JP2012247586A - Information processing apparatus and information processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an operation part which can easily redisplay history values input in the past without registering the history values.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus includes history means 509 of storing set values of setting items whose input is determined in the past as history values in history value storage means 506; comparison means 505 of comparing initial values of setting items related to other tab items other than a predetermined tab item with the history values corresponding to the setting items when a setting condition input screen corresponding to the predetermined tab item is displayed; acquisition means 507 of acquiring the history values as history values for display when it is determined through the comparison that the initial value is different from the history values; and history value display reception means 508 of selectively displaying the history values for display in a part of the setting condition input screen.

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing device and an information processing method, and more particularly to an information processing device and an information processing method that can easily reproduce a history value without registering a history value input in the past.

  Conventionally, when printing a document or image data edited by an application program for document editing or image editing, the user performs various settings such as the number of copies to be printed and printing on both sides of output paper, The desired printing is performed. In order to perform the print setting, for example, a user calls software called a printer driver on a touch panel of an operation unit provided in the image forming apparatus or a display of an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer. On the user interface screen (also referred to as a dialog) on the display of the printer driver, settings such as the size, number of copies, orientation, and magnification of the original are performed on the dialog.

  Here, when the user always prints with the same setting, there is a problem that it is complicated to change the setting one by one. Therefore, when the printing is performed, all or a part of the information is stored as printing history information and reflected in the setting of the next printing.

  However, as the number of printer functions increases, menus that can be set on the printer driver have increased. Therefore, various functions are arranged on the dialog in a tab format and divided into a plurality of screens. For this reason, a desired print function can be provided to the user, but there is a problem that operations related to print settings become complicated.

  As a technique for solving such a problem, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-140244 (Patent Document 1) discloses an information processing apparatus for setting setting values of a plurality of print setting items for a printing apparatus. When the information processing apparatus generates print data using setting means for setting setting values of a plurality of print setting items for the printing apparatus and the set values of the plurality of print setting items, the information processing apparatus A history storage unit that stores setting values of print setting items as history information, and a selection unit that selects a composite print setting used for printing from a plurality of composite print settings in which the setting values of the plurality of print setting items are collected And have. Further, the information processing apparatus includes a display unit that displays a list of a plurality of pieces of history information stored by the history storage unit according to a specified display condition, and one of the plurality of pieces of stored history information. Registration means for registering as a composite print setting to be selected by the selection means. As a result, the print settings used for printing are stored as print histories, and a print history print setting is registered in the complex print settings column managed as frequently used settings, thereby providing print settings. It is said that the operability related to the reuse of can be improved. Further, when displaying a list of print histories, the print history desired by the user can be easily selected by filtering and displaying the print histories according to the display conditions.

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-222159 (Patent Document 2) discloses an information processing apparatus that generates print data that can be interpreted by a printing apparatus in accordance with document data generated by an application. The information processing apparatus, when performing print settings when generating print data using a plurality of setting sheets, combines a plurality of setting items divided into a plurality of setting sheets into one composite setting list. Has a composite setting registration means for registering to. Further, the information processing apparatus includes: a selection unit that selects one of the composite settings registered in the composite setting list; and when the composite setting is selected by the selection unit, all setting items of the composite setting Display control means for controlling to set and display on a plurality of setting sheets. Thus, by using an icon that registers a plurality of print items in the printer driver, all setting items can be easily changed with one action.

JP 2008-140244 A JP 2000-222159 A

  However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1 or 2, there is a problem that the user needs to register the print setting or composite setting of the print history in advance, and this registration takes time. For this reason, there is a fact that the user feels troublesome in the registration, and the above-described technique is not sufficiently utilized.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above problem, and an information processing apparatus and an information processing method capable of easily reproducing a history value without registering a history value input in the past. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention changes a tab display screen in which a plurality of tab keys are arranged, and initial values of setting items related to tab items of a predetermined tab key to predetermined setting values. An information processing apparatus that displays a possible setting condition input screen is provided.

  The information processing apparatus is configured to display a history unit that stores a setting value of a setting item whose input has been confirmed in the past as a history value in a history value storage unit, and a setting condition input screen corresponding to a predetermined tab item. Comparing means for comparing an initial value of a setting item related to a tab item other than the tab item and the history value corresponding to the setting item of the history value storage means. Further, the information processing apparatus, as a result of the comparison, if the initial value and the history value are different, acquisition means for acquiring the history value as a display history value, a part of the setting condition input screen, History value display accepting means for displaying the display history value in a selectable manner.

  With this configuration, even if the user does not register the setting value of a specific setting item, the setting condition history value of the setting item whose input has been confirmed in the past is displayed on the setting condition input screen so that it can be selected as a display history value. The Therefore, the user can easily select and reproduce (input) the display history value. In addition, since the display history value to be displayed is the history value of the setting item related to the tab item other than the tab item of the setting condition input screen currently displayed, the user can enter the setting condition input screen. It is possible to select the history value of the setting item of the other tab item without switching, and the operability for the user can be improved.

  The history means stores the history value together with the history value in the history value storage means, and the history value display accepting means stores the date and time of the display history value. A new display history value can be preferentially displayed.

  When the display history value is selected, the history value display accepting unit accepts selection of the history value of the setting item related to the tab item of the setting condition input screen together with the selection of the display history value. It can be configured as follows.

  The information processing apparatus can be applied to an image forming apparatus.

