the delete mode that is shifted to when the delete button 1902 is pressed, a confirmation dialog 2101 as shown in FIG. 22 pops up on the portal button edit / delete screen 2000. When the cancel button 2103 is pressed in the confirmation dialog 2101, all operations performed after entering the deletion mode are canceled, the deletion mode is terminated, and the confirmation dialog 2101 is closed. Thereafter, a portal button edit / delete screen 2000 is displayed.

  On the other hand, when the OK button 2102 is pressed in the confirmation dialog 2101, the selected portal button 4 is deleted and the deletion mode is terminated. After the deletion mode is completed, a portal button edit / delete screen 2000 reflecting the deleted content is displayed.

  Next, a specific operation when deleting the portal button 4 will be described with reference to the flowchart showing the portal button deletion processing of FIG. In FIG. 23, the processing performed by the copy application 2303 is shown on the left side, and the processing performed by the portal application 2307 is shown on the right side.

  This portal button deletion process starts when the portal application 2307 detects a deletion execution command (pressing the OK button 2102).

  First, the portal application 2307 acquires an application ID and an action ID corresponding to the portal button to be deleted from the HDD 104 (step S2201). Then, the portal application 2307 notifies the action corresponding to the acquired application ID together with the delete instruction (step S2202). The image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment notifies the copy application 2303 to delete the content of the action ID: 3.

  Upon receiving this notification, the copy application 2303 detects the setting information corresponding to the action ID from the HDD 104, and deletes the action ID and the corresponding setting information (may include icon information) from the HDD 104 (step S2203). . Thereafter, the copy application 2303 notifies the portal application 2307 of the completion of deletion (step S2204).

  Then, the portal application 2307 deletes information related to the portal button (portal button No, application ID, action ID, icon information, button information, etc.) from the HDD 104 (table information shown in FIG. 11) (step S2205). Through these operations, the portal button stored in the HDD 104 and the information corresponding thereto are deleted.

  Next, error processing in the portal button deletion processing shown in FIG. 23 will be described. If an error occurs during the portal button deletion process, an error dialog may be displayed on the operation unit 112 by a pop-up display or the like to notify the user.

  In this portal button deletion process, if the corresponding application ID or action ID cannot be acquired in step S2201, the deletion process in step S2205 is not performed. At the same time, in this portal button deletion process, if the corresponding information or the corresponding information cannot be deleted in step S2203, the deletion process in step S2205 is not performed. Further, in this portal button deletion process, if the communication is not normally performed in step S2202, the deletion process in step S2205 is not performed.

  Next, the use state change control process in conjunction with the entry / exit management system for the image processing apparatus to change the portal button to a usable or unusable state in conjunction with the user entry / exit management system will be described with reference to FIG. Will be described with reference to FIG.

  The image processing apparatus according to this embodiment is connected to an entrance / exit management system 2401 in a specific area (a site of a business establishment, a building, a living room, etc.) in which the image processing apparatus is arranged via a network. .

  The entry / exit management system 2401 includes a user information unit 2402. This user information part 2402 has a user table 2403. This user table 2403 is user information in which a user ID of the user is associated with an image processing apparatus having a post-process to be processed by the user. For example, a user whose user ID is 1001 is in charge of a post-process for processing information transmitted from the controller unit 100 of the image processing apparatus.

  Next, a use state change control process linked to an entry / exit management system for detecting and managing a user entering or leaving a specific area will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In this use state change control process, the controller unit 100 waits until the user performs a card reading operation for entry / exit and is notified of the occurrence of entry / exit card reading (NO in step S2601). When the sensor on the entrance / exit management system detects that the entry / exit card has been read (YES in step S2601), the use state change control process is started on the controller unit 100 side. In step S2602, the controller unit 100 determines, based on information notified from the entry / exit management system, whether the entry / exit authentication can be performed in the input / output management system.

  If the controller unit 100 determines that the entry / exit authentication is not possible from the notification information on the entry / exit management system side (NO in step S2602), the process returns to step S2601 and waits.

  If it is determined from the notification information on the entry / exit management system side that the controller unit 100 has been authenticated for entry / exit (YES in step S2602), the process advances to step S2603.

  Next, the control unit on the entrance / exit management system side determines whether the user ID of the user who has been authenticated exists in the user table 2403 and notifies the controller unit 100 of the result. The controller unit 100 that has received this notification proceeds to step S2604 when it is determined that the presence exists from the notified result (YES in step S2603).

