JP2016220009A - Image formation device, program and display device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique capable of easily confirming the progress of each job, even when multiple jobs are being executed in an image formation device.SOLUTION: On a progress confirmation screen 300(309) for confirming the progress of a plurality of jobs, input part areas A11-A13 corresponding to a plurality of input means, respectively, and a plurality of output part areas A51-A53 corresponding to a plurality of output means, respectively, are arranged. On the progress confirmation screen 309, a path connecting one input part area (e.g., A11) corresponding to input means used in the individual job out of the plurality of jobs and one output part area (e.g., A52) corresponding to output means used in the individual job is drawn as the process path R10(R12) of the individual job. Furthermore, a small image related to the individual job is drawn on the process path R10(R12) thereof.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as an MFP (Multi-Functional Peripheral) and a technology related thereto.

  There is a technique for displaying the progress of one job being executed in the image forming apparatus.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, a display unit displays a plurality of types of image processing processing paths and thumbnail images that are sequentially executed between input and output of image data for a certain job. The Then, the display status of the processing path is updated and the display position of the thumbnail image is updated according to the progress status of the certain one job. Thereby, the user can easily confirm the progress status of the certain job.

JP 2014-3412 A

  However, Patent Document 1 does not consider a situation in which a plurality of jobs are executed in the image forming apparatus.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that can easily check the progress of each job even when a plurality of jobs are being executed.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention of claim 1 is an image forming apparatus, wherein a plurality of input means relating to an image, a plurality of output means relating to an image, and a progress status for confirming the progress status of a plurality of jobs. Display control means for controlling the display operation of the confirmation screen, wherein a plurality of input section areas respectively corresponding to the plurality of input means and a plurality of output sections respectively corresponding to the plurality of output means in the progress status confirmation screen Display control means for arranging each of the areas at predetermined positions, wherein the display control means has the plurality of input section areas according to individual jobs of the plurality of jobs on the progress confirmation screen. One input section area selected from among the input section areas corresponding to the input means used in the individual job and the plurality of outputs according to the individual job A path connecting one output unit area selected from the areas and corresponding to one output unit area corresponding to the output means used in the individual job is the individual of the plurality of jobs. And a small image relating to the individual job is drawn on the processing path.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, the display control means is a display element relating to the first job on the progress confirmation screen, and the processing path of the first job. A first display element which is a display element including at least one of the first image and a small image on the processing path of the first job, and a display element relating to a second job different from the first job Displaying a second display element that is a display element including at least one of the processing path of the second job and the small image on the processing path of the second job in a display mode different from each other. Features.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, the display control means is a display element relating to a first job of the first user on the progress confirmation screen, and is the first element. A first display element that is a display element including at least one of the job processing path of the first job and the small image on the processing path of the first job, and a second user other than the first user A second display element that is a display element related to the second job and includes at least one of a processing path of the second job and a small image on the processing path of the second job, It is characterized by displaying in different display modes.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the second or third aspect of the present invention, the first display element includes a line representing a processing path of the first job and a line of the first job. A first line element that is at least one of a small image frame line on the processing path, and the second display element includes a line that represents the processing path of the second job and the second line element. Including a second line element that is at least one of a frame line of a small image on a job processing path, and the display control unit makes the first line element and the second line element different from each other. It is characterized by displaying using colors.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the second or third aspect of the present invention, the first display element includes a line representing a processing path of the first job and a line of the first job. A first line element that is at least one of a small image frame line on the processing path, and the second display element includes a line that represents the processing path of the second job and the second line element. Including a second line element that is at least one of a frame line of a small image on a job processing path, and the display control unit makes the first line element and the second line element different from each other. It is characterized by displaying using types of lines.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, the display control unit is configured to display the first user's first on the progress confirmation screen while the first user logs in. The first display element relating to the second job is displayed in a more emphasized manner than the second display element relating to the second job of the second user.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, the display control unit includes a line representing a processing path of the first job of the first user on the progress confirmation screen, The first line element including at least one of the small image frame lines on the processing path of the first job and the processing path of the second job of the second user other than the first user are expressed. The second line element including at least one of the line to be processed and the frame line of the small image on the processing path of the second job is displayed using different colors, and the second user's The second line element relating to the second job, a line representing a third job processing path of the second user different from the second job, and the third line of the second user Small of the borders of small images on the job processing path And a third line element comprising one Kutomo, and displaying with same color and different types of lines.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the display control unit is configured to display the progress check screen displayed during the login of the first user. As the small image on the processing path of the first job, a thumbnail image of the processing target image of the first job is drawn, and the small image on the processing path of the second job of the second user who is not logged in As a feature, a dummy image is drawn instead of the thumbnail image.

  According to a ninth aspect of the invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the display control means designates a desired job as a display target from the plurality of jobs. When an operation is accepted, the progress confirmation screen includes at least one of a display element related to the desired job and a processing path of the desired job and a small image on the processing path of the desired job. While displaying a display element, the display element relates to a non-designated job that is a job other than the desired job among the plurality of jobs, and is on a processing path of the non-designated job and a processing path of the non-designated job. A display element including at least one of the small image is not displayed.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, the display control unit is configured to process the individual job according to the progress of the individual job. The small image is drawn at any one of the plurality of positions above.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the tenth aspect, the image data is input via any one of the plurality of input means and is output by any one of the plurality of output means. Storage means for storing previous image data, wherein the display control means includes an input section group area including the plurality of input section areas as a storage section area corresponding to the storage section on the progress confirmation screen. And the output unit group region including the plurality of output unit regions, the processing path of the individual job is an input side processing path that connects the one input unit region and the storage unit region, It has an output side processing path which connects the storage section area and the one output section area.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the eleventh aspect, the plurality of positions are a position on the input-side processing path, a position in the storage area, and a position on the output-side processing path. Or any of the above.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the eleventh or twelfth aspect of the present invention, the processing path of the individual job has a plurality of sections, and the display control unit displays the progress status confirmation screen. When a designated section is designated from among the plurality of sections based on a section designation operation by the user, a noticed section screen for accepting a user operation on a small image in the noticed section including the designated section is displayed, and the image forming apparatus Further includes job control means for executing processing corresponding to the user operation on the section of interest screen in the individual job.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect, the plurality of sections include an input side section including the one input section area, and the display control unit includes the input side section. When the input side section is designated as the designated section by a pressing operation on the display element corresponding to the display element, a screen for accepting the user operation on the small image in the input side section is displayed as the target section screen. To do.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fourteenth aspect of the invention, the display control unit also displays the storage area on the target section screen, and the user operation is performed on the target section screen. A movement operation for moving a small image on the input-side processing path in a direction toward the storage unit area, and the job control means, in response to the pressing operation for designating the input-side section as the designated section, While displaying the said area of interest screen, the input process of the image data in the said individual job is interrupted temporarily, and the said input process that was temporarily interrupted is restarted according to the said movement operation in the said area of interest screen It is characterized by doing.

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect, the plurality of sections include an output side section including the one output section area, and the display control unit includes the output side section. When the output side section is designated as the designated section by a pressing operation on a display element corresponding to the display element, a screen for accepting the user operation on the small image in the output side section is displayed as the target section screen. To do.

  According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the sixteenth aspect of the invention, the user operation causes the small image on the output-side processing path to be directed toward the one output unit area on the target section screen. The job control means displays the section of interest screen in response to the pressing operation that designates the output side section as the designated section, and outputs image data in the individual job. The processing is temporarily interrupted, and the output processing that has been temporarily interrupted is resumed in response to the moving operation on the target section screen.

  According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the plurality of sections are provided on the output side of the input section including the one input section area and on the output side of the input section. An intermediate section including the storage area, and the display control means, when the input side section is designated as the designated section by a pressing operation on a display element corresponding to the input side section, A screen for accepting a user operation on the small image is displayed as the section of interest screen.

  According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the plurality of sections are provided on the input side of the output side section including the one output section area and on the input side of the output side section. An intermediate section including the storage area, and the display control means, when the output side section is designated as the designated section by a pressing operation on a display element corresponding to the output side section, A screen for accepting the user operation on the small image is displayed as the target section screen.

  According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the plurality of sections are provided between the one input section area and the one output section area, and the storage section area is defined. And the display control means performs the user operation on the small image in the intermediate section when the intermediate section is designated as the designated section by a pressing operation on a display element corresponding to the intermediate section. The receiving screen is displayed as the section of interest screen.

  According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the eighteenth to twentieth aspects, the user operation is an instruction to delete a specific small image in the storage area in the section of interest screen. And the job control means receives image data corresponding to the specific small image from the storage means in response to the delete instruction operation on the section of interest screen. It is characterized by deleting.

  According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the eighteenth to twentieth aspects, the user operation is an arrangement order of a plurality of small images in the storage area on the attention section screen. The job control means is a plurality of pieces of image data to be processed by the individual job according to the order change operation in the section of interest screen, and each of the plurality of small images. The order of output processing of a plurality of corresponding image data is changed to an order corresponding to the arrangement order after the change of the plurality of small images.

  According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, the display control means includes a plurality of output means corresponding to the plurality of output means on the progress confirmation screen. A plurality of output areas in which the small images are respectively drawn in the output areas in accordance with the completion of the output processing by each of the plurality of output means, respectively, in the vicinity of the plurality of output section areas When the output processing by the output means arranged and used in the individual job among the plurality of output means is completed, the small image is rendered in the one output area corresponding to the output means. It is characterized by.

  According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the twenty-third aspect of the present invention, when the one output finished area is pressed down on the progress confirmation screen, the display control means sets the one output finished area. A screen showing a list of output images output by the corresponding output means is displayed.

  According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, processing relating to a job currently being executed in the image forming apparatus is performed in response to an instruction from a user. It further comprises job control means for executing at a processing speed slower than the above processing speed.

  According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to twenty-fifth aspects, the display control unit is configured to display a job waiting for execution of an output process on the progress confirmation screen. A standby list showing a list is displayed.

  According to a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the eleventh or twelfth aspect of the present invention, the display control means is a plurality of pieces of image data that are processing target image data in the individual job and are a predetermined number or less. Is stored in the storage unit, the same number of small images as the number of the plurality of image data are drawn in the storage area, and the predetermined number of image data to be processed in the individual job. In the storage unit area, a small image related to the predetermined number of image data is drawn in the storage unit area, and the multiple image data is stored in the storage unit. Among them, a small image relating to image data other than the predetermined number of image data is not drawn.

  According to a twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the twenty-third aspect, the display control unit performs an output process on a plurality of pieces of image data that is the processing target image data in the individual job. When completed, the same number of small images as the number of the plurality of image data are drawn in the output area, and the image data to be processed in the individual job is larger than the predetermined number. When the output processing for the data has been completed, a small image related to the predetermined number of image data among the large number of image data is drawn in the output area, and the predetermined number of the large number of image data A small image relating to image data other than image data is not drawn.

  According to a twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to twenty-eighth aspects, the display control means is currently executing in the image forming apparatus among the plurality of input unit areas. Only the input unit area corresponding to the input unit used in the job is displayed, and among the plurality of output unit areas, the output unit used in the job currently being executed by the image forming apparatus is displayed. Only the corresponding output area is displayed.

  According to a thirty-third aspect of the invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to thirty-ninth aspects, the display control means also displays detailed content information regarding the individual job on the progress confirmation screen. The detailed content information includes at least one of a type of the individual job and a user related to the individual job.

  According to a thirty-first aspect of the present invention, in a step of acquiring a progress status of a plurality of jobs in a computer built in the image forming apparatus, and b) a progress status confirmation screen for confirming the progress status of the plurality of jobs. A plurality of input units corresponding to the plurality of input units relating to the image, and a plurality of output units corresponding to the plurality of output units relating to the image, respectively. A plurality of output section areas arranged at predetermined positions, and one input section area selected from the plurality of input section areas according to an individual job of the plurality of jobs, One input section area corresponding to an input means used in an individual job and one output section area selected from the plurality of output section areas according to the individual job; The path connecting one output unit area corresponding to the output means used in the individual job is drawn as the processing path of the individual job of the plurality of jobs, and the path is connected to the processing path. And a step of drawing a small image relating to the individual job.

  The invention of claim 32 is a display device, wherein the display means displays a progress confirmation screen for confirming the progress of a plurality of jobs processed by the image forming apparatus, and the display of the progress confirmation screen. Display control means for controlling an operation, wherein a plurality of input unit areas corresponding to a plurality of input means relating to an image and a plurality of input means of the image forming apparatus on the progress confirmation screen; and the image forming apparatus Display control means for arranging a plurality of output sections corresponding to the plurality of output means related to the images at predetermined positions, respectively, wherein the display control means is configured to check the progress status. In the screen, one input unit area selected from the plurality of input unit areas according to an individual job of the plurality of jobs, and the individual job is used. An output unit region selected from the plurality of output unit regions according to the individual job and an output used in the individual job A path connecting one output unit area corresponding to the means is drawn as a processing path of the individual job of the plurality of jobs, and a small image related to the individual job is drawn on the processing path. It is characterized by that.

  According to the first to thirty-second aspects of the present invention, the processing path for each job is drawn on the progress confirmation screen, and a small image for each job is drawn on the processing path. Even if is executed, the progress of each job can be easily confirmed.

  In particular, according to the second aspect of the present invention, since the display element related to the first job and the display element related to the second job are displayed in different display modes, the user visually distinguishes each job. It is possible to confirm separately.

  In particular, according to the third aspect of the present invention, the display element related to the first job of the first user and the display element related to the second job of the second user are displayed in different display modes. Therefore, the user who operates the image forming apparatus can visually distinguish his / her job from other users' jobs.

  In particular, according to the invention described in claim 6, during the login of the first user, the display element related to the first job of the first user is the display related to the second job of the second user. Since it is displayed with emphasis over the elements, the first user who is logged in can easily find his / her job from among a plurality of jobs displayed on the progress confirmation screen.

  In particular, according to the invention described in claim 8, the progress confirmation screen displayed during the login of the first user is on the processing path of the second job of the second user who is not logged in. Since the dummy image is drawn as the small image instead of the thumbnail image, it is possible to avoid leakage of information related to the job of the second user who is not logged in.