  The present invention also provides an information processing for displaying a tab display screen in which a plurality of tab keys are arranged, and a setting condition input screen capable of changing the initial value of the setting item related to the tab item of the predetermined tab key to the predetermined setting value. It can be provided as an information processing method for the apparatus. That is, the information processing method is configured to display a history step for storing a setting value of a setting item whose input has been confirmed in the past as a history value in the history value storage unit and a setting condition input screen corresponding to a predetermined tab item. And a comparison step of comparing the initial value of the setting item related to the tab item other than the tab item with the history value corresponding to the setting item of the history value storage means. Further, in the information processing method, as a result of the comparison, when the initial value and the history value are different, an acquisition step of acquiring the history value as a display history value, and a part of the setting condition input screen, And a history value display accepting step for selectively displaying the display history value. Even with this configuration, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

  Further, the present invention can be provided as a program for causing a computer to circulate individually via a telecommunication line or the like. In this case, the central processing unit (CPU) realizes the control operation in cooperation with each circuit other than the CPU according to the program of the present invention. Each means realized by using the program and the CPU can also be configured by using dedicated hardware. The program can also be distributed in a state where it is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

  According to the information processing apparatus and the information processing method of the present invention, it is possible to easily reproduce the history value without registering the history value input in the past.

1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an overall configuration inside a multifunction peripheral according to the present invention. It is an enlarged view of the image reading part which concerns on this invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the whole structure of the operation part which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the control system hardware of the multifunctional device which concerns on this invention. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart for showing the execution procedure of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7A shows an example of an initial value table according to the embodiment of the present invention (FIG. 7A), and FIG. 7B shows an example of a history value table according to the embodiment of the present invention. is there. FIG. 8A shows an example of a basic setting screen displayed on the touch panel of the embodiment of the present invention, and an example of the basic setting screen displayed on the touch panel of the embodiment of the present invention. It is the 2nd figure shown (Drawing 8 (B)). FIG. 9A shows an example of a layout screen displayed on the touch panel according to the embodiment of the present invention (FIG. 9A), and FIG. 9B shows an example of a history value table according to the embodiment of the present invention. B)).

  Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus (for example, a multifunction peripheral) including an information processing apparatus (for example, an operation unit) according to the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an overall internal configuration of a multifunction machine according to the present invention. However, details of each part not directly related to the present invention are omitted.

  The multifunction peripheral 100 of the present invention corresponds to, for example, a printer, a single scanner, or a multifunction peripheral including a printer, a copy, a scanner, a fax machine, and the like. As an example, the operation of the multifunction device 100 when providing a document copy function using the multifunction device will be briefly described.

  When the user prints, for example, a document P using the multifunction device 100, the document P is placed on the document table 101 or the mounting table 102 shown in FIG. 1 and the operation unit 103 provided near the document table 101 is operated. Enter the copy conditions and instruct printing. The configuration of the operation unit 103 will be described later. When the printing instruction is given, printing is performed by operating the following units (drive units) described below.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction peripheral 100 of the present invention includes a main body 104 and a platen cover 105 attached above the main body 104. A document table 101 is provided on the upper surface of the main body 104, and the document table 101 is opened and closed by a platen cover 105. The platen cover 105 is provided with an automatic document feeder 106, a placement table 102, and a sheet discharge table 107.

  The automatic document feeder 106 includes a document conveyance path 108 formed in the platen cover 105, a pickup roller 109 and conveyance rollers 110A and 110B provided in the platen cover 105, and the like. The document conveyance path 108 is a document conveyance path that leads from the mounting table 102 to the paper discharge table 107 via a reading position X where reading is performed by the image reading unit 111 provided in the main body 104.

  The automatic document feeder 106 pulls out documents one by one from a plurality of documents placed on the table 102 to the inside of the conveyance path 108 by a pickup roller 109, and passes the document drawn by the conveyance rollers etc. through the reading position X. Then, the paper is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 107 by the transport roller 110B. When the document passes through the reading position X, the document is read by the image reading unit 111.

  The image reading unit 111 is provided below the document table 101, and its details are shown in FIG. The image reading unit 111 includes a first light source 112 that illuminates the document table 102 in the main scanning direction, a slit 113 that selectively allows light from the document table to pass, and a mirror 114 that guides light from the document table. , The second moving carriage 117 including mirrors 116A and 116B that reflect the reflected light from the first moving carriage 115 again, and a lens group 118 that optically corrects the light guided by the mirror, An image sensor 119 that receives light corrected by the lens group 118, an image data generation unit that converts light received by the image sensor 119 into an electrical signal, and performs correction processing, image quality processing, compression processing, and the like as necessary. 120.

  When reading a document on the automatic document feeder 106, the light source 112 moves to a position where the reading position X can be irradiated and emits light. Light from the light source 112 is reflected by a document that passes through the document table 101 and passes through the reading position X, and is guided to the image sensor 119 by the slit 113, mirrors 114, 116A, and 116B, and the lens group 118. The image sensor 119 converts the received light into an electrical signal and transmits it to the image data generation unit 120. The light received by the image sensor 119 is input to the image data generation unit 120 as analog electrical signals of R (red), G (green), and B (blue), where analog-digital conversion is performed. Digitized. Further, the image data generation unit 120 uses the sequentially converted digital signal as unit data, and generates image data including a plurality of unit data by performing correction processing, image quality processing, compression processing, and the like on the unit data.