  Next, the controller unit 100 determines from the notification information (valid / invalid information) from the entrance / exit management system side whether it is “enter” to the area or “exit” from the area. If it is determined that the input is “ON” (“ON” in step S2604), the process proceeds to step S2605. Further, when it is determined that the controller unit 100 has left the area (“out” in step S2604), the controller unit 100 proceeds to step S2606.

  In step S2605, the controller unit 100 reflects the button state of the image processing apparatus in which the user who has been determined to be entered is registered in the “available” state (valid), and ends this process.

  In step S2606, the controller unit 100 reflects the button state of the image processing apparatus in which the user determined to have exited is registered in the “unusable” state (invalid), and ends this process.

  Further, when it is determined from the notification information from the entry / exit management system side that the controller unit 100 does not exist in the table of the user information unit in step S2603 (NO in step S2603), the controller unit 100 ends the process as it is.

  In the above-described embodiment, the description has been given of the control that enables the button availability information registered in the image processing apparatus to be updated in conjunction with the user entry / exit management system based on card authentication. Note that the present invention is not limited to this. According to the present invention, whether or not the button can be used in conjunction with the power state of the PC of the person in charge of post-processing, the login state to the PC, the login state to the management server, the login state to the image processing apparatus, May be configured to be updated.

  In the image processing apparatus according to the above-described embodiment, the setting information set from the operation unit 112 and the action ID for calling this setting information are stored in the HDD 104 in association with each other. At the same time, the image processing apparatus stores the action ID and the button information corresponding to the action ID in the HDD 104 in association with each other.

  In this image processing apparatus, the button information is displayed on the operation unit 112 as a user selectable portal button, and when the desired portal button is selected by the user, the action ID corresponding to the portal button is detected from the HDD 104. To do. Further, the image processing apparatus acquires setting information corresponding to the action ID from the HDD 104 based on the action ID, and executes or reflects the acquired setting information.

  As a result, it is possible to easily call the registered information with any function. Moreover, since there is no need to parse scripts or the like, calls can be made at high speed. Furthermore, a UI with high operability can be provided to the user.

  The present invention is also realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or various storage media, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or apparatus reads the program. To be executed.

  In short, the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is configured such that routine work using a workflow in which a person in charge of a subsequent process receives the data generated in the previous process and performs the next work can be executed. Has been. Furthermore, this image processing apparatus has a function of a common routine work button assigned so as to perform a routine work using this workflow.

  The controller unit 100 of the image processing apparatus receives information on a person in charge of performing a part of the routine work from an external input / output management system connected to the image processing apparatus via a network.

  When the controller unit 100 detects from the information received from the input / output management system that the person in charge performing a part of the routine work is in the department (in the area), the person in charge performs the routine work. Recognize that it is in an executable state.

  When the controller unit 100 detects from the information received from the input / output management system that the person in charge who performs a part of the routine work is not in the department (in the area), the person in charge performs the routine work. Is recognized as being inexecutable.

  Alternatively, the controller unit 100 receives, via the network, a registration notification of a period during which the person in charge who performs a part of the routine work can execute the routine work transmitted from his / her personal computer or the like. Then, the controller unit 100 recognizes that the person in charge is in a state in which the routine work can be performed when the person in charge is within the period in which the routine work can be performed.

  In addition, the controller unit 100 cannot perform the routine work when the person in charge is within a period during which the regular person cannot execute the standard work other than the period during which the regular person can perform the standard work. Recognize that it is a condition.

  Next, the controller unit 100 sets the common routine work button to a usable state when a person who performs a part of the routine work is recognized to be able to perform the routine work. To do.

  In addition, the controller unit 100 makes the common routine work button unavailable when the person in charge performing a part of the routine work is recognized as being in a state where the routine work cannot be performed. The image processing apparatus is controlled to be set.

  Thereby, the person in charge of a part of the post-process of the routine work can provide the routine work as shared in the image processing apparatus only when the workflow can be processed. For this reason, for example, when the person in charge registers as shared immediately after leaving the office, it is possible to avoid delaying routine work when the person is absent. In addition, the manager can manage the work contents and does not need to be aware of the person in charge of going to the office and the work load is reduced. In addition, a user who uses a common routine job button can check whether or not there is a person in charge of the subsequent process by looking at the operation panel, and can prevent unexpected business stagnation. As a result, there is an effect that the work efficiency of the entire workplace can be improved.