1 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of an image forming apparatus (MFP). It is a figure which shows the functional block of an image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows a top menu screen. It is a figure which shows a progress confirmation screen. It is a figure which shows a progress confirmation screen when a copy job (only) is performed. It is a figure which shows a progress confirmation screen when a copy job (only) is performed. It is a figure which shows a progress confirmation screen when a copy job (only) is performed. It is a figure which shows a progress confirmation screen when a copy job (only) is performed. It is a figure which shows a job management table. It is a figure which shows a job management table. It is a figure which shows a job management table. It is a figure which shows a job management table. It is a figure which shows a progress confirmation screen when a scan job (only) is performed. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a progress confirmation screen when a print job (only) is being executed. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a progress confirmation screen when a FAX reception job (only) is being executed. It is a figure which shows the progress confirmation screen when a some job is performed. It is a figure which shows the progress confirmation screen concerning 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the progress confirmation screen concerning 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the progress confirmation screen concerning 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the progress confirmation screen concerning 5th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the progress confirmation screen concerning 6th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the input side area screen. It is a figure which shows the input side area screen. It is a figure which shows the input side area screen. It is a figure which shows the input side area screen. It is a figure which shows an output side area screen. It is a figure which shows an output side area screen. It is a figure which shows an intermediate area screen. It is a figure which shows the output completed area screen. It is a figure which shows the progress confirmation screen concerning 7th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the progress confirmation screen concerning a modification. It is a figure which shows the progress confirmation screen concerning a modification. It is a figure which shows a progress confirmation screen. It is a figure which shows a comparative example.

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

<1. First Embodiment>
<1-1. Outline of configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the image forming apparatus 10, and FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating functional blocks of the image forming apparatus 10. Here, an MFP (Multi-Functional Peripheral) is exemplified as the image forming apparatus 10.

  The MFP 10 is a device (also referred to as a multi-function device) having a scan function, a copy function, a facsimile function, a box storage function, and the like. Specifically, as shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 2, the MFP 10 includes an image reading unit 2, a print output unit 3, a communication unit 4, a storage unit 5, an operation unit 6, a controller 9, and the like. Various functions are realized by operating each part of the above in a complex manner.

  As will be described later, the MFP 10 includes a plurality of (here, three) input means related to an image and a plurality (here, three) output means related to an image. In a job executed by the MFP 10, image data is input using any of the plurality of input units, and image data is output using any of the plurality of output units.

  An image reading unit (also referred to as a scan unit) 2 optically reads (that is, scans) a document placed at a predetermined position of the MFP 10, and image data (input image data) of the document (document) A processing unit that generates image data or scanned image data. The image reading unit 2 serves as an input unit (image data input unit) in a job (copy job, scan job, FAX transmission job, etc.) that uses image data (scanned image data) generated by scanning processing (reading processing). Operate.

  The print output unit 3 is an output unit that prints out an image (image data) on various media such as paper based on data related to a print target. The print output unit 3 operates as output means (image data output unit) in a job (print job, FAX reception job, etc.) for printing out image data (output image data) to be printed.

  The communication unit 4 is a processing unit that can perform various types of communication.

  Specifically, the communication unit 4 includes a network communication unit 4x that performs network communication. The network communication unit 4x includes a network transmission unit 4a that transmits various data and a network reception unit 4b that receives various data. In this network communication, for example, various protocols such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) are used. The network receiving unit 4b operates as an input unit in a job (for example, a print job) that uses various data (specifically, input image data) received through network communication. The network transmission unit 4a operates as an output unit in a job (for example, a scan job) that transmits various data (specifically, output image data) to other devices through the network communication.

  The communication unit 4 also includes a facsimile communication unit 4y that performs facsimile communication via a public line or the like (also simply referred to as a FAX communication unit 4y). The facsimile communication unit 4y includes a facsimile transmission unit 4c (simply referred to as a FAX transmission unit 4c) and a facsimile reception unit 4d (simply referred to as a FAX reception unit 4d). The facsimile reception unit 4d operates as an input unit in a job (for example, a FAX reception job) that uses facsimile reception data (input image data) received via a public line or the like. The facsimile transmission unit 4c operates as an output unit in a job (for example, FAX transmission job) for transmitting facsimile transmission data (output image data) via a public line or the like.

  The storage unit 5 includes a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD). The storage unit 5 stores various image data and the like. The storage unit 5 stores the image data input via any of the plurality of input means, and the image data (image waiting for output) before being output by any of the plurality of output means. Data). That is, the storage unit 5 functions as an intermediate buffer for image data. The storage unit 5 also stores the thumbnail image T generated by the image generation unit 16. Further, the storage unit 5 stores job management information including the progress status of the job being executed (processing) in the MFP 10 in the job management table 800 (see FIG. 9 and the like). For example, in the job management table 800, a job number, job type, user ID, input operation state, input page number, output operation state, and output page number are registered as job management information.

  The operation unit 6 includes an operation input unit 6a that receives an operation input to the MFP 10 and a display unit 6b that displays and outputs various types of information.

  The MFP 10 is provided with a substantially plate-like operation panel unit 6c (see FIG. 1). Further, the operation panel unit 6c has a touch panel 25 (see FIG. 1) on the front side thereof. The touch panel 25 functions as a part of the operation input unit 6a and also functions as a part of the display unit 6b. The touch panel 25 is configured by embedding a piezoelectric sensor or the like in a liquid crystal display panel, and can display various kinds of information and accept an operation input (such as a button pressing operation) by an operator (user).

  The controller 9 is a control device that is built in the MFP 10 and controls the MFP 10 in an integrated manner. The controller 9 is configured as a computer system including a CPU and various semiconductor memories (RAM and ROM). The controller 9 implements various processing units by executing predetermined software programs (hereinafter also simply referred to as programs) stored in a ROM (for example, EEPROM) in the CPU. Note that the program (specifically, a program module group) is recorded on a portable recording medium such as a USB memory, and may be installed in the MFP 10 via the recording medium, or installed in the MFP 10 via a network or the like. May be.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the controller 9 executes a communication control unit 11, an input control unit 12, a display control unit 13, a job control unit 14, an image processing unit 15, and an image generation unit by executing the program. 16 are realized.

  The communication control unit 11 is a processing unit that controls a communication operation with another device (for example, an external terminal) in cooperation with the communication unit 4 or the like. The communication control unit 11 includes a transmission control unit that controls a transmission operation of various data and a reception control unit that controls a reception operation of various data. For example, the communication control unit 11 cooperates with the network communication unit 4x to send and receive various data (image data and the like) to and from other devices (external terminals and the like). The communication control unit 11 transmits and receives various data (image data and the like) in cooperation with the facsimile communication unit 4y.

  The input control unit 12 is a control unit that controls an operation input operation to the operation input unit 6a (the touch panel 25 or the like). For example, the input control unit 12 controls an operation for receiving an operation input (such as a pressing operation) on the operation screen displayed on the touch panel 25.

  The display control unit 13 is a processing unit that controls a display operation in the display unit 6b (the touch panel 25 or the like). For example, the display control unit 13 controls the display operation of the progress status confirmation screen 300 (see FIG. 4 and the like). Specifically, the display control unit 13 acquires the progress status of the job in the job management table 800 and displays the progress status confirmation screen 300 on the touch panel 25 based on the progress status. As will be described later, on the progress confirmation screen 300, the display control unit 13 draws the job processing path R10, and at a position corresponding to the progress of the job among a plurality of positions on the processing path R10. A small image related to the job is drawn (arranged). Here, a reduced image (thumbnail image T) of the processing target image of the job is used as the small image. However, it is not limited to this, For example, an icon etc. may be used as the said small image.

  The job control unit 14 is a processing unit that controls an execution operation or the like of a job (entire job).

  The image processing unit 15 is a processing unit that controls operations for executing various types of image processing (image processing) (for example, resolution conversion processing) on image data (compressed image data).

  The image generation unit 16 controls an operation for generating a thumbnail image T (thumbnail image data). For example, the image generation unit 16 generates a thumbnail image T based on input image data (for example, scanned image data of a document). The image generation unit 16 also generates a thumbnail image T based on the output image data.

<1-2. Operation>
In this embodiment, when a plurality of jobs (a plurality of types of jobs) are executed by the MFP 10, the processing path R10 of each job is drawn on the progress confirmation screen 300 (306) (see FIG. 17). At the same time, the thumbnail image T related to each job is drawn on the processing path R10 of each job. In the progress confirmation screen 300, display elements related to each job are displayed in different display modes for each job.

  Before describing such an aspect, the progress confirmation screen 300, the drawing process of the processing path R10, and the like will be described.

<1-2-1. Progress confirmation screen>
First, the progress status confirmation screen 300 for confirming the progress status of a job will be described in detail.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a progress confirmation screen 300 (301). The progress status confirmation screen 300 is displayed on the touch panel 25 by pressing a job display key 251 (see FIG. 3) provided around the touch panel 25 in the operation panel unit 6c. Note that the progress confirmation screen 300 (301) in FIG. 4 shows a situation in which no job is executed in the MFP 10.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the progress confirmation screen 300, an input unit group region A20, an output unit group region A40, a storage unit region A30, and connection lines 410 and 450 are displayed. Hereinafter, each element will be described.

<Input unit group area>
First, the input unit group region A20 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, an input unit group area A20 is arranged on one side (here, the left side) in the left-right direction (horizontal direction) in the progress confirmation screen 300.

  In this input part group area A20, a plurality of input part areas A10 (here, three input part areas A11 to A13) are arranged. The plurality of input unit areas A10 (A11 to A13) are areas corresponding to a plurality of input means (a plurality of input means related to images) of the MFP 10 (having a 1: 1 correspondence). Specifically, the input part area A11 is an area corresponding to the image reading part 2, the input part area A12 is an area corresponding to the network receiving part 4b, and the input part area A13 is an area corresponding to the FAX receiving part 4d. It is. In other words, the progress confirmation screen 300 includes the same number of input unit areas A10 (the number of the image reading unit 2, the network receiving unit 4b, and the FAX receiving unit 4d) as the number of input units of the MFP 10 (here, three units). A11 to A13) are respectively arranged.

  In addition, each input area A10 (A11 to A13) is arranged at a predetermined position in the input area group area A20. Specifically, the input unit group area A20 is divided into a plurality of stages (here, three stages) according to the number of input means (three) of the MFP 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the input area A11 is arranged at the uppermost position among the three stages, and the input area A13 is arranged at the lowermost position among the three stages. A12 is arranged at a middle position (between the input area A11 and the input area A13) among the three positions.

  When a certain job is being executed in the MFP 10, the input unit area A <b> 10 out of a plurality of input unit areas A <b> 10 (A <b> 11 to A <b> 13) is used for the certain job according to the certain job. One input area A10 corresponding to the input means is selected as an area on the starting point side of the processing path R10 of the certain job.

  For example, as described above, in a copy job, the image reading unit 2 is used as an input unit for image data (input image data). When a copy job is being executed in the MFP 10, the input unit area A11 corresponding to the image reading unit 2 is selected from the plurality of input unit areas A10 (A11 to A13). Is selected as the region on the starting point side.

  Similarly, when a print job is being executed in the MFP 10, an input corresponding to the network receiving unit 4b used as an input unit in the print job is selected from the plurality of input unit areas A10 (A11 to A13). The copy area A12 is selected as the area on the starting point side of the print job processing path R10. Further, when a FAX reception job is being executed in the MFP 10, it corresponds to the FAX reception unit 4 d used as input means in the FAX reception job from among a plurality of input unit areas A 10 (A 11 to A 13). The input area A13 is selected as an area on the starting point side of the processing path R10 of the FAX reception job.

  As described above, according to the job being executed in the MFP 10, one input unit area A10 is selected from the plurality of input unit areas A10 (A11 to A13) as the starting side area of the processing path R10 of the job. Is done.

  For example, when a scan job is executed by the MFP 10, the input unit area A11 corresponding to the image reading unit 2 is selected from the plurality of input unit areas A10 (A11 to A13) as in the case of the copy job. Is selected as a region on the starting point side of the processing route R10.

  In this way, one input unit area A10 (A11) in a plurality of types of jobs of a copy job and a scan job is selected as an area on the starting point side of the processing path R10 of the plurality of types of jobs. In other words, when one input unit (for example, the image reading unit 2) is shared by two or more types of jobs among a plurality of different types of jobs, the input unit shared among the plurality of input unit areas A10. One input area A10 (A11) corresponding to (image reading section 2) is shared as an area on the starting point side of the processing path R10 in the two or more types of jobs.

<Output unit group area>
Next, the output part group region A40 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, an output unit group region A40 is arranged on the other side (right side here) in the left-right direction (horizontal direction) in the progress confirmation screen 300.

  In the output unit group region A40, a plurality of output unit regions A50 (here, three output unit regions A51 to A53) are arranged. The plurality of output unit areas A50 (A51 to A53) are areas corresponding to a plurality of output units (a plurality of output units related to images) of the MFP 10 (having a 1: 1 correspondence). Specifically, the output part area A51 is an area corresponding to the print output part 3, the output part area A52 is an area corresponding to the network transmission part 4a, and the output part area A53 is an area corresponding to the FAX transmission part 4c. It is. In other words, in the progress confirmation screen 300, the same number of output unit areas A50 (A51 to A51) as the number of output units of the MFP 10 (here, three of the print output unit 3, the network transmission unit 4a, and the FAX transmission unit 4c). A53) are arranged respectively.

  Each output part area A50 (A51 to A53) is arranged at a predetermined position in the output part group area A40. Specifically, the input unit group area A20 is divided into a plurality of stages (here, three stages) according to the number of output means (three) of the MFP 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the output section area A51 is arranged at the uppermost position among the three stages, and the output section area A53 is arranged at the lowermost position among the three stages. A52 is arranged at a middle position (between the output section area A51 and the output section area A53) among the three stages.

  If the MFP 10 has a relatively large number of input means or a relatively large number of output means, a scroll bar 380 is used to display the progress confirmation screen 300 (318) as shown in FIG. Also good.

  When a certain job is being executed in the MFP 10, the output unit area A50 of the plurality of output unit areas A50 (A51 to A53) is used in the certain job according to the certain job. One output section area A50 corresponding to the output means to be output is selected as the area on the end point side of the processing path R10 of the certain job.