  Further, the image reading unit 111 can read not only a document conveyed by the automatic document feeder 106 but also a document placed on the document table 101. When reading the document placed on the document table 101, the first carriage 114 moves in the sub-scanning direction while emitting the light source 112, so that the optical path length from the light source 112 to the image sensor 119 is constant. The second moving carriage 117 moves in the direction of the image sensor 119 at a half speed of the first moving carriage 115.

  The image sensor 119 electrically outputs the light from the document placed on the document table 101 based on the light guided to the mirrors 114, 116 A, and 116 B, as in the case of the document conveyed to the automatic document feeder 106. The signal is converted into a signal, and based on this, the image data generation unit 120 generates image data and stores it in the storage unit 120B.

  An image forming unit 121 that prints image data is provided below the image reading unit 111 of the main body 104. Image data that can be printed by the image forming unit 121 is generated from the image data generating unit 120 as described above, or from a terminal device such as a personal computer connected to the MFP 100 and a network such as a LAN. Received via the interface.

  As a printing method performed by the image forming unit 121, an electrophotographic method is used. That is, the photosensitive drum 122 is uniformly charged by the charger 123, and then a latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 122 by irradiating the photosensitive drum 122 with a laser 124, and toner is attached to the latent image by the developing device 125. In this method, a visual image is formed and the visible image is transferred to a transfer medium by a transfer roller.

  Note that in a multi-function device that supports full-color images, the developing device (rotary developing device) 125 is rotated in the circumferential direction around a rotation axis that is configured in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. The developing unit storing the toner is disposed at a position facing the photosensitive drum 122. In this state, the latent image on the photosensitive drum 122 is developed with toner stored in the developing device 125 and transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 126A. The developing unit 125 includes four developing units 125 (Y), (C), (M), and yellow (Y), cyan (C), magenta (M), and black (K), respectively. (K). By repeating the transfer to the intermediate transfer belt 126A for each color, a full color image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 126A.

  A transfer medium on which a visible image is printed, that is, a sheet, is placed on a sheet feeding tray such as a sheet feeding cassette 132, 133, or 134.

  When the image forming unit 121 performs printing, one transfer medium is pulled out from any one of the paper feed trays by using the pickup roller 135, and the transferred transfer medium is intermediate transfer belt by the transport roller 136 or the registration roller 137. It is fed between 126A and the transfer roller 126B.

  When the visible image on the intermediate transfer belt 126A is transferred to the transfer medium fed between the intermediate transfer belt 126A and the transfer roller 126B, the image forming unit 121 uses the transport belt 127 to fix the visible image. The transfer medium is sent to the fixing unit 128 (fixing device). The fixing unit 128 includes a heating roller 129 with a built-in heater and a pressure roller 130 pressed against the heating roller 129 with a predetermined pressure. When the transfer medium passes between the heating roller 129 and the pressure roller 130, the visible image is fixed to the transfer medium by heat and a pressing force to the transfer medium. The fixed transfer medium is discharged to a discharge tray 131.

  Through the above procedure, the multifunction peripheral 100 provides the user with the copy function processing (execution).

  FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing the overall configuration of the operation unit according to the present invention. The user uses the operation unit 103 to input setting conditions for image formation as described above, and to confirm the input setting conditions. When the setting conditions are input, a touch panel 301 (operation panel), a touch pen 302, and operation keys 303 provided in the operation unit 103 are used.

  For example, an analog resistive film method is adopted for the touch panel 301, and a translucent upper film and a lower glass substrate are overlapped via a spacer, and the upper film and the lower glass substrate are combined. A transparent electrode layer made of ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) or the like is provided on each facing surface. Further, when the upper film is pressed by the user, the transparent electrode layer on the upper film side and the transparent electrode layer on the lower glass substrate side corresponding to the pressed position are in contact with each other. By applying a voltage to the upper film or the lower glass substrate and taking out a voltage value corresponding to the pressed position from the lower glass substrate or the upper film, a coordinate value (pressed position) corresponding to the voltage value is detected. When the detected pressed position is included in the display area of a key (tab, key, item key, item button, etc.) in the setting screen displayed on the touch panel, the tab item (display instruction item) of the tab. And a setting item, a command, a signal, etc. associated with the item. Instead of the above-described analog resistance film method, for example, a method employed in the technical field related to the touch panel such as a surface acoustic wave method may be used.

  In addition, a display unit such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) is provided below the lower glass substrate, and the display unit displays a screen such as an initial screen so that the screen is displayed on the touch panel 301. Is displayed. The display unit displays preset screen data, data of a plurality of setting items to be described later, and a screen and an image corresponding to the tab item data in the tab. Thereby, the touch panel 301 has a function of inputting a predetermined instruction and setting conditions and a function of displaying the instruction and setting conditions.

  In addition, a touch pen 302 is provided in the vicinity of the touch panel 301. When the user touches the touch pen 301 with the tip of the touch pen 302, the coordinate value corresponding to the contact position (pressed position) is the same as described above. The user can press and select the displayed tab (key), setting item key, and item key with the touch pen 302.

  Further, a predetermined number of operation keys 303 are provided in the vicinity of the touch panel 301, and for example, a numeric keypad 304, a start key 305, a clear key 306, a stop key 307, a reset key 308, and a power key 309 are provided.

  Next, the configuration of the control system hardware of the multifunction peripheral 100 and the operation unit 103 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the control system hardware of the multifunction peripheral and the operation unit according to the present invention. However, details of each part not directly related to the present invention are omitted.