(Other examples)
The present invention can also be realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or various storage media. Then, the computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or apparatus reads out and executes the program.

100 Controller unit 101 CPU
104 HDD
106 Operation unit I / F
109 Network Department

Claims (13)

In an image forming apparatus having an operation unit including an operation unit capable of inputting a command related to setting information and a display unit capable of displaying information related to the operation.
First storage means for storing the setting information set by the command input by the operation means and call information for calling the setting information in association with each other;
Second storage means for storing the call information, button information corresponding to the call information, and valid / invalid information for determining whether the button corresponding to the button information is valid or invalid When,
Based on the button information and the valid / invalid information, in a valid state in which the processing related to the setting information can be executed, the display means displays the information in a format selectable by the user. Display control means for displaying on the display means in a format that cannot be selected by the user in an invalid state in which the processing concerned cannot be performed;
Call information detection means for detecting call information corresponding to the button information from the second storage means when button information displayed on the display means is selected by a user;
Setting information acquisition means for acquiring setting information corresponding to the call information from the first storage means based on the call information detected by the call information detection means;
Execution means for executing or reflecting the setting information acquired by the setting information acquisition means;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a unit capable of updating information related to the valid state or the invalid state based on information received from an external system.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit further includes an editing / deleting unit that changes or deletes button information displayed on the display unit.   4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays a user selectable button on the display unit for each button information stored in the second storage unit. An authentication means for performing user authentication;
5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit changes button information displayed on the display unit according to a user authenticated by the authentication unit. 6. .   The setting information stored in the first storage unit includes settings relating to an application installed in the image forming apparatus, information input by a user, and an operation flow set by the user. The image forming apparatus according to any one of 1 to 5.   The button information stored in the second storage means includes button names, comments, icon information, and a group classification selected by the user as button information to be displayed on the display means. The image forming apparatus according to any one of 6. In a control method of an image forming apparatus having an operation unit including an operation unit capable of inputting a command related to setting information and a display unit capable of displaying information related to the operation.
A first storage step for storing the setting information set by the command input by the operation means and the call information for calling the setting information in association with each other;
Second storage step for storing the call information, button information corresponding to the call information, and valid / invalid information for determining whether to validate or invalidate the button corresponding to the button information When,
Based on the button information and the valid / invalid information, in a valid state in which the processing related to the setting information can be executed, the display means displays the information in a format selectable by the user. A display control step for displaying on the display means in a format that cannot be selected by the user in an invalid state where the processing concerned cannot be performed;
A call information detection step of detecting call information corresponding to the button information from the second storage step when the button information displayed on the display means is selected by a user;
Based on the call information detected by the call information detection step, a setting information acquisition step for acquiring setting information corresponding to the call information from the first storage step;
An execution step of executing or reflecting the setting information acquired by the setting information acquisition step;
An image forming apparatus control method comprising:   A computer-readable program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to claim 8. In the control method of the image processing apparatus capable of executing at least a part of the workflow in which the data generated in the previous process is performed based on an instruction of a user who takes charge of the subsequent process, the subsequent process is performed.
When a user instructing execution of the subsequent process is in a state where it is possible to instruct execution of the subsequent process, a routine work button for instructing execution of the workflow is made available,
Image processing characterized in that when the user instructing execution of the subsequent process is in a state where it is impossible to instruct execution of the subsequent process, the routine work button is disabled. Control method of the device.   The state where the entry / exit management system that manages the entry / exit of the user in the area where the image processing apparatus is located detects that the user instructing execution of the subsequent process is in the area. The state in which execution of the subsequent process can be instructed, and the state in which the user is absent from the area does not prevent the user from instructing execution of the subsequent process. The method of controlling an image processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the image processing apparatus is in a possible state.   The user instructing the execution of the subsequent process is within a period in which the user instructing the execution of the subsequent process can notify the image processing apparatus that the user can instruct the execution of the subsequent process. And within a period during which the user cannot instruct execution of the subsequent process, the user cannot instruct execution of the subsequent process. The method of controlling an image processing apparatus according to claim 10.   A computer-readable program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to claim 10.

Images