  For example, as described above, in a copy job, the print output unit 3 is used as an output unit for image data (output image data). When a copy job is being executed in the MFP 10, the output unit area A51 corresponding to the print output unit 3 among the plurality of output unit areas A50 (A51 to A53) is processed by the copy job. It is selected as a region on the end point side of route R10.

  Similarly, when a scan job is executed in the MFP 10, an output corresponding to the network transmission unit 4a used as an output unit in the scan job is selected from the plurality of output unit areas A50 (A51 to A53). The partial area A52 is selected as the area on the end point side of the processing path R10 of the scan job. Further, when a FAX transmission job is being executed in the MFP 10, it corresponds to the FAX transmission unit 4c used as output means in the FAX transmission job from among a plurality of output unit areas A50 (A51 to A53). The output unit area A53 is selected as the end point area of the processing path R10 of the FAX transmission job.

  As described above, according to the job being executed in the MFP 10, one output unit area A50 is selected from the plurality of output unit areas A50 (A51 to A53) as the end point side area of the processing path R10 of the job. Is done.

  For example, when a print job is executed by the MFP 10, the output unit area A51 corresponding to the print output unit 3 is selected from the plurality of output unit areas A50 (A51 to A53) as in the case of the copy job. It is selected as the area on the end point side of the job processing path R10.

  In this way, one output section area A50 (A51) is selected as the end-point area of the processing path R10 of the plurality of types of jobs in the plurality of types of jobs, copy jobs and print jobs. In other words, when one output unit (for example, the print output unit 3) is shared by two or more types of jobs among a plurality of different types of jobs, the output unit shared among the plurality of output unit areas A50. One output part area A50 (A51) corresponding to (printing output part 3) is shared as an area on the end point side of the processing path R10 in the two or more types of jobs.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, in this output unit group region A40, a plurality of output regions A70 (here, three output regions A71) respectively corresponding to a plurality of output means (a plurality of output unit regions A50). To A73) are also arranged. The output areas A71 to A73 are arranged in the vicinity of the output section areas (each output section area corresponding to each output means) A51 to A53, respectively. As will be described later, in this output area A70, in response to the completion of the output processing by the corresponding output means, the thumbnail image T related to the output image data output from the output means is rendered (arranged) in that area. Is done.

  Specifically, the output region A71 is a region corresponding to the print output unit 3 (output unit region A51 corresponding to the print output unit 3), and printing is performed by the print output unit 3 in the output region A71. A thumbnail image T related to the output image data (output image data) is drawn (arranged) (see FIG. 8 and the like). The output region A72 is a region corresponding to the network transmission unit 4a (output unit region A52 corresponding to the network transmission unit 4a), and the output transmitted by the network transmission unit 4a is included in the output region A72. A thumbnail image T relating to the image data is drawn (see FIG. 13 and the like). The output area A73 is an area corresponding to the FAX transmission section 4c (output section area A53 corresponding to the FAX transmission section 4c), and the output transmitted by the FAX transmission section 4c is included in the output area A73. A thumbnail image T related to the image data is drawn (not shown).

<Storage area>
Further, the storage area A30 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, in the progress confirmation screen 300, a storage area A30 is arranged between the input area group area A20 and the output area group area A40 (in the middle here). The storage area A30 is an area corresponding to the storage section 5. As will be described later, in the storage area A30, thumbnail images relating to image data input through any of a plurality of input means and before being output by any of the plurality of output means. T is drawn (arranged) (see FIG. 6 and the like).

<Connection line>
Finally, connection lines (input side connection line 410, output side connection line 450, and output side auxiliary connection line 470) will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the progress status confirmation screen 300 displays a plurality of input side connection lines 410, a plurality of output side connection lines 450, and a plurality of output side auxiliary connection lines 470.

  First, the plurality of input side connection lines 410 (411 to 413) are respectively configured by lines (horizontal straight lines) connecting any one of the plurality of input unit regions A10 (A11 to A13) and the storage unit region A30. .

  Specifically, the input side connection line 411 (uppermost connection line) includes an input unit area A11 and a storage unit area A30 corresponding to the image reading unit 2 among the plurality of input unit areas A10 (A11 to A13). It consists of connecting lines (segments). This input-side connection line 411 is used when the MFP 10 executes a job (copy job, scan job, FAX transmission job, etc.) that uses the image reading unit 2 as an input unit. Used as the input processing path B1 (see FIG. 5).

  The input side connection line 412 (middle connection line) is configured by a line connecting the input unit area A12 corresponding to the network receiving unit 4b and the storage unit area A30 among the plurality of input unit areas A10 (A11 to A13). ing. This input side connection line 412 is used when the MFP 10 executes a job (print job or the like) that uses the network receiving unit 4b as an input means, and the input side processing path B1 (see FIG. 14).

  The input side connection line 413 (lowermost connection line) includes an input unit area A13 and a storage unit area A30 corresponding to the facsimile receiving unit (FAX receiving unit) 4d among the plurality of input unit areas A10 (A11 to A13). Consists of connecting lines. When the MFP 10 executes a job (such as a FAX reception job) that uses the facsimile receiving unit 4d as an input means, the input side connection line 413 is input side processing path B1 (of the job processing path R10). (See FIG. 15).

  Next, the plurality of output side connection lines 450 (451 to 453) are respectively configured by lines (horizontal straight lines) connecting the storage unit area A30 and any of the plurality of output unit areas A50 (A51 to A53). Yes.

  Specifically, the output side connection line 451 (uppermost connection line) includes a storage area A30 and an output area A51 corresponding to the print output section 3 among the plurality of output areas A50 (A51 to A53). It consists of connecting lines (segments). The output side connection line 451 is used when the MFP 10 executes a job that uses the print output unit 3 as an output unit (copy job, print job, FAX reception job, etc.) in the processing path R10 of the job. Used as the output processing path B2 (see FIG. 5).

  The output connection line 452 (middle connection line) is configured by a line that connects the storage unit area A30 and the output unit area A52 corresponding to the network transmission unit 4a among the plurality of output unit areas A50 (A51 to A53). ing. This output side connection line 452 is used when the MFP 10 executes a job (scan job or the like) that uses the network transmission unit 4a as an output means, in the output side processing path B2 (see FIG. 13).

  The output side connection line 453 (lowermost connection line) is a line that connects the storage area A30 and the output area A53 corresponding to the FAX transmission section 4c among the plurality of output areas A50 (A51 to A53). Has been. This output side connection line 453 is used as the output side processing path B2 in the processing path R10 of the job when a job using the FAX transmission unit 4c as an output means (FAX transmission job or the like) is executed by the MFP 10. used.

  Finally, the plurality of output side auxiliary connection lines 470 (471 to 473) include a plurality of output portion areas A50 (A51 to A53) and a plurality of outputs corresponding to the plurality of output portion areas A50 (A51 to A53), respectively. It is comprised by the line (horizontal straight line) which connects completed area | region A70 (A71-A73), respectively.

  Specifically, the output side auxiliary connection line 471 is configured by a line that connects the output area A51 and the output area A71 corresponding to the output area A51. Further, the output side auxiliary connection line 472 includes a line that connects the output area A52 and the output area A72 corresponding to the output area A52. Furthermore, the output side auxiliary connection line 473 is configured by a line connecting the output area A53 and the output area A73 corresponding to the output area A53.

  Thus, the progress confirmation screen 300 displays a plurality of input side connection lines 410, a plurality of output side connection lines 450, and a plurality of output side auxiliary connection lines 470, respectively. Then, the processing path R10 of the job being executed in the MFP 10 is drawn using the connection lines 410, 450, and 470.

<1-2-2. Processing path and thumbnail image drawing etc.>
A copy of the processing path R10 of the job being executed in the MFP 10 is drawn and the thumbnail image T is drawn (arranged) at a position corresponding to the progress of the job among a plurality of positions on the processing path R10. A job will be described as an example with reference to FIGS.

<Copy job processing path and thumbnail image drawing>
5 to 8 are diagrams showing progress status confirmation screens 300 (302 to 305) when a copy job (only) is being executed in the MFP 10. FIG. 9 to 12 are diagrams showing job management tables 800 (801 to 804) respectively corresponding to the progress status confirmation screens 300 (302 to 305) of FIGS.

<Processing path drawing, etc.>
First, drawing processing of the job processing path R10 will be described. The processing path R10 indicates which input unit is used and / or which output unit is used in the job being executed in the MFP 10.

  Specifically, when a job is executed in the MFP 10, the input unit area A10 corresponding to the input means used in the job and the output unit area A50 among the plurality of input unit areas A10. The output area A50 corresponding to the output means used in the job is selected.

  For example, in a copy job, input image data is generated by being read by the image reading unit 2, and after various processing is performed, output image data is output (printed out) by the print output unit 3. In other words, in a copy job, the image reading unit 2 is used as an image data input unit, and the print output unit 3 is used as an image data output unit. When a copy job (only) is executed in the MFP 10, the input unit area A11 (input unit area corresponding to the image reading unit 2) is selected from the three input unit areas A11 to A13, and three outputs are selected. The output area A51 (input area corresponding to the print output section 3) is selected from the partial areas A51 to A53.

  Then, the MFP 10 (display control unit 13) connects the selected input unit area A10 (here, A11) and the selected output unit area A50 (here, A51) with a line. The processing path R10 (R11) of the job being executed (here, the copy job) is drawn (see FIG. 5).

  Specifically, the processing path R10 is divided into three paths: an input side processing path B1, an output side processing path B2, and an output side auxiliary processing path B3. Thus, the processing path R10 does not need to be connected entirely, and may be divided into a plurality of paths.

  The input-side processing path B1 is a path drawn so as to connect the selected input area A10 (A11 here) and the storage area A30. The output processing path B2 is a path drawn so as to connect the storage area A30 and the selected output area A50 (A51 in this case). Further, the output side auxiliary processing path B3 connects the selected output part area A50 (here A51) and the output area A70 (here A71) corresponding to the output part area A50 (A51). This is the route drawn in.

  First, the input side processing path B1 in the processing path R10 (R11) of the copy job is connected to the input unit area A11 among the three input side connection lines 411 to 413 (see FIG. 4). Drawing is performed so as to overlap the connection line 411 (see FIG. 5). In other words, the path connecting the input area A11 and the storage area A30 is drawn as the input processing path B1 in the copy job processing path R10 (R11). The input side processing path B1 is drawn with a thicker line than the input side connection line 410 (411).

  When the thumbnail image T is drawn in the storage area A30, the input-side processing path B1 may be connected to the thumbnail image T in the storage area A30 (in the storage area A30). May be extended to the thumbnail image T).

  Next, the processing path B2 on the output side in the processing path R10 (R11) of the copy job is connected to the output section area A51 among the three output side connection lines 451 to 453 (see FIG. 4). Drawing is performed so as to overlap the output connection line 451 (see FIG. 5). In other words, the path connecting the storage area A30 and the output area A51 is drawn as the output-side processing path B2 in the copy job processing path R10 (R11). The output side processing path B2 is drawn with a thicker line than the output side connection line 450 (451).

  When the thumbnail image T is drawn in the storage area A30, the output processing path B2 may be connected to the thumbnail image T in the storage area A30 as shown in FIG. (It may be extended to the thumbnail image T in the storage area A30).

  Finally, the output side auxiliary processing path B3 in the processing path R10 (R11) of the copy job is connected to the output section area A51 among the three output side auxiliary connection lines 471 to 473 (see FIG. 4). The output side auxiliary connection line 471 is drawn so as to overlap (see FIG. 5). The output side auxiliary processing path B3 is drawn with a thicker line than the output side connection line 450 (451).

  As described above, by drawing the processing path R10 of the job being executed in the MFP 10, it is possible to determine which input means the job uses and / or which output means the user uses. Can be confirmed.

<Drawing thumbnail images, etc.>
Next, how the thumbnail image T related to the job being executed in the MFP 10 is drawn (arranged) on the processing path R10 of the job will be described.

  The thumbnail image T is drawn at any one of a plurality of positions (here, four positions) on the processing path R10 of the job according to the progress of the job. Specifically, the thumbnail image T has four positions: a position on the input-side processing path B1, a position in the storage area A30, a position on the output-side processing path B2, and a position in the output area A70. It is drawn on either. Note that the drawing position (display position) of the thumbnail image T is updated in real time.

  The thumbnail images T drawn at the respective drawing positions will be described in order.

<Thumbnail image drawn at a position on the input-side processing path B1>
First, the thumbnail image T drawn at a position on the input side processing path B1 will be described.

  In a copy job, document scan processing, scan image data (input image data) generation processing, and compression processing for the scan image data are executed as input processing.

  When the generation process of the scan image data among the three processes is completed, the thumbnail image T based on the scan image data is drawn at a position on the input-side processing path B1.

  Specifically, in response to a job execution start instruction from a user (for example, user U1), a plurality of pages of a document placed at a predetermined position (for example, an automatic document feeder (ADF)) of MFP 10 is stored. Execution of scan processing is started for the first page. Then, scan image data (uncompressed image data) is generated as input image data for the original document of the first page. Note that when input image data relating to the first page of the document (also referred to as input image data of the first page) is generated, execution of scan processing for the next document (the second page of the document) is started.

  When the input image data of the first page is generated, the MFP 10 (image generation unit 16) generates a thumbnail image T (T11) (FIG. 5) based on the input image data.

  When the input image data (first page) is generated, the job management table 800 is updated. Specifically, when the input image data of the first page is generated, a copy job from the user U1 is registered in the job management table 800 (801) (see FIG. 9) as a new job.

  When the job management table 800 is updated, the MFP 10 (display control unit 13) displays the thumbnail image T11 on the progress status confirmation screen 300 (302) among the four positions on the copy job processing path R11. Drawing is performed at a position on the input-side processing path B1 (see FIG. 5).

  As described above, when the input process is being executed in the job (copy job) being executed in the MFP 10, the input side processing path B1 is selected from the plurality of positions on the processing path R10 (R11) of the job. Then, a thumbnail image T (T11) based on the input image data (image data being input) is drawn. In other words, the thumbnail image T drawn at the position on the input processing path B1 among the plurality of positions on the processing path R10 is the input image data corresponding to the thumbnail image T in the job (copy job). Indicates that the input process is in progress.