  The control circuit of the MFP 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 401, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 402, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 403, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 404, and a driver 405 corresponding to each drive unit. They are connected by a bus 406. The CPU 401 uses, for example, the RAM 403 as a work area, executes a program stored in the ROM 402, the HDD 404, and the like, and receives data and instructions from the driver 405 and the operation unit 103 (not shown) based on the execution result. The operation of each drive unit shown in FIG. 1 is controlled. In addition, each means (shown in FIG. 5) other than the above-described drive unit is realized by the CPU 401 executing a program.

  An internal interface 407 is also connected to the internal bus 406 of the control circuit, and the internal interface 407 connects the control circuit of the operation unit 103 and the control circuit of the multifunction device 100. The CPU 401 receives a command signal from a control circuit such as the operation unit 103 via the internal interface 407 and transmits a command signal, data, and the like to the control circuit such as the operation unit 103.

  The control circuit of the operation unit 103 includes an internal bus 415, a CPU 409, a ROM 410, a RAM 411, an LCD 412, operation keys 413 (303), a touch panel 414 (301), and an internal interface 408. When the user operates the operation key 413 or the touch panel 414, the CPU 409 transmits a command signal based on the operation to the control circuit of the multifunction peripheral 100 via the internal interface 408. The functions of the CPU 409, the ROM 410, and the RAM 411 are the same as described above, and the respective means (shown in FIG. 5) described later are realized by the CPU 409 executing the program. The ROM 410 stores programs and data for realizing each means described below.

<Embodiment of the present invention>
Next, with reference to FIG. 5 to FIG. 6, a description will be given of a procedure in which the operation unit 103 of the present invention simply reproduces the history value without registering the history value input in the past. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the MFP 100 according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for illustrating the execution procedure of the present invention.

  First, when the user turns on the power of the multifunction device 100, the control unit 501 of the multifunction device 100 is activated, and the control unit 501 activates the display receiving unit 502 of the operation unit 103 connected to the multifunction device 100. (FIG. 6: S101). The activated display accepting unit 502 displays on the touch panel 301 a tab display screen in which a plurality of tab keys are arranged and a setting condition input screen in which initial values of setting items related to tab items of a predetermined tab key are displayed. First, an initial value table stored in advance in the initial value storage unit 503 is referred to.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, the initial value table 700 includes a plurality of tab items 701 (for example, “basic settings”) and setting items 702 related to the tab items 701 (for example, “print size”). ) And an initial value 703 (for example, “A4”) associated with the setting item 702 in advance.

  Here, in the tab item 701, “basic setting” in which setting items “print size”, “number of copies”, and the like of basic settings (basic conditions) of normal copying are associated, and setting of arrangement of image data on a sheet The “layout” associated with the items “aggregation”, “single side / double side”, the “finish” associated with the setting items “staple”, “punch”, etc. of the paper finish, and the quality of the image data “Print quality” associated with setting items “magnification”, “monochrome / color”, and the like are stored.

  The initial value 703 is a setting value registered in advance by a user such as an administrator for each setting item 702, and is a setting value that is frequently selected (input) by a user who uses the multifunction peripheral 100. For example, the initial value of the “print size” in the tab item “basic setting” is “A4”, and the initial value of the “number of copies” is “1”. The initial value of the “aggregation” in the tab item “layout” is “none” indicating that a plurality of image data is not aggregated, and the initial value of the “single side / double side” is only one side of the sheet. “One side” to print. Note that all of the initial values given for each setting item 702 are set as initial conditions.

  Now, referring to the initial value table 700, the display receiving means 502 acquires the initial value 703 (that is, initial condition) for each setting item 702 stored in the initial value table 700, and stores it in the working memory. It is stored in a certain setting condition memory (FIG. 6: S102). Thus, the initial value 703 for each setting item 702 is accepted before the user inputs a predetermined setting value.

  Next, the display receiving unit 502 refers to the tab item storage unit 504 and acquires a predetermined tab item (for example, “basic setting”) stored in advance by the tab item storage unit 504 by the administrator (FIG. 5). 6: S103). The tab item stored in the tab item storage unit 504 is a tab item corresponding to a setting item with which the user who uses the multi-function peripheral 100 frequently changes the initial value.

  Here, when the display receiving unit 502 acquires a predetermined tab item, the display receiving unit 502 notifies the comparison unit 505 to that effect. The comparison unit 505 that has received the notification refers to the initial value table 700 described above and the history value table stored in the history value storage unit 506.

  In the history value table 704, as shown in FIG. 7B, the tab item 705 (“layout”, etc.) described above, the setting item 706 (“aggregation”, etc.) corresponding to the tab item 705, A history value 707 (for example, “2 in 1”) that is a setting value that has been previously determined for the setting item 706 (“aggregation”) and a date and time 708 (for example, “2011 / 4/15 9:00 ") is stored in association with each other.

  Here, the tab item 705 and the setting item 706 of the history value table 704 are items common to the tab item 701 and the setting item 702 of the initial value table 700 described above, respectively. The history value 707 whose input has been confirmed is a setting value for each setting item 706 when the copy function has been executed in the past. For example, the setting when the start key 305 is selected by the user. This corresponds to the set value stored in the condition memory (described later). When the input is confirmed, all the setting values for each setting item are confirmed at the same time. Therefore, all the history values for each setting item that are simultaneously confirmed are set as one history condition. The one history condition is associated with one date and time 708 when the input of the history condition is confirmed. In FIG. 7B, three history conditions with different dates and times are stored as “history condition 1”, “history condition 2”, and “history condition 3”.

  Now, the comparison unit 505 referring to the initial value table 700 and the history value table 704 is a tab item (such as “layout”) other than the tab item (“basic setting”) acquired by the display receiving unit 502. The initial value 703 of the setting item 702 related to the item 702 is compared with the history value 707 corresponding to the setting item 702 (706) (FIG. 6: S104).

  Any method may be used for the comparison unit 505 to compare, but as described above, the history value 707 for each setting item 706 stored in the history value table 704 corresponds to each history condition. Therefore, the comparison unit 505 first adds a new (early) history condition (“history condition 1” of the date and time 708 (“2011/4/15 9:00”) in the history condition of the history value table 704. )). Next, the comparison unit 505 sets the setting item 702 (“aggregation” related to the “layout” of the tab item 701 other than the tab item “basic setting” acquired by the display reception unit 502 among the specified history conditions. ”) And the history value 707 (for example,“ 2 in 1 ”) corresponding to the setting item 706 (“ aggregation ”) are compared.

  As a result of the comparison, when the initial value 703 (“none”) and the history value 707 (“2 in 1”) are different (FIG. 6: S105 YES), the comparison unit 505 notifies the acquisition unit 507 to that effect. . Then, the acquisition unit 507 that has received the notification acquires the history value 707 (“2 in 1”) as a display history value and associates it with the history condition (“history condition 1”) specified by the comparison unit 505 (FIG. 6: S106).

  On the other hand, as a result of the comparison, for example, as a result of comparing the initial value 703 “single side” of the setting item “single side / double side” with the history value 707 “single side” for the “history condition 1”, the initial value 703 and the history When the value 707 is identical (matches) (FIG. 6: S105 NO), the comparison unit 505 does nothing, and there is a history value 707 of the setting item 706 that has not yet been compared with the initial value 703 under the specified history condition. If so (FIG. 6: S107 NO), the history value 707 is continuously compared with the corresponding initial value 703 (FIG. 6: S104).

  When the comparison unit 505 completes the comparison between the initial value 703 and the history value 707 as described above for a predetermined history condition, the history condition that has not yet been specified, for example, the date and time of the history condition specified above is used. Next, a new history condition is specified, and the comparison with the initial value is repeated for the history value 707 for each setting item 706 related to the other tab item 705 among the specified history conditions.

  As described above, the comparison unit 505 repeats the comparison with the initial value for the history values 707 of all the setting items 706 related to other tab items for each history condition, so that the other for each history condition. A display history value that is a history value of the setting item 706 related to the tab item 705 and does not match the initial value 703 is acquired.

  For example, in the initial value table 700 and the history value table 704 shown in FIG. 7, when the display receiving unit 502 acquires the tab item “basic setting”, the history of the setting item “aggregation” for the history condition “history condition 1”. The value “2 in 1” is acquired, the history value “staple” of the setting item “staple” is acquired for “history condition 2”, the history value “2 in 1” of the setting item “aggregation” is set for “history condition 3”, and the setting item The history value “punch” of “punch” is acquired.

  When the comparison unit 505 finishes the above comparison for all the history conditions in the history value table 704 (FIG. 6: S107 YES), the display reception unit 502 and the history value display reception unit 508 indicate that fact. And notify. Upon receipt of the notification, the display receiving unit 502 receives the tab items displayed in series in the horizontal direction without overlapping the tab keys corresponding to the plurality of tab items, and the acquired tab item (“basic setting”). ) Is displayed on the touch panel 301 as a basic setting screen in combination with a setting condition input screen that can change the setting value of the setting item. At the same time, the history value display accepting unit 508 that has received the notification displays the display history value acquired by the acquiring unit 507 in a selectable manner on a part of the setting condition input screen displayed by the display accepting unit 502. (FIG. 6: S108).

  In the tab display screen 801 of the basic setting screen 800, as shown in FIG. 8A, the tab key 801a of the acquired tab item “basic setting” is placed in front, and other tab items (for example, “layout”) are displayed. ) Tab keys 801b are respectively displayed on the rear surface. In the setting condition input screen 802 of the basic setting screen 800, a plurality of setting items 802a ("print size", "number of copies") corresponding to the tab items are displayed in a list from the top to the bottom. Corresponding to each setting item 802a, a setting value change field 802b in which the initial value can be changed in a state where the initial value is selected in advance is displayed. In the vicinity below the displayed setting item 802, the display history value 802d acquired by the acquisition unit 507 is displayed as “recently input setting” 802c (recently used setting condition). Each list is displayed in a selectable manner. The basic setting screen 800 also displays an OK key 803 for confirming the input of the setting value of the setting item in the setting condition input screen 802 and a cancel key 804 for erasing the input of the setting value.

  As a result, the history value is automatically selected on the setting condition input screen 802 without the user registering a specific history value whose input has been confirmed (executed) in the past in the operation unit 103 (multifunction device 100). Displayed as possible. Therefore, the user can easily use the history value. Further, since the displayed history value is a history value of a setting item that is not displayed on the setting condition input screen 802, the history value of the setting item in another tab item without switching the setting condition input screen 802. It becomes possible to easily confirm 802d.