  As shown in FIG. 5 and the like, on the progress confirmation screen 300, based on the job management table 800, a job information table 700 (detailed content information related to a job being executed in the MFP 10 (here, a copy job)) ( 701) is also displayed. For example, the detailed content information includes a job number (“Job No. 1”), a job type (“Copy”), a user related to the job (for example, a user ID (“User U1”)), and an input image. The number of pages of data (“1 page”) is included.

<Thumbnail image drawn at a position in the storage area A30>
Next, the thumbnail image T drawn at a position in the storage area A30 will be described.

  When input image data (first page) is generated, compression processing is performed on the input image data, and image data after compression processing (also referred to as compressed image data) is generated. When the compressed image data is generated, the input process for the first page document (input image data related to the first page document) is completed. Then, the compressed image data is stored in the storage unit 5.

  When the compressed image data is stored in the storage unit 5, the job management table 800 is updated again. Specifically, as shown in the job management table 802 of FIG. 10, the value of the number of input pages is incremented (from the value “0” to the value “1”) for the copy job from the user U1. At this point, the execution of input processing for the second page of the document has already started, and the input operation status column in the job management table 802 remains “inputting”.

  In response to the update of the job management table 800, the MFP 10 (display control unit 13) updates the progress confirmation screen 300. Specifically, the display control unit 13 displays a progress status confirmation screen 303 in FIG. 6 on the touch panel 25 instead of the progress status confirmation screen 302 in FIG.

  On the progress confirmation screen 303, the display control unit 13 displays the thumbnail image T11 (thumbnail image based on the input image data on the first page) in the storage unit area A30 among the four positions on the copy job processing path R11. Draw (place) in the position. The thumbnail image T11 is drawn on the extended line (on the same level (here, the uppermost level)) of the input side processing path B1 in the storage area A30.

  As described above, when the input process of the image data (input image data) is completed, the thumbnail image T corresponding to the input image data is positioned at the position in the storage area A30 among the four positions on the processing path R11 of the copy job. (T11) is drawn. In other words, the thumbnail image T (T11) drawn at a position in the storage area A30 among the plurality of positions on the processing path R10 is image data corresponding to the thumbnail image T (T11) in the copy job. This indicates that the input processing of (input image data relating to the first page of the document) has been completed.

  At this point, the input process for the second page document (second page input image data) is being executed (see also FIG. 10), and on the progress confirmation screen 303, the second page input is performed. A thumbnail image T12 based on the image data is drawn at a position on the input side processing path B1 among the four positions on the processing path R11 of the copy job (see FIG. 6).

<Thumbnail image drawn at a position on the output side processing path B2>
Next, the thumbnail image T drawn at a position on the output side processing path B2 will be described.

  Various image processing (for example, resolution conversion processing) is performed on the compressed image data (image data for which input processing has been completed) in the storage unit 5 (first page), and the image data after the image processing is processed. Generated as output image data.

  Then, the MFP 10 (image generation unit 16) generates a thumbnail image T (T51) based on the output image data.

  When the output image data is generated, the MFP 10 (print output unit 3) starts executing the output image data output process (print output process in this case).

  When the output image data output process (print output process) is started, the job management table 800 is updated. Specifically, as shown in the job management table 803 in FIG. 11, the output operation status column for the copy job from the user U1 is updated from “-(before output operation)” to “outputting”.

  In response to the update of the job management table 800, the MFP 10 (display control unit 13) updates the progress confirmation screen 300. Specifically, the display control unit 13 displays a progress status confirmation screen 304 of FIG. 7 on the touch panel 25 instead of the progress status confirmation screen 303 of FIG.

  On the progress confirmation screen 304, the display control unit 13 displays the thumbnail image (thumbnail image based on the output image data of the first page) T51 on the output side processing path among the four positions on the copy job processing path R11. Draw (place) at a position on B2 (see FIG. 7).

  As described above, when the output image data is output by the output unit (here, the print output unit 3), a plurality of positions on the processing path R10 (R11) of the job (copy job) being executed in the MFP 10 are displayed. Among them, a thumbnail image T (T51) relating to the output image data (image data being output) is drawn at a position on the output side processing path B2. In other words, the thumbnail image T drawn at the position on the output side processing path B2 among the plurality of positions on the processing path R10 is in the process of outputting the output image data corresponding to the thumbnail image T in the job. It shows that it is.

  At this time, the input process for the second and third page documents is completed, and the input process for the fourth page document is executed (see also FIG. 11). In this case, on the progress confirmation screen 303, thumbnail images T12 and T13 relating to the input image data of the second page and the third page are drawn at positions in the storage area A30, and the thumbnail relating to the input image data of the fourth page. The image T14 is drawn at a position on the input side processing path B1 (see FIG. 7).

  In addition, when a plurality of pieces of image data to be processed in the copy job (here, two pieces of image data) are stored in the storage unit 5, the number of pieces of the plurality of image data (2 The same number of thumbnail images T (T12, T13) are drawn (in this case, superimposed).

<Thumbnail image drawn at a position in the output area A70>
Finally, the thumbnail image T drawn at a position in the output area A70 will be described.

  When the output processing (print output processing) of the output image data is completed, the job management table 800 is updated. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, for the copy job from the user U1, the value of the number of output pages is incremented (from the value “0” to the value “1”).

  In response to the update of the job management table 800, the MFP 10 (display control unit 13) updates the progress confirmation screen 300. Specifically, the display control unit 13 displays a progress status confirmation screen 305 in FIG. 8 on the touch panel 25 instead of the progress status confirmation screen 304 in FIG. 7.

  On the progress confirmation screen 305, the display control unit 13 displays the thumbnail image T51 (thumbnail image based on the output image data of the first page) in the output area A71 among the four positions on the copy job processing path R11. Draw at the position inside. When the output processing (here, print output processing) for a plurality of image data to be processed in a copy job is completed, the same number as the number of the plurality of image data in the output area A70 (A71). The thumbnail image T is drawn (superimposed here) (see FIG. 16 and the like).

  As described above, when the output processing (print output processing) of the output image data is completed, the output area A70 (A71) among the four positions on the processing path R10 (R11) of the job (copy job) being executed in the MFP 10 is completed. The thumbnail image T (T51) corresponding to the output image data is drawn at a position in (). In other words, the thumbnail image T (T51) (see FIG. 8) drawn at a position in the output area A70 among the plurality of positions on the processing path R10 is an image corresponding to the thumbnail image T in the job. This indicates that the output processing of data (output image data related to the first page document) has been completed.

  At this time, the image processing for the compressed image data of the second page is completed, the input processing of the input image data of the third to fifth pages is completed, and the input processing of the input image data of the sixth page (See also FIG. 12). In this case, as shown in FIG. 8, on the progress confirmation screen 305, the thumbnail image T52 based on the output image data of the second page is drawn at a position on the output processing path B2, and the third to fifth pages are displayed. Thumbnail images T13 to T15 based on the input image data are drawn at positions in the storage area A30. Further, a thumbnail image T16 based on the input image data of the sixth page is drawn at a position on the input side processing path B1 (see FIG. 8).

  As described above, at a position corresponding to the progress of the job among a plurality of positions (four positions here) on the processing path R10 (R11) of the job (copy job here) being executed by the MFP 10, A thumbnail image T related to the job (copy job) is drawn.

  Here, the processing path R10 (R11) and the thumbnail image T that are rendered when the copy job is executed in the MFP 10 have been described. When another type of job is being executed, the following processing path R10 is drawn. Hereinafter, the processing path R10 and the thumbnail image T that are drawn when one of the scan job, the print job, and the FAX reception job is executed will be described.

<Scan job processing path and thumbnail image drawing>
First, the processing path R10 (R12) of the scan job, the drawing process of the thumbnail image T, and the like will be described. When a scan job (only) is executed in the MFP 10, a progress confirmation screen 300 (306) as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed on the touch panel 25 of the MFP 10.

  In a scan job (Scan to FTP job), after the original is read by the image reading unit 2 and subjected to various processes, the output image data is transmitted to the user's desired communication destination device (for example, the user's external terminal) by the network transmission unit 4a. ). In other words, in the scan job, the image reading unit 2 is used as an image data input unit, and the network transmission unit 4a is used as an image data output unit.

  In the progress confirmation screen 300 (306) (see FIG. 13), the input unit area corresponding to the input means (image reading unit 2) used in the scan job among the plurality of input unit areas A10 (A11 to A13). A11 is selected as the area on the starting point side of the processing path R10 (R12) of the scan job. Also, the output unit area A52 corresponding to the output means (network transmission unit 4a) used in the scan job among the plurality of output unit areas A50 (A51 to A53) is an area on the end point side of the processing path R12 of the scan job. Selected as.

  Then, similarly to the processing path R11 in the copy job, the input part area A11 and the output part area A52 are connected, and the processing path R12 of the scan job is drawn (see FIG. 13).

  Specifically, of the three input side connection lines 411 to 413 (see FIG. 4), the input side connection line 411 connected to the input area A11 is included in the processing path R10 (R12) of the scan job. Is drawn as the input side processing path B1 (see FIG. 13). Also, among the three output side connection lines 451 to 453 (see FIG. 4), the output side connection line 452 connected to the output unit area A52 is the output side processing path B2 in the processing path R12 of the scan job. (See FIG. 13). Further, among the three output side auxiliary connection lines 471 to 473 (see FIG. 4), the output side auxiliary connection line 472 connected to the output unit area A52 is the output side auxiliary line in the processing path R12 of the scan job. It is rendered as a processing path B3 (see FIG. 13).

  Here, the input section area A11 is arranged at the uppermost position among the three stages (positions of the three input section areas A10), and the output section area A52 has three stages (three output section areas). It is arranged at the middle position among the positions A50). In this case, the output-side processing path B2 of the scan job is oblique from the drawing position of the thumbnail image T in the storage area A30 to the position of the output-side connection line 452 (see FIG. 4) (that is, from the top to the middle). Skew (in the lower right direction) (see FIG. 13).

  As shown in FIG. 13, a thumbnail image T related to the scan job is drawn at a position corresponding to the progress status of the scan job among the four positions on the processing path R12 of the scan job.

  In the scan job, the process from when the document is read by the image reading unit 2 until the output image data is generated and the drawing process of the thumbnail image T executed in accordance with each process are the same as the process in the copy job. The same is done. Subsequent processing is performed as follows.

  Specifically, when output image data (image processed image data) is generated, the MFP 10 (communication control unit 11) designates the output image data by the user in cooperation with the network transmission unit 4a. To the communication destination device (for example, the user's external terminal). When the transmission of the output image data is completed, the thumbnail image T (T61, T62) generated based on the output image data is positioned at a position in the output area A72 among the four positions on the scan job processing path R12. It is drawn (see FIG. 13).

<Print job processing path and thumbnail image drawing>
Next, the print job processing path R10 (R13), the thumbnail image T drawing process, and the like will be described. When a print job (only) is executed in the MFP 10, a progress confirmation screen 300 (307) as shown in FIG. 14 is displayed on the touch panel 25 of the MFP 10.

  In the print job, image data (input image data) is acquired by the network receiving unit 4b, and after various processing, the output image data is printed out by the print output unit 3. In other words, in the print job, the network receiving unit 4b is used as an image data input unit, and the print output unit 3 is used as an image data output unit.

  In the progress confirmation screen 300 (307) (see FIG. 14), the input unit area corresponding to the input means (network receiving unit 4b) used in the print job among the plurality of input unit areas A10 (A11 to A13). A12 is selected as an area on the start side of the print job processing path R10 (R13). Also, among the plurality of output part areas A50 (A51 to A53), the output part area A51 corresponding to the output means (print output part 3) used in the print job is the end side area of the print job processing path R13. Selected as.

  Then, the input area A12 and the output area A51 are connected, and the print job processing path R13 is drawn (see FIG. 14).

  Here, the input section area A12 is arranged at a middle position among the three stages (positions of the three input section areas A10), and the output section area A51 has three stages (three output section areas A50). Are arranged at the uppermost position among the positions of (1). In this case, the output processing path B2 of the print job is slanted from the drawing position of the thumbnail image T in the storage area A30 to the position of the output connection line 451 (see FIG. 4) (that is, from the middle to the top). Skew (in the upper right direction) (see FIG. 14).

  As shown in FIG. 14, a thumbnail image T related to the print job is drawn at a position corresponding to the progress of the print job among the four positions on the processing path R13 of the print job.

  Specifically, when image data to be printed is received as input image data by the network receiving unit 4b, a thumbnail image T based on the input image data is generated. Then, the thumbnail image T is drawn at a position on the input side processing path B1 among the four positions on the processing path R13 (see FIG. 14). When the compressed image data is generated by the compression process on the input image data and stored in the storage unit 5, the thumbnail image T drawn at the position on the input side processing path B1 is displayed on the processing path R13. Of the upper four positions, drawing is performed at a position in the storage area A30 (see FIG. 14).

  Note that the processing after the compressed image data is stored in the storage unit 5 and the drawing processing of the thumbnail image T executed in accordance with each processing are performed in the same manner as the processing in the copy job.

<FAX received job processing path and thumbnail image drawing, etc.>
Finally, the processing path R10 (R14) of the FAX reception job, the drawing process of the thumbnail image T, and the like will be described. When the FAX reception job (only) is executed in the MFP 10, a progress confirmation screen 300 (308) as shown in FIG. 15 is displayed on the touch panel 25 of the MFP 10.

  Specifically, in the FAX reception job, the input image data is acquired via the public line or the like by the facsimile reception unit 4d, and after various processing, the output image data is printed out by the print output unit 3. In other words, in the FAX reception job, the facsimile receiving unit 4d is used as an image data input unit, and the print output unit 3 is used as an image data output unit.

  In the progress confirmation screen 300 (308) (see FIG. 15), the input unit corresponding to the input means (facsimile reception unit 4d) used in the FAX reception job among the plurality of input unit areas A10 (A11 to A13). The area A13 is selected as the area on the starting point side of the processing path R10 (R14) of the FAX reception job. Further, the output unit area A51 corresponding to the output means (print output unit 3) used in the FAX reception job among the plurality of output unit areas A50 (A51 to A53) is the end point side of the processing path R14 of the FAX reception job. Selected as a region.

  Then, the input part area A13 and the output part area A51 are connected, and the processing path R14 of the FAX reception job is drawn (see FIG. 15).

  Here, the input section area A13 is arranged at the lowest position among the three stages (positions of the three input section areas A10), and the output section area A51 has three stages (three output sections). It is arranged at the uppermost position among the positions of the area A50). In this case, the output-side processing path B2 of the FAX reception job is from the drawing position of the thumbnail image T in the storage area A30 to the position of the output-side connection line 451 (see FIG. 4) (that is, from the lowest level to the highest level). And diagonally (in the upper right direction) (see FIG. 15).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 15, a thumbnail image T related to the FAX reception job is drawn at a position corresponding to the progress status of the FAX reception job among the four positions on the processing path R14 of the FAX reception job.

  Specifically, when image data to be processed is received as input image data by the facsimile receiving unit 4d, a thumbnail image T based on the input image data is generated. Then, the thumbnail image T is drawn at a position on the input side processing path B1 among the four positions on the processing path R14 (see FIG. 15). When compressed image data is generated by the compression process on the input image data and stored in the storage unit 5, the thumbnail image T drawn at the position on the input side processing path B1 is displayed on the processing path R14. Of the upper four positions, drawing is performed at a position in the storage area A30 (see FIG. 15).

  Note that the processing after the compressed image data is stored in the storage unit 5 and the drawing processing of the thumbnail image T executed in accordance with each processing are performed in the same manner as the processing in the copy job.

  In this way, the processing path R10 of the job being executed in the MFP 10 is drawn, and the position related to the job is set at a position corresponding to the progress status of the job (copy job) among a plurality of positions on the processing path R10. A thumbnail image T is drawn.

<1-2-3. When multiple jobs are being executed on the MFP>
A progress confirmation screen 300 when a plurality of jobs (plural types of jobs) are executed by the MFP 10 will be described with reference to the progress confirmation screen 300 (309) in FIG. Here, a situation where three (three types) jobs of a scan job, a print job, and a FAX reception job are being executed in the MFP 10 is illustrated.

  Specifically, the MFP 10 (display control unit 13) draws the processing path R10 (R12 to R14) of each job and positions corresponding to the progress status of each job by the same processing as described above. A thumbnail image T of each job is drawn (see FIG. 16).

  More specifically, the display control unit 13 draws the processing path R12 of the scan job, draws the processing path R13 of the print job, and also draws the processing path R14 of the FAX reception job.

  However, here, the print output unit 3 is currently used in a print job, and the FAX reception job is in a state of waiting for the use of the print output unit 3. In this case, as shown in FIG. 16, the input side processing path B1 (see FIG. 15) in the processing path R14 of the FAX reception job is drawn, and the output side processing path B2 (see FIG. 15) in the processing path R14. ) Is not drawn.

  In this way, the processing path R10 (R12 to R14) of each job is drawn. Then, as described above, the thumbnail image T related to each job is drawn at a position corresponding to the progress of each job.

  When a plurality of jobs are being executed in the MFP 10, the MFP 10 (display control unit 13) displays the display elements related to each job in different display modes for each job on the progress confirmation screen 300 (309). To do. In other words, on the progress confirmation screen 300 (309), a plurality of jobs being executed in the MFP 10 are displayed separately from each other.

  Specifically, the display control unit 13 displays the line elements of each job in different display modes for each job. More specifically, the display control unit 13 sets a line expressing (composing) the processing path R10 (R12 to R14) and a frame line of the thumbnail image T on the processing path R10 of each job for each job. Display in different display modes.

  Here, the display control unit 13 uses a line representing the processing path R10 (R12 to R14) of each job and a frame line of the thumbnail image T on the processing path R10 of each job using different colors for each job. Display (draw).

  For example, the MFP 10 displays the line representing the processing path R12 of the scan job in red, and displays the frame lines of thumbnail images T (thumbnail images related to the scan job) T24 to T26 and T61 to T63 on the processing path R12. Displayed using the same color (red) as the line representing the processing path R12.

  Further, the MFP 10 displays a line representing the processing path R13 of the print job in yellow (a color different from the color of the line representing the processing path R12), and also displays a thumbnail image T (related to the print job) on the processing path R13. Thumbnail images) The frame lines of T33, T34, T71, and T72 are displayed using the same color as the line color (yellow) representing the processing path R13.

  Further, the MFP 10 represents a line representing the processing path R14 of the FAX reception job in blue (a color different from the color of the lines representing the processing paths R12 and R13), and the thumbnail image T (on the processing path R14). Thumbnail images relating to FAX reception jobs) The frame lines of T41 to T43 and T45 are displayed using the same color as the color (blue) of the line representing the processing path R14.

  As described above, when a plurality of jobs are being executed in the MFP 10, the display control unit 13 displays the display elements (here, the processing path R 10 and the processing path R 10 on the processing path R 10) on the progress confirmation screen 300 (309). Line elements including both of the thumbnail images) are displayed in different display modes for each job.

  Here, an upper limit may be set for the number of thumbnail images T drawn in the storage area A30 among the four positions on the processing path R10.

  Specifically, as described above, the FAX reception job has a standby state for print output processing of output image data. In a FAX reception job, input processing for new input image data is continuously executed even when waiting for output processing, and compressed image data is stored in accordance with completion of compression processing for the input image data. The data are sequentially stored in the unit 5. Of the four positions on the processing path R14 of the FAX reception job, the number in the storage area A30 is the same as the number of the plurality of image data (compressed image data) stored in the storage section 5. A thumbnail image T is drawn (superimposed). However, at the position in the storage area A30, when the number of the plurality of image data is equal to or less than a predetermined number (for example, three), the same number of thumbnail images T as the number of the plurality of image data is drawn. When the number of the plurality of image data is larger than the predetermined number (three), the number of thumbnail images T larger than the predetermined number (three) is not drawn.

  More specifically, for example, when the compressed image data of the fourth page is stored in the storage unit 5 (four image data are waiting for execution of output processing), the storage unit area A30 Only the thumbnail images T (T41 to T43) relating to the predetermined number (three) of the compressed image data out of the four compressed image data are drawn (superimposed) at the position. Specifically, among the image data (four compressed image data) more than the predetermined number (three), thumbnail images T related to the predetermined number (three) of image data are drawn, and the large number of image data Among them, thumbnail images T relating to image data other than the predetermined number (three) are not drawn. In other words, only the predetermined number (three) of thumbnail images T out of the same number of thumbnail images T as the number of image data more than the predetermined number (three) is located at a position in the storage area A30. The predetermined number and subsequent thumbnail images T (fourth and subsequent thumbnail images T) are not drawn at positions in the storage area A30. In short, the number of thumbnail images T (three in this case) that can visually confirm that the input processing has been completed for a plurality of image data is rendered in the storage area A30. .

  In this way, an upper limit may be set for the number of thumbnail images T drawn at a position in the storage area A30 among a plurality of positions on the processing path R10 of the job being executed in the MFP 10. Similarly, an upper limit may be set for the number of thumbnail images T drawn at a position in the output area A70 among the plurality of positions.

  The number of thumbnail images T (for example, four thumbnails) equal to the number of all image data (compressed image data) stored in the storage unit 5 at the position in the storage unit area A30 is not limited thereto. Image) may be displayed.

  According to the above operation, the processing path R10 (R12 to R14) of each job is drawn on the progress confirmation screen 300 (309), and the thumbnail image T related to each job is further displayed on the processing path R10. Is drawn. Therefore, even when a plurality of jobs are executed by the MFP 10, it is possible to easily check the progress status of each job (at least whether the job is being executed).

  Also, a thumbnail image T related to the job being executed in the MFP 10 is drawn at a position corresponding to the progress of the job among a plurality (four in this case) of positions on the processing path R10 of the job. Therefore, the user can easily check the progress (degree of progress) of the job.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 34, when different types of K jobs (K is a natural number) (for example, K = 7) can be executed in the MFP 10, the paths of all the seven types of jobs are independent of each other. (Separately) displaying in parallel (also referred to as a comparative example) is also conceivable.

  However, in the comparative example, the display area (vertical size (height), etc.) for each job is reduced by displaying the paths of all types of jobs in the display area of the progress confirmation screen. In some cases, it is difficult to see the display contents for each job.

  On the other hand, in the above embodiment, a plurality of input area A10 corresponding to a plurality of input means of MFP 10 and a plurality of output area A50 respectively corresponding to a plurality of output means of MFP 10 are arranged. In other words, the same number of input area A11 to A13 as the actual number of input means N (N is a natural number) (here, N = 3) of the MFP 10 are arranged, and the number M of actual output means of the MFP 10 ( The same number of output area A51 to A53 as M is a natural number (here, M = 3) is arranged.

  Then, when different types of K jobs different from the actual number N of input means of the MFP 10 are executed in the MFP 10 (for example, when N = 3 and K = 7), in the K types of jobs, 3 At least one of the two input unit areas A11 to A13 is shared as an area on the starting point side of the job processing path R10. For example, any of a copy job, a scan job, and a FAX transmission job uses the image reading unit 2 as an input unit. In the progress confirmation screen 300, the input area A11 corresponding to the image reading section 2 is shared as an area on the origin side of the processing path R10 for the copy job, scan job, and FAX transmission job. Similarly, when K types of jobs different from each other in the number M of actual output means of the MFP 10 are executed in the MFP 10 (for example, when M = 3 and K = 7), At least one of the three output unit areas A51 to A53 is shared as an end-side area of the job processing path R10.

  Thus, on the progress confirmation screen 300, the same number of input area A10 as the actual number of input means N is arranged, and the same number of output area A50 as the actual number of output means M is arranged. In the progress confirmation screen 300, at least one of the plurality of input unit areas A10 (at least one of the plurality of output unit areas A50) is shared and the job processing path R10 is drawn and shared. One input part area A10 (one output part area A50) is not overlapped. Therefore, even when the value K is larger than min (N, M) (when the inequality “K> min (N, M)” is established), it is avoided that the display contents regarding each job become difficult to see. It is possible. Note that min (N, M) indicates the smaller one of the value N and the value M.

  Further, in the above embodiment, on the progress confirmation screen 300 (309), display elements related to each job are displayed in different display modes for each job. Accordingly, on the progress confirmation screen 300 (309), the user can visually distinguish and confirm each job.

  Such a mode (a mode in which display elements related to each job are displayed in different display modes for each job) is particularly useful when a plurality of processing paths R10 intersect. For example, when the input unit area A10 is shared as an area on the start point side of the processing path R10, or when the output part area A50 is shared as an area on the end point side of the processing path R10, a plurality of jobs being executed in the MFP 10 Processing paths R10 may intersect (see processing paths R12 and R13 in FIG. 16). Even when a plurality of processing paths R10 intersect in this way, the display elements related to each job are displayed in different display modes for each job, so the user can display the progress status confirmation screen 300 (309). Each job can be visually distinguished and confirmed.

  In the above embodiment, the display elements of both the processing path R10 of each job and the thumbnail image T on the processing path R10 are illustrated in different display modes. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the processing path R10 (only) for each job may be drawn in a display mode different for each job, or the thumbnail images T (only) on the processing path R10 for each job are different for each job. You may make it draw in a display mode.

  Further, not only the job processing path R10 and the thumbnail image T on the processing path R10 but also display elements including the job information table 700 may be displayed in different display modes for each job. For example, the frame line of the job information table 700 for each job is displayed in a different display mode for each job by displaying it using the same color as the color of the line representing the processing path R10 of each job. May be.

  In the above embodiment, the line elements (lines representing the processing path R10 and the border lines of the thumbnail image T on the processing path R10) related to each job are illustrated using different colors. It is not limited to this. For example, the line elements related to each job may be displayed using different types of lines (line types). Specifically, the line element related to the scan job is displayed using “solid line”, the line element related to the print job is displayed using “dashed line”, and the line element related to the FAX reception job is displayed using “two-dot chain line”. It may be displayed.

<2. Second Embodiment>
The second embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment. Below, it demonstrates centering on difference with 1st Embodiment.

  In the first embodiment, an example in which display elements related to a plurality of jobs being executed in the MFP 10 are displayed in different display modes for each job on the progress status confirmation screen 300 is illustrated.

  The second embodiment exemplifies a mode in which display elements related to the plurality of jobs are displayed in different display modes for each user on the progress confirmation screen 300.

  Here, as in the first embodiment, three jobs of a scan job, a print job, and a FAX reception job are executed in the MFP 10. Of the three jobs, the scan job and the print job are jobs of the user U1 (specifically, jobs given by the user U1). Note that the user of the request source (transmission source) or transmission destination is not actually specified for the FAX reception job. However, here, when a FAX reception job is received, the FAX reception job is a job of a dummy user (for example, user U100) (a job given by user U100 or a job transmitted to user U100). Shall be considered.

  Then, on the progress confirmation screen 300 (310), the MFP 10 (display control unit 13) displays the display elements related to the three jobs being executed in the MFP 10 in different display modes for each user (see FIG. 17). . FIG. 17 is a view showing a progress confirmation screen 300 (310) according to the second embodiment.

  Specifically, on the progress confirmation screen 300 (310), the display control unit 13 displays the display elements relating to the job (scan job and print job) of the user U1 and the job (FAX reception) of the user U100 (user other than the user U1). Display elements related to (job) are displayed in different display modes. More specifically, the line elements related to the job of the user U1 (the line representing the processing path R10 and the frame line of the thumbnail image T on the processing path R10) and the line elements related to the job of the user U100 are different from each other. indicate.

  For example, the display control unit 13 draws a line representing the processing paths R12 and R13 of the job (scan job and print job) of the user U1 in red (see FIG. 17). Further, the display control unit 13 uses the border lines of the thumbnail images T (thumbnail images relating to scan jobs and print jobs) on the processing paths R12 and R13, and the color (red) of the line representing the processing paths R12 and R13. Display using the same color.

  In addition, the display control unit 13 displays the processing path R14 of the job (FAX reception job) of the user U100 (user different from the user U1) in blue (the lines expressing the processing paths R12 and R13 of the job of the user U1). The color is drawn in a color different from the color (see FIG. 17). Furthermore, the display control unit 13 displays the frame line of the thumbnail image T (thumbnail image relating to the FAX reception job) on the processing path R14 using the same color as the color (blue) of the line representing the processing path R14. To do.

  As described above, on the progress confirmation screen 300 (310), the line elements related to each job (here, both the line representing the processing path R10 and the frame line of the thumbnail image T on the processing path R10) are displayed by the user. Are displayed in different display modes (here, different colors are used).

  As described above, in the second embodiment, when a plurality of jobs are executed in the MFP 10, the display elements related to each job are displayed in different display modes for each user on the progress confirmation screen 300 (310). Is done. Therefore, an operator of the MFP 10 (for example, the user U1) can visually confirm his / her own job (scan job and print job) and another user's job (FAX reception job).

<3. Third Embodiment>
The third embodiment is a modification of the second embodiment. Below, it demonstrates centering on difference with 2nd Embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, the mode in which the line elements of each job being executed in the MFP 10 are displayed using different colors for each user is exemplified.

  In the third embodiment, the line elements of each job are displayed using different colors for each user, and the line elements related to a plurality of jobs of the same user are displayed using the same color and different types of lines. The aspect displayed is illustrated.

  FIG. 18 is a view showing a progress confirmation screen 300 (311) according to the third embodiment.

  Here, a plurality of (two) jobs (scan job and print job) of the user U1 and one job (FAX reception job) of the user U100 are being executed in the MFP 10.

  As in the second embodiment, the MFP 10 (display control unit 13) displays line elements (here, lines representing the processing path R10) related to the job (scan job and print job) of the user U1 and the job ( Line elements related to the FAX reception job) are displayed using different colors.

  Further, the display control unit 13 displays the line elements related to the two jobs (scan job and print job) of the user U1 using the same color and different types of lines. Specifically, on the progress confirmation screen 300 (311), the line representing the scan job processing path R12 and the line representing the print job processing path R13 are of the same color and different types of lines (line types). ) To display (draw). For example, as shown in FIG. 18, a line representing the processing path R12 of the scan job is drawn with a red solid line, and a line representing the processing path R13 of the print job is displayed with a red dotted line.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, line elements relating to each job being executed in the MFP 10 are displayed using different colors for each user, and lines relating to a plurality of jobs of the same user (user U1) are displayed. Elements are displayed using the same color and different types of lines. Therefore, the operator (user U1) of the MFP 10 can visually distinguish his / her job from other users' jobs, and can also visually confirm his / her multiple jobs by distinguishing them from each other. It is.

<4. Fourth Embodiment>
In the fourth embodiment, in the progress confirmation screen 300, the display element related to the job of the user who is logged in to the MFP 10 (logged-in user) is more than the display element related to the job of the user who is not logged in to the MFP 10 (non-logged-in user). It is highlighted.

  Here, as in the above embodiments, a scan job, a print job, and a FAX reception job are executed by the MFP 10. However, the scan job is the job of user U1, the print job is the job of user U2, and the FAX reception job is the job of user U100. Here, the user U1 is logged in to the MFP 10 (operating the MFP 10).

  FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a progress confirmation screen 300 (312) according to the fourth embodiment.

  Specifically, during the login of the user U1, the MFP 10 (display control unit 13) relates to the display elements related to the job of the logged-in user U1 on the progress confirmation screen 312, and the jobs of the non-logged-in users (user U2 and user U100). Display elements are displayed in different display modes. Specifically, the display element related to the job of the logged-in user U1 is displayed more emphasized than the display elements related to the jobs of the non-logged-in users U2 and U100.

  More specifically, the display control unit 13 has a thicker line representing the processing path R12 of the job (scan job) of the logged-in user U1 than a line representing the processing paths R13 and R14 of the job of the non-logged-in user. Display (draw) using a line (extremely thick line) (see FIG. 19). For example, a line representing the job processing paths R13 and R14 of the non-logged-in user is drawn with a thickness of 1 mm (millimeter), and a line representing the job processing path R12 of the logged-in user U1 is 2.5 mm thick. Drawn.

  According to this, on the progress confirmation screen 312, the logged-in user (operating user of the MFP 10) (for example, the user U1) visually confirms his job and the job of another user (non-logged-in user). Is possible. In other words, the logged-in user U1 can easily find out his / her job from among a plurality of jobs displayed on the progress confirmation screen 312.

  In the fourth embodiment, the line element relating to the job of the login user U1 is drawn thicker than the line element relating to the job of the non-login user U2 and U100, thereby emphasizing the display element relating to the job of the login user U1. Although the aspect which displays is illustrated, it is not limited to this. For example, the display element related to the job of the logged-in user U1 may be displayed in an emphasized manner by blinking the display element related to the job of the logged-in user U1.

<5. Fifth Embodiment>
In the fifth embodiment, a dummy image D is drawn instead of the thumbnail image T on the job processing path R10 of the non-logged-in user.

  Here, as in the above embodiments, a scan job, a print job, and a FAX reception job are executed by the MFP 10. Similarly to the fourth embodiment, the scan job is the job of the user U1, the print job is the job of the user U2, and the FAX reception job is the job of the user U100. Here, the user U1 is logged in to the MFP 10.

  FIG. 20 is a view showing a progress confirmation screen 300 (313) according to the fifth embodiment.

  Specifically, in the progress confirmation screen 313 displayed during the login of the user U1, the MFP 10 (display control unit 13) draws the thumbnail image T on the processing path R10 only for the login user U1 job. (See FIG. 20). On the other hand, on the progress confirmation screen 313, the display control unit 13 draws the dummy image D instead of the thumbnail image T on the processing path R10 for the job of the non-logged-in user (users U2 and U100).

  More specifically, thumbnail images T24 to T26 and T61 to T63 related to the scan job are respectively drawn on the processing path R12 of the job (scan job) of the logged-in user U1 as in the above embodiments (FIG. 20).

  On the other hand, a dummy image D (for example, an image imitating plain paper) is drawn on the processing paths R13 and R14 of jobs (print job, FAX reception job) of the non-logged-in users U2 and U100. (See FIG. 20). Specifically, dummy images D11 to D14 are drawn on the processing path R13 of the job (print job) of the user U2, not the thumbnail images T71, T72, T33 and T34 (see FIG. 16) relating to the print job. The In addition, on the processing path R14 of the job of the user U100 (FAX reception job), not the thumbnail images T41 to T43 and T45 related to the FAX reception job but dummy images D21 to D23 and D25 are drawn.

  The dummy image D may be generated at the same timing as the generation of the thumbnail image T, or may be prepared in advance in the MFP 10.

  As described above, in the fifth embodiment, the dummy image D instead of the thumbnail image T is drawn on the job processing path R10 of the user who has not logged in to the MFP 10 (non-logged-in user) (users U2 and U100). The In other words, the thumbnail image T related to the job of the non-logged-in user is not displayed on the progress confirmation screen 313. That is, the thumbnail image T related to the job of another user (non-logged-in user) is not browsed by the logged-in user (user U1) who operates the MFP 10. Therefore, it is possible to avoid leakage of information relating to jobs of non-logged-in users due to the display of thumbnail images T relating to all jobs being executed in the MFP 10. In other words, it is possible to conceal information regarding jobs of non-logged-in users from logged-in users.

<6. Sixth Embodiment>
In the sixth embodiment, when a designated section is designated (pressed) from among a plurality of sections in the processing route R10 on the progress confirmation screen 300, a user operation on the thumbnail image T in the noticed section including the designated section is accepted. A section of interest screen is displayed. And the process according to the said user operation in the said view area screen is performed.

  Specifically, first, when a job designation operation for designating a desired job as a display target from a plurality of jobs is received using the progress confirmation screen 309 (FIG. 16), the display control unit 13 The display elements related to the non-designated jobs are hidden (see FIG. 21).

  FIG. 21 is a view showing a progress confirmation screen 300 (314) according to the sixth embodiment.

  For example, when the user U1 designates (presses) a scan job as a display target among the three jobs on the progress confirmation screen 309 (FIG. 16), display elements (processing path R10 and the relevant processing route R10 and the relevant job) Only the thumbnail image T) on the processing path R10 is displayed (see FIG. 21). Specifically, on the progress confirmation screen 309 (FIG. 16), any one of the scan job processing path R12 and the thumbnail images T (T24 to T26, T61 to T63) on the processing path R12 is pressed. In the progress confirmation screen 314, only display elements related to the scan job are displayed (see FIG. 21).

  On the other hand, the display control unit 13 hides display elements related to jobs (non-designated jobs) (in this case, print jobs and FAX reception jobs) that are not designated by the user U1 among the three jobs. Specifically, the print job processing path R13 and the thumbnail images T33, T34, T71, and T72 (see FIG. 16) on the processing path R13 are hidden. Further, the processing path R14 of the FAX reception job and the thumbnail images T41 to T43, T45 (see FIG. 16) on the processing path R14 are hidden.

  According to this, the user (here, user U1) displays on the progress status confirmation screen 300 (314) only the display elements related to the job to be checked with particular attention among the display elements related to the plurality of jobs being executed in the MFP 10. It is possible to make it.

  Thereafter, when a designated section is designated from among a plurality of sections in the scan job processing path R12 on the progress confirmation screen 300 based on a section designation operation by the user, the user for the thumbnail image T in the target section including the designated section is displayed. A section of interest screen for accepting the operation is displayed. And the process according to the said user operation in the said view area screen is performed.

  Specifically, the processing route R10 is divided into a plurality of sections. Here, the processing path R10 is divided into four sections, an input section, an intermediate section (intermediate buffer section), an output section, and an output section. The input side section is a section including the input section area A10 to the end of the input side processing path B1 among the four sections in the processing path R10, and the intermediate section includes the storage section area A30 among the four sections. It is a section. The output side section is a section including the output section area A50 from the start end of the output side processing path B2 among the four sections, and the output section is a section including the output area A70 among the four sections. .

  When a section designating operation for designating a designated section from the plurality of sections is accepted from the user U1 on the progress confirmation screen 300, a focused section screen related to the focused section including the designated section specified by the user U1 is displayed on the touch panel 25 Is done. In detail, according to the section specifying operation, the input section screen 510 (FIG. 22), the output section screen 520 (FIG. 26), the intermediate section screen 530 (FIG. 28), and the output section screen 540 are selected. Either one is displayed as the section of interest screen. And the process according to the user operation in each view area screen is performed. Below, each focus area screen is demonstrated in order.

<Input side section screen>
First, the input side section screen 510 (511) will be described.

  The input side section screen 510 corresponds to the thumbnail image T in the input side section (the section including from the input section area A10 (A11) to the end of the input side processing path B1 among the four sections in the processing path R10 (R12)). It is the operation screen which receives user operation. When the display element corresponding to the input processing path B1 (see FIG. 13) in the scan job processing path R12 is pressed (designated) on the progress confirmation screen 314 (FIG. 21), the display control unit 13 displays the input side section. A screen 510 (511) is displayed (see FIG. 22). For example, when one of the input side processing path B1 (FIG. 13) in the processing path R12 and the thumbnail image T (T26) on the input side processing path B1 is pressed (designated), the input is performed. A side section screen 510 (511) is displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 22, the input side section screen 511 displays the input side section in the processing path R12 of the scan job, and the intermediate section (provided on the output side with respect to the input side section and the four sections). Of the section including the storage area A30). In other words, on the input side section screen 511, the input side section (designated section) and the intermediate section are displayed as the section of interest. Further, on the input side section screen 511, the thumbnail images T24, T25, which are drawn at the position on the input side processing path B1 and the position within the storage area A30 among the plurality of positions on the processing path R12. T26 is enlarged and displayed. The plurality of thumbnail images T24 and T25 in the storage area A30 on the input side section screen 510 (511) are displayed in parallel (not superimposed).

  Further, the MFP 10 (job control unit 14) temporarily interrupts the image data input process by the input means (here, the image reading unit 2) in response to a pressing operation that designates the input side section as the designated section.

  Then, on the input side section screen 510 (511), the MFP 10 (job control unit 14) accepts a user operation on the thumbnail image T in the input side section. When the user operation is received on the input side section screen 510 (511), the job control unit 14 executes a process according to the user operation.

  For example, the job control unit 14 moves the thumbnail image T26 on the input-side processing path B1 on the input-side section screen 510 in a direction toward the storage unit area A30 (in this case, rightward) (flick operation rightward, A drag-and-drop operation or the like to the storage area A30 is accepted as a user operation. In response to the moving operation on the input side section screen 510, the job control unit 14 resumes the temporarily interrupted input process (here, the input image data input process on the sixth page), and the next input Execution of input processing for image data (input image data on the seventh page) is started. In other words, the job control unit 14 continues to execute the input process for the image data (input image data) for which the input process has not yet been completed along with the movement operation. In short, the job control unit 14 sequentially advances the input processing related to the actual image according to the movement operation of the thumbnail image T in the input side section screen 510 (511). Then, the display control unit 13 draws the thumbnail image T26 based on the input image data of the sixth page at a position in the storage unit area A30, and displays the thumbnail image T27 based on the input image data of the seventh page on the input side processing path. Drawing is performed at a position on B1 (see FIG. 23).

  In addition, the job control unit 14 also receives a delete instruction operation regarding a specific thumbnail image T in the storage unit area A30 on the input side section screen 510 as a user operation. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 24, an icon 551 that imitates a trash can is arranged on the input section screen 510 (513). Then, the user U1 drags and drops the thumbnail image T26 onto the icon 551 in order to delete the image data corresponding to the specific thumbnail image T (for example, T26) in the storage unit area A30 from the storage unit 5. When moved by operation, the thumbnail image T26 is deleted from the storage area A30. In response to the delete instruction operation for the thumbnail image T26 on the input side section screen 510, the job control unit 14 is the image data to be processed in the scan job and corresponds to the thumbnail image T26 (compression of the sixth page). Deleted image data) is deleted from the storage unit 5. Thus, in the input-side section screen 510, a deletion instruction operation regarding a specific thumbnail image T in the storage area A30 is also accepted. In other words, the input-side section screen 510 is a screen that accepts user operations for the thumbnail images T in the input-side section, and is also a screen that accepts user operations for the thumbnail images T in the intermediate section.

  Further, the job control unit 14 also accepts as a user operation an order change operation for changing the arrangement order of the plurality of thumbnail images T in the storage area A30 (intermediate section) on the input side section screen 510. Specifically, the user U1 moves the thumbnail image T (for example, T26) in the storage area A30 to a position between the thumbnail images T24 and T25 on the input side section screen 510 by a drag-and-drop operation. As a result, the arrangement order of the thumbnail images T in the storage area A30 is changed. Specifically, the arrangement order of the thumbnail images T (the arrangement order of T24, T25, and T26) is changed to the changed arrangement order (the arrangement order of T24, T26, and T25) according to the order changing operation ( (See FIG. 25). In response to the order change operation, the job control unit 14 includes a plurality of pieces of image data (the fourth to sixth pages) corresponding to the plurality of thumbnail images T24 to T26, which are a plurality of pieces of image data to be processed by the scan job. The order of the output processing of (compressed image data) is changed to an order corresponding to the arrangement order after the change of the plurality of thumbnail images T24 to T26.

  Thus, on the input side section screen 510, user operations (moving operation, deletion instruction operation, order change operation) are accepted for the thumbnail images T in the input side section or in the intermediate section. And the process according to the said user operation is performed. In other words, the result of the user operation is reflected in the process for the actual processing target image.

<Output side section screen>
Next, the output side section screen 520 (521) will be described.

  The output side section screen 520 displays user operations on the thumbnail images T in the output side section (the section including the start side of the output side processing path B2 to the output part area A52 among the four sections in the processing path R10 (R12)). It is an operation screen to accept. When the display element corresponding to the output side processing path B2 (see FIG. 13) in the processing path R12 of the scan job is pressed (designated) on the progress confirmation screen 314 (FIG. 21), the display control unit 13 displays the output side section screen. 520 (521) is displayed (see FIG. 26). For example, when one of the output side processing path B2 (see FIG. 13) of the processing path R12 and the thumbnail image T (T63) on the output side processing path B2 is pressed (designated), The output side section screen 520 (521) is displayed (see FIG. 26).

  As shown in FIG. 26, the output side section screen 521 displays the output side section in the scan job processing path R12, and includes an intermediate section (provided on the input side with respect to the output side section and includes four sections). Of these, the section including the storage area A30) and the output section (the section including the output area A72 among the four sections) are also displayed. In other words, on the output side section screen 521, the output side section (designated section), the intermediate section, and the output section are displayed as the section of interest. Furthermore, the output side section screen 521 is drawn at a position in the storage area A30, a position on the output processing path B2, and a position in the output area A70 among a plurality of positions on the processing path R12. The thumbnail images T24, T25, T61 to T63 that have been displayed are enlarged. In the output section screen 520 (521), the plurality of thumbnail images T24, T25 in the storage area A30 and the plurality of thumbnail images T61, T62 in the output area A70 are arranged in parallel (not superimposed). Is displayed.

  Further, the MFP 10 (job control unit 14) temporarily interrupts the output processing of the image data by the output unit (here, the network transmission unit 4a) in response to a pressing operation that designates the output side section as the designated section.

  Then, in the output side section screen 520 (521), the MFP 10 (job control unit 14) accepts a user operation on the thumbnail image T in the output side section. When the user operation is accepted on the output side section screen 520 (521), the job control unit 14 executes a process according to the user operation.

  For example, the job control unit 14 moves the thumbnail image T63 on the output side processing path B2 on the output side section screen 520 in a direction toward the output unit area A52 (here, rightward) (flick operation rightward, A drag-and-drop operation or the like to the output area A72) is accepted as a user operation. In response to the movement operation on the output section screen 520, the job control unit 14 resumes the temporarily interrupted output processing (output processing of output image data on the third page) and the next output image. Execution of output processing for data (output image data on the fourth page) is started. In other words, the job control unit 14 continues to execute the output process for the image data (output image data) waiting to be output in accordance with the movement operation. In short, the job control unit 14 sequentially advances the output processing related to the actual image in accordance with the moving operation of the thumbnail image T in the output side section screen 520 (521). Then, the display control unit 13 renders the thumbnail image T63 based on the output image data of the third page at a position in the output area A70, and outputs the thumbnail image T64 based on the output image data of the fourth page to the output side processing path. Drawing is performed at a position on B2 (see FIG. 27).

  In addition, the job control unit 14 accepts a delete instruction operation and an order change operation for the thumbnail image T (T24, T25) in the storage area A30 (intermediate section) on the output section screen 520 (521) as user operations. . As described above, the output-side section screen 520 is a screen that accepts user operations on the thumbnail images T in the output-side section, and is also a screen that accepts user operations on the thumbnail images T in the intermediate section. The deletion instruction operation and the order change operation on the output side section screen 520 are the same as the deletion instruction operation and the order change operation on the input side section screen 510.

  As described above, in the output side section screen 520, user operations (moving operation, deletion instruction operation, order change operation) are accepted for the thumbnail images T in the output side section or the intermediate section. And the process according to the said user operation is performed. In other words, the result of the user operation is reflected in the process for the actual processing target image.

<Intermediate section screen>
Further, the intermediate section screen 530 will be described.

  The intermediate section screen (intermediate buffer section screen) 530 is an intermediate section (provided between the input section area A10 (A11) and the output section area A50 (A52) and among the four sections in the processing path R10 (R12). It is an operation screen for receiving a user operation on the thumbnail image T in the section including the storage area A30. When the display element corresponding to the intermediate section is pressed (designated) on the progress confirmation screen 314 (FIG. 21), the display control unit 13 displays the intermediate section screen 530 (see FIG. 28). For example, when the thumbnail image T (T24 or T25) related to the scan job in the storage area A30 is pressed (designated), the intermediate section screen 530 is displayed (see FIG. 28).

  As shown in FIG. 28, on the intermediate section screen 530, the intermediate section (designated section) is displayed as the section of interest, and among the plurality of positions on the processing path R12 of the scan job, The thumbnail images T24 and T25 drawn at the position are enlarged and displayed. The plurality of thumbnail images T24 and T25 in the storage area A30 on the intermediate section screen 530 are displayed in parallel (not superimposed).

  Then, on the intermediate section screen 530, the MFP 10 (job control unit 14) performs user operations (herein, delete instruction operation and order change operation) on the thumbnail images T (T24, T25) in the storage unit area A30 (intermediate section). ). When the user operation is accepted on the intermediate section screen 530, the job control unit 14 executes processing according to the user operation. It should be noted that the operation contents of the deletion instruction operation and the order change operation on the intermediate section screen 530 are the same as the operation contents of the deletion instruction operation and the order change operation on the input side section screen 510 and the like.

<Output section screen>
Finally, the output section screen 540 will be described.

  The output section screen 540 is a screen (also referred to as an output area confirmation screen) showing a list of output images output by the output means corresponding to one output area A70. When the display element corresponding to the output area A70 (A72) is pressed (selected) by the user on the progress confirmation screen 314 (FIG. 21), the output section screen 540 is displayed on the touch panel 25 of the MFP 10 (FIG. 21). 29). For example, when the thumbnail image T (T61 or T62) in the output area A70 (A72) is pressed, the output section screen 540 is displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 29, on the output section screen 540, the output section (output area A70 (A72)) is displayed as the section of interest, and among the plurality of positions on the processing path R12 of the scan job. Thumbnail images T61 and T62 drawn at positions in the output area A72 are enlarged and displayed. The plurality of thumbnail images T61 and T62 in the output area A70 on the output section screen 540 are displayed in parallel (not superimposed).

  As described above, in the sixth embodiment, when a specified section is specified from a plurality of sections in the processing path R10 (R12) of the job being executed in the MFP 10, the thumbnails in the section of interest including the specified section are specified. A section of interest screen for accepting a user operation on the image T is displayed. Therefore, the user (user U1) can check the section to be checked with particular attention in the processing path R10 of the job in a more focused manner.

  In the sixth embodiment, after only the display elements related to the user's desired job among the plurality of jobs being executed in the MFP 10 are displayed on the progress status confirmation screen 314 (FIG. 21), the processing of the desired job is performed. Although the aspect in which the section designation operation on the route R10 (R12) is accepted is illustrated, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the progress confirmation screen 300 (for example, 309 (FIG. 16)) (in a state where the processing paths R10 (R12 to R14) of the plurality of jobs are displayed), the section specifying operation may be accepted.

<7. Seventh Embodiment>
In the seventh embodiment, processing related to a job currently being executed in the MFP 10 is executed at a processing speed slower than the current processing speed in response to an instruction from the user.

  FIG. 30 is a progress confirmation screen 300 (315) according to the seventh embodiment. As shown in FIG. 30, the progress confirmation screen 315 is provided with a slow button 360 for reducing the processing speed of processing related to a job.

  When the slow button 360 is pressed by the user (user U1), processing related to the job being executed in the MFP 10 is sequentially executed at a processing speed slower than the current processing speed. Specifically, the MFP 10 (job control unit 14) executes processing related to the job (input processing and output processing) at a processing time interval longer than the current processing time interval.

  Here, in the MFP 10, when the input process relating to one image data (input image data) among the plurality of image data to be processed in the job is completed, the input process relating to the next input image data is started immediately. In other words, the time interval (processing time interval) between the completion of the input process for one image data and the start of the input process for the next image data of the one image data is 0 seconds (no waiting time) Is done. Similarly, when the output processing related to one image data (output image data) among the plurality of image data to be processed in the job is completed, the output processing of the next output image data is started immediately. In other words, the time interval (processing time interval) between the completion of the output process for one image data and the start of the output process for the next image data of the one image data is 0 seconds (no waiting time) Is done.

  When the slow button 360 is pressed, the job control unit 14 changes the processing time interval related to the input processing and output processing of each job from the current processing time interval (0 seconds) to a longer processing time interval (for example, 3 Second).

  For example, the processing time interval of input processing (scanning processing) of image data (input image data) in a scan job is changed from the current processing time interval (for example, 0 seconds) to a longer processing time interval (3 seconds). The Then, image data input processing is sequentially executed at the changed processing time interval (3 seconds). Specifically, when the input process of a certain piece of input image data is completed, the input process of the next input image data is started after a waiting time of 3 seconds elapses. Similarly, the processing time interval of the output processing of the image data (output image data) in the scan job is changed from the current processing time interval (0 seconds) to a longer processing time interval (3 seconds). Then, output processing of output image data is sequentially executed at the changed processing time interval (3 seconds). Specifically, when the output process of a certain piece of output image data is completed, the output process of the next output image data is started after a waiting time of 3 seconds elapses.

  Similarly, processing related to other jobs (print job and FAX reception job) is also executed at a processing time interval longer than the current processing time interval in response to the pressing operation of the slow button 360.

  As described above, in the seventh embodiment, processing relating to a job being executed in the MFP 10 is executed at a processing speed slower than the current processing speed in response to an instruction from the user (pressing operation of the slow button 360). The In other words, a job being executed in the MFP 10 is advanced relatively slowly. Therefore, it takes a long time for the thumbnail images T related to each job to remain at the drawing position on the processing path R10, and the user can check the progress of the job while checking the thumbnail images T firmly. .

  In the seventh embodiment, as a method for reducing the processing speed of the process relating to the job being executed in the MFP 10, the completion of the input process (output process) of each image data and the input process (output process) of the next image data are performed. Although the mode of changing the time interval from the start of processing to a processing time interval longer than the present is illustrated, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as a method for reducing the processing speed, the processing time required for input processing (output processing) for one image data may be changed to a processing time longer than the current processing time.

  Specifically, the image reading unit 2 reads one page of the document at a predetermined operation speed (before the slow button 360 is pressed) from the start of reading one piece of input image data to the completion of reading. Requires 1 second of processing time. When the slow button 360 is pressed, the job control unit 14 changes the document reading speed of the image reading unit 2 to an operation speed slower than the current operation speed. In other words, the processing time required for input processing for one piece of input image data is changed to a processing time (for example, 3 seconds) longer than the current processing time (1 second).

  In the seventh embodiment, an example in which the processes related to all jobs being executed in the MFP 10 are changed to a processing speed slower than the current processing speed is described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, processing related to only a job (for example, a scan job) of a logged-in user (for example, user U1) among a plurality of jobs being executed in MFP 10 may be changed to a processing speed slower than the current processing speed. .

<8. Modification>
Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described content.

  For example, on the progress confirmation screen 300, a waiting list 370 indicating a list of jobs waiting to be output may be displayed.

  FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a progress confirmation screen 300 (316) according to the modification. Here, the print job (Job No. 1) and the copy job (Job No. 5) are currently being executed in the MFP 10. In the MFP 10, the print output unit 3 is currently used by a print job, and three jobs (Job Nos. 2 to 4) using the print output unit 3 as output means perform print output by the print output unit 3. Waiting.

  When there is at least one job (Job Nos. 2 to 4) waiting for execution of output processing in the MFP 10, the MFP 10 (display control unit 13) displays a waiting list 370 indicating a list of the jobs as a progress status. It is displayed on the confirmation screen 300 (316) (see FIG. 31). Specifically, the waiting list 370 displays job numbers (Job Nos. 2 to 4) of jobs that are waiting to be output. Thereafter, when the input processing of all input image data is completed in the copy job (Job No. 5) currently being executed in the MFP 10, the standby list 370 is updated. Specifically, the job number (Job No. 5) of the copy job is shown in the standby list 370. On the progress confirmation screen 316, display elements (processing path R11 and thumbnail images T11 to T13, etc.) relating to the copy job (Job No. 5) are not displayed.

  In each of the above embodiments, the progress confirmation screen 300 displays all of the plurality of input area A10 (A11 to A13) corresponding to the plurality of input means and the plurality of output means corresponding to the plurality of output means. An example in which all of the output part area A50 (A51 to A53) is displayed (see FIG. 4) is illustrated.

  However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, among the plurality of input unit areas A10, only the input unit area A10 corresponding to the input means used in the job currently being executed by the MFP 10 is displayed, and the plurality of output unit areas A50 (A51 to A53) are displayed. Of these, only the output area A50 corresponding to the output means used in the job may be displayed.

  FIG. 32 is a view showing a progress confirmation screen 300 (317) according to this modification.

  Here, the MFP 10 is currently executing a scan job and a print job. In the job (scan job and print job) currently being executed by the MFP 10, neither the FAX receiving unit 4d of the plurality of input units nor the FAX transmitting unit 4c of the plurality of output units is used.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 32, the MFP 10 (display control unit 13) is currently executing in the MFP 10 among the plurality of input unit areas A11 to A13 (FIG. 4) on the progress confirmation screen 300 (317). Only the input area A11, A12 corresponding to the input means (image reading section 2 and network receiving section 4b) used in the job is displayed. On the other hand, the display control unit 13 hides the input unit region A13 (FIG. 4) corresponding to the input means (FAX receiving unit 4d) not used in the job among the plurality of input unit regions A11 to A13. In addition, the display control unit 13 uses the output unit (print output) used in the job currently being executed by the MFP 10 among the plurality of output unit areas A51 to A53 (FIG. 4) on the progress confirmation screen 300 (317). Only the output part areas A51 and A52 corresponding to the part 3 and the network transmission part 4a) are displayed. On the other hand, the display control unit 13 hides the output unit region A53 (FIG. 4) corresponding to the output means (FAX transmission unit 4c) that is not used in the job among the plurality of output unit regions A51 to A53.

  As described above, among the plurality of input unit areas A10, only the input unit area A10 corresponding to the input means used in the job currently being executed by the MFP 10 is displayed, and among the plurality of output unit areas A50, Only the output area A50 corresponding to the output means used in the job may be displayed.

  In each of the above embodiments, the storage unit area A30 is arranged on the progress confirmation screen 300. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the storage unit area A30 is not arranged on the progress confirmation screen 300. Also good.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments and the like, the mode in which the progress status confirmation screen 300 is displayed on the operation panel unit 6c (touch panel 25) of the MFP 10 is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the progress confirmation screen 300 may be displayed on an apparatus (for example, an external terminal such as a tablet terminal) other than the MFP 10 as in the above embodiments. Specifically, in an external terminal (remote terminal) that can communicate with the MFP 10, image data (screen data) of the progress status confirmation screen 300 displayed on the touch panel 25 of the MFP 10 is acquired from the MFP 10, and the progress status confirmation screen 300 may be displayed on the display screen of the external terminal.

10 MFP (image forming apparatus)
300 to 318 Progress confirmation screen 410 to 413 Input side connection line 450 to 453 Output side connection line 470 to 473 Output side auxiliary connection line A10 to A13 Input part area A30 Storage part area A50 to A53 Output part area A70 to A73 Output completed Area B1 Input-side processing path B2 Output-side processing path B3 Output-side auxiliary processing path R10 to R14 Processing path

Claims (32)

An image forming apparatus,
A plurality of input means for images;
A plurality of image output means;
Display control means for controlling a display operation of a progress status confirmation screen for confirming the progress status of a plurality of jobs, wherein a plurality of input section areas respectively corresponding to the plurality of input means on the progress status confirmation screen; A plurality of output unit areas respectively corresponding to the plurality of output means, and display control means for disposing them at predetermined positions;
With
The display control unit is an input unit area selected from the plurality of input unit areas in accordance with an individual job of the plurality of jobs on the progress confirmation screen, and the individual job One input unit area corresponding to the input means used in the one and an output unit area selected from the plurality of output unit areas according to the individual job, and used in the individual job A path connecting one output unit area corresponding to the output unit to be output as a processing path of the individual job of the plurality of jobs, and a small image related to the individual job on the processing path An image forming apparatus characterized by drawing the image. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
The display control means is a display element related to a first job on the progress confirmation screen, and is at least one of a processing path of the first job and a small image on the processing path of the first job. A first display element that is a display element including a display element and a display element related to a second job that is different from the first job, on the processing path of the second job and the processing path of the second job An image forming apparatus, wherein a second display element that is a display element including at least one of small images is displayed in different display modes. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
The display control means is a display element related to the first job of the first user on the progress confirmation screen, and includes a processing path of the first job and a small image on the processing path of the first job. A first display element that is a display element including at least one of the above, a display element relating to a second job of a second user other than the first user, and a processing path of the second job and the second job An image forming apparatus that displays a second display element, which is a display element including at least one of small images on a processing path of a second job, in different display modes. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 or 3,
The first display element includes a first line element that is at least one of a line representing the processing path of the first job and a frame line of a small image on the processing path of the first job. Including
The second display element includes a second line element that is at least one of a line representing a processing path of the second job and a frame line of a small image on the processing path of the second job. Including
The image forming apparatus, wherein the display control means displays the first line element and the second line element using different colors. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 or 3,
The first display element includes a first line element that is at least one of a line representing the processing path of the first job and a frame line of a small image on the processing path of the first job. Including
The second display element includes a second line element that is at least one of a line representing a processing path of the second job and a frame line of a small image on the processing path of the second job. Including
The image forming apparatus, wherein the display control unit displays the first line element and the second line element using different types of lines. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3.
The display control means displays the first display element related to the first job of the first user on the progress status confirmation screen during the login of the first user. An image forming apparatus, wherein the second display element relating to the second job is displayed with emphasis. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
The display control means, in the progress confirmation screen,
A first line element including at least one of a line representing a processing path of a first job of a first user and a frame line of a small image on the processing path of the first job; A second line element including at least one of a line representing the processing path of the second job of the second user other than the user and a frame line of the small image on the processing path of the second job; Are displayed using different colors,
The second line element relating to the second job of the second user and the third job processing path of the second user different from the second job are expressed. A third line element including at least one of a line to be processed and a frame line of a small image on the processing path of the third job is displayed using lines of the same color and different types. An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
In the progress confirmation screen displayed during the login of the first user, the display control means displays the first job as a small image on the processing path of the first job of the first user. An image characterized in that a thumbnail image of the processing target image is drawn and a dummy image is drawn instead of the thumbnail image as a small image on the processing path of the second job of the second user who is not logged in Forming equipment. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
When a job designation operation for designating a desired job as a display target from the plurality of jobs is received, the display control means is a display element related to the desired job on the progress confirmation screen, and the desired job While displaying a display element including at least one of a job processing path and a small image on the processing path of the desired job, the non-designation is a job other than the desired job among the plurality of jobs An image forming apparatus, wherein a display element relating to a job and including at least one of a processing path of the non-designated job and a small image on the processing path of the non-designated job is hidden. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the display control unit draws the small image at any one of a plurality of positions on a processing path of the individual job according to a progress status of the individual job. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10.
Storage means for storing image data input through any of the plurality of input means and before being output by any of the plurality of output means;
Further comprising
In the progress confirmation screen, the display control means includes a storage area corresponding to the storage means, an input section group area including the plurality of input section areas, and an output section group area including the plurality of output section areas. Placed between
The individual job processing path includes an input side processing path that connects the one input unit area and the storage unit area, and an output side processing path that connects the storage unit area and the one output unit area. An image forming apparatus comprising: The image forming apparatus according to claim 11.
The image forming apparatus, wherein the plurality of positions includes any one of a position on the input-side processing path, a position in the storage unit area, and a position on the output-side processing path. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11 or 12,
The processing path of the individual job has a plurality of sections,
The display control unit accepts a user operation on a small image in a target section including the specified section when the specified section is specified from the plurality of sections based on the section specifying operation by the user on the progress confirmation screen. Display the section of interest screen,
The image forming apparatus includes:
Job control means for executing processing according to the user operation in the section of interest screen in the individual job,
An image forming apparatus further comprising: The image forming apparatus according to claim 13.
The plurality of sections have an input-side section including the one input section area,
When the input side section is designated as the designated section by a pressing operation on a display element corresponding to the input side section, the display control means displays a screen for accepting the user operation on a small image in the input side section. An image forming apparatus, characterized by being displayed as a focused section screen. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14.
The display control means also displays the storage area on the section of interest screen,
The user operation is a moving operation for moving a small image on the input-side processing path in a direction toward the storage area on the section of interest screen.
The job control means includes
In response to the pressing operation for designating the input side section as the designated section, the target section screen is displayed, and the image data input process in the individual job is temporarily interrupted,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the input process that has been temporarily suspended is resumed in response to the movement operation on the section of interest screen. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13.
The plurality of sections have an output side section including the one output section region,
When the output side section is designated as the designated section by a pressing operation on a display element corresponding to the output side section, the display control means displays a screen for accepting the user operation on the small image in the output side section. An image forming apparatus, characterized by being displayed as a focused section screen. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16.
The user operation is a moving operation for moving a small image on the output-side processing path in a direction toward the one output unit area on the target section screen,
The job control means includes
In response to the pressing operation that designates the output side section as the designated section, the target section screen is displayed, and the output processing of image data in the individual job is temporarily interrupted,
An image forming apparatus, wherein the output processing that has been temporarily suspended is resumed in response to the moving operation on the focus section screen. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13.
The plurality of sections include an input side section including the one input section area, and an intermediate section provided on the output side of the input side section and including the storage section area,
When the input side section is designated as the designated section by a pressing operation on a display element corresponding to the input side section, the display control means displays a screen for accepting a user operation for a small image in the intermediate section. An image forming apparatus, characterized by being displayed as a screen. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13.
The plurality of sections include an output side section including the one output section area, and an intermediate section provided on the input side of the output side section and including the storage section area,
When the output side section is designated as the designated section by a pressing operation on a display element corresponding to the output side section, the display control means displays a screen for accepting the user operation on the small image in the intermediate section. An image forming apparatus, characterized by being displayed as a section screen. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13.
The plurality of sections have an intermediate section provided between the one input section area and the one output section area and including the storage section area,
When the intermediate section is designated as the designated section by a pressing operation on a display element corresponding to the intermediate section, the display control unit displays a screen for accepting the user operation on a small image in the intermediate section. As an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 18 to 20,
The user operation is a delete instruction operation relating to a specific small image in the storage area in the section of interest screen,
The job control means deletes the image data corresponding to the specific small image from the storage means in response to the delete instruction operation on the section of interest screen. An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 18 to 20,
The user operation is an order change operation for changing an arrangement order of a plurality of small images in the storage area in the section of interest screen.
The job control means outputs a plurality of image data corresponding to the plurality of small images, which are a plurality of image data to be processed by the individual job, in response to the order change operation on the section of interest screen. The image forming apparatus is changed to an order corresponding to the arrangement order after changing the plurality of small images. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
The display control means includes
In the progress confirmation screen, a plurality of output regions corresponding to the plurality of output units, respectively, and the small images are drawn in the regions in response to completion of output processing by the plurality of output units, respectively. A plurality of output areas are arranged in the vicinity of the plurality of output section areas,
When the output processing by the output means used in the individual job among the plurality of output means is completed, the small image is drawn in the one output area corresponding to the output means. Image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 23.
When the one output area is pressed on the progress confirmation screen, the display control means displays a screen showing a list of output images output by the output means corresponding to the one output area. An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
Job control means for executing processing relating to a job currently being executed in the image forming apparatus at a processing speed slower than the current processing speed in response to an instruction from a user;
An image forming apparatus further comprising: The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein:
The display control unit displays a standby list indicating a list of jobs waiting for execution of output processing on the progress confirmation screen. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11 or 12,
The display control means includes
In the case where image data to be processed in the individual job and a plurality of pieces of image data equal to or less than a predetermined number are stored in the storage unit, the same number of small numbers as the number of the plurality of image data in the storage unit area. Draw an image,
In the case where image data to be processed in the individual job and a larger number of image data than the predetermined number are stored in the storage unit, the predetermined number of the large number of image data is stored in the storage unit area. An image forming apparatus that draws a small image relating to a number of image data and does not draw a small image relating to image data other than the predetermined number of image data among the plurality of image data. The image forming apparatus according to claim 23.
The display control means includes
When the output processing for a plurality of pieces of image data equal to or less than a predetermined number is completed in the individual job, the same number of small images as the number of the plurality of pieces of image data in the output area Draw
When output processing for image data to be processed in the individual job and a larger number of image data than the predetermined number has been completed, the predetermined number of the large number of image data in the output area An image forming apparatus that draws a small image related to the image data and does not draw a small image related to image data other than the predetermined number of image data among the plurality of image data. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein:
The display control unit displays only the input unit region corresponding to the input unit used in the job currently being executed in the image forming apparatus among the plurality of input unit regions, and the plurality of output units. An image forming apparatus that displays only an output unit area corresponding to an output unit used in a job currently being executed by the image forming apparatus. 30. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
The display control means also displays detailed content information regarding the individual job on the progress confirmation screen,
The detailed content information includes at least one of a type of the individual job and a user related to the individual job. In the computer built in the image forming device,
a) acquiring the progress of a plurality of jobs;
b) In the progress confirmation screen for confirming the progress of the plurality of jobs, a plurality of input unit areas corresponding to a plurality of input units of the image forming apparatus, which are a plurality of input units, and the image A plurality of output units of the forming apparatus, each of which corresponds to a plurality of output units related to an image, are arranged at predetermined positions, and the plurality of output units are arranged in accordance with individual jobs of the plurality of jobs. One input unit area selected from among the input unit areas and corresponding to the input means used in the individual job, and the plurality of output units according to the individual job A path connecting one output unit area selected from among the output unit areas corresponding to the output means used in the individual job is the front of the plurality of jobs. Thereby rendering the processing path of the individual jobs, the steps of drawing a small image relating to the individual jobs on the processing path,
A program for running A display device,
Display means for displaying a progress confirmation screen for confirming the progress of a plurality of jobs processed in the image forming apparatus;
A display control means for controlling a display operation of the progress status confirmation screen, wherein a plurality of inputs corresponding to a plurality of input means for the image, which are a plurality of input means of the image forming apparatus, in the progress status confirmation screen; Display control means for disposing at a predetermined position a plurality of output areas corresponding to the plurality of output sections of the image forming apparatus and corresponding to the plurality of output sections relating to the image, respectively.
With
The display control unit is an input unit area selected from the plurality of input unit areas in accordance with an individual job of the plurality of jobs on the progress confirmation screen, and the individual job One input unit area corresponding to the input means used in the one and an output unit area selected from the plurality of output unit areas according to the individual job, and used in the individual job A path connecting one output unit area corresponding to the output unit to be output as a processing path of the individual job of the plurality of jobs, and a small image related to the individual job on the processing path A display device characterized by drawing.