  Further, the history value display accepting means 508 corresponds to the display history value with the new date and time (for example, “history condition 1” having the date and time “2011/4/15 9:00” among the display history values 802d. Display history value “2 in 1”) to be displayed, for example, so as to be arranged at the top of the list.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, in the “recently input setting condition” 802c, the display history value “2in1” of “history condition 1” indicating that the date and time is the latest is displayed at the top. Then, the display history value “staple” of “history condition 2” indicating the new date and time is displayed immediately below “2 in 1”, and the display history value “2 in 1” of “history condition 3” indicating the oldest date and time is displayed. , Punch "is displayed at the bottom.

  As a result, the history value (history condition) for which the input has recently been confirmed is assumed to be used more frequently than the history value for which the input has been confirmed in the past, so the user can select the display history value 802d. The display history value 802d can be used effectively.

  In S108, the user selects, for example, a predetermined display history value (“2 in 1” corresponding to “history condition 1”) from among the plurality of display history values 802d while viewing the basic setting screen 800. Then (FIG. 6: S109 YES), the history value display accepting means 508 accepts the selection of the display history value 802d and the setting value (or initial value) of the setting condition memory corresponding to the display history value 802d. Is rewritten to the display history value 802d (FIG. 6: S110).

  For example, when the history value “2 in 1” corresponding to the “history condition 1” is selected by the user, the history value display reception unit 508 sets the setting item “aggregation” stored in the setting condition memory. The value (or initial value) “none” is rewritten to the history value “2 in 1”.

  Thereby, setting of setting items of other tab items (for example, “layout”) other than the tab item “basic setting” of the setting condition input screen 802 is performed without switching the setting condition input screen 802 currently displayed. It becomes possible to easily change the value to a previously entered history value.

  Further, the history value display accepting means 508 includes a tab item (“basic setting”) corresponding to the setting condition input screen 802 among the history conditions “history condition 1” corresponding to the selected display history value “2 in 1”. ) Setting items ("print size", "number of copies") history values that are different from the initial values 703 of setting items stored in the initial value table 700 (for example, "2" for "number of copies"). Is acquired from the history value table 704 and the setting value (initial value) of the setting condition memory corresponding to the history value 707 is rewritten to the history value 707.

  For example, when the history value “2 in 1” corresponding to the “history condition 1” is selected by the user, the history value display receiving unit 508 displays the tab item “basic setting” stored in the setting condition memory. The setting value (initial value) “1” of the setting item “number of copies” is rewritten to the history value “2” of the setting item “number of copies” corresponding to the “history condition 1” of the selected history value.

  Thus, the user can easily change the setting value of the setting item on the setting condition input screen 802 to the previously input history value together with the display history value.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 8B, the history value display accepting means 508 includes the background color of the selected display history value 802d1 in the setting condition input screen 802 of the basic setting screen 800, and the set value. Is changed from a normal color (for example, white) to another color (for example, gray).

  Thus, the user can easily visually recognize that the display history value 802d1 has been input (accepted) or that the “number of copies” 802b1 of the setting item on the setting condition input screen 802 displayed at the present time has been changed. It becomes possible to confirm.

  By the way, the setting value (“print size”) of the setting item displayed on the setting condition input screen 802 of the basic setting screen 800 without the user selecting the display history value 802d (FIG. 6: S109 NO) ( When it is desired to change the initial value “A4”), when the setting item “print size” in the setting value change field 802b is selected, the display accepting unit 502 accepts selection of the setting item and inputs the setting item. A plurality of possible setting values (for example, “A3”, “B4”, etc.) are displayed in a list form so as to be selectable. Next, when the user selects a predetermined setting value (for example, “A3”) from among the plurality of displayed setting values (FIG. 6: S111 YES), the display receiving unit 502 displays the setting value “A3”. And the setting value (initial value) “A4” of the setting item (“print size”) stored in the setting condition memory is rewritten to the selected setting value “A3” (FIG. 6). : S112). Thereby, the setting value for each setting item displayed on the setting condition input screen 802 is input.

  If the user wants to display a setting condition input screen different from the setting condition input screen 802 currently displayed without selecting the setting item in the setting value change field 802b (FIG. 6: S111NO), the basic When a predetermined tab key 801b different from the tab key 801a displayed on the front side is selected while looking at the tab display screen 801 of the setting screen 800 (FIG. 6: S113 YES), the display accepting means 502 displays the tab item ( For example, the selection of “layout” is accepted, the tab item is acquired (FIG. 6: S103), and the fact is notified to the comparison unit 505. The comparison unit 505 that has received the notification refers to the initial value table 700 and the history value table 704, respectively, as described above, except for the tab item (“layout”) acquired by the display reception unit 502. The initial value 703 of the setting item 702 related to other tab items (such as “basic setting”) and the history value 707 corresponding to the setting item 702 (706) are compared for each history condition (FIG. 6 :). S104). If the initial value 703 and the history value 707 are different (FIG. 6: S105 YES), the acquisition unit 507 acquires the history value 707 as the display history value for each history condition ( FIG. 6: S106).

  For example, in the initial value table 700 and the history value table 704 shown in FIG. 7, when the display receiving unit 502 acquires the tab item “layout”, the acquiring unit 507 sets the setting item for the history condition “history condition 1”. The history value “2” of “number of copies” is acquired, the history value “10” of the setting item “number of copies” and the history value “staple” of the setting item “staple” are acquired for “history condition 2”. For “3”, the history value “20” of the setting item “number of copies” and the history value “punch” of the setting item “punch” are acquired.

  When the comparison unit 505 finishes the comparison with respect to all the history conditions in the history value table (FIG. 6: S107 YES), the display reception unit 502, as described above, is as shown in FIG. 9A. The tab display screen 901 in which the tab key 901a of the newly selected tab item (“layout”) is displayed in front and the setting value of the setting item 902a related to the newly selected tab item (“layout”) are changed. A screen combining the possible setting condition input screen 902 is displayed on the touch panel 301 as a layout screen 900. At the same time, the history value display accepting means 508 displays the newly acquired display history value 902d as a “recently input setting condition” 902c in a part of the setting condition input screen 902 of the layout screen 900. Each history condition is displayed so as to be selectable (FIG. 6: S108).

  Thus, even when the user selects a predetermined tab key and switches the previously displayed setting condition display screen to the setting condition display screen corresponding to the tab item of the selected tab key, the tab of the tab key is displayed. Since the display history value for setting items related to other tab items other than the item is displayed again, no matter which tab key is selected by the user, the setting item corresponding to the tab item of the other tab key is displayed. A history value can be selected, and the above-described operability for the user is not impaired.

  By the way, when the user selects the start key 305 while looking at the screen displayed on the touch panel 301 (FIG. 6: S114 YES), the display reception unit 502 receives the selection of the start key 305 and performs the setting. A setting value for each setting item stored in the condition memory is accepted as a setting condition. As a result, the setting conditions input (selected) immediately before the start key 305 is selected are determined. Next, the display accepting unit 502 notifies the history unit 509 that the input of the setting condition has been confirmed, and the history unit 509 that has received the notification refers to the initial value table 700 and refers to the initial value. The initial condition (initial value for each setting item) in the table 700 is compared with the setting condition for which input is confirmed for each setting item to determine whether or not they match (FIG. 6: S115).

  As a result of the determination, if the two match (FIG. 6: S115 NO), the history unit 509 does nothing. This prevents the setting condition identical to the initial condition from being stored in the history value table 704.

  On the other hand, if the result of the determination is that they do not match (if they do not match) (FIG. 6: S115 YES), for example, among the setting items of the setting condition, the “number of copies” of the initial value “1” is “4” When “monochrome / color” of the initial value “monochrome” is “color”, the setting condition needs to be stored as a history condition. Therefore, the history unit 509 inputs the setting condition from the clock unit 510. The determined date and time (for example, “2011/4/20 10:00”) is acquired, and the date and time and the history condition are stored in association with the history value table (FIG. 6: S116).

  In the history value table 704, as shown in FIG. 9B, in addition to the history value 707 (history condition) for each setting item already stored, the new history condition “history condition 4” described above is added. The history value 903 for each setting item and the date and time 904 ("2011/4/20 10:00") when the input of the history value 903 is confirmed are stored in association with each other.

  As a result, since the history condition that is different from the initial condition and the input is confirmed is stored after the input is confirmed, wasteful consumption of the memory capacity is suppressed, and the setting condition input screen 802 is displayed next. In this case, a display history value 802d reflecting the history condition is displayed. For this reason, when the user performs a work (routine work) in which the same setting conditions are repeatedly input to execute a copy (routine work), it is possible to use the history conditions that have been confirmed immediately before, and further improve the operability for the user. Improve.

  When the display accepting unit 502 finishes notifying the history unit 509, the setting unit that has confirmed the input is notified to the control unit 501 of the multifunction peripheral 100 (FIG. 6: S117), and the control unit 501 that has received the notification. Instructs the function execution means 511 to execute the copy function based on the setting condition. Upon receiving the instruction, the function execution means 511 executes the copy function based on the setting condition (FIG. 6: S118). As a result, the user can cause the multifunction peripheral 100 to execute a copy function of the input desired setting condition.

  As described above, in the operation unit 103 of the present invention, the history unit 509 for storing the setting value of the setting item whose input has been confirmed in the past as the history value in the history value storage unit 506, and the setting condition input corresponding to the predetermined tab item When the screen 802 is displayed, the comparison unit 505 compares the initial value of the setting item related to the tab item other than the tab item and the history value corresponding to the setting item. Further, in the operation unit 103, if the initial value and the history value are different as a result of the comparison, an acquisition unit 507 that acquires the history value as a display history value and a part of the setting condition input screen 802 And a history value display accepting means 508 for selectively displaying the display history value.

  As a result, even if the user does not register the setting value of a specific setting item, the history value of the setting item whose input has been confirmed in the past is displayed on the setting condition input screen 802 so as to be selectable as a display history value. The Therefore, the user can easily select and reproduce (input) the display history value. Further, since the display history value to be displayed is a history value of a setting item related to a tab item other than the tab item of the setting condition input screen 802 currently displayed, the user can input the setting condition. Without switching the screen 802, it is possible to select history values of setting items of other tab items, and the user can easily use the display history values.

  Note that the history value display accepting unit 508 according to the embodiment of the present invention is configured to preferentially display the display history value with the new date and time among the display history values, but other configurations may be used. . For example, a predetermined period (1 day, 3 days, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 1 year, etc.) is determined in advance for the date and time, and the display history value is displayed within the period from the display time point. If only the display history value of the date and time included is configured to be displayed on the setting condition input screen, the display history value that is likely to be selected by the user is displayed on the limited screen area. Space saving (area saving) can be achieved.

  In the history value table of the operation unit 103 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the tab item, the setting item, the history value, and the date are stored in association with each other. It doesn't matter. For example, the history value table is further configured to store a user ID for identifying the user in association with each other, and the history value (history condition) associated with each user is effectively used by the input user. It doesn't matter. With this configuration, the predetermined user tends to repeatedly use the history value input by himself / herself according to the business content assigned to the user, so that the history value is efficiently used. In order to identify the user, for example, a user authentication technique (user login technique) which is a known technique is employed.

  Further, in the operation unit 103 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the history value table is stored in association with the date and time when the history value input is confirmed, and the history value display receiving unit 508 displays the setting condition input screen. Of the display history values to be displayed, the display history value with the newest date and time is preferentially displayed. However, other configurations may be used. For example, in the history value table, the tab item, the setting item, the history value, and the number of times the input of the history value has been determined are stored in association with each other, and the history value display receiving unit 508 stores the setting condition. Of the display history values displayed on the input screen, a display history value with a large number of times may be preferentially displayed. With this configuration, a display history value with a large number of times can be easily selected by the user, and thus effective use of the display history value is promoted. In addition, since the history value table stores the history value for each setting item as the history condition, the history value can be efficiently managed if the number of times the history condition is input is determined. .

  Further, a predetermined threshold value (3 times, 5 times, 10 times, etc.) is determined in advance for the number of times, and only the display history value of the number of times exceeding the threshold value is displayed on the setting condition input screen. With this configuration, display history values that are likely to be selected by the user are displayed on a limited screen area, and space saving (area saving) can be achieved. The history value table is configured to store the date and the number of times in combination, and the history value display receiving unit 508 displays the history value for display using the number of times and the date and time. The history ID display accepting means 508 may use the user ID, the date, and the number of times to store the user ID, the date, and the number of times in combination in the history value table. You may comprise so that the historical value for a display may be displayed.

  In the operation unit 103 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the copy function of the multifunction peripheral 100 is employed. However, the operation unit 103 can be employed for, for example, a scan function, a print box function, and a fax function. In the embodiment of the present invention, the case where the operation unit 103 is applied to the multifunction device 100 has been described. However, the operation unit 103 is applied to an information processing apparatus (personal computer) corresponding to the operation unit 103 and is connected to the information processing apparatus. Even if the multifunction machine is configured to execute the copy function, the same effect can be obtained. Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present invention, the case where the operation unit 103 is applied to the multifunction peripheral 100 has been described. However, various image forming apparatuses, various image processing apparatuses, and various image display apparatuses provided with the operation unit 103 (operation device). Even if applied to the above, the same effect is obtained.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the operation unit 103 is configured to include each unit. However, a program (for example, corresponding to a printer driver) that realizes each unit is stored in a storage medium, and the storage medium is stored in the storage unit. You may comprise so that it may provide. In this configuration, the operation unit 103 or the multifunction device 100 is caused to read the program, and the operation unit 103 or the multifunction device 100 implements the respective units. In that case, the program itself read from the recording medium exhibits the effects of the present invention. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a method for storing the steps executed by each means in a hard disk.

  As described above, the information processing apparatus and information processing method according to the present invention are useful not only for multifunction peripherals but also for personal computers connected to copying machines, printers, multifunction peripherals, etc. This is effective as an information processing apparatus and information processing method that can easily reproduce the history value without registration.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 MFP 103 Operation part 501 Control means 502 Display reception means 503 Initial value storage means 504 Tab item storage means 505 Comparison means 506 History value storage means 507 Acquisition means 508 History value display reception means 509 History means 510 Clock means 511 Function execution means

Claims (7)

In an information processing apparatus that displays a tab display screen in which a plurality of tab keys are arranged, and a setting condition input screen that can change an initial value of a setting item related to a tab item of a predetermined tab key to a predetermined setting value.
History means for storing setting values of setting items whose input has been confirmed in the past as history values in the history value storage means;
When a setting condition input screen corresponding to a predetermined tab item is displayed, initial values of setting items related to other tab items other than the tab item, and the setting item corresponding to the setting item of the history value storage unit A comparison means for comparing historical values;
As a result of the comparison, when the initial value and the history value are different, an acquisition unit that acquires the history value as a display history value;
An information processing apparatus comprising: a history value display accepting unit configured to selectably display the display history value in a part of the setting condition input screen. The history means stores the history value together with the history value in the history value storage means when the input of the history value is confirmed,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the history value display reception unit preferentially displays a display history value with a new date and time among the display history values. The history value display accepting unit accepts selection of a history value of a setting item related to a tab item of the setting condition input screen together with selection of the history value for display when the history value for display is selected. The information processing apparatus according to 1 or 2.   An image processing apparatus comprising the information processing apparatus according to claim 1. In an information processing method of an information processing apparatus for displaying a tab display screen in which a plurality of tab keys are arranged and a setting condition input screen capable of changing an initial value of a setting item related to a tab item of a predetermined tab key to a predetermined setting value ,
A history step for storing a setting value of a setting item whose input has been confirmed in the past as a history value in the history value storage means;
When a setting condition input screen corresponding to a predetermined tab item is displayed, initial values of setting items related to other tab items other than the tab item, and the setting item corresponding to the setting item of the history value storage unit A comparison step for comparing historical values;
As a result of the comparison, when the initial value and the history value are different, an acquisition step of acquiring the history value as a display history value;
A history value display receiving step for selectively displaying the display history value in a part of the setting condition input screen.   A program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method according to claim 5.   A computer-readable storage medium storing the program according to claim 6.